United Way Transitions HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley to become part of Community Action Agency

January 12, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

United Way Transitions HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley to become part of Community Action Agency

As part of a community-wide initiative fostered in 2006, HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley was started to support non-profits seeking volunteers and to satisfy the needs of volunteers to make meaningful connections to these opportunities. Originally called the Volunteer and Mentor Center, HandsOn has been housed at the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley for the past five years and has flourished during this time. Currently, HandsOn supports the work of over 200 community partners in building effective volunteer management strategies throughout Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties. 

Since its inception, a large portion of the financial support and resources required to operate HandsOn have come directly from the United Way. The original plan for HandsOn was to start and grow the program and then successfully transition it out of the United Way.  On February 1, 2012 United Way will transition the HandsOn program and services permanently to Community Action Agency, a long-time and well established United Way community partner. 

Community Action is a private non-profit 501(c)3, operating seven programs that primarily serve Marion and Polk counties, with some services reaching as far as Lincoln and Tillamook Counties.  Community Action’s priority is to develop long-term strategies to lessen poverty by identifying solutions, delivery services, and moving individuals and families toward self-sufficiency.  HandsOn’s emphasis on community wide volunteer involvement aligns perfectly with Community Action’s mission and vision for a stronger community. 

“We are thrilled to bring HandsOn into the Community Action family.  This final step in this great collaborative effort is a testament to the strength of this program and the outstanding future that a waits”, Teresa Cox, CAA Executive Director. 

“United Way is committed to nurturing and growing great community assets like HandsOn.  This program is successful and ready to be on its own.  We celebrate the transition of this program to Community Action Agency”.  Jim Edmonds, United Way Board President.
       
For more information Cyndi Astley @ (503) 585-6232 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
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