http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/ United Way of the Mid Willamette Valley en United Way of the Mid Willamette Valley Copyright 2012 United Way of the Mid Willamette Valley 2012-05-14T21:33:04+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/current-news http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/current-news#When:23:00:32Z News and Announcements 2008-10-21T23:00:32+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/211-in-action http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/211-in-action#When:21:33:04Z Some days, CIC work falls into a routine: Energy assistance, rent, food stamps, energy assistance, rent, food stamps. And then a call comes along that requires so much more – and reminds us once again why our work has such value. Our good work with routine calls can ease people’s burdens before they reach the point where everything in a caller’s life is falling apart.  Here’s one of those calls: The caller saw an article about 211 in Newberg’s city newsletter, which was tucked into her water bill, and she decided to call—even though she was pretty sure any assistance programs would be only for people with children at home. The caller and her husband moved to Oregon for the husband’s job. He makes $1,600 a month; the caller has not been able to find a job. When they lived in the South, they paid $200 a month for an apartment, but in Oregon they are paying $650 a month. The caller has a chronic illness; they have insurance but can’t afford the co-pays. “We are choosing between paying rent and paying for my insulin,” the caller said. Because her husband has a job, the couple do not consider themselves “low-income.” They have been going to churches for hot meals, but they had no idea they were eligible for food stamps – or could go to food pantries. The caller was relieved to learn that in Oregon, one person in five is using food stamps. The caller was surprised to find out that there were several programs that she might be eligible for: SNAP, food pantries, electrical assistance, water assistance, prescription assistance – and perhaps a one-time grant from Your Next Step Grants, which targets the working poor. It’s safe to say 211 has a new champion in Yamhill County: a caller who took a chance because of something she saw in her water bill, and who now stands a chance of maintaining her health and her housing, and of having a reliable source of food. News and Announcements 2012-05-14T21:33:04+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/catholic-community-services-selected-for-membership-in-frontiers-of-innovat http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/catholic-community-services-selected-for-membership-in-frontiers-of-innovat#When:15:42:25Z Catholic Community Services has been selected for membership in Frontiers of Innovation and Executive Director Jim Seymour has been invited to serve on the advisory group. The Frontiers of Innovation (FOI) is an initiative of the Early Childhood Innovation Partnership, a collaborative effort of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, the National Conference of State Legislatures, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, and the TruePoint Center for High Performance and High Commitment.  The FOI community includes policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and philanthropists.  Launched in May 2011, it is designed to catalyze cross-sector, cross-disciplinary collaboration and high-impact strategies for innovation in the field of early childhood policy and practice. Click here to learn more about the Frontiers of Innovation and Catholic Community Services partnership. News and Announcements 2012-05-11T15:42:25+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/united-way-welcomes-new-development-director http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/united-way-welcomes-new-development-director#When:15:25:31Z News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:  Michael DeRochier, (503) 363-1651, ext. 303 mderochier@unitedwaymwv.org United Way Welcomes New Development Director SALEM, OR (April 23, 2012) – The United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley is pleased to announce that Micki Goodeill has joined the staff in the role of resource development director. Goodeill will work closely with the United Way interim director, Mike DeRochier, to accomplish goals and strategies set forth by the sitting board of directors.  Those goals include a focus on increasing fundraising efforts in all three counties served—streamlining the campaign function, enhancing relationships with current donors and expanding grant efforts. “We are very happy to have Micki join the team,” noted the United Way board president James Edmonds of Fetherston Edmonds, LLP Attorneys.  “Her expertise and energy will prove beneficial to current campaign efforts and augment the development of new workplace campaigns—both crucial to raising much-needed funds for those who need help in Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties.” Goodeill relocated to Salem (2000) from California, where she attended Butte Community College and Chico State University.  She began working for State Farm after her arrival, eventually running an independent insurance office from 2007 to 2009.  She has been a member of the Chamber Business Women since 2008; and has served as a Salem Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador since 2009—a role that has enabled her to create contacts with many businesses in the community.  Aside from her new duties with the United Way, Goodeill enjoys supporting the local coffee establishment, volunteering for nonprofits such as Ready to Learn – Ready to Work and spending time with her family; whether it be bowling and golfing with husband Scott or chauffeuring her two young sons to various sporting and social events.  