Volunteer Spotlight: Larry Kotan

Tuesday, Apr. 10, 2018

April is National Volunteer Month! Hands On Greater Portland, United Way's volunteer program, is lucky to claim the support of thousands of dedicated local volunteers. We sat down with longtime volunteer leader Larry Kotan to hear about what motivates him to give back.

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The Power of Culture

Wednesday, Mar. 21, 2018
Part of our work at United Way has been understanding the ways systems (educational; economic; health) do or don’t meet the needs of today’s kids and families. A close and honest look quickly reveals an uncomfortable truth: virtually all of our modern systems have been shaped by a history of structural racism and disenfranchisement.
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Press Release: United Way Announces Partnership with CASH Oregon

Wednesday, Mar. 14, 2018
United Way and CASH Oregon are partnering this tax season to increase the number of Oregonians receiving the Earned Income Tax Credit. Last year UWCW and partners helped over 18,122 working families receive more than $21.6 million in tax credits for food, rent and other basic needs.
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Safety Net Support Creates Long-Term Impact for Local Families

Sunday, Nov. 12, 2017
Three years ago Katrina was desperate to find a place to live for her and her son, Adan. She was determined to turn her life around after suffering years of abuse, trauma and addiction, but had no credit and was facing a mountain of debt. Three years later she’s working full time, studying accounting and Adan is thriving.
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United Way Launches United for Impact

Monday, Oct. 9, 2017
Poverty is complicated and we know we can’t fix it on our own. That's why we're launching United for Impact, which aims to showcase the collective work to invest in our region’s kids so they are free from poverty in order to be free to reach their potential.
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All Our Kids Deserve a Bright Future: A Response to DACA Changes

Friday, Sep. 8, 2017
In recent days, we have seen how changing politics can turn a child’s world upside down. At United Way, we are working toward a community where kids can reach their potential. All kids. Kids who are newcomers here; kids who were born here; kids who see their future here.  
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From Gratitude to Service: Meet New Board Chair Sean Edwards

Friday, Sep. 8, 2017
“It’s important to me to give back to a community that provided so much to me while growing up here. I grew up in a single parent household of limited means. My mom often had to choose between paying utilities and the mortgage,” he remembered. “I’m grateful that our community then helped with utility bills and provided meals for us during the most difficult times.”
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Statement in Response to Charlottesville

Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017

At United Way, we are working hard to build a region that lives up to the ideals of inclusion, opportunity and equity. We believe white supremacy has no rightful place in America. Yet recent scenes from Virginia reflect what roils uneasily within us as a nation, and remind us of similar dark chapters in our region’s history. While many in our nation express shock and disbelief, many people of color recognize bigotry as a too-common part of their American journey. 

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Hard Work Pays Off for Somali Preschool

Thursday, Jul. 20, 2017
Bashir’s family fled violence in his home country of Somalia when he was seven years old. He spent 18 years in a Kenyan refugee camp before his family was able to come to the United States through the refugee resettlement program. Almost immediately after he arrived, he got to work giving back to his new community.
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Freeing the Future: Transforming Education from Preschool to Graduation

Friday, Feb. 10, 2017
Thanks to Preschool Promise funds facilitated by United Way's early learning hubs, 359 more kids like Yan Soe in Multnomah and Washington Counties have gained access to early learning opportunities this school year. They’re now getting free preschool with high-quality providers who speak their language and know their culture.
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