Stories

The weather didn’t make it easy. Roads were packed with ice, the temperatures frigid. But over 600 volunteers still found a way to give back during United Way’s 10th annual MLK Weekend of Service.

“That every book is treated with such love and care and intention sends a message to families who are receiving the books that you are valued, you are loved, you are a part of our community.” 

“You feel like you are helping carry on the legacy [toward] equality. If you help others, they’re going to be helpful to somebody else. You build community that way.”

Native Oregonians Peter and Jane Melhuish have made giving back a way of life.

Madeline Jaross is extremely passionate about her job. Although she spends her days in the back office, her personal journey has connected her more deeply than most to the work at United Way. We asked her to reflect on that journey and how her lived experiences connect to her work.

On October 17th we're joining millions of people across the world in recognizing International Day for the Eradication of Poverty and our shared commitment to eliminating poverty for kids and families. Here are four ways we're making schools, families and stronger for kids in our region. 

Many families, like the Brazilles, are finding themselves caught in our local housing crisis.

Through Preschool Promise 1,300 kids across the state will now have access to quality preschool. United Way co-leads two early learning hubs that received Preschool Promise funds and are helping to open preschool slots for more low-income kids and kids of color right here in our own backyard. 

Between September 15 and October 15 of each year, our nation pays tribute to the Hispanic and Latino community during Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrating the impact individuals with this shared identity have made in the U.S. At United Way, the Latino Employee Resource Group has played an important role in shaping our workplace.

As Director of Community Collaborations and Investments here at United Way, Mayra Arreola is a tireless advocate for underserved communities and highly visible presence in our work to break the cycle of poverty in our region. We asked her to reflect on recently becoming a U.S. citizen and how her lived experiences connect to her work.

April was National Volunteer Month, and it was more evident than ever that the Portland region is powered by a strong spirit of generosity. Individuals, businesses and nonprofits came together to make some truly magical stuff happen in our communities.

We believe every kid should arrive at kindergarten ready for school success. Registering on-time is vital to ensuring kids and families have the opportunity to connect with their school and teachers and have access to important summer activities.

Despite our good intentions to date, another generation of kids and families is being left behind. Right here, in our own backyard. That’s why I applaud the Multnomah County Chair and Commissioners for taking an important step forward in the way we invest resources in the SUN Service System.

Oregon ranks dead last in the country in EITC participation. In 2012, just 73% of families in Oregon who qualified for the credit actually claimed it, leaving $124 million on the table that would have helped over 106,000 working families make ends meet. We're working hard to change this.