Volunteerism

Our fourth annual Community Impact Week has wrapped! With nearly 40 projects across Clark, Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties, and over 400 volunteeers mobilized, we've collectively made a huge impact across our region. This week is special to our team, it helps us connect directly with the work we do in Housing, Early Learning, and Disaster Resilience all year. It introduces us and the volunteers who join us to a diverse array of incredible nonprofits doing amazing work across our region.

Another year of impact in the books. This year's Community Impact Week has wrapped and we have so much to share about the many nonprofit partners we were able to assist, the myriad of volunteers with fascinating stories and cares, and the innumerable hours of work we were able to give back to our community. This amazing week of volunteerism is a highlight for many at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, allowing us to further engage with and build community across Clark, Clackamas, Washington and Multnomah counties.

The atmosphere is buzzing with joy and excitement as the middle school students revel in the newly transformed spaces. At lunchtime, the students eagerly line up to play in the brand-new Gaga pit and enjoy the freshly painted foursquare courts. Those seeking a moment of relaxation find solace on the freshly painted picnic tables.

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.

Hello and Aloha! 

I am delighted to be in Portland having recently joined United Way of the Columbia-Willamette (UWCW) as its President and CEO in mid-December of 2019. Previously, I was with Aloha United Way in Honolulu. 

Rain or shine, Paj is one of seven Community Researchers out surveying residents in the Albina and Rockwood neighborhoods to learn about the experiences and priorities of families with children. Since the launch of the survey on November 30, 2019, United Way Community Researchers have knocked on more than 2,500 doors, making contact with over 850 families.

From stocking food pantries for families in need to sprucing up vital community spaces including local schools and parks, this year more than 1,200 volunteers gave their time on over 60 projects in honor of Dr. King’s legacy.

Barbara Marmon and Bette Ederer are focused on creating opportunities for kids and families well into the future.

With over 250 volunteer opportunities this year alone, Washington County is playing a major role in serving our community through dedicated volunteer work.

Facilitating projects in Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tualatin and more, Hands on Greater Portland, a volunteer program of United Way, continues to offer volunteers the chance to invest in our region’s kids and families through compelling projects that interest even the youngest volunteers. And the work of these dedicated community members has shown through.

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.