Community Action Newsletter |  January 2016

Community Action
A Message from the
Executive Director, Renée Bruce

The start of a New Year is a great time to think about the exciting work we have ahead of us here at Community Action.  As the new Executive Director my top priority has been to ensure a smooth transition.  I'm working with the board, staff, funders, donors and community members to maintain the many positive relationships Community Action has in Washington County.  I'm also thrilled to be leading the board and staff as we complete our current strategic plan, and begin to develop our new strategic plan.  We are continuously working to be an agency of excellence, and the next strategic plan will chart the path for us to achieve that goal.
Looking forward, I'm excited about our ability to grow the level of service and programs we offer to better support families-in-need across Washington County.  One of the ways we are supporting this work is through the creation of the Jerralynn Ness Endowment.  This endowment honors the remarkable legacy and transformational leadership of our former Executive Director, and bolsters the long-term financial strength of Community Action creating an annual stream of revenue that allows us to be responsive to the changing needs of our community.  If you would like to join me in making an investment in the people of Washington County, please consider making a gift to the Jerralynn Ness Endowment.  Please visit our website to learn more about Jerralynn, her legacy, and how you can create opportunities for people and communities to thrive.

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Healthy Families - A Story of Hope
Opening Doors, part of Community Action's Healthy Families program, is a free resource that connects low-income pregnant women with services to help them have healthy babies. This program is now the feature of a heart-felt story in the Hillsboro Tribune about Rosa who grew up in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States with her daughter Emily five years ago. Once in the states, she and her husband Emilio had two more daughters and because of Opening Doors, they are a stronger, healthier and resilient family. Please read this touching success story here: 
 
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Project Homeless Connect

One day.  One stop.  One goal.  On Friday, January 29, Community Action will be participating in Project Homeless Connect alongside many of our community partners to connect homeless with critical services and resources in a single day.  The event will be held at Sonrise Church, 6701 NE Campus Way, Hillsboro, OR, 97124.  Volunteers and donations are still needed.  To learn how you can help click the button below:

 
Next Financial Ed Class - In February

Making Ends Meet - is the next financial education class aimed at giving families information and skills to make sound decisions about savings, debt, budgeting, and more. The next class starts on Thursday, February 25, from 6pm-8pm.  In the class you will learn about making informed decisions about competing financial priorities and how to address financial short falls using good crisis management tools.

Classes are FREE and child care for children ages 2-6 years old will be provided at no cost. Participants must register one week in advance to guarantee child care and translation services.  You must pre-register by phone or email. Please call in advance if you require a translator. To register contact: (503) 517-3198 or ida@caowash.org Classes will be held at: Community Action offices located at 1001 SW Baseline Street, Hillsboro, OR.

Portland General Electric (PGE) Customers - An Important Note

Community Action's Energy Conservation program is currently seeking applicants who use electricity as their primary heat source and are Portland General Electric (PGE) customers. If you, your family or friends heat a home with PGE electricity, and would like your home to be more energy efficient, safe and comfortable, please contact us:   Call 503-906-6550 or
Email weatherization@caowash.org
Click below for more information and income eligibility:


The Community Spirit Gala -  Save the Date!

Join us for a festive celebration as we raise funds to empower families in Washington County find hope, help and change. Support our ongoing commitment to eliminate conditions of poverty and create opportunities for people and communities to thrive.  At the Community Spirit Gala you will enjoy dinner, dancing, a lively auction  and much more!  Mark your calendars now and  save the date or reserve your tickets now.

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