United Way of the Columbia-Willamette

August is Make-a-Will month, and we're spending this week dispelling some common myths about creating a will. Myth 3: My family knows what I want, so I don’t need a will. Fact: Your family might know what you want, but they won’t get to make any decisions for you if you don’t write them down in a will. Instead, a court will make those decisions based on local laws. And the court process can be long and cost your loved ones a lot of money from your estate. Set your family up in 20 minutes by visiting https://www.freewill.com/

August is Make-a-Will month, and we're spending this week dispelling some common myths about creating a will. Myth 2: Making a will is a long, expensive and complicated process. Fact: Not anymore! Through United Way's partnership with Freewill you can fill out, download and print your will for free in less than 20 minutes. Then all you have to do is sign your will with at least two witnesses and keep it safe. Be sure to inform your loved ones that you are prepared, no matter your age! Visit the Freewill website today and check out their tools: https://www.freewill.com/

August is Make-a-Will month, and we're spending this week dispelling some common myths about creating a will. United Way partners with Freewill to help you create a will in 20 minutes or less! This is a free, easy way to protect the people and communities you love, there’s no better moment than now to find some peace of mind in planning for the future. Myth #1: Wills are only important if you have a lot of money or property. Fact: This is false. There are many reasons to have a will. Wills can do quite a bit more than just name who gets your money and property. With a will, you can also nominate guardians for your minor children, name caretakers for your pets, leave instructions for digital assets, write your funeral wishes, and more. A will can also save your loved ones the time, money, and stress of lengthy, expensive probate court proceedings. Learn more and make your will here: https://www.freewill.com/

Calling all BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) creatives! Join us for a special live drawing session at Washington Park on Saturday, August 17th from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM. This interactive outdoor gathering is led by and for BIPOC community members to connect with the land and each other through art and nature. What to expect: - Two guided hikes of approximately 45 minutes each through Washington Park. - Stops along the way to create art inspired by the natural surroundings. - All drawing materials (notepad and pens) provided by United Way. - A delicious lunch to fuel your creativity! This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, express your relationship with the land through art and build connections with other creatives. The event will be facilitated by KHEM, a lifelong artist who is passionate about creating space for BIPOC voices. Register today! Spots are limited. For more information & registration details, please email Laurin Bello at laurinb@unitedway-pdx.org

Last week we celebrated 10 years of parent engagement, advocacy and accountability in Multnomah County. Our Early Learning hub's Parent Accountability Council has been bringing parents to the decision making table and ensuring they have a voice for a decade now. This group of dedicated parents has evolved and grown over the years, but has kept a laser focus on making sure children in Multnomah County are provided with the best education. The PAC's focus on multiculturalism has brought representation and power to parents from a diverse background, ensuring that their kids and other kids who lack representation have their needs met. "I want to thank each and every one of these parents, they are always with me," said longtime PAC member Lydia Gray-Holifield. "I carry you in my heart and on my shoulders to make sure that you're always represented. We are now a preteen, and we started out as a seed. Here's to 10 more years!" Thank you for your decade of service and for improving the lives and education of all children in Multnomah County.

We are excited to announce that United Way of Columbia-Willamette and United Way of Central Oregon have completed a historic merger! This unification expands their reach and effectiveness in serving both regions’ individuals and families. The merger unites two established nonprofits that share a commitment to critical issues such as expanding youth opportunities, nurturing healthy communities, bolstering resilience in both communities and facilitating greater financial security. By combining resources, expertise and networks, the organizations aim for a more significant and sustainable impact. The combined entity will continue to operate and expand programs that reflect the unique needs of each community. Every dollar received will continue to be used as each donor intended. Donations made in Central Oregon will be kept local to empower people in Central Oregon, while donations made in the Columbia-Willamette service catchment will continue to uplift community members there. "United Ways globally improve lives by mobilizing communities,” said Kelly O'Lague, President and CEO of UWCW. "This merger reflects our unwavering dedication to a world where every person thrives. Together, we will drive transformative change and empower Oregonians in the Portland metro area and in Central Oregon. Diana Fischetti, UWCO Regional Executive Director added, "This merger is more than just organizational integration; it is a convergence of our shared values, aspirations and unwavering dedication to community well-being. Together, we embark on a journey fueled by the belief that united, our impact knows no bounds. As we combine our strengths and resources, we're not just building a stronger organization, we're forging a path towards a brighter future for our region."

Early Learning Washington County HUB, invita a los provedores del aprendizaje temprano y a padres lideres a un taller interactivo gratuito, tanto en inglés como en español, llamado Estándares Científicos de las Próximas Generaciones. Será una clase interesante que traerá actividades STEAM a la vida de nuestros niños pequeños. Los participantes en el cuidado infantil recibirán 6 horas de crédito ORO para la Educación Continua en las Categorías de Conocimiento Básico de LEC en el grupo de edad preescolar". Si está interesado, regístrese a través de Eventbrite. Eventbrite- https://lnkd.in/gtSrYt5A

United Way's Early Learning Washington County HUB invites early educators and parents to a free interactive workshop (in both English and Spanish) called Next Generations Science Standards. This engaging class helps educators learn how to best brings STEAM activities into our young children's lives. It helps early educators engage with and master difficult subjects to teach that are critical to our children's success in the modern era. Check out the link below if you are interested: https://lnkd.in/gAMgRY62 **Childcare participants will receive 6 hours of ORO credit towards the Continuing Education in the LEC Core Knowledge Categories in the preschool age group.

Last June, after having served as President and CEO of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette for less than a year, I was asked to expand my role and serve as President and CEO of United Way of Central Oregon, too. It's been quite an undertaking, but I'm happy to report that the two United Ways are fully and finally merged! The merger will strengthen both organizations, allowing us to expand impact in all of the communities in which we serve. In the Portland Metro Area we will continue to serve Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties in Oregon and Clark County in Washington and in central Oregon we will continue to serve Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Lands of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. United Ways around the world are committed to improving lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. And we share a powerful vision - a world where every person in every community is thriving. We are very fortunate to have a strong and supportive board, a passionate, talented staff and amazing partners and donors who generously support and drive our work forward as we strive to ensure that everyone has the support and resources they need to thrive! #UnitedinPurpose #LiveUnited #mergercomplete

We will be eternally indebted to Molly Day for the impact she has had on our organization and our community. She is a champion of children, a foundational energizer of Preschool for All in our state and a strong advocate for parent leadership in our schools. Thank you for the years of service and enjoy retirement!