Building Brighter Futures Through Childcare

Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021
Like so many families across our region, Tracy and Jeremy existed in a gray area where they made just enough to be disqualified from many safety net programs, but not enough to be able to pay for all their basic needs like rent, healthcare and especially childcare. 

Celebrate Black History Month

Monday, Feb. 1, 2021

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role they played in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event was the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.

End of Year Message from Our CEO

Friday, Dec. 18, 2020

This extraordinary moment we all find ourselves in requires that I am especially thoughtful in the reflections I share with you — our supporters, partners and community — about United Way of the Columbia-Willamette’s response to 2020 and what we learned in the process.

Critical Moments of the Year

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020
This year saw an unprecedented number of challenges across our region. Here are some critical moments of 2020 that your generosity and support helped make possible.

Message from John Ewert, Board Chair and Cindy Adams, President and CEO of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette

Monday, Nov. 2, 2020

2020 has been an enormously challenging year. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustice against BIPOC communities, our region is also grappling with devastating loss caused by the wildfires.

Given all that we are facing, the lead up to the elections has been unprecedented in recent history. It has been heartening to see citizens in our region and across the nation take to the polls early and vote in record numbers to ensure their voices are heard during this critical time.

A safe place for my son

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020

For most, home is a place of comfort, safety, and rest. But unfortunately for the 1 in 3 families in our region who are unable to pay for basic needs, and have to make difficult  choices between paying for rent, and other necessities, the reassurance of a safe place to call home becomes less attainable. 

United Way statement in response to George Floyd's death

Friday, May. 29, 2020

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette believes that in order to achieve racial equity, we must unite as a society and commit to systemic change. Recent incidents involving violence and threats against African Americans expose the persistent and underlying racism, prejudice and privilege that prevent too many people from being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

We condemn the brutality that led to the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis. Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to his family and the Minneapolis community.

Celebrating Global Volunteer Month in the face of COVID-19

Monday, Apr. 27, 2020
April 2020 is the first-ever “Global Volunteer Month” to recognize the thousands of people around the world who serve their own communities – and in light of COVID-19, as a galvanizing moment to inspire and activate the next generation of volunteers who will help support the most vulnerable populations in the weeks and months ahead. During difficult times like we are facing now, I look to the dedicated individuals that support hundreds of nonprofit organizations and provide valuable service for inspiration. The beautiful thing is that volunteerism has never been easier to take part in.

COVID-19, resources and ways to help

Thursday, Mar. 19, 2020

Our country has faced many difficult situations over the years – disasters and economic crises – but nothing quite like this one. It’s why we prepare. For 100 years, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette has been the place where our community joins together to help one another. We always take care of our community and we always emerge stronger than before.

Coronavirus Statement: What We Are Doing

Friday, Mar. 13, 2020

To Our Families, Partners and Community,

At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette we are dedicated to making our region a better place for everyone. We, like so many of our nonprofit and corporate partners, are closely watching the developments surrounding the spread of coronavirus across our communities.