You can reach Goodeill at:  (503) 363-1651 ext. 302, or mgoodeill@unitedwaymwv.org  ### About the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley The United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley was established in 1937 and remains committed to supporting the Marion, Polk and Yamhill communities through the allocation of dollars invested in local initiatives and partnerships that address community-wide issues and result in community-wide outcomes.  With the help of corporate, employee and individual donations, the United Way directs funds toward helping children, youth, and adults achieve their potential; promoting financial stability and independence, and improving people’s health and independence.  Initiatives include:  HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley—a volunteer action center that works to create change in the community through civic engagement; Mid-Valley 211—referral helpline for human services and/or disaster information; the Gifts in Kind program—distributing resources to local nonprofit organizations; and the Salem Area Transit Bus Pass program. For more information about the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley call:  (503) 363-1651 or visit:  unitedwaymwv.org News and Announcements 2012-04-24T15:25:31+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/oregon-afl-cio-endorses-2012-united-way-campaign http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/oregon-afl-cio-endorses-2012-united-way-campaign#When:15:30:19Z March 28, 2012 Dear Brothers and Sisters: I am writing on behalf of working families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington who continue to face unprecedented hardships due to the current recession. We’ve seen their suffering; we know how many struggle to find work and how many are now losing even their meager unemployment benefits. Moreover, we’ve seen the spiraling effect of layoffs on entire communities.  Our brothers and sisters are among those who have had to turn to human services for assistance in these difficult economic times. The Labor movement has a rich history of joining hands with others when people are in need. Labor knows that by working together, we make great strides toward achieving the building blocks for a good quality of life: financial stability; quality, affordable health care; and universal access to a good education. We know that in hard times, working together for the good of all is absolutely crucial. That is why the Oregon AFL‐CIO endorses the United Way Campaign. United Way and Labor have worked together for nearly 40 years to reach out and create opportunities for a better life. It is this partnership that helps make a difference in the lives of those impacted by hardship and misfortune. The Oregon AFL‐CIO and I endorse the 2012 United Way Campaign. Please join us with your support. In Solidarity, Tom Chamberlain President News and Announcements 2012-04-05T15:30:19+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/personal-empowerment-for-achieving-real-lasting-security http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/personal-empowerment-for-achieving-real-lasting-security#When:16:26:31Z The United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley’s Community Impact investments for the 2011/13 cycle include collaborative funding—dollars directed toward partnerships that focus on successful outcomes in the areas of education, income and health; and target ways to keep our communities strong today and into the future. The goal of collaborations is to bring community partners together, amalgamate knowledge and resources, leverage available funding and work toward an effective way to get to the root of a critical issue and not just find quick-fix solutions, but rather discover a way to eliminate or address the problem and its subsequent impact on the community at large. The PEARLS (Personal Empowerment for Achieving Real Lasting Security) Project is one such collaborative effort. PEARLS Project partners include Mid-Valley Women’s Crisis Service, St. Francis Shelter and Helping Hands Resources; with grant support provided by the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley. The partners work together to transform the lives of domestic violence victims as they move from crisis to shelter and safety—and ultimately to security—as they rebuild their lives free of violence.  Each year, the Mid-Valley Women’s Crisis Service (MVWCS) shelters 300-500 women who are fleeing violence; providing necessary crisis intervention and supportive services to keep them safe. As the economic struggle deepened, MVWCS struggled to help victims find stable housing and employment. Through the PEARLS collaboration, MVWCS clients now have access to housing at St. Francis Shelter, where they learn skills to rebuild their lives—money management, food preparation, organizational skills—in addition to experiencing support specific to victims of domestic violence and abuse. While at St. Francis, Helping Hands Resources steps in to provide one-on-one mentoring around clothing, makeup, hygiene, personal presentation and other skills necessary for seeking employment. Helping Hands also provides necessary household items in preparation for the transition to long-term housing for clients. In a nutshell, the PEARLS Project offers comprehensive and intuitive services and support that promote the health, stability, self-sufficiency and wellbeing of victims of domestic violence within our community. These three distinctive nonprofit agencies work hand-in-hand to make this collaboration a success; participants indicate that the assistance they received from each organization increased their access to resources and security. The PEARLS Project continues to grow and thrive.   