Funding will support the work of a Support Specialist who will provide training, technical assistance, and triage, and will assist with resource connection for staff who are supporting students navigating homelessness in five rural school districts, including Creswell, South Lane, and Junction City School Districts.

Funding will support The People's Collective Black Business Center, which aims to nourish the economic equity of African American people in Lane County through the promotion of entrepreneurship and workforce development via delivery of support services to small businesses, children and families.

“Our mission is to create a healthy and connected local Black community.  The center is a cultural gathering space, resource hub, and training center for small Black businesses, professionals, families and youth.  The grant funding will help to support this space of belonging and uplift the local Black community with economic, health, cultural, and social opportunities.”

 - Talicia Brown, Director

Funding will support hands-on programming for high school youth to explore workforce and entrepreneurship in the food sector. Students will start with basic kitchen skills and can advance to creating a business plan and innovating new products.

Funding will help Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane feed 200 socially vulnerable, rural, hungry, low-income Florence school-aged youth nutritious hot meals, summer lunches, and healthy snacks through the Healthy Habits Nutrition Program. Additionally, youth will be provided with nutritional education, culinary skill building, and gardening practice in their on-site garden.

“The Boys & Girls Club of Western Lane County is so very grateful for the Healthy Habits Nutrition Program grant funding to support our local nutrition program. Every child that comes through the doors of our Clubs will now be receiving a warm meal. One of our highest priorities is to continue to combat childhood hunger by removing the barriers to access. It is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank United Way for their support. “

- Vanessa Buss, Executive Director

Operating support to provide emergency food and basic needs for families in south Lane County. Supportive services include rental assistance, energy payment assistance, a community garden, and a food pantry.

The Creswell Family Resource Center is a pillar in the south Lane Community, helping to build strong, healthy, and connected families through educational activities, parenting programs, and community partnerships. Funding will support the FRC's relocation to a centralized and equitable space where everyone feels welcome.

“Creswell Family Resource Center is renovating a modular next to Creslane Elementary School in order to remove barriers and expand programming in the next two years. We provide basic needs resources for families, parenting education, early learning activities, holiday gift programs, and so much more! Having this space will allow us to offer expanded programming and give families the ability to access clothing, food, diapers, a washer and dryer, and whatever else they may be needing. We look forward to having a permanent place in our community to serve all Creswell families!”

- Kathryn Dumas, FRC Coordinator

Daisy C.H.A.I.N.’s evidence-based programs and services ensure success and a healthy foundation for Lane County children and their parents, with focused outreach to individuals from historically marginalized communities. Funding will support culturally competent, individualized, free services for clients, including resource connection, developmentally appropriate child education, preschool enrichment, and basic needs.

Funding will support the NAACP Resource Hub, which offers weekly groceries, lightly used clothing for children and adults, recycled devices, a library, and health products such as COVID tests, HIV tests, feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, and baby diapers.

Funding will support increased outreach & intervention to families in rural South Lane County, connecting high risk populations to vital programs and services.

Operating support to provide free food for people navigating poverty in rural, western Lane County. Florence Food Share's shopping-style experience increases food security by allowing resident the dignity of food choice, and includes produce fresh directly from an on-site garden.

The Youth Nutrition Programs at FFLC provide food to children at school, and during the summer, when they are more vulnerable to food insecurity, at Summer Food sites throughout the county.

“With Community Support funds, FOOD For Lane County (FFLC) will provide nutritional support to kids throughout Lane County through food box pantries, meal sites, and through our Produce Plus, Cereal for Youth, Children’s Weekend Snack Pack, and summer programs. Each of these projects work to ensure Lane County kids get enough to eat, which ensures optimal growth, health, and development as FFLC is seeing a steep increase in demand for our services among clients of all ages. When comparing our numbers served at EFB pantries between July 2021 and February 2022 to our numbers served between July 2022 and February 2023, there was a 32% increase in the number of people coming to FFLC Emergency Food Box pantries for help.”

- Carrie Copeland, Education and Programs Director

Friends of the Children – Lane County serves youth facing the greatest obstacles by providing long-term relationships with professional Mentors (called Friends) who offer 1:1 support, every week, every month, every year for 12+ years, no matter what. Funding will support training and recruitment programs for Friends.

“It is a dogged, everyday unwillingness to accept inequities in our community that will ultimately interrupt cycles of disadvantage.   We’re so excited that United Way will help us formally expand our cycle-smashing support into Springfield, particularly at a time when we can help address the long-term impacts of COVID-interruptions on children in that community.”

- Matt Springer, Executive Director

Greatness Rediscovered In Our Time provides culturally relevant prevention and intervention, designed specifically for African American male-identified individuals who may encounter pathological experiences. Funding will support a network of partners working together to promote positive perceptions of African American male-identified individuals through mentorship programs and advocacy work.

This is a collaboration between LCC Foundation, Lane ESD/Lane AABSS program, NAACP, and LCC.

