Stories

March 21^st is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (#EndRacism Day), marked in observance of the 1960 police shooting of 69 people peacefully protesting apartheid in South Africa.

We are deeply saddened by yesterday’s violence in New Zealand.  At United Way, we abhor violence in any form, particularly when it is connected to divisiveness, bigotry, hate, and racism.  We feel fortunate to be working locally in partnership with individuals, organizations, and communities that actively recognize the strengths we have in our diversity, and that are working to build an equitable and inclusive region for peoples from all races, religions, cultures, and communities.  

After over 15 years, United Way is saying good-bye to Hands On Greater Portland Program Director Mindy Coolidge. 

Mindy has an unyielding commitment to volunteerism in her community and has made tremendous efforts to expand the horizon of United Way's volunteer program. Playing an integral role in recruiting thousands of volunteers each year, Mindy has grown Hands On Greater Portland exponentially, while organizing volunteer events and, of course, providing her own service to our region as well. 

Days after MLK Weekend of Service 2019 has come to an end, Dr. King's message of giving back has still remained at the forefront of our community. Hands on Greater Portland, a volunteer program of United Way, has brought in thousands of volunteers over the years, and they have all played integral roles in adding value back into our region by providing their dedicated time. We sat down with volunteer leader Camille Bell to hear about what motivates her to be part of this important program. 

As temperatures drop, we see hats, scarves and sweaters pulled from the depths of our closets, ready to brave the cold months ahead. But for vulnerable families in our community, the availability of winter gear can be hard to come by – especially for young kids who need it the most.

Portland, Oregon – United Way of the Columbia‐Willamette (UWCW) welcomes Heather Guthrie as the new Chair of the Board of Directors. Heather has served on the Board for five years, including as Vice Chair last year, and her dedication to our region’s kids and families propelled her nomination for Chair to the top.
 

This year marked the 25th anniversary recognizing October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. With this year's theme centering on human rights, dignity and inclusion, there was an emphasis on the way in which people living in poverty are "disproportionately affected by many human rights violations."¹ Under a lens of equity, this year's End Poverty Day was advocating bringing awareness to poverty in our own communities, encouraging everyone to come together to play a part. 

At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we’ve been bringing our community together to do good for nearly 100 years. We work every day with hundreds of organizations to make sure we have communities and schools that welcome and support all kids and families in our region – especially the kids and families facing the steepest barriers: immigrants and refugees, families of color and low-income families.

Last Spring, during a weekend event at a local high school, students got together to present their start-up ideas. However, after the event ended and kids wrapped up their presentations, one team quickly went from idea to nonprofit, all with the help of the United Way Catalyst Grant.