To learn more about the PEARLS Project collaboration, contact Kate Decarlo at the United Way: (503) 363-1651 or kdecarlo@unitedwaymwv.org Terianne Petzold is marketing and communications director for the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley. She can be reached via e-mail:  tpetzold@unitedwaymwv.org News and Announcements 2012-03-30T16:26:31+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/application-deadline-for-emergency-food-and-shelter-program-funds http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/application-deadline-for-emergency-food-and-shelter-program-funds#When:19:16:57Z News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:  Kate Decarlo, (503) 363-1651, ext. 312 kdecarlo@unitedwaymwv.org Application Deadline for Emergency Food and Shelter Program Funds SALEM, OR (March 14, 2012) – The United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley announced today that applications for Emergency Food and Shelter Program funds are being accepted for Marion and Polk counties.  Deadline for submission is 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11th.   The Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) began in 1983 when Congress voted to set aside funds to help meet the needs of hungry and homeless people by allocating federal dollars for the provision of food and shelter.  Program award amounts are determined by the federal budget and are based upon a formula involving population, poverty and unemployment data.  Locally, the program is administered by a board comprised of representatives from various agencies such as the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army and local government.  The United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley helps to coordinate the work of this board.  Under the terms of the program, local agency recipients must meet the following criteria:  be a private voluntary nonprofit organization or unit of government; have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter services; have an accounting system, practice non-discrimination; and if a voluntary organization, must have a voluntary board. Qualifying agencies can download applications, instructions, forms and reference materials at:  http://www.unitedwaymwv.org, under the News & Events section.  For more information contact Kate Decarlo at:  (503) 363-1651 ext. 312, or kdecarlo@uwmwv.org Marion and Polk county agencies meeting the aforementioned requirements are encouraged to apply by the April 11th deadline. ### About the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley The United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley was established in 1937 and remains committed to supporting the Marion, Polk and Yamhill communities through the allocation of dollars invested in local initiatives and partnerships that address community-wide issues and result in community-wide outcomes.  With the help of corporate, employee and individual donations, the United Way directs funds toward helping children, youth, and adults achieve their potential; promoting financial stability and independence, and improving people’s health and independence.  Initiatives include:  HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley—a volunteer action center that works to create change in the community through civic engagement; Mid-Valley 211—referral helpline for human services and/or disaster information; the Gifts in Kind program—distributing resources to local nonprofit organizations; and the Salem Area Transit Bus Pass program. For more information about the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley call:  (503) 363-1651 or visit:  unitedwaymwv.org   News and Announcements 2012-03-12T19:16:57+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/new-research-proves-the-business-case-for-product-giving http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/new-research-proves-the-business-case-for-product-giving#When:16:32:13Z New Research Proves the Business Case for Product Giving Researchers at Indiana University Conclude that Giving Corporate Product Donations is Economically Superior to Liquidation or Disposal BLOOMINGTON, Ind., January 24, 2012 – New research from Indiana University concludes that businesses can do well by doing good through product philanthropy. Donating products to charities helps corporate bottom lines, reduces waste in landfills, and provides relief for people in need. With a record number of Americans living in poverty today, product donations allow people to use their limited resources to pay for food, health care, prescription drugs, utilities and other vital needs. The study, released today by Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA), provides the first detailed examination of the return on investment for donating merchandise as opposed to liquidating or destroying it. “This research demonstrates that donating products can result in substantial financial and social benefits for minimal cost and risk,” said Justin Ross, assistant professor of public finance and economics and the lead researcher for this study. “Additionally, working with a nonprofit that can match companies with charities lowers corporate costs associated with product philanthropy.” Good360, a nonprofit that has worked in product giving for almost 30 years, approached the School of Public and Environmental Affairs last year do the study. As many retailers and other companies approach the end of their fiscal years on Jan. 31, the research provides new and timely information to help them make good decisions about their excess and slow-moving merchandise. Additional findings include: - Product giving presents a considerable financial advantage over cash donations because it can carry an enhanced tax deduction. - Product donations can provide the same image enhancement benefits as marketing and advertising programs and at a lower cost. - Companies that engage