Neighborhood Nonprofit Spotlight: United Way of Columbia County

Patch talks to United Way of Columbia County about the work it's doing in the Oregon community.

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Patch: Tell Patch a little bit about your organization!

United Way of Columbia County: Local United Way serving the residents and communities of Columbia County, Oregon since 1964. United Way fights to improve the health, education and financial stability of every person. We provide unrestricted funds to programs/agencies that provide services to the residents of Columbia County. Information and Referral, Community collaboration and coordination of programs and resources. Distribution of donated goods to the not for profits of Columbia County.

Patch: How does your organization help to strengthen the local community?

United Way of Columbia County: Donations received by United Way of Columbia County help support agencies/programs that provided services in Columbia County. All funds raised help provide local services for the residents of Columbia County.

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Patch: What is the biggest struggle your organization faces?

United Way of Columbia County: Educating individuals of the importance of giving back to the community where they live when they work outside of this community and participate in an employee giving program. If donors do not direct their donations back to United Way of Columbia County they in most cases stay in the community where that person works.

Then when there is a need to access a service where they live there may be no funds to help support that service. Every United Way is autonomous and serves specific zip code areas. United Way of Columbia County must raise funds within their geographical boundaries and uses these donations to help provide services for the residents of Columbia County. If we do not raise money locally we have no money to support these services.

United Way dollars can be spent to provide or enhance services that other funding sources do not allow. Donations to United Way are like the oil that keeps an engine running. United Way dollars can help leverage up to $5.00 for every $1.00.

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Patch: What do you hope for the future of your nonprofit?

United Way of Columbia County: Increased community awareness of the many things United Way provides for the community. Increased participation through donations and volunteer support of this organization.