COCC Students Plan “Castle of Cans” to benefit NeighborImpact

On Friday December 2nd between 5:30pm and 8:00pm students of a COCC event planning class will be hosting a charity event called “Castle of Cans” at The Tower Theatre. Their goal is to create a work of art-in-progress; a castle, made of donated canned food, which will be displayed in the foyer of the Tower Theatre. Donations of canned food items have already come in from generous businesses and several participating Bend schools. All proceeds will be donated to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. This event coincides with First Friday Gallery Walk and the free Tower Theatre Holiday Movie extravaganza. Light refreshments will be offered to the participating patrons courtesy of COCC and the new Cascade Culinary Institute. The students also hope to involve the public on the night of the event, as they showcase their masterpiece, by giving the community the opportunity to help them finish the “Castle of Cans.” During the course of the evening people can bring a can or two and add to the structure. Monetary donations will also be welcome during the event. The students have high hopes of what their event will represent: lending a helping hand to the community as they enjoy an opportunity to learn and grow in the process. With 17,000 people accessing emergency food throughout Central Oregon each month, food drives and raising awareness of hunger issues are important to the NeighborImpact Food Bank’s success in meeting the rising need. For more information on the “Castle of Cans” event visit http://castleofcans.org or contact Sandy Klein at sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

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FootZone’s Sixth Annual “I Like Pie” Run/Walk Supports NeighborImpact

FootZone is again hosting the 6th Annual I LIKE PIE run/walk and pie baking contest on Thanksgiving morning November 24th, at 9 am. Last year 675 participants brought 80 pies, raised $3,662 and donated 2,500 lbs. of food to NeighborImpact. This year’s event will be held at the Riverfront Plaza in downtown Bend (Brooks Street behind FootZone). The recommended cost to enter the event is a $5 donation (cash or check) and 5 cans of food for NeighborImpact. A NeighborImpact Food Recovery Truck will be on site to collect donations. Event T-shirts may be purchased for an additional amount. Don’t forget to bring along a pie to help feed the masses as well! If you choose to, your pie can be entered into the pie baking contest. Prizes will be awarded for the top 3 pies in both the “traditional” and “open” pie category. The Bend High Culinary Program is running the Pie Contest again this year with the help of local celebrity judges. This year’s untimed event will follow a course along the 1st Street River Trail starting and finishing behind FootZone. The turnaround for 2K, 5K and 10K will be marked. The 10 mile turnaround is the green gate at the end of the trail. For more information or to register in person call FootZone at 541-317-3568, visit their store, located at 845 NW Wall St, Bend, Ore. 97701 or use an online form located at http://www.footzonebend.com/events/show/i-like-pie. Volunteers are also need to help with the event. If interested in volunteering please email your name and phone number to teague@footzonebend.com.

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Stuff a Mt. Bachelor Bus with Food for the Hungry!

PremierWest Bank, Newport Ave. Market, and Mt. Bachelor present the 4th Annual Stuff the Bus food drive for NeighborImpact, October 31st through November 11th. Two Mt. Bachelor Buses will be parked at locations throughout Central Oregon for two weeks between 9 am and 4 pm collecting nonperishable food donations for NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. The buses will be “unstuffed” on Tuesday November 15th at the NeighborImpact Redmond Food Bank Warehouse. Locations include PremierWest Bank in Bend and Redmond, Newport Ave. Market in Bend, Pilot Butte Drive In, Smolich Motors, Miller Ford Madras and more. Last year both buses were stuffed with food and this year the goal is to stuff four buses. The food collected during Stuff the Bus will go to over 40 pantries and meal sites throughout the entire Central Oregon area, including Madras, LaPine, Prineville and Sisters. “We’ve seen a 30% decrease in USDA commodities, and with 17,000 people needing emergency food each month, local efforts such as Stuff the Bus are critical in helping NeighborImpact’s ability to keep families from going hungry in our community” says Sandy Klein, Food Resource Specialist for NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. For a complete listing of locations for the Mt. Bachelor buses or to volunteer on a bus to help accept donations, please contact Sandy Klein sandyk@neighborimpact.org 541-548- 2380 x 148. You can also go to www.combinedcommunications.com and click on any of the radio station links.

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NeighborImpact to Host 10th Annual Empty Bowls Community Event

NeighborImpact will host their Tenth Annual Empty Bowls Community Event this year on Sunday, November 13, 2011 at Central Oregon Community College’s Campus Center located at 2600 College Way in Bend. This annual fundraiser is a nationally recognized event designed to raise awareness about hunger issues. “Every year we look forward to Empty Bowls,” notes Kalisha Fleishmann Event Coordinator for NeighborImpact. “This year is special since we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of this event.” Attendees may choose from over 850 hand crafted bowls created by local potters that donated their time and talents for the event. Bowls are then filled with delicious gourmet soup provided by Chef Julian Darwin of the Cascade Culinary Institute. During the meal attendees will also enjoy locally crafted bread, desserts and music from area musicians. “We have enjoyed tremendous community support for Empty Bowls since its inception ten years ago,” remarks Sharon Miller, Executive Director of NeighborImpact. “While this fundraiser supports NeighborImpact’s programs, we are also fortunate to partner with local artisans and professionals, who make this event outstanding and unique.” Two seatings will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Tickets are $18 (not including service charges) if purchased in advance at http://emptybowls.eventbrite.com. If still available, tickets may be purchased at the door for $20. Please contact Kalisha Fleischmann, Event Coordinator, for more information.

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Sponsorship opportunities available for Empty Bowls 10th Anniversary Event

We hope you will join us as one of our Tenth Anniversary Empty Bowls sponsors. Your sponsorship supports our capacity to help over 39,000 Central Oregonians each year. This year, marks the tenth anniversary of Empty Bowls – NeighborImpact’s signature annual fund raising event. The event is scheduled for November 12, 2011, and once again we are partnering with COCC and the Culinary Institute. The COCC Campus Center venue lets us accommodate up to 1000 guests. Empty Bowls is one of the region’s most loved and anticipated community events that is affordable to so many people. Young and old gather for a bowl of soup, music and a sense of community. News of the event is widely covered by our local media. Contact: Sharon Miller, Executive Director, 541-2380, Ext. 102 or sharonm@neighborimpact.org.

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NeighborImpact’s Head Start Program Hosts Boomers and Babies Open House

NeighborImpact is hosting an informational session on October 28, 2011 to introduce the Boomers and Babies project to community volunteers, fellow nonprofits and local media outlets. Two open houses (12:00pm and 6:00 pm) will be held in the John McKim Head Start Center located on the NeighborImpact Redmond Campus at 2303 SW First Street in Redmond, Or. “This is a great opportunity to bring highly motivated and knowledgeable volunteers into our classrooms” states Betty Shuler, Early Care and Education Director for NeighborImpact. “This is a natural fit for our Head Start program that will enrich our students’ learning environment.” NeighborImpact received grants from the Oregon Community Foundation and the Portland General Electric Foundation to link Baby Boomer generation volunteers with children in local Head Start programs. Volunteers will work with children to support school readiness in reading, math and other subjects while providing the emotional support necessary to enable children to flourish in a classroom environment. “Our Head Start program will continue to thrive as more Baby Boomer Generation Volunteers engage in the lives of these young children,” states Chris Quaka, Volunteer and Communication Administrator for NeighborImpact. “These grants will provide NeighborImpact the opportunity to diversify our volunteer program in Head Start and through out the agency.” Additional classroom volunteers will give Head Start staff the ability to facilitate additional small group learning, create a lower adult to child classroom ratio and introduce young children to nurturing adults. NeighborImpact’s Head Start staff is excited to partner with Boomer Volunteers and take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

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NeighborImpact Celebrates Weatherization Day on October 30th

October 25, 2011 Redmond, OR - As Weatherization Day approaches the NeighborImpact Weatherization Program announced it has weatherized more than 140 homes this year alone. “This program has helped families in Crook, Jefferson, and Deschutes Counties conserve energy and reduce their costs for heating, cooling, and electricity usage,” said Executive Director Sharon Miller. "The money saved by reducing their energy bills can now be used by these families to pay for clothing, food, and other essentials in their daily lives.”