in product philanthropy avoid fees and negative branding implications associated with disposal of excess inventory. - Product donation is superior to liquidation in most circumstances, and the report provides a rule of thumb for companies wishing to make quick cost comparisons. In addition to providing an economic justification for retailers, manufacturers and distributors to donate excess merchandise, the report gives managers a framework for analyzing the costs, benefits, risks, and opportunities of implementing a product philanthropy program. “We hope that the report will inspire more companies to consider product donation as a viable alternative to liquidation or disposal,” said Cindy Hallberlin, president and CEO of Good360, the nation’s nonprofit leader in product philanthropy. “For many there is an untapped strategic opportunity to use product giving to advance the business and have substantial social impact on the communities and causes about which they care deeply. Rarely is there such a win-win between business and social good.” For more information on the research collaboration and links to research findings, please visit: http://about.good360.org/productdonationresearch. For those interested in hearing more about this new research, SPEA and Good360 will host a webinar today at 2 p.m. to present key findings and answer questions. Space is limited. Please register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/684724881. About SPEA Indiana University’s SPEA (http://www.indiana.edu/~spea/) is a world leader in public and environmental affairs and is the largest school of public administration and public policy in the United States. In the 2009 “Best Graduate Schools” by U.S. News & World Report, SPEA ranks second and is the nation’s highest-ranked professional graduate program in public affairs at a public institution. Six of its specialty programs are ranked in the top 10 listings. SPEA’s doctoral programs in public affairs and public policy are ranked by the National Academy of Science as the best in the country. About Good360 Good360 (http://about.good360.org), formerly Gifts In Kind International, is the world’s leading nonprofit in product philanthropy and is ranked as one of the top ten most efficient charities by Forbes magazine. Working with many of the nation’s top retailers and brands, Good360 provides needed products to more than 23,000 qualified nonprofit organizations. Over the last 28 years, Good360 has delivered over $7 billion of donated products. From retail store donations in thousands of communities to employee product giving programs, Good360 continues to identify new ways to efficiently move resources to the communities that need help most. In 2010, the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs and Good360 worked together on research that analyzed the social and environmental impact of The Framing Hope Product Donation Program, a program that was created by The Home Depot and Good360. For more information: Steve Hinnefeld, Indiana University Communications Phone: (812) 856-3488 slhinnef@iu.edu Melissa Trumpower, Good360 Communications Phone: (703) 299-7547 mel@good360.org http://www.facebook.com/good360.org @Good360org News and Announcements 2012-01-24T16:32:13+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/listen-to-and-believe-violence-victims http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/listen-to-and-believe-violence-victims#When:17:17:45Z The number of calls answered by domestic and sexual violence programs in Oregon totaled nearly 170,000 during 2010. Calls included individuals requesting help related to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and other unsafe situations. Communities across Oregon responded with assistance according to their capabilities, sheltering 2,763 adults, 300 teens and 2,031 children. More than 22,700 requests for shelter and safety from violence could not be met. This number is a 17 percent increase as compared to unmet calls for 2009. In Marion, Polk and Yamhill counties, nearly 15,000 requests for help were received via help lines, with a total of 400 sheltered as part of domestic-violence programs. Of those sheltered, 46 percent were younger than 18 years of age. Issues related to violence continued unabated during 2011. Clearly the call for help needs to be answered. Those who are unsafe need to be sheltered. Education needs to be in place to promote awareness and prevention. Unfortunately, shelter and safety programs and services do not have adequate funding to meet the need. One way to slow down the increase in domestic violence in our community is to take an active role as citizens. Listen and believe. Domestic violence is veiled in secrecy. Often when a person reaches out to a friend or family member to describe a situation that feels unsafe, the listener doesn’t want to believe the abuser has violent tendencies. Listen and let the person know you believe him or her. Don’t question. Don’t ask questions that put the fault on the survivor, such as “Why do you stay?” or “How could you let this happen?” Keep in mind that the fault for domestic violence lies with the abuser, not the victim. Offer support. Calling Mid-Valley 211 can connect victims of domestic violence to various services and programs available in the community. Help lines are staffed by trained call specialists who listen carefully and offer appropriate support for emergency and long-term assistance. Take care of yourself. Often we feel traumatized when close friends or family members share a story of domestic violence. Help lines can help you work through your emotions. Be aware and speak out. There are many ways to get involved and support the effort to build awareness and prevention. Volunteer at a shelter, donate money or items needed to a domestic violence agency, or enroll in a community class to learn more