News

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OREGON INVESTS $162,0000 TO BOLSTER SHELTER CAPACITY AND FOOD SECURITY IN DESCHUTES COUNTY

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 […]

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UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OREGON AWARDS $225,000 TO LOCAL & REGIONAL NONPROFITS 

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 […]

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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 […]

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United for Ukraine

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 […]

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Black History Month

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 […]

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Happy Lunar New Year

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 […]

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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 […]

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Bend Chamber’s 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Ken Wilhelm

January 27, 2022

BY CBN ON JANUARY 27, 2022 The Bend Chamber has announced the Lifetime Achievement Award recipient of the 2022 Business Excellence Awards, sponsored by U.S. Bank and The Bulletin. The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates the accomplishments of an individual who has had a substantial impact on our local industries and community. The recipient displays a profound level of leadership that has […]

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Executive Director, Ken Wilhelm, sets retirement date after 30+ years of service

December 9, 2021

United Way of Central Oregon Executive Director, Ken Wilhelm sets retirement date after 30+ years of service Bend, OR– December 9, 2021–After 37 years of service for the United Way, with the last 33 as the Executive Director for the United Way of Central Oregon, Ken Wilhelm, has announced his retirement date of July 15, […]

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We just elected two members to our Board of Directors.

October 13, 2021

One of them is returning to serve a third term!  We recently elected two members to its Board of Directors. Eli Ashley is returning to serve a third term after a hiatus required by our bylaws, which allow only two consecutive terms. Anthony Georger is new to our Board. Eli Ashley, Community Volunteer, was born […]

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