“Young Black men in America are the most despised, most stereotyped, most disregarded, most policed and most feared people in this country; more likely to be poor, more likely to be undereducated, more likely to be unemployed, more likely to be discriminated against, more likely to live without their fathers, more likely to suffer from mental health issues, more likely to be locked up in prisons, and more likely to be murdered than any others in America. Usual and easy responses to the plight of Black males in America always include historic indignation, protest and demands that raise public awareness—the stuff “moments” and not “movements” are made of. However, what is lacking is a comprehensive, well-conceived, sustained response, which requires massive community building efforts, direct-actions with and on behalf of young Black men and boys, and redirecting dollars from incarcerating Black men to educating and developing Black youth. G.R.I.O.T. (Greatness Rediscovered In Our Time) mentoring will provide that “missing link” that Black males need and deserve.

- Dr. Lawrence A. Rasheed, LCC’s African American/Black Student Program Coordinator/Faculty

Funding will support Culture Club, a safe, fun space to learn about culturally relevant curriculum to address and heal from social and emotional trauma and offer a space for Black, ethnic and multi-ethnic people to have a sense of belonging and connection.

Operating support to provide emergency food and basic needs for families in north Lane County. Funding will support programs and initiatives that center on fostering greater access, inclusivity and autonomy over food choices.

“Junction City Local Aid helps our neighbors in need with supplemental food supplies, utility assistance, over-the-counter medications, free clothing and bus passes. Over one-quarter of our surrounding community relies on our services in some way. United Way is absolutely critical to our operation and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have such an outstanding partner. “

-Eric Dye, Board President

Continuing their work from the 2021-2022 Community Change Coalition grant, the Lane County Violence Prevention Coalition (VPC) will work to build and implement a countywide primary violence prevention system. As it stands today, no such system exists, and services largely serve after-the-trauma needs. These services are vital, but are not designed to change the structural conditions that allow violence and trauma to occur and persist. Funding for this coalition will support a strategic, locally developed and implemented plan to change violence affirming norms, that will complement and align with downstream interventions and has high promise by drawing on evidence-based prevention strategies and community engagement for local transformation. The Lane County VPC has a broad trauma-informed focus, integrating community efforts around domestic violence, child abuse prevention, sexual assault response, and identity-based violence.

This is a collaboration between Hope and Safety Alliance, 90by30 Initiative, Kids FIRST, Sexual Assault Support Services, and Siuslaw Outreach Services.

“The Violence Prevention Coalition, established in 2022, addresses root causes of violence and promotes healthy norms to create a healthier and safer community for all people in Lane County. By integrating community efforts around domestic violence, child abuse prevention, sexual assault response, and identity-based violence, the Violence Prevention Coalition is developing an aligned and well-coordinated county-wide system to a) prevent abuse and violence, b) respond effectively when trauma and injustice have occurred, and c) work at the intersection of multiple forms of trauma. “Violence prevention is possible and requires everyone in our communities to make it a reality.” (Oregon Sexual Assault Task Force)”

  - Toni Ryan, Grant Manager

Operating support to provide healthy food to rural Mapleton / Upriver area residents experiencing hunger.

Funding will support a suite of school and agency-based mental and behavioral health services benefiting adolescent girls, with a focus on DEI outreach, professional development, education and training.

“Recent studies tell us that support for mental health in teens – especially in girls, youth of color, and youth in the LGBTQIA+ community – is needed more than ever. This grant from the United Way of Lane County will help Ophelia’s Place facilitate a suite of mental health services to youth, with a focus on connecting with and serving girl-identified youth who face inequities due to their perceived racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, sexual, and gender identities. Therapy, empowerment groups, after-school workshops, and professional development for youth-serving providers will all help girls navigate past the many societal barriers in their way of receiving equitable access to social and emotional support. Empowered girls change the world – this grant will help them do just that.”

- Laura Sanchez, Executive Director

Through this program, families in rural Lane County will receive two home visits from birth center staff after giving birth to assess the health of parent and baby, problem solve baby feeding issues, bring a food box, and provide emotional support to new families during this major life transition.

Parenting Now provides an array of classes, support groups, and programs for parents of young children. This funding will support a "Make Parenting A Pleasure" group specifically for parents who have lost custody of their children due to child abuse, drug abuse or other issues ("DHS-involved" group).

The Little Jellies program is a supportive space for caregivers with high risk children ages 6 weeks to 24 months to navigate through the uncharted challenges of parenting with expert trauma-informed guidance. The funding for this program will provide essential support to a unique population.

Operating support to support programming intended to prevent the cycle of child abuse and neglect by early intervention that focuses on building successful and resilient children, strengthening parents, and preserving families.

“Relief Nursery is grateful to be the recipient of a Community Support Award from United Way of Lane County. This grant will help fund our Therapeutic Early Childhood Program (TECP), which focuses on whole-family, early intervention support and includes early childhood classrooms, parenting education, home visiting, development assessments, special education and mental health services. The families we serve face a number of risk factors that can lead to child abuse or neglect; by providing individualized support through the TECP, Relief Nursery helps children develop critical social and emotional skills before kindergarten, while also working directly with parents to build parenting skills and confidence. As a result of the services provided, children are safer and families are more resilient.”