and become an advocate. In addition to Mid-Valley 211, our community offers 24-hour assistance for victims of abuse. In Marion County, contact the Mid-Valley Crisis Center at (503) 399-7722 or (866) 399-7722. In Polk County, call Sable House at (503) 623-4033 or (866) 305-3030. In Yamhill County, contact Henderson House at (503) 472-1503 or (877) 227-5946. Terianne Petzold is marketing and communications director for the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley. Contact her at tpetzold@unitedwaymwv.org. News and Announcements 2012-01-23T17:17:45+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/disaster-volunteers-needed http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/disaster-volunteers-needed#When:20:02:49Z FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:Austin Rowlader | HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley | Community Mobilizer Disaster Volunteers Needed! January 19, 2012 –- The Mid-Valley’s been hit with quite a few rain drops in the last 24 hours and volunteers are needed to help the area’s Emergency Management Teams with efforts to keep all those rain drops where they’re supposed to be. To volunteer, go to database.handsonmwv.org and search for ‘disaster’ or call 503-364-1005. Always remember, the first step in disaster volunteering is to make sure you and your loved ones are safe. For more information go to: ready.gov. HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley is Marion County’s official Emergency Volunteer Manager. Please contact with any volunteer needs or interest by email at Austin@handsonmwv.org or by phone at 503-364-1005. What: Disaster Volunteers When:  Now until the rain stops Where:  Mid-Willamette Valley Contact:  Austin Rowlader 503-364-1005 or visit HandsOnmwv.org HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley – Do good. Be together. Smile. News and Announcements 2012-01-19T20:02:49+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/united-way-transitions-handson-mid-willamette-valley-to-become-part-of-comm http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/united-way-transitions-handson-mid-willamette-valley-to-become-part-of-comm#When:17:37:06Z 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 cyndi.astley@mwvcaa.org XXXXXXX News and Announcements 2012-01-12T17:37:06+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/partnership-helps-nonprofits-with-in-kind-gifts http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/partnership-helps-nonprofits-with-in-kind-gifts#When:18:30:44Z The United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley is a community redistribution partner through Good360, a partnership that allows the United Way to obtain tens of thousands of dollars of retail goods, which are redistributed to local nonprofit agencies. Known as the Gifts in Kind program, the local United Way received and redistributed more than $100,000 of in-kind goods to qualified nonprofits during the fiscal year ending in 2011. The Gifts in Kind program launched during 2000 with a single retail partner — Bed Bath and Beyond. Since then, the local United Ways have worked hard to add additional partners, thus increasing the ability to provide a wider variety of goods. Today, retail participants include The Home Depot, South Salem; Guess Outlet, Woodburn Company Stores; Van Heusen Outlet, Lincoln City; Torrid, Salem Center; and Avenue, Keizer Station. As nonprofits face declining monetary donations and struggle to make ends meet, this program allows them to redirect funds toward other much-needed programs and services. Gifts in Kind, as a community resource, has become vital to sustainability for many nonprofits. Gifts in Kind works because it is largely a team effort. Retail employees collect, organize, track and sometimes deliver the donated products. Local United Way staff and volunteers pick up items weekly or bi-monthly, sort, and prepare them for distribution. Once a month, agency representatives or volunteers select products and ensure that they get into the hands of those who need them most. Because this is a donation-based endeavor, funding is minimal — with the only expenses being annual fees for the Good360 partnership and the storage space used to house the goods prior to distribution. Nonprofit organizations that wish to participate must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt health and human service agencies that provide direct service to residents in Marion, Polk or Yamhill counties. Applications for participation are accepted and reviewed in June. Once approved, nonprofits pay a nominal fee for annual membership. To find out more about Gifts in Kind or to donate goods, contact Kara Rotella at the local United Way office, (503) 363-1651 or krotella@unitedwaymwv.org. Terianne Petzold is marketing and communications director for the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley. Contact her at tpetzold@unitedwaymwv.org. News and Announcements 2012-01-09T18:30:44+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/bus-pass-grants-now-available http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/bus-pass-grants-now-available#When:16:21:08Z The application for Cherriots bus passes for April through June 2012 is now available Please click here to be taken to the application page. News and Announcements 2011-12-07T16:21:08+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/share-a-tree-with-target http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/share-a-tree-with-target#When:21:40:22Z United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley will once again partner with local Target stores to distribute holiday trees to those in need. Each year, United Way receives approximately 6 fully decorated, pre-lit Christmas trees from Target. Please complete the form below if your agency is interested in applying to receive