United Way of the Columbia Gorge

Success Story

Skamania County Pool

skamania_pool

"Without the pool, so many people wouldn't exercise. We offer exercise classes, public swim, swim team, and swimming lessons. Because we live in such a water-based community, we really rely on the swim lessons to save lives. Every public school child in this County takes swimming lessons. And United Way funds help keep this essential resource open for the entire community!"

Laila Goldring, Pool Manager

together
we can work wonders

Your financial contribution to United Way does so much more than just help one person or one charity. Rather, you are part of a large team of committed, behind the scenes, local volunteers working as catalysts for community change. Thanks to many generous contributions, United Way of the Columbia Gorge allocated $185,241 to the following local programs:

Partner Agencies - basic human needs

American Red Cross, Columbia Gorge Chapter: Mission: The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers, provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. http://community.gorge.net/redcross

FISH Food Bank : Mission: In cooperation with faith groups, businesses, and community members, FISH Food Bank helps alleviate hunger by distributing food regularly and on an emergency basis to any and all who are hungry.

Community Meals: Meals for those in need.

Pioneer Potlatch : Mission: Volunteers dedicated to improving the lives of seniors by providing hot and nutritious meals and camaraderie in a congregate setting.

Meals on Wheels of The Dalles : Mission: Our purpose is to provide good tasting nutritious meals at both the congregate site and home delivery. http://www.klickitatcounty.org/senior

WGAP Food Banks: Provides food on an as-need basis.

Partner Agencies - protection and well being

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“From what I know, I was pretty young when I was adopted. There’s a lot of things that CASA helped me with. If I wasn’t here right now my life would be pretty bad.”

Mathew
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Columbia Gorge CASA : Mission: To provide a trained volunteer advocate to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children who are involved in the juvenile courts.
http://www.columbiagorgecasa.com/

Freedom House : Mission: To mentor and assist women – formerly incarcerated at NORCOR – and their children in becoming self-sufficient and contributing members in their families and communities by providing safe sanctuary, connecting them with local jobs, and assisting them in advocating for community services.
http://tdfh.org/

Haven from Domestic Violence : Mission: To provide services to victims of family violence and sexual assault and promote the value of living life free from abuse and violence.

Helping Hands Against Violence : Mission: Serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking through direct care and by focusing attention on these issues through education and outreach.
http://community.gorge.net/helpinghands/

WGAP Programs for Peaceful Living : Mission: To promote peace in homes and alleviate abuse through education, public awareness and by creating an environment that will empower victims to end the cycle of violence and abuse.
http://www.wgap.ws/Peacful_Living.php

Partner Agencies - quality of life

Hospice of the Gorge: Offers certified hospice care to patients and families facing life threatening illness. Provides professional nursing, support services, bereavement counseling, equipment, and medications.
http://www.hospiceofthegorge.org/

Columbia Gorge Center : Mission: To assist people with disabilities or other barriers so they may achieve control of their lives, attain competence in community living and employment, and participate in satisfying lifestyles.

Mid-Columbia Medical Center/Visiting Health Services: Serves residents of Klickitat County needing assistance with home health services.
http://www.mcmc.net/services/medical/visiting.aspx?submenu=1

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“I had to have radiation. I didn’t have the money to go back and forth from Yakima to Goldendale for the treatment. The (Klickitat County) Volunteer Chore Service took care of that. So, the money you donate to United Way really helps a lot of people.”

Shirley
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Volunteer Chore Services : Mission: Enable vulnerable low-income elders and adults with disabilities to continue living independently, safely and with dignity in the comfort of their own homes.

Providence Community Caregivers : Mission: To unite individuals, service organizations, community agencies, and the interfaith community in helping with the long term healthcare needs of those with developmental, mental, or physical disabilities, and those who are older adults.
http://www.providence.org/hoodriver

Skamania County Senior Services: Provides congregate and home-delivered meals, in-home personal care, transportation and case management. http://www.skamaniacounty.org/senior_services.htm

Klickitat County Senior Services : Mission: To facilitate active and independent living for Senior Citizens offering services and activities that help Senior Citizens and other population groups with similar needs, achieve the highest level of functioning and independence of which they are capable.
http://www.klickitatcounty.org/Senior/

Klickitat Valley Health Services and Hospice : Mission: To fulfill the end of life needs of adolescent and adult residents in Klickitat County.
http://www.kvhealth.net/home_health.html

Partner Agencies - youth and families

Big Brothers/Big Sisters: Mission: To help youth reach their potential through professionally supported, one to one relationships with measurable impact.
http://www.nextdoorinc.org/bbbs.htm

Youth & Family Services : Mission: To prepare foster children, forced out of their proctor homes because of age, for independent living through education and one to one counseling.
http://www.nextdoorinc.org/programs_yfs.html
First Book : Mission: To give children from low income families the opportunity to read and own their first books.

SMART : Mission/Vision: To link children and books through volunteers. To transform our children's future through reading.
http://www.getsmartoregon.org/contactus.html

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“People are very generous, and people are looking for ways to help their community. They know the money they donate to United Way is going to help their own community.”

Patrick Rawson,
Volunteer Coordinator,
St. Francis House (Odell)
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St. Francis House of Odell : Mission: Support under-served youth from Odell and surrounding areas with after-school and weekend programs which engage, educate and encourage positive development.

Free Toy Store: Provides toys for families who are financially challenged during holidays. Also supplies back-to-school supplies in the Fall.

Soul Café : Mission: To create a place in Hood River County where people of all ages can gather and be present with openness and freedom, learning from and with one another.
http://www.soulcafe.org/

WGAP Community Youth Center : Mission: To alleviate abuse and violence by providing a safe and positive place where youth can express themselves, become more educated, aware, and empowered.
http://www.wgap.ws/Youth_Services.php