News

We’re announcing our historic merger with United Way of the Columbia-Willamette to strengthen community impact!

July 9, 2024

In a landmark move to amplify our shared mission, we have announced our official merger with United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, a unification expands our reach and effectiveness in serving individuals and families in both regions! The merger unites our two established nonprofits under one shared commitment to critical issues such as expanding youth opportunities, […]

Our Administration of the Award of $166,179 will Strengthen Emergency Services in Deschutes County

June 13, 2024

United Way of Central Oregon (UWCO) proudly announces the administration of $166,179 in grants aimed to enhance emergency food, shelter, and clothing services across Deschutes County. This substantial investment will support the most vulnerable members of our community, addressing critical needs and fostering resilience among those facing hardship. This year, $78,400 of the funds were […]

Despite Bigger Paychecks, Struggling Households in Oregon Continue to Increase

June 11, 2024

New ALICE Update shows wage growth was no match for inflation after a decade of falling behind. Though wages for the lowest paid jobs have risen across the country at the fastest rate in four decades, the number of households struggling to get by in Oregon grew by more than 19,000 from 2021 to 2022. […]

March 21, 2023

funds will assist local nonprofits in providing emergency food and shelter United Way in Central Oregon (UWCO) announces $162,000 in grants to seventeen nonprofits providing critical emergency food and shelter services in Deschutes County. These grants are created from funds delegated to the UWCO from Deschutes County’s Video Lottery Fund and the Federal Emergency Management […]

October 13, 2022

Regional Grants Will Help Community Members Thrive United Way of Central Oregon (UWCO) announces $225,000 in Community Impact investments to twenty-two nonprofits serving Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Each year, UWCO makes investments in a network of non-profit partners working to advance a set of shared priorities. This […]

United Way Central Oregon Executive Director Ken Wilhelm retires

July 8, 2022

United Way Central Oregon Executive Director Ken Wilhelm retires Whitney Swander accepts interim leadership role to guide transition United Way Central Oregon’s Executive Director, Ken Wilhelm, is retiring after 34 years of service to the Region. Whitney Swander, who will serve as interim executive director, will lead the organization’s transition with a focus on reinventing […]

March 10, 2022

To our community: The scale of civilian casualties in Ukraine is alarming and heartbreaking. In moments like these that the mission of United Way is most urgently needed. United Way has established the United for Ukraine Fund to support the vital work on the ground to help more than a million people who […]

February 3, 2022

At United Way of Central Oregon, we know that bringing together diverse individuals and viewpoints creates opportunities for a better life for all and we are committed to using our position to affect systemic, community-wide change in the areas of implicit and systemic racism. We believe that Black History should be celebrated all year but […]

February 1, 2022

Happy Lunar New Year to all that celebrate this date which is intended to usher in a year of good fortune and prosperity. Approximately 2 billion people across the world celebrate this holiday. Lunar New Year is sometime referred to as Chinese New Year because it’s origins are in China, influenced by the Chinese lunisolar […]

COCC Season of Nonviolence – The Green Path Ahead: Indigenous Teachings for the Next Economy

The Green Path Ahead: Indigenous Teachings for the Next Economy Winona LaDuke – Native American Economist, Environmentalist, Writer, and Executive Director of Honor the Earth Tuesday, February 1, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. PST – Virtual Presentation FREE and OPEN to the public. Register here. Live captioning will be available. One registration per viewing device please. Winona LaDuke is a global leader and […]