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Building A Stronger Community



1,832 seniors supported to remain in their homes. 2,105 children participated in early care and education. 1,049 parents attended workshops and classes. 975 adults with disabilities received support services. 69,320 calls made to 211-Info.

These are only a few of the results highlighted by Brent Stewart Sr., CEO and President of the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette (pictured above), at the annual United Way Community Partners Breakfast, held Sept. 20 at the Oregon Convention Center.

“The approach we are using works,” he said. “We have applied best practices from nationally recognized programs around the country. Our grant funding model requires collaboration among service providers and a commitment to results and accountability.”

In 2006 the United Way campaign raised $17.4 million dollars. 84% of those funds were invested in various programs in the Portland-Vancouver metro area.

“We funded 72 programs that involved 52 agencies and more than 100 collaborating partners. Most importantly, we helped change the lives of more than 100,000 children, individuals, and families,” said Stewart, addressing an audience of more than 600 donors, volunteers, community members and friends of the United Way.

When Stewart took the reins of the local United Way in 2004, he immediately began working alongside volunteers, community and business leaders, and staff in creating an organization that does much more than raise funds. “Our mission of helping people, changing lives, and making every contribution count remains the same but with much more focus and accountability to you, our partners and supporters,” he said.

“Your United Way continued to hold the line on overhead and were recognized by Charity Navigator, a national charity watchdog, with their top four-star rating for exceeding industry standards.”

Stewart emphasized the importance of accountability and measurable results to funded programs. “We are making investment decisions in a new way that is built on solid research about community needs,” he said. For more info, visit the United Way of the Columbia-Willamette website.

Photo by Maileen Hamto

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