- Amy Beauchamp, Development and Volunteer Director

Continuing their work from the 2021-2022 Community Change Coalition grant, this coalition hopes to identify solutions for increasing families’ access to food in schools, one of the best places to serve families. In the next phase of their work, they aim to uncover and address the beliefs and conditions impacting access to food by collaborating with four high-needs schools to design and implement food assistance programming that will increase food security. Additionally, funds will be used to develop educational curricula that addresses the barrier of stigma uncovered during research conducted over the last year.

This is a collaboration between FOOD For Lane County, 15th Night, and The Arc of Lane County.

“Through the 2023 Transformation Grant, United Way is continuing to fund a coalition of partners including FFLC, The Arc of Lane County and The 15th Night to work with Lane County school and districts to find ways to increase access to food for families and youth with the goal to partner with schools to create sustainable programs that support academic and family success, unique to each school’s needs and capacity. Each of these projects work to ensure Lane County kids get enough to eat, which ensures optimal growth, health, and development as FFLC is seeing a steep increase in demand for our services among clients of all ages.”

- Carrie Copeland, Education and Programs Director

Funding will support partnerships with area schools to help empower young readers. SMART train volunteers to read with students weekly, pairing student and volunteer for extended periods of time to build trust and relationships. Additionally, funding will help provide new books for students to select and keep to build their personal libraries.

“Reading is the gateway to learning and opportunity for Lane County kids. SMART Reading helps them become strong, confident readers by providing them with books and volunteer reading support. SMART is grateful for this grant from United Way of Lane County which will help us continue to get kids excited about books and reading! We're also looking forward to participating in Days of Caring again this year. Thanks UW for all you do in our community!”

- Laurie McNichols, Area Director - Benton, Lane and Linn Counties

Funding will support EMDR therapy training for our youth clinicians to assist rural youth. EMDR has been shown to help negative thoughts transition into healthier beliefs by focusing on the present, supporting the increased ability to succeed in school.

Tip Tap Grow is a Black-owned performing arts preschool that offers culturally responsive care for children ages 3-5 years old. Funding will help to increase capacity and beginning the process of becoming a certified childcare center.

Operating support for the Oakridge Food Box program, who serves families and individuals who meet the USDA qualifications for regular supplemental and emergency food boxes in rural Oakridge.

“United Way funding will help the Oakridge Food Box provide supplemental food supplies and fresh produce to approximately 600 households in the Oakridge and Westfir area.  Our rural area has been identified as a food desert and approximately 70 percent of our population is food insecure.  UWLC funding allows us to continue to provide our clients healthy and nutritious food. Thank you!"

- Bev McCulley, Director

The Upriver Siuslaw Vision Team promotes community development through support of locally-owned solutions addressing community-identified goals. Funding enables them to engage Mapleton students as the next generation of community builders: through this project, students will design, implement, and sustain a native plant nursery alongside a food production garden, pairing restoration and experiential education in this student-led initiative.

This is a collaboration between Mapleton School District, Siuslaw Watershed Council, and Siuslaw Vision.

Funds expansion of this new, culturally specific organization helping Black students succeed without giving up their cultural identity. Fiscal Sponsor: H.O.N.E.Y. Inc.

“I want to thank United Way, because I had a vision. And they didn’t just believe in my vision, but they supported that vision with funds. And this is how I was able to really get BLACKS off the ground. I originally applied with a fiscal sponsor, and after I received the grant, now I have a 501c3... so I’m very thankful to United Way for that opportunity.” - Dr. Brenda Joyce Sanders, founder, BLACKS

Funds Indigenous mentors providing cultural mentorship, support, and training to Indigenous burn crew carrying out prescribed and cultural fire practices 

Provides free translation/interpretation services, advocacy for equity in education, and more for Spanish-speaking communities. Fiscal Sponsor: Community Alliance of Lane County

Funds film projects providing legal support for potential victims of human/civil rights violations and education about the Declaration of Human Rights focused on youth and the education system 

Supports leaders of color coordinating delivery of food/care essentials to folks in need, particularly elders, folks with disabilities, and veterans, with respect to dietary, cultural, and other special needs 

Expands the Arts & Culture Roundtables to better serve underrepresented cultural producers and artists of color and provide space for artists and cultural leaders to engage in solutions-oriented discussions

fills unmet wellness needs and service gaps for BIPOC families and provides spaces for leaders of color to coordinate services. Fiscal Sponsor: Xcape Dance Company

Expands translation and interpretation services to meet additional language needs of refugee and immigrant communities 

Supports culturally-specific equestrian programs to reduce barriers to horse sports for historically excluded riders 

Provides scholarships for kids ages 2 and up to participate in performing arts, including almost 50 movement classes weekly with roots based in African Diaspora