With support from the US Department of Energy, more than 6.7 million homes have been weatherized across the nation since 1976. Below are some statistics supporting the benefits of home weatherization practices;
• For every $1 invested, weatherization returns $2.51 to the household and society,
• $437 or more in annual utility bill savings year after year at current energy prices,
• Weatherization decreases national energy consumption by the equivalent of 24.1 million barrels of oil annually,
• Reduces residential and power plant emissions of carbon dioxide by 2.65 metric ton per year per home,
• Over the life of the corrective measures, saves 53 metric tons of CO2 emissions per house.

Each year, October is designated as National Energy Awareness Month and October 30 is recognized as Weatherization Day. The Department of Energy uses the onset of winter to promote energy conservation, renewable energy, and new technology use in the energy industry.

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NeighborImpact to Celebrate National Energy Awareness Month in October

NeighborImpact’s weatherization program assists Central Oregonians by providing services that lower energy bills and create opportunities for residents to manage their expenses wisely. Staff focuses on working with residents to make them more comfortable in their homes and more comfortable with their finances. “As Energy Awareness Month approaches, we wanted to let everyone know the opportunities they have to save money by using energy efficiently in their homes,” states Matthew Martin, NeighborImpact Energy Specialist. “We provide free workshops to educate consumers on the simple steps they could take to save dollars right now.” The NeighborImpact Weatherization Program provides free, grant funded weatherization services including energy education workshops, energy conserving home improvements such as adding to inadequate insulation, and replacement of inefficient appliances. Grant funded home improvements require an application, income qualification and homeowner approval. The energy education workshop is conducted at regularly scheduled times throughout Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and is also available to interested community groups upon request. “This program directly relates to NeighborImpact’s mission of empowering individuals and families to succeed by giving them the tools to manage resources intelligently,” said Martin. “ As National Weatherization Day Approaches on October 30th, we want the public to know we are here to support their needs.” Energy Awareness Month, created in 1991 by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), promotes energy awareness and energy savings. Increasingly, corporations, institutions, and governmental agencies are participating by launching their own internal programs. For more information on the weatherization program and energy education workshops please go to www.neighborimpact.org/homewx or call 541-316-2034.

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Baldy’s Barbeque Hosts 2nd Annual Cornhole Classic to Benefit NeighborImpact

On Saturday, October 15, Baldy’s Barbeque will host its Second Annual Cornhole Classic and pig roast to benefit NeighborImpact. The tournament will be held from 12pm -3pm at Baldy’s Westside location at 235 SW Century Drive in Bend, OR. Local blues and rock band True Blue will be providing live music during the tournament “This is a great opportunity to host a fun competition that has a growing base in Central Oregon,” notes Baldy’s Barbeque Owner, Brian Dioguardi. “We are also excited to use the proceeds to benefit NeighborImpact and support the vital services they provide to the community.” Cornhole, a simple yet addictive pastime with Midwestern origins, is growing in popularity in the Northwest. Its mainstay is fall and the football season, when cornhole is also known as “tailgate toss”. The game is simple: Players throw beanbags (purists throw bags filled with corn kernels) at two angled wooden platforms with holes in the middle that face each other at an approximate distance of 27 feet. If the bag lands on the board: 1 point. If the bag goes through the hole: 3. The first individual or team of two, that reaches 21 points wins. “When the Bend Radio Group and Baldy’s Barbeque approached us about the tournament we were excited about the opportunity,” states Chris Quaka, Volunteer and Communication Administrator at NeighborImpact. “This is going to be a great event and we appreciate the support from the community.” Register at any Baldy’s Barbeque location in Central Oregon. For a $50 registration fee, teams of two will compete for cash prizes. A lunchtime meal is included in your registration fee.

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Click here to download the event registration form

Unusual Family Event to Support NeighborImpact’s Food Bank

On Friday October 14th, 2011 Downtown Redmond will look like the Zombie Apocalypse has actually happened. The living dead of all ages will gather for the 1st Annual Redmond Zombie Walk hosted by Stealth and Shadow, an online subculture clothing and accessory store based in Redmond. Registration will be located at 235 SW 6th Street in downtown Redmond. Registration for the event starts at 4:00 pm and the walk is scheduled to begin at 5:00 pm. Participants for this family friendly event are asked to bring a non-perishable food item (no brains please) to register and all food donated will go to benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. Upon registration, participants will receive a wrist band that will entitle them to discounts at several local Redmond businesses during the course of the walk. Zombie Walk Food Drives are gaining popularity throughout the world, especially in the US, helping community food banks collect thousands of pounds of non perishable food and monetary donations, while raising awareness for hunger issues facing families. Currently, 17,000 people are accessing emergency food sites throughout Central Oregon each month. For more information on Food Drives or NeighborImpact’s Food Bank, contact Sandy Klein at sandyk@neighborimpact.org. For more information on the Redmond Zombie Walk, please visit their facebook page: 1st Annual Redmond Zombie Walk or call Stealth and Shadow at 541-504-6430.

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NeighborImpact to hold an Informational Meeting About Homeless Assistance Funds

NeighborImpact will hold an information meeting to review the Central Oregon Continuum of Care (CoC) services and grant application process that must be completed and returned to HUD by Friday, October 21, 2011.

Who should attend: Anyone interested in reviewing our current project process, or who wants to learn more about
eligibility and the process for applying for new “bonus” funds for permanent housing should attend. This will be an
informational meeting.

When: Wednesday, October 5th fro 1-2 PM.

Where: NeighborImpact’s Bend Office, 20310 Empire Avenue, Suite A110, Bend, OR 97701. The meeting will be held
in the Conference Room. RSVP by contacting Janet Merrell at janetm@neighborimpact.org, or by calling 541-318-
7506x113.

HUD has released a notice of funding announcement (NOFA), which provides the process and requirements for renewing
our region’s existing Supportive Housing Project as well as potential new permanent supportive housing. The meeting
not only helps you understand the process better, but is also necessary to help comply with HUD requirements that will
make our region eligible to receive funds.

Based on HUD’s projections, Central Oregon’s Continuum of Care will have up to $25,506 in bonus funding
available this year for new permanent supportive housing projects.

Permanent Supportive Housing (HUD definition) is long-term, community-based housing that has supportive services
for homeless individuals with disabilities. This type of supportive housing enables special needs populations to live as
independently as possible in a permanent setting. The supportive services may be provided by the organization managing
the housing or coordinated by the applicant and provided by other public or private service agencies. Permanent housing
can be provided in one structure or several structures at one site or in multiple structures at scattered sites.

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Central Oregon Project Connect needs volunteers!

Central Oregon Project Connect is a one-day event that offers vital services to those in Central Oregon who are experiencing homelessness or struggling to make ends meet. Project Connect takes place on Saturday, September 24th, 2011 at the Hooker Creek Event Arena at the Redmond Fairgrounds.

Click here for more information and to sign up to volunteer

Tour Booklets Now Available for Bend's Second Annual Backyard Farm Tour!

Visit over a dozen backyard farms and gardens during Bend's 2nd Annual Backyard Farm Tour, Saturday, August 27th & Sunday, August 28th from 10 am to 3 pm. Visit a variety of farms each day ranging from large, commercial-level operations to small-scale, optimized backyard gardens on this leisurely self-guided tour. All gardens will feature a variety of food producing plants, some utilize greenhouses and different garden covers while others have bees, chickens, or other animals. Farm owners will be available to answer questions about their gardens, the plants within them and growing techniques. The tour is divided up over two days with some farms available on Saturday, some on Sunday and others will be open both days.

