(PRLEAP.COM) Portland, Oregon — 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, at the annual 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.

In his keynote speech, veteran actor and philanthropist Lou Gossett Jr. shared his esteem for the work of the United Way. “The key to success in anything is longevity: your United Way has been in this area for over 80 years. What the United Way does is so important. Because when you think of the United Way, it means all of us getting together to do something successful,” he said.

“Today, in this shrinking world, you’re either part of the solution or part of the problem. In your community, the United Way is the solution.”
Alan Johnson, this year’s chairman of the United Way Campaign Cabinet, kicked off the annual fall workplace campaign.

Johnson, a regional president at Wells Fargo, has been giving to United Way for more than 30 years. He commended the dedication of volunteers, board members and staff, and shared his perspective about why he chooses to give to United Way.

“Coming from the financial services industry, I see the United Way as the expert in managing my philanthropic portfolio. Our United Way has the expertise and knowledge about community issues. I have absolute confidence in the leadership and direction of our United Way to leverage contributions where they are needed most,” he said.

Also during the event, exemplary United Way partners and volunteers were honored for their commitment to improving communities and changing lives. Congratulations to winners of the 2007 Spirit of the Columbia-Willamette award:
- Volunteer of the Year: David Lippoff, Vice President, Edelman
- Community Partner of the Year: Coalition of Community Health Clinics
- Corporate Partner of the Year: Nordstrom

Read more about the Spirit of the Columbia-Willamette Award winners.

http://www.unitedway-pdx.org/documents/PR-2007-Spirit-Awards1.pdf

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette invests donor contributions in health and human services in Clark, Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties. Volunteers and community experts identify critical issues and make investment decisions that are targeted at the region’s most serious challenges. Through a commitment to collaboration, partnership and measured results, United Way improves people’s lives and creates long-term change in the community.
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