Stories

A man in a hat expresses with his hands and smiles
Volunteerism

H.O.P.E: Supporting United Way Supports Others

Monday, Jan. 29, 2024

When you support United Way, it multiplies your impact and spreads that support to hundreds of other nonprofits in our community. Your support spreads hope, connection and caring to thousands of people in our region.

A woman holds a yellow sign outdoors
Volunteerism

Community Impact Week 2023

Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023

Each October, United Way and our dedicated volunteer branch, Hands On Greater Portland, unite community members across our four-county impact area, infusing energy into a myriad of volunteer events for diverse nonprofit

Two men work on a raised garden bed
Volunteerism

Nike Brings H.O.P.E. to Elders For Earth Day

Monday, Apr. 24, 2023

Nike's Cushioning Innovation team is not only committed to creating high-performance athletic gear but also to making a difference in their community. Just a day before Earth Day, the team collaborated with the nonprofit organization H.O.P.E.

Volunteerism

Offering Hope Through Community Support

Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023

At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we see ourselves as conveners, knowing that the issues we seek to tackle, and the systemic change they require, necessitates a diverse group of problem solvers.

Early Learning

Making STEM Learning Fun and Inclusive

Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022

Early learning is vital to children, families and communities. But significant cultural barriers amplify the systemic racism that undergirds our education ecosystem and makes it more difficult for communities of color to succeed and thrive.

Volunteerism

Creating Impact Through Volunteerism

Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022

For more than two decades, our Hands On Greater Portland team has hosted numerous volunteer projects during Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend known as the MLK Weekend of Service.

Disaster & Crisis Resilience

Refuting Disaster Capitalism

Wednesday, Jul. 13, 2022

At United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, we value those who are closest to the crises. The knowledge and experience of those working within communities, especially in times of crisis, should be paramount. Their voices should be held in highest regard around the tables where decisions are made.

A group of masked kids hold books up in front of shelves lined with more books.
Volunteerism

Keeping the Pages Turning

Wednesday, May. 25, 2022

Late last year Serenity White, a pre-K student who attends Portland Public Schools Kelly Head Start, came into the northeast Portland warehouse of the

A group of 13 volunteers from WaFd Bank and United Way Staff members pose with completed STEM kits.
Early Learning

Making STEM Accessible

Monday, Apr. 25, 2022

Without the help of volunteers, some tasks feel impossible to tackle.

Culture

Critical Moments of the Year

Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020

This year saw an unprecedented number of challenges across our region. Here are some critical moments of 2020 that your generosity and support helped make possible.

Volunteerism

Celebrating Global Volunteer Month in the face of COVID-19

Monday, Apr. 27, 2020

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.

Volunteerism

Inspired by MLK Weekend of Service

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020

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.  

Volunteerism

Understanding Community Needs: A Promise Neighborhood Initiative

Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020

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.

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