one or more of the trees. Responses must be submitted by Friday, December 11th 2011 to be considered. Share a Tree   News and Announcements 2011-11-28T21:40:22+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/211-phone-service-connecting-more-oregonians-to-help http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/211-phone-service-connecting-more-oregonians-to-help#When:00:23:00Z David Nogueras, OPB | November 17, 2011 | Bend, OR Everybody knows where to call if you have an emergency. Dial 911, and in most cases life saving help is just minutes away. But what if your emergency is a financial crisis that threatens to put you out of your home, or that leaves you unable to feed your kids? 211 connects those in need with agencies that can help. And in Oregon, it’s a service that’s growing rapidly. For six years now, The Shepard’s House in Bend has opened its doors to those who need help. It’s a Christian-based day shelter. Loomis Goode is the chaplain. “A lot of our guys are in recovery from drugs and alcohol. A lot of them have been in prison. And we offer them classes. We offer them a lot of counseling. So we’re a full program house,” he said. But Goode says when people come in looking for help with things the program doesn’t provide, he often sends them to the same place. “And I’ll tell you, ‘Have you ever tried 211?’ ‘Well no, what’s that?’ So I’ll tell them what 211 is so they can make the connection ... we’ll even give them a phone let them call 211 from here,” Goode explained. For about 3 quarters of the state, 211 is a centralized clearing house for social service needs. At a call center in Portland, anywhere between 4 to 10 operators answer calls weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Most of those calls are from people who need help with the basics: housing, food, health care. Liesl Wendt is CEO of 211 Info. That’s the non-profit that fields 211 calls in Oregon and Southwest Washington. “Often people don’t know exactly what they’re calling for. They know that they’re about to be evicted from their house. They know that they have a shut-off notice from their utility company. But they don’t often know what and how to access services,” Wendt says. Operators on the other hand have that information at the tips of their fingers. Using careful listening and the most recent data, the operator can determine what the caller needs and what services might be available to them. But while operators don’t need to be in the same county as the caller to be effective, success does require regional partners on the ground to keep the database current. Ken Wilhelm is the executive director of the United Way of Deschutes County. That agency partners with 211 Info in Central Oregon. He says the idea of a referral service is really an old idea. What’s new, he says is the technology. “You know, when I started it was index cards, a rolodex I guess would be how a lot of folks would remember it. So information technology developing as it has, it just made sense to eventually go to a digital clearing house function,” Wilhelm says. Wilhelm say 211 not only helps meet the needs of the people in the local community, but it also provides a huge benefit to the providers of services. “It creates efficiencies both for the agencies and for the person seeking help,” he explained. Wilhelm points to a 2004 study conducted at the University of Texas. Researchers there caculated that a national 211 system could save society more than a billion dollars over the course of a decade. 211 Info’s Wendt say the service can also be a useful tool to help governments better provide services. “As resources become scarcer, I think there’s an even bigger desire to understand what’s actually happening in real time in a community. And by real time I mean what happened last month in Deschutes, who’s looking for what types of services, where are the people’s needs getting met, where are those gaps in services so that policy makers can make the best decision in the most timely way possible,” she said. 211 Info operates in 18 Oregon counties. With the holidays and the cold weather approaching, it’s a service that’s likely to get more an more calls in the coming months. Wendt says the non-profit plans to offer service to all counties in the state by 2013. © 2011 OPB News and Announcements 2011-11-18T00:23:00+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/5-ideas-for-getting-involved-in-your-community-during-the-holidays http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/5-ideas-for-getting-involved-in-your-community-during-the-holidays#When:18:51:55Z So you want to help your community this holiday season, but while brainstorming ideas for the project you find yourself stumped? The media confronts us daily with the many social problems that plague our nation, without a solution in sight. It is easy to feel helpless when this information is talked about because no solution is foreseen. It’s a good idea to start looking for holiday volunteer opportunities now, so you can be sure to find something you’d like to do. Just like shopping for a turkey the night before Thanksgiving, you might not find what you’re looking for if you wait until the last minute to find somewhere to volunteer. It is easy to become involved in making a difference for your community by following these simple project tips. And remember, you can always get in touch with one of our HandsOn Network volunteer centers to find volunteer opportunities! Hunger or Housing. From big to small projects there are tons of ways that you can help tackle this issue in your community! Help cook and serve meals at a soup kitchen, gather clothing and donate it to your local shelter, make toiletry kits for the homeless, make care packages full of winter clothing for your local children’s shelter, help repair a local homeless shelter, or partner with Habitat