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Backyard Farms Needed for Farm Tour!

Celebrate the Season and NeighborImpact are seeking people or organizations with farms or vegetable gardens within the city limits of Bend to participate in The Second Annual Backyard Farm Tour slated for August 27th & 28th, 2011. This can include anything from CSA’s and beekeepers to, container gardens, poultry, eggs or hanging gardens. Bicycling will be encouraged on the tour so location is important. The deadline to sign up for the Backyard Farm Tour is June 23rd. Proceeds will benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. If you would be interested in participating please contact Sandy Klein at 541-548-2380 x 148 or Celebrate the Season at 541-chickens (541-244-2536) or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org for an application.

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The Human Bean Food Drive to Benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank

Bring one or more non- perishable food donations to either of The Human Bean Drive Thru Coffee locations in Bend on Friday and receive discounts towards purchases. For a single donated item, patrons will receive $.50 off any order and a donation of two or more items will receive $1.00 off. The Human Bean will be accepting items such as canned vegetables, peanut butter, boxed meals, canned soups and stews and canned fruit until 8 pm Friday August 19th. Cash donations will gladly be accepted as well. They have two locations on Bend’s East side: 1041 NE 9th Street and 2220 NE Hwy 20 Suite 4. Summer food drives are critical to NeighborImpact’s success in keeping up with the need for emergency food services throughout Central Oregon. Currently 16,000 individuals are accessing pantries, meal sites and brown bag sites throughout the tri-county area. If you or your organization would like to host a food drive please email Sandy Klein, Food Resource Specialist at sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

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Stand Up Against Hunger to Benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank

While hunger in Central Oregon is no laughing matter, with 16,000 individuals accessing emergency food sites each month, 541 Threads Clothing Company of Bend believes laughter can be beneficial when times are tough.  Stand Up Against Hunger, presented by 541 Threads and The Blvd, July 23, 2011  8 pm. at the Tower Theatre will feature an evening of top local comedians.  Zack Nutter and Patrick Wurtz, co-founders of 541 Threads have chosen NeighborImpact’s Food Bank to be the beneficiary of proceeds from Stand Up Against Hunger and their t shirt sales.  They have a strong connection to their community and believe in giving back. 100% of the proceeds from the evening’s activities, which also features a raffle, will go to benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank.

Tickets for the event are on sale at the Tower Theatre’s website:  http://www.towertheatre.org/tickets-and-events/Stand_Up_Against_Hunger.

For more information about Central Oregon’s local comedy scene, visit www.comedycore.org.

For information about the event, to sponsor a comedian or info on 541 Threads e mail info@541Threads.org or call 541-390-1695.

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Click here to download the official even poster

NeighborImpact Prepares for the 10th Annual Empty Bowls Event with the Pottery Games

NeighborImpact, with the support of Cindercone Clay Center and local area potters, is once again holding “The Pottery Games”, a fun, family friendly precursor event to the popular Empty Bowls fundraiser (November 13th , 2011). The Pottery Games are the kickoff to a frenzy of bowl throwing by local artists from now until November, when over 750 bowls will be used for the Empty Bowls fundraiser benefiting NeighborImpact. The Pottery Games will be held at the CinderCone Pottery Studio (50 Scott Street, Bend, by Sparrow Bakery) from 5-7pm, Friday, August 5th. Clay and wheels will be provided and John Kinder, potter extraordinaire at Cindercone Clay Center, will be present to provide assistance to potters. This year will mark the 10th anniversary of this unique 2-part fundraiser. “I am proud to be a part of this important event. It is a great way for local artists to give back using their time and talent, while providing all the bowls needed for the event in November”, said John Kinder of Cindercone Clay Center. “The Pottery Games and Empty Bowls fundraiser are great opportunities for community collaboration in support of central oregonians,” said Kalisha Fleischmann, Event Planner for NeighborImpact. “These fun and unique activities provide resources key to NeighborImpact’s success when delivering vital services for those most in need in our community.” All potters from the community are encouraged to participate. The public is invited to this free event and cheer potters on as they compete for medals and prizes in categories such as: the best and biggest bowl, best bowl thrown blind folded, best bowl thrown with no-hands, and lastly, using audience participation, best tandem thrown bowls.

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Homelessness Increases Again, Despite Federal Stimulus Funds

Homelessness has increased in Oregon again. The State of Oregon Department of Housing and Community Services released the annual Point In Time Counts yesterday, showing homelessness has increased 29% since the count conducted in 2009, despite federal stimulus funds designed to prevent increases in homelessness due to the recession. The State of Oregon can and must do more to protect those among us most affected by the economic downturn.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance Funds are Exhausted for Spring of 2011

NeighborImpact has assisted in the distribution of over 2 million dollars in federal and state energy assistance funds to 6,245 households encompassing over 16,628 clients year to date in Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties. Beginning May 1st, 2011 all Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) applications received are being waitlisted until funding is available to process them. “We were fortunate to get a second disbursement from the federal government to maintain this program through the late winter months,” said Judy Hogue Energy and Brief Interventions Coordinator at NeighborImpact. “Without the federal dollars to support our Central Oregon clients, many families would be without heat during the coldest months of the year.” If funding is available to process LIHEAP applications, clients are be informed. If funding is no longer available the client will receive a Notice of Action to inform them that their application has been denied due to lack of funds. NeighborImpact offices house Energy Assistance staff year-round in their Redmond and Bend locations. Madras and Prineville offices closed on April 15th, for the season. Clients can call the Energy Assistance Helpline at 541-504-2155 for additional information.

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Mittleider Learning Garden to benefit those in need, volunteers welcome

A small group of local vegetable growers is in the process of establishing a Mittleider Method Training Garden located at 63390 Cimarron Drive, home to Victoria’s Vegetables, east of the Bend Airport. The purpose of the garden will be to create a place where the Mittleider Method of gardening can be both seen and taught to anyone who has an interest in having a more abundant and nutritious garden. Everything will be done on a volunteer basis, with the produce grown from the garden being given to the needy of Central Oregon through NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. The Mittleider Method was developed by Dr. Joseph Mittleider over the course of 40 years. Dr. Mittleider’s mission was to teach as many people as possible a way to grow abundant, nutritious food inexpensively. During his life he traveled to 27 different countries where often times the soil could not support the growing of food, thus people were starving. His method incorporates weekly feeding of the 13 trace minerals that both plants and the human body require for optimum nutrition. The method has been proven worldwide in some of the harshest growing environments and all types of soil. The method uses minimal water (each bed is watered for only 30-60 seconds a day), minimal space, and can increase yields by as much as 10 times. It minimizes weed infestation and pest and disease damage. In addition to volunteers, the group is seeking donations and sponsorships for the garden. A work party is scheduled for Sunday April 17th from 1-4 pm. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to help with weeding, digging and moving brush. Contact Jim Davis at 541-306-4700 for information on volunteering that day. More information on Dr. Mittleider and the Mittleider Method can be found on www.foodforeveryone.org. or www.victoriasvegetables.com. For more information on NeighborImpact, donations or to become a volunteer, please contact Sandy Klein at 541-548-2380 x 148 or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

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Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Help Low Income Households Save for Homeownership, Business Development

NeighborImpact has been awarded a limited number of Oregon Individual Development Account slots to enroll low income households in a matched savings program that will help people on their way to attaining homeownership or the development or expansion of a business. Households in the tri-county area of Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties who earn 80% or less of area median income adjusted for household size are qualified to apply for this unique program. (For income limits call 318-7506 x106.) Individuals must be enrolled in the program for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years. Households must save a certain amount of their own money each month and enroll and complete NeighborImpact courses such as Homebuyer Education and our Financial Fitness course series to receive the matched funds when they complete the program.