for Humanity and help with a build. Elderly. Helping the older population in your community can be both fun and rewarding from any level. You can spend time with a senior citizen in your community, deliver meals to a homebound individual, perform home repairs or yard work for senior citizens in need, hold a social event for your local nursing home, adopt a “grandfriend” at your local nursing home and make regular visits. Education. Education has become a big topic in the media over the years; there are many ways that you can help improve your community’s education system through volunteering. Ideas include raising money for Braille or large print books for the visually impaired, plan a school supply drive to assemble “back to school” kits for your local schools, set up a buddy system for kids needing friends, bring toys to hospitalized children, read books or the newspaper to visually impaired individuals, raise money to purchase and install playground equipment. Health. Participate in a local AIDS or breast cancer walk, volunteer at a Special Olympics event, hold a blood drive, help a local agency create health promotion kits, host a health screening at a local store, library, or school. Environment. You can help tackle your community’s environmental issues at many different levels. Set up a recycling center at your local school or retirement community, clean up a vacant lot or river bank, raise funds to adopt an acre of the rainforest or other habitat, clean up trash in your local park, partner with volunteers to paint a mural at a local school or park. These are just a few tips that can be incorporated into your holiday resolutions that will make a big difference in your local community. From big to small you can help improve your community this holiday season. For more great holiday volunteer opportunities, checkout HandsOn’s Winter Wishes Event Page. News and Announcements 2011-11-15T18:51:55+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/senior-centers-are-in-greater-demand-these-days http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/senior-centers-are-in-greater-demand-these-days#When:19:09:39Z Since 1900 the average life expectancy for an American increased by 30 years. That’s good news, right? Based on census bureau statistics, (the latest year for which data is available) one in every eight Americans is aged 65 or older. That’s 39.6 million people. This age group accounted for 12.9 percent of the total population and more than 46 percent of all federal domestic spending. More than 87 percent report Social Security as their primary source of income. The average annual health care costs for an older American earning less than $10,000 a year was $17,000. The average cost for one year of nursing home care was $76,680. The number of persons celebrating their 100th birthday has increased 72 percent since 1990. The older population is expected to reach 72.1 million by 2030—more than double the number during 2000—and comprise 19 percent of the total population.  More than 516,000 older people reside in Oregon.  They make up 13.5 percent of the total population. Yet few people are aware that more than ten percent of the older population in our communities struggle with isolation, inadequate physical activity, poor nutrition, and limited access to services. In a one-stop-shop sort of atmosphere, Center 50+, the City of Salem Senior Center, endeavors to link our older population and their families to local programs and services. Founded in 1976, Center 50+ is a collaborative partnership between the City of Salem, concerned citizens and the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Friends of Salem Senior Center. Located on Portland Road NE, Center 50+ offers meals, recreation, volunteer opportunities and education to more than 700 older adults daily. One valuable partnership is the Salem-Keizer Meals on Wheels program, which serves more than 48,000 meals annually through a combination meal site and home delivery program. Of the more than 15,000 senior centers in the country, only 120 are accredited and Center 50+ is one of them. That’s a notable accomplishment given that focal-point senior centers are charged with all of the following:  serve the fastest growing population of both well and frail older adults; reach out to under-served, low income and minority older adults; provide information and access to services; raise and manage funds from multiple sources; and be responsive to a broad range of community needs. Find out more about City of Salem Senior Center by calling (503) 588-6303, or you can access their Web site at:  http://www.cityofsalem.net/residents/senior center Terianne Petzold is marketing and communications director for the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley. She can be reached via e-mail:  tpetzold@unitedwaymwv.org News and Announcements 2011-09-30T19:09:39+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/united-way-begins-its-annual-drive-for-workplace-donations http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/united-way-begins-its-annual-drive-for-workplace-donations#When:15:59:34Z The United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley held its annual campaign kick-off event Sept. 14. This luncheon marked the start of United Way’s workplace campaign effort. Workplace campaigns offer companies the opportunity to encourage giving, volunteering and advocacy in the workplace according to their overall corporate strategy and the values of their employees. A workplace campaign offers a convenient, efficient way for employees to learn more about critical and urgent human services issues in the community and make personal, well-informed choices about how to get involved. It’s a chance for employees to learn about how past contributions have led to positive outcomes and change in our community. A United Way campaign also provides important information about programs and services that employees can use for themselves or share with friends and family. Through payroll pledges, employees can support the United Way’s Community Impact Fund or direct their contributions toward any 501(c)(3) they feel passionate about. The United Way’s HandsOn Volunteer Action Center offers options for engaging in quality volunteer experiences. The Gifts in Kind program offers companies a chance to donate merchandise or surplus equipment that will be redistributed to nonprofit organizations. Mid-Valley 211 is another essential resource that all employees need to be aware of. No company is too large or too small to consider how they want to get involved in or expand community engagement. Often, a company will rally employees around a common cause such as illiteracy, domestic violence or homeless teenagers. The focus on a common goal helps build morale and teamwork. One company chose to focus on programs that help seniors become more independent after realizing that many employees were involved in caring for their parents. Their campaign included a United Way volunteer who talked about how to get connected to resources via Mid-Valley 211 and specific senior-related programs the United Way funds. The United Way also brought in a speaker from an agency that works directly with seniors. In addition, volunteer activities were organized that enabled employees to engage in different experiences with seniors and to better understand the outcomes of the services provided. The mission of the United Way is to unite people and resources for a stronger community. To learn more about how to host a United Way workplace campaign, schedule a presentation or receive informational materials for distribution, call Terianne Petzold at (503) 363-1651. News and Announcements 2011-09-25T15:59:34+00:00 http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/local-united-way-director-retires http://unitedwaymwv.org/news-events/announcements/local-united-way-director-retires#When:16:36:58Z On Monday afternoon in her office, Gayle Caldarazzo, 67, turns her eyes to the top right corner of her mind, looking for the words to describe the past four years. She had just completed her last board meeting as the executive director of the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley and had 10 minutes to spare before a press conference to mark the launch of her last project with the nonprofit. Her last day is Sept. 30. “It’s been just, well …” she trails off. “I don’t know how to say it.” Then she finds it: impact. That’s been the focus for Caldarazzo since she was appointed as the executive director in June 2007. “How could United Way really impact our community?” she said. Since then, the organization has grown from two full-time and three or four part-time employees to at least 10 full-time employees. United Way’s first annual campaign since Caldarazzo became executive director collected $1.8 million, 50 percent more than the year before. The donations have been rising every year since, with the most recent campaign topping off at $2.3 million. She doesn’t have any earth-shattering secrets on how to raise money at a time when everyone seems to be pinching pennies as many people are experiencing unemployment and poverty for the first time. “Building relationships and working hard,” she says. Those were the qualities the board saw when she stepped in as the interim leader four years ago, past president Bill Wilkson said. “We knew we needed someone familiar with a lot of community leaders,” he said. In particular, Caldarazzo strengthened relationships with the business community, which she calls the “bread and butter” for United Way. “I wanted to honor our corporations — our businesses in our areas and make them feel that they are really important to us,” she said. “When you ask and you tell them why, then they were more prone to come on board to support us.” The next annual campaign will kick off Wednesday at Zenith Winery, Caldarazzo’s last public appearance as the United Way executive director. Under Caldarazzo’s leadership, HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley was born in October 2007; the program is a resource that connects volunteers with service opportunities in the area. The program is credited for Salem’s jumping eight spots to No. 15 in the midsize-city rankings for volunteerism issued by the Corporation for National and Community Service. In the 2009-10 fiscal year, HandsOn volunteers completed 271,580 hours of service, said Melissa Gibler, HandsOn’s director of programs. The impact of Caldarazzo’s last work is yet to be known. Mid-Valley 211, a call center that connects community members with social-service agencies in the area, launched Monday, adding Marion and Polk counties to complete its tri-county territory. Mike DeRocher, a senior vice president at AmeriTitle and a former board member, will step in as interim executive director Oct. 1. The board has asked him for as much as two years of service, Wilkson said, to give it the time necessary to find and hire the United Way’s next leader. He said a search committee, which would be a mix of board members and volunteers, is in the works to lead recruiting internally and externally. As for Caldarazzo, she’s beaming with excitement for what’s coming next, and rightfully so. Her wedding is in October, and the retirement is perfectly timed for the couple to transition into their new life together. Then in the new year, she’ll evaluate what her next chapter will look like. “Because I know I’m not done yet, you know?” she says. “I’m not done — I can’t be. “But I feel it’s time to go to another level where I can pick and choose more and see what God has in mind for me — where I’m going to be, what my next project will be.” News and Announcements 2011-09-13T16:36:58+00:00