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Gardening for Good: Grow A Row for Neighbors In Need!

In a local survey conducted last year, Central Oregonians who are struggling to keep food on their tables in these tough economic times conveyed that access to healthy fresh produce was their number one concern. According to a nationwide study of the affordability of fruits and vegetables, a low-income family would have to devote 43% to 70% of their food budget to fruits and vegetables to meet the government recommendations. For the third year, NeighborImpact’s Food Bank is asking people to “Grow A Row” for their neighbors in need. This program encourages gardeners, farmers, CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) and Community Gardens to plant extra food to donate to area food pantries. The goal of the program is to increase access to nutritional fruits and vegetables. Food pantries throughout Central Oregon are excited about the possibility of having locally grown fresh food to hand out to those in need. Brochures with a list of pantries and meal sites that are accepting produce are available from NeighborImpact or may be downloaded here. NeighborImpact is also seeking volunteers with valid driver’s licenses and insurance to potentially assist in picking up and delivering produce if gardeners and farmers are unable to get their produce to a pantry while it is still fresh. If you would like to receive a Grow A Row brochure with a list of participating pantries please call or e mail Sandy Klein, Food Resource Specialist at 541-548-2380 X 148 or sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

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Pacific Power Foundation supports area child care networks

The Pacific Power Foundation has awarded a $1,000 grant to NeighborImpact in support of The Bend and Redmond Child Care Networks. This grant was in turn matched by $1,000 from the Deschutes County Children and Families Commission. The Bend and Redmond Child Care Networks are organized groups of child care providers who work together to improve the quality of care, strengthen their businesses and meet the needs of employers/employees. They strive to provide children the early education and support needed to be ready to enter school. This program, initially funded by the Oregon Community Foundation, is now funded in part by Deschutes County CFC. “We very much appreciate this generous donation to support child care resources’ work in building and sustaining Child Care Provider Networks,” said Betty Shuler, early care and education director. “We are also grateful that Deschutes County CFC will match these funds, increasing the grant by 100 percent.” “This is a great opportunity to continue our support of NeighborImpact and its programs,” said Angela Jacobson, regional community manager, Pacific Power. ”Investing in the education of our community’s young children is vital to the success of our region and the Pacific Power Foundation is excited to play a role in supporting that important mission.” Pacific Power Foundation and Deschutes County CFC Funds will be used to pay for staffing, child care provider training and environmental assessments.

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Network of Volunteer Administrators Name Local Volunteers of the Year

On May 5th, the Network of Volunteer Administrators (NOVA) named the 2011 Volunteers of the year in Central Oregon. Georgina Mendoza (18 & younger), Leah Custard (19-54) and Carol Wellock (55 and Better) received volunteer of the year awards in their respective categories. Volunteers are nominated in three categories; 18 and younger, 19-54, and 55 and better. Volunteer of the Year nominees are submitted by NOVA member organizations and are chosen because their service exemplifies the values and spirit of the nominating organization and due to their significant community contributions. “We look forward to this event every year.” said Lin Gardner “This is a celebration of community service recognizing the dedication of a select group of our local volunteers. Without them we would be unable to provide key services throughout Central Oregon.” Each year since 1990, NOVA (the Network of Volunteer Administrators) has honored Central Oregon volunteers at their Volunteer of the Year award banquet. Georgina, Leah and Carol were selected from 23 fellow nominees honored last night at the Bend Senior Center. Volunteers play a vital role in the Central Oregon community. From empowering individuals to live violence free lives, to maintaining local trails, to acting as positive mentors to youth, volunteers are an indispensable part of thousands of local programs. Since volunteers fill such vital roles in our community, it is very important to recognize their contributions. The NOVA Volunteer of the Year Banquet is a way for NOVA members to thank their hardworking volunteers and to recognize the "best of the best" in Central Oregon. Thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers!

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Click here to download the NOVA Volunteer Bios

Horizon Broadcasting Group to Host “Think Outside the LunchBox” Summer Food Drive

Horizon Broadcasting Group of Bend Oregon, who’s popular local radio stations include 105.7 KQAK, The Peak 104.1, LITE 95.1, 1340 KBNW and Country's Greatest Hits KRCO 690 AM) is hosting a week long food drive. Think Outside the Lunchbox will be held in the M Jacobs Fine Furniture parking lot (2994 NE OB Riley Road), next to the Bend River Promenade, from 6 am to 6 pm, Monday June 13 through Friday June 17. People are welcome to drop off non-perishable food items, such as soups, canned vegetables, peanut butter and cereal, during those hours with all donations benefitting NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. Radio personalities from the various stations will be on hand each day from 11-1. There will be free drawings for prizes all week long at the event. A Virtual Food Drive has been set up for listeners who are out of the area and aren’t able to bring donations to the Bend location. Each station has a link to the Virtual Food Drive on their website. Volunteers are needed to help accept food donations during the week. Please call Sandy Klein at NeighborImpact for more information on the Think Outside the Lunchbox Food Drive or to sign up as a volunteer. 541-548-2380 x 148 email: sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

Click here to download the official press release

NeighborImpact Assists Prineville Resident during National NeighborWorks Week

On Saturday, June 4, 2011 NeighborImpact will team up with Sherwin-Williams during National NeighborWorks week to benefit Prineville resident, Jay Hendricksen. “Every year we use National NeighborWorks week to engage NeighborImpact staff in direct community service. This year we’ll be painting Jay’s home in Prineville,” said Selef Spragg Housing Center Manager, NeighborImpact. Jay Hendricksen has been a resident of Prineville since 1999. Over the past two years his family, like many in Central Oregon, has experienced financial challenges. Two months ago his homeowner’s insurance agency threatened policy cancellation if his home wasn’t painted. With the possibility of being forced into foreclosure he contacted NeighborImpact for assistance. “We greatly appreciate NeighborImpact and Sherwin-William’s help with our house,” said Jay Hendrickson. “The work that they are putting into our home will make a big difference to our family for years to come.” When he was made aware of Jay’s situation Selef contacted Sherwin-Williams Paint which has three stores in Central Oregon. “This was a natural fit,” said Paul Conover, Manager Sherwin-Williams in Bend. “We believe strongly in supporting our local community. This was a great opportunity to donate materials and staff time to benefit Jay’s family.” NeighborImpact will kickoff National NeighborWorks Week, June 4th through June 11th, with this project. National NeighborWorks Week is a time when NeighborWorks America and its network of local nonprofit organizations connect with families across the nation to celebrate and beautify local communities. This year, staff of NeighborImpact, Sherwin-Williams and community volunteers will assist in the painting of Jay’s home in Prineville.

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Redmond COCC Students to Help NeighborImpact’s Food Bank

A group of students from the Small Group Communications class at the Redmond COCC Campus will be holding a fundraiser and food drive to benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank this month. On May 18th Pappy’s Pizza, 1655 N Hwy 97, Redmond will donate 50% of the proceeds from food orders to NeighborImpact. Flyers are required for the event and may be obtained by e mailing Sandy Klein, Food Resource Specialist at the email below. A food drive will be held between 10 am and 5 pm, May 21st & 22nd at the following Redmond locations: Albertsons (1655 SW Odem Medo Rd), Rays Food Place (900 SW 23rd) and Grocery Outlet (798 NW 5th St). The first 300 people who donate four or more canned food items receive a coupon for a free movie rental from BlockBuster Video. For more information on NeighborImpact, donations or to become a volunteer, please contact Sandy Klein at 541-548-2380 x 148 or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org, for information on the fundraiser or food drive contact Bill Gay at bjauto@bendbroadband.com.

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10 Barrel Brewing Company Charity Night to Support NeighborImpact’s Food Bank

Win the fight against YOUR hunger by heading to 10 Barrel Brewing Company of Bend on Tuesday May 31st between 5 and 9 pm and help NeighborImpact’s Food Bank in the fight against hunger in Central Oregon! 10 Barrel Brewing will graciously donate 75% of the proceeds from food and drink sales for that evening as well as proceeds from sales of merchandise. Throughout the entire month of May, 10 Barrel will also donate 100% proceeds from sales of a special Charity t shirt to NeighborImpact. 10 Barrel’s Pub is located at 1135 NW Galveston, Bend Oregon. For more information on NeighborImpact, please contact Sandy Klein at 541-548-2380 x 148 or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

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19th Annual National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive Saturday, May 14, 2011

Letter carriers throughout Oregon and Clark County, Wash., will join with letter carriers across America to collect
donations of nonperishable food from their postal customers during the annual National Association of Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive. The Letter Carriers Food Drive is the largest one-day food drive in Oregon and in the nation. All donations received here will be distributed to those in need in Central Oregon.

On Saturday, May 14, letter carriers and volunteers will collect nonperishable food donations left by mailboxes along their routes and take them to their local station. Last year’s NALC Food Drive generated 94,432 pounds of food from postal customers in Central Oregon.

Food can be set out the morning of May 14 to be picked up by letter carriers and other volunteers working with them.
Food can also be dropped off at all post offices in the area, all Albertsons Stores in Bend and Redmond, Shop Smart in LaPine, Crooked River Ranch Fire Hall and Mailboxes Etc.

The NALC food drive is made possible by support from the U.S. Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers.

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Bend’s 2nd Annual Chicken Coop Tour to Benefit NeighborImpact

On Saturday, May 7, 2011, from 10 am to 4 pm visit your choice of the 35 coops in Bend, hundreds of chickens and their owners who graciously invite you to meet, greet, bawwk, gawk and learn about the wonderful world of poultry. Whether you're a chicken enthusiast, a chicken-owner-wannabe, or a chicken & egg eater, this tour is for you! Chickens have been receiving a lot of press lately. It seems the whole "go green" and "eat local" habits are creating a renewed interest in this barnyard critter. And what better way to celebrate this wonderful bird than a tour of local chicken coops which house (yes!) real, live, feathered chickens. Food and funds are being collected for NeighborImpact’s Food Bank in addition to two other local nonprofits, from sales of tour booklets. Tour booklets are available at the following locations: High Desert Ranch & Home, Earth’s Art, Tumalo Garden Market, Newport Avenue Market, Eastside Garden, Cowgirl Cash, Riverwoods Country Store or online at www.bendchickens.com. Get your booklets early so you can read about the different coops, set-ups, breeds and locations. You'll have to plan your day to fit in the most coops possible! .

Starbucks Partners with NeighborImpact and Victoria’s Vegetables during Global Month of Service

Throughout the month of April the Starbucks Coffee Company is partnering with NeighborImpact to leverage volunteers throughout Central Oregon. On April 30th, Starbucks volunteers will be working in Prineville, Redmond and Bend completing service projects at Head Start Centers and the Mittleider Learning Garden located at Victoria’s Vegetables. “We look forward to giving back to the communities that make our business successful,” said Natasha Saxton, Manager, Starbucks Coffee Company Prineville. “We are excited to work with local partners such as NeighborImpact and Victoria’s Vegetables who provide a wide range of community services and volunteer opportunities. Locally Starbucks Coffee Company will donate over 200 volunteer hours during the month of April and continue their volunteer efforts through 2011. Their worldwide goal is to engage in 2,000 meaningful service projects and contribute 200,000 hours of service to help address local community needs around the world. “This is a great match for our two organizations,“ said Chris Quaka, Volunteer and Community Administrator, NeighborImpact. “Some volunteers will work with our Head Start Fathers and Friends Program at sites in Prineville, Redmond and Bend. Others will be volunteering at the new Mittleider Learning Garden located at Victoria’s Vegetables in Bend.” On April 30, 2011 Volunteers will assist with painting, planting trees, rehabilitating playgrounds, weeding, digging, moving brush, and preparing community gardens for the season.

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Celebrate the Season to Host Backyard Bake Sale

Celebrate the Season, Bend’s Urban Farm and Garden Center, located at 61515 American Lane in Bend is hosting a Backyard Bake Sale to benefit the NeighborImpact Food Bank on Saturday April 23, 2011 from 8 am to 6 pm. Just in time for Easter Sunday, this community wide event will feature homemade baked goods for purchase as well as provide an opportunity to learn more about the work NeighborImpact does from staff members. People will also be able to gather information about growing their own food from Celebrate the Seasons owners, Duane and Julie Schiedler. Anyone who enjoys baking is encouraged to donate an item or two, from cookies to granola bars, and of course, everyone’s Easter favorite, hot cross buns. Items that require refrigeration are not allowed, and baked goods will be accepted at Celebrate the Season from 7 am to 7 pm on Friday April 22nd , and from 7 am to 10 am on Saturday April 23rd . For more information, contact Celebrate the Season at 541-CHICKEN (541-244-2536) or Sandy Klein, Food Resource Specialist at 541-548-2380 x 148 or e mail sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

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“Wiser & Older” Workshop to benefit NeighborImpact

Right at Home Central Oregon presents Wiser and Older: Education and Empowerment Series for Adult Children and Seniors, a four-part series featuring senior champion Ali Davidson. The third workshop is the series will be: Are You My Mother? Working with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Monday, April 25, 5:30-7 p.m. at St. Charles Medical Center, Bend This presentation offers understanding, knowledge, and tools to those caring for someone with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Fifty percent of all seniors over the age of 85 will experience some form of Dementia. The more we understand, the less we fear, and the better equipped we are to handle situations with patience, love and compassion. Learn to: •Identify the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer and the goals of caring for those affected by each illness • Deal with adverse behaviors and minimize anxiety, frustration and guilt • Nurture and get support for yourself in a stressful care-giving situation Are You my Mother? is being sponsored by Clare Bridge. Tickets for this workshop are $29 in advance; $39 at the door. For more information and to register, go to www.wiserandoldernow.com or call Right At Home Central Oregon at 541.633-7436.

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Monster Truck Tour to benefit NeighborImpact & Community

Organizers of the upcoming Monster X Tour believe in giving back to the communities they visit and Central Oregon is no exception. On Saturday, February 5, 2011 a Monster Truck Competition will be held at Deschutes County Fairground’s Hooker Creek Event Center in Redmond with two shows at 1:30 pm and 7:30 pm. Beginning Monday January 31st, Monster X Tour is offering a limited number of Pit Party Passes to ticket holders in exchange for a non-perishable food item for the NeighborImpact Food Bank. Tickets and Pit Party Passes are available at the Bend and Redmond US Cellular Stores. In addition to a canned food drive, the organizers have chosen the families and children of NeighborImpact’s Head Start Program to receive 150 tickets to the 1:30 pm show. Head Start is a federal program for preschool children from low-income families. Each year, NeighborImpact’s Head Start program improves the lives and builds success for over 400 of Central Oregon’s most vulnerable children. Without comprehensive early education like Head Start, children living in poverty are likely to start school behind and never catch up. Costs of the tickets range from $10-$30, so the generosity of Monster X Tour and the Hooker Creek Event Center makes it possible for families living in poverty to share a day of really fun entertainment that would otherwise be out of their reach. One of the featured Monster Trucks, Bigfoot, will be making a special appearance at the McKim Head Start Center in Redmond to help present the tickets to the program at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 2nd. For more information about NeighborImpact’s Food Bank please contact Sandy Klein at 541-548-2380 x 148, e mail sandyk@neighborimpact.org. For information on NeighborImpact’s Head Start Program please contact Betty Shuler at bettys@neighborimpact.org. For information on the Monster X Tour, visit www.monsterxtour.com.

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Click here for a list of food dropoff locations

Dutch Bros. celebrating “Dutch Luv” with free coffee

Dutch Bros. Coffee of Central Oregon will be collecting non-perishable food to donate to the NeighborImpact Food Bank on Valentines Day (Monday, Feb. 14th). In an effort to encourage community participation, Dutch Bros. will be giving away free 12 oz. coffee drinks to customers who donate 3 cans of food.

Drop off bins will be located at all seven Central Oregon locations:
• Bend: 1143 NE 3rd St.; 62077 27th St.; 603 SE 3rd St.; 120 SW Century Drive, 62995 N Highway 97
• Redmond: 1501 Highland; 605 NW Jackpine Avenue

“We’re excited to celebrate “Dutch Luv Day” and contribute to our community in this very practical way,” said Bill Smith, local franchise owner of Dutch Bros. Coffee. “Dutch Luv Day” is part of Dutch Bros.’ commitment to giving back to the
community.

For more information contact Sandy Klein, Food Resource Specialist, at 541-548-2380 x 148, or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org. For information about Dutch Bros. please contact Carol Smith: 541 915-3905 carolsmith@bendbroadband.com or Dustin Hamlet: 541 915-5977

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End of the tax year coming soon, time to get donated cars in soon

Central Oregon: NeighborImpact would like to remind the community that there is still time to donate a vehicle before the end of the year to receive a 2010 tax receipt for the donation. NeighborImpact accepts vehicles running or not. Cars will be picked up at no cost to the donors at their home, work or repair shop. The process takes just a few moments and donors are given the paperwork they will need in order to claim their deduction. An unwanted car, boat, RV or truck, can be a great way to get a deduction on your taxes. The IRS has taken the guesswork out of determining the value of your donated vehicle as you may deduct the full price the vehicle is sold for. The IRS allows you, the taxpayer, to claim a tax deduction of:
• The value of the vehicle up to $500 or
• If the vehicle for more than $500 donors are notified by mail, stating the exact amount for which it sold, which is the value that can be stated for tax purposes.

For additional information, the IRS provides A Donor's Guide to Car Donations at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/pub4303.pdf. Or, check with your accountant to determine the exact benefit for you. Proceeds from the sale of the vehicles are used to assist individuals and families in crisis by helping with food, utilities, shelter, housing and NeighborImpact offers child care resources and provides early education through its Head Start program.

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Pastini Pasta-thon to Help Raise Money for NeighborImpact’s Food Bank

You can lower your hunger while raising money for a good cause on Monday--December 13th & Tuesday--December 14th at Pastini Pasteria at the Old Mill. If you go there for lunch or dinner on either (or both) of those days and mention NeighborImpact, Pastini will donate 50% of net proceeds from sales. Pastini is located at 375 SW Powerhouse Drive, Bend. For more information contact Sandy Klein at 541-548-2380 x 148 or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

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Rebound Physical Therapy's 2010 Food For Thought Fundraiser benefits NeighborImpact

Join Rebound Physical Therapist Tim Evens, Dr. Mike Ryan, and 2009 national short course champion Adam Craig for a presentation on Craig’s February ACL surgery, rehabilitation, and return to racing. Because this event coincides with the Cyclocross National Championships here in Bend, you’ll also be able to Q&A with Elite racers Adam Craig, Carl Decker, Ryan Trebon, Ben Thompson, and Damian Schmitt. All happening on Wednesday, December 8th at 7:00 PM at Rebound Physical Therapy, located at 155 SW Century Drive. The incredible opportunity is a benefit for NeighborImpact, a local organization that helps people achieve self-sufficiency and breaks the cycle of poverty. Food and money are what NeighborImpact needs most right now. Bring three cans of food or a $5.00 donation; your entry and your first raffle ticket are free. Pro racers and local businesses have donated great schwag and gear to be raffled. Additional raffle tickets are $5 each. For more information please contact Sandy Klein at 541-548-2380 x 148 or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

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Pick your side and join the Civil War FOOD Battle!

Hunger doesn’t choose sides, but we can in the fight against it! The “Civil War Food Battle” is a contest between “Duck” fans and “Beaver” fans to see who can generate the most donations for local food banks. Through a unique partnership with the Oregon Food Bank Network, the University of Oregon, and Oregon State University, we can battle hunger together – Civil War style! “We are teaming up to create a mobile text drive that will reach participants state-wide and encourage football fans to text a $5.00 or $10.00 donation to help feed our hungry neighbors,” says Darrel Kau, FOOD For Lane County Development Director. “With the sobering truth that Oregon is the second hungriest state in the nation, the opportunity to rally together around the Civil War Game to raise money for all 20 food banks in the state is fantastic.” Earlier this year, Americans used their cell phones to send text messages pledging more than $30 million for Haiti Disaster relief efforts, according to Mobile Giving Foundation. Excited about using that model to raise funds for hunger relief, FOOD For Lane County applied to MGF to establish the four (4) keywords being used for the “Civil War Food Battle” text campaign. Texting GoDucks5 or GoBeavs5 to 20222 will result in a $5.00 donation. Texting GoDucks10 or GoBeavs10 to 20222 will give a $10.00 donation. Oregon has been hit especially hard by this recession. With Ducks and Beavers all over the state, this fundraising drive will benefit the entire food bank network, from Astoria to Ontario, providing financial help to all twenty regional food banks in the Oregon Food Bank Network, including NeighborImpact. The one-time donation of $5 or $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging & Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the food bank by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t.

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Click here to download the official event flyer

Thanksgiving Pies and Fun Run to Benefit NeighborImpact

The FootZone presents its annual Thanksgiving Day fundraising event, I Like Pie. The event combines an UNTIMED 2K, 5K or 10 Mile Run/Walk with a Pie Baking Contest and is a fundraiser for NeighborImpact’s food bank. The I Like Pie fun run/walk is a terrific opportunity to get you outdoors for some exercise before you strap on the feedbag and revel in the holiday. Participants are encouraged to bring along a pie to help feed the masses. You can choose to enter it in the pie baking contest (or not). The Bend High Culinary Program has agreed to run the Pie Contest this year. There will be celebrity judges and prizes for the top 3 pies in both the “traditional” and “open” pie category. Recommended entry is $5 or 5 cans of food with 100% of the proceeds going to NeighborImpact. Last year the event raised over $2500 for the Food Bank. I Like Pie begins at 9:00 am and participants are asked to meet directly behind FootZone located at 845 NW Wall Street in downtown Bend (alley, Brooks Street). Pre -registration is encouraged by contacting FootZone at 541-317-3568. NeighborImpact and FootZone are seeking volunteers the day of the event. Please contact Teague Hatfield by emailing teague@footzonebend.com or contact Rachel White at NeighborImpact 541-548-2380 x 144.

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Stuff a Mt. Bachelor Bus with Food for the Hungry!

Mt. Bachelor and Combined Communications, Premier West Bank, Newport Avenue Market, and The Central Oregon RV Dealers Association, present the 3rd Annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive for NeighborImpact, November 3rd through November 17th. Two Mt. Bachelor Buses will be parked at locations throughout Central Oregon for two weeks between 10 am and 6 pm, collecting non-perishable food donations for NeighborImpact. Locations include: Premier West Bank in Bend and Redmond, Newport Avenue Market in Bend, Pilot Butte Drive-In, The Athletic Club of Bend and Beaver Coach Sales. Last year the bus was stuffed with over 8,600 pounds of food and this year the goal is to reach 20,000 pounds of food. The food collected during Stuff the Bus will go to over 40 food pantries and meal sites throughout Central Oregon, including Madras, LaPine, Prineville and Sisters. For a complete listing of locations for the Mt. Bachelor buses, please click here, or to volunteer on a bus to help accept donations, please contact Sandy Klein sandyk@neighborimpact.org 541-548- 2380 x 148 or Rachel White rachelw@neighborimpact.org 541-548-2380 x 144. You can also go to www.combinedcommunications.com and click on any of the radio station links.

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Redmond Chiropractor to Collect Food for NeighborImpact

After serving the Central Oregon Community for 28 years as Holtby Chiropractic Center, Dr. Kyle Gillett’s clinic is now changing its name to Aligned. The official Redmond Chamber Ribbon Cutting ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. on November 11th. That same week of November 8th – 13th the clinic is sponsoring its 2nd Annual Food Drive, which will help support NeighborImpact. The first day of care for new patients, which includes consultation, examination, digital nerve scan and x-rays ($145 value), will be exchanged for your donation of non- perishable items. To schedule your appointment call Aligned at (541) 923-0444.

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CinderCone Holds Opens Studio for Empty Bowls

CinderCone, an artist run clay studio, is opening its studio on Thursday nights from 5-7:00 pm starting on June 10th running through October 28th. This is an excellent opportunity for the community to get involved with Empty Bowls and make some bowls to contribute for NeighborImpact’s Empty Bowl event November 14th. John Kinder, potter extrodinar, will be available during the open studio times to be of assistance. Please RSVP at 541-279-0343.

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Ribbon Cutting to Celebrate Completion of Warehouse Project

NeighborImpact, in conjunction with the Redmond Chamber of Commerce, will be holding a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the completion of a major Food Bank Warehouse Expansion Project this year. The ceremony will take place from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm on Friday October 8th at the Redmond-based food warehouse at 2303 SW First Street. NeighborImpact reached its goal to raise $100,000 for the completion of the project, which included grants from Meyer Memorial Trust, The Oregon Food Bank and money raised locally. NeighborImpact’s Food Bank installed a new freezer which was two and half times larger than the previous one, increased non perishable food storage space by three times and created a 900 square foot food repacking area. NeighborImpact’s Food Bank is part of a statewide network of food banks for the Oregon Food Bank and is the hub for the Central Oregon emergency food system. With the region’s dramatic increase in numbers of people accessing emergency food sites, the expansion was critical to NeighborImpact’s ability to supply local pantries with nutritious food. Currently 14,500 people are accessing emergency food locations each month in the tri county area. In concurrence with the ribbon cutting, NeighborImpact will dedicate its Redmond Head Start Center in honor of Jonathan C. McKim. Mr. McKim was a long-time member of the NeighborImpact Board of Directors and an advocate for early care and education in Central Oregon and for community action to empower low-income individuals to succeed and become engaged citizens in our community. If interested in attending please RSVP to Sandy Klein at sandyk@neighborimpact.org or call 541-548-2380 x 148. Also contact Sandy if you are interested in having your business or organization spend a day of volunteering in the repacking center.

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Backyard Farms Needed for Farm Tour!

Celebrate the Season and NeighborImpact are seeking people or organizations with farms or vegetable gardens within the city limits or just outside of Bend to participate in a Backyard Farm Tour slated for September 11, 2010. This can include anything from CSA’s and beekeepers to poultry, eggs or beef. Bicycling will be encouraged on the tour so location is important. Proceeds will benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. If you would be interested in participating please contact Sandy Klein at 541-548-2380 x 148 or Celebrate the Season at 541-chickens (541-244-2536) or e mail sandyk@neighborimpact for an application asap.

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Wells Fargo awards $8,000 to NeighborImpact for Housing Center services

An $8,000 grant from Wells Fargo to NeighborImpact here will help first time buyers purchase homes and also help owners with debt challenges stay in their homes. Based in Redmond, NeighborImpact will use the funds to support its Housing Center services in Bend, Madras and Redmond. These services include first-time home buyer classes, counseling and foreclosure prevention education for low- and moderate-income households. “Wells Fargo’s donation represents the way that our business partnerships leverage resources to help more than 400 households every year,” said Sharon Miller, NeighborImpact Executive Director. “This is truly neighbors helping neighbors to make a huge impact.” Wells Fargo team members have also volunteered this year for NeighborImpact’s Food Drive and Empty Bowl projects. “We’ve joined forces with many great community groups such as NeighborImpact to increase the amount of affordable housing in Oregon and also help buyers obtain their first home,” said Mark Beardsley, a Senior Relationship Manager with Wells Fargo Business Banking in Bend. “Joint efforts such as this means we can accomplish more together than if we were working as individual organizations,” said Kevin Freihoefer, a Senior Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Investments in Bend. “Partnering with NeighborImpact will help us improve the quality of life in Central Oregon.” Serving Oregonians since 1852, Wells Fargo has repeatedly been named one of the most generous corporations in America and Oregon. The State of Oregon recently named Wells Fargo the Best Volunteer Program in the state.

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NeighborImpact announces 25th Anniversary Leadership and Partnership Awards

On September 24, 2010, NeighborImpact presented its 25th Anniversary Partnership and Leadership Award recipients.

NeighborImpact has established an Annual Leadership Award in honor of Jonathan C. McKim. Jon during his lifetime provided leadership, passion and unlimited energy to advocate for Head Start and social justice. He is the first recipient of the Jonathan C. McKim Leadership Award.

• Jonathan C. McKim Leadership Award: Jonathan C. McKim

The partnership awards are given in recognition of individuals, non-profits businesses and media partners who have provided outstanding support in furthering NeighborImpact’s mission. The awardees are

• Individual Awards: – Julian Darwin, Linda Walker
• Non-Profit Partner Award: United Way of Deschutes County
• Media Partner Awards: News Channel 21, Horizon Broadcasting, The Bulletin
• Business Partner Awards: Brooks Resources, Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort

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NeighborImpact receives $50,000 from Meyer Memorial Trust

NeighborImpact is pleased to announce the receipt of a $50,000 foundation grant from Meyer Memorial Trust to be used towards its capital campaign “Feed the Need”. The capital campaign goal of $100,000 will be used in the expansion of its emergency food warehouse, which provides food to over 14,000 individuals monthly throughout Central Oregon. The expansion effort will triple the storage area available for storage of fresh, frozen and dry food. This money is a huge gift to the people of Central Oregon who are struggling during these challenging economic times, as well as building the infrastructure for the area’s future emergency food needs.

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NeighborImpact Opens New Office in Bend

NeighborImpact has opened a new office in Bend which combines a variety of services in one location to better serve the residents of the greater Bend area. The services available at this new location include:
• Energy Assistance
• Energy Education
• Rental Assistance
• Housing Counseling
• Foreclosure Prevention Counseling
• Individual Development Account services
• Home Rehabilitation services

The new office opened in early October and has been serving the public since that time. Public Hours are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

NeighborImpact has had scattered offices in Bend for a number of years. It is the organizations desire to enhance its visibility in the Bend community and to improve the accessibility to services for the residents of the area. This new office location offers the services in one location and affords the opportunity to provide larger learning opportunities in a NeighborImpact facility.

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Central Oregon Food Summit an opportunity collaborate and discuss building a sustainable food system

Central Oregon Food Summit, to be held September 10th, 9am-4pm at the Central Oregon Community College Student Center, Wile Hall, will provide an opportunity for diverse sectors to collaborate and discuss building a sustainable Central Oregon food system. Mark Winne, author of “Closing the Food Gap: Resetting the Table in the Land of Plenty” is the featured keynote speaker. This conference will provide an opportunity for the public, producers, retailers, chefs, food related business and policy makers to create a community-based framework for action towards a more food secure Central Oregon. Breakout sessions include; community food projects, building local food systems infrastructure, enhancing emergency food services and community health and establishing a regional food systems council. $20 registration includes lunch. We encourage all interested to attend and get their voice in the room. It is important. Sponsors: Wy’East Resource Conservation & Development, Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC), OSU Extension Service, Neighbor Impact and the Northwest Health Foundation. Pre-register online at www.cofoodsummit.yolasite.com.

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Click Here to Download the event poster

NeighborImpact Prints 2009-10 Tri-County Resource Guide

NeighborImpact has completed updating its bi-annual Answer Book. The guide provides a listing of services for low income clients in such areas as education, housing, emergency services, children and family, and legal. This is the first guide printed using the NeighborImpact name and logo. It is available in both English and Spanish for individual clients and in bundles of 50 for agency use.

Click here to download the 09-10 Answer Book in English

Click here to download the 09-10 Answer Book in Spanish

Head Start offering application stations in Prineville and La Pine Saturday, July 31

NeighborImpact Head Start is now enrolling children ages 3 and 4 on September 1 in Head Start in Crook and Deschutes Counties. Head Start is a FREE preschool and family support program offered to eligible families. From 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday, July 31, NeighborImpact Head Start staff will be offering application stations at Pioneer Park next to the courthouse in Prineville and LaPine Community Campus Playground at 51605 Coach Road in LaPine to get children registered for 2010-2011 Head Start school year. At these locations, families can fill out applications and have documentation for eligibility verified. NeighborImpact and the USDA and the State of Oregon are equal opportunity providers and employers.

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Cooking Class to benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank

On August 11th, celebrate the premier of the new movie based on the book, Eat, Pray, Love that opens Friday August 13 at the Old Mill Regal Cinemas. Join Chef Rose Makena from Allyson’s Kitchen in Bend in tasting dishes from around the world, just as the movie’s leading lady, Julia Roberts’ character travels the world tasting dishes and searching for life’s meaning in Italy, Indonesia and India. After the first 6 students register (class holds up to 24 students), Allyson’s Kitchen will donate 10% of the proceeds to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. The class is Wednesday August 11 from 6-8 pm and the cost is $60. Bikram Yoga will have giveaways during the evening. To register contact Allyson’s Kitchen at 541-749-9974. They are located at 375 Powerhouse Drive, Bend in the Old Mill District.

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Pottery Games to beheld at the CinderCone Pottery Studio on July 23

An annually anticipated summer event, “The Pottery Games” is again being held on the Friday, July 23, from 5-8:30 pm. The Pottery Games (previously known as the “Pottery Olympics”) is a precursor for NeighborImpact’s traditional fundraising event Empty Bowls (on November 14th this year). All potters from the community are welcome to participate. The public is invited to cheer the potters on as they compete for medals and prizes in categories as varied as: the best and biggest bowl, best bowl thrown blind folded, best bowl thrown with no-hands and lastly, using audience participation, best tandem thrown bowls. There will be live music and the public is invited to contribute by making hand formed bowls. The event is free and family friendly. The Pottery Games is held at the CinderCone Pottery Studio (50 Scott Street, Bend, by Sparrow Bakery). CinderCone is also holding a free open studio on Tuesday’s (changed from Thursday’s) beginning July 13th from 5-7 pm. This is an excellent opportunity for the community to get involved with Empty Bowls and make some bowls to contribute for NeighborImpact’s Empty Bowl event November 14th. John Kinder, potter extraordinaire, will be available during the open studio times to be of assistance. Please RSVP at 541-279- 0343.

Click here to download the official press release

NeighborImpact launches its 25th year anniversary during May’s National Community Action Month

In honor of National Community Action Month—a commemoration held in May to highlight the anti-poverty work of Community Action Agencies across the country— NeighborImpact is launching its 25th year anniversary of serving Central Oregon. Since Community Action Agency’s inception in 1964, from the Community Block Grant Program resulting from President’s Johnson’s War on Poverty, they have continued to serve the needs of low-income individuals throughout the country. NeighborImpact (formerly COCAAN) formed in 1985 to address economic conditions, has grown tenfold in providing services from emergency assistance to homeownership. Through out the years NeighborImpact has identified gaps in community needs and stepped into to develop solutions. “Hope and achievement go hand in hand. For 25 years, NeighborImpact, in partnership with the community, has been opening doors for those most in need and those ready to succeed. Our first door is marked “Help & Hope”, our second door is marked “I can do it myself”, and the third door opens to “a better life”. “We support each family on its own path --- short or long --- each step of the way.” Sharon Miller, Executive Director. A Harvest Ball to celebrate NeighborImpact’s 25th year anniversary will be held in evening on September 24th at St. Charles, Bend, to thank all of Central Oregon’s community partners, consumers and donors.

Click here to download the official press release

Dine out for Hunger

Deschutes Brewery has organized a “Dining Out for Hunger” fundraiser on June 9th, Kebaba, Hola, Astro, Chow, and Spork is also participating.  Each restaurant is contributing a percentage of the night’s proceeds to supporting NeighborImpact’s capital campaign for the expansion of the food warehouse.  NeighborImpact’s Food Bank expansion will substantially increase the region’s capacity to meet the hunger needs of Central Oregonians. 

• Increase freezer capacity by over 100% to meet the growth in frozen food received through the local Fresh Alliance™ pick ups
• Increase the pounds of locally recovered fresh food to over 800,000 per year.
• Add new capability to  repackage food and clean the bins used to pick up over 60,000 pounds of food each month from local stores through Fresh Alliance™
• Double the square footage available for storing non-perishable foods allowing for more local donations and more food to be transported from Oregon Food Bank
• Create a repack area that will grow community involvement by increasing volunteer opportunities
• Donate existing 220 square foot walk in freezer to St Vincent De Paul in Prineville to increase its capacity to store and distribute food

Click here to download the official press release

Goo Goo Dolls Concert to Support NeighborImpact’s Food Bank

Get your tickets while they last! The Goo Goo Dolls are coming to Bend in concert, Friday, May 28, 2010 to the Les Schwab Amphitheater. Beginning at 5pm that night, the Goo Goo Dolls are hosting a canned food drive for the Central Oregon community. This is a tradition with the Goo Goo Dolls who sponsor a local food drive in every city they play, and the food is distributed locally. Concert goers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the entrance and drop off donations before the show. One generous person who brings the most canned food to the show that night will receive a "Meet and Greet" pass to meet the band before the show, but they must have a ticket to qualify! So come out and start Memorial Day Weekend right with some great music and help out your local neighbors by bringing your non-perishable food items to the show. There will be volunteers at the entry gate to collect your donations and Bend's own NeighborImpact will gather the donations and distribute them to people in need throughout Central Oregon. For more information contact Sandy Klein at 541-548-2380 x 148 or visit the Goo Goo Dolls Street Team website at www.googoodollsstreetteam.com.

Click here to download the official press release

NeighborImpact Releases its 2007/2008 Annual Report

The NeighborImpact 2007/2008 Annual Report is now available for download.

Click here to download the Report

Call to Action: 11th Annual Oregon Lawyers Against Hunger (OLAH) Campaign

Oregon Lawyers Against Hunger (OLAH) has a lot to be proud of. They’ve raised $977,000 since OLAH started in 1997. This means that OLAH has helped the Oregon Food Bank network bring more than 5 million pounds of food to approximately 100,000 families in need in the state of Oregon.

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NeighborImpact launches Capital Campaign “Feed the Need”

Groundbreaking Ceremony on February 25th at 11:30 kicks off NeighborImpact’s Capital Campaign “Feed the Need” to raise $100,000 to expand the Emergency Food Warehouse. The Food Bank is the backbone of the Emergency Food System in Central Oregon. The expansion effort would be tripling the storage area available for food storage of fresh, frozen and dry products. Since 1992, NeighborImpact has increased the pounds of food from 450,000 to over two million pounds annually. This expansion will allow NeighborImpact to increase the food received from Oregon Food Bank and local grocery stores that then goes to feed over 14,000 individuals monthly.

Click here for more information

Click here to download the official press release

Mad City Chickens Back by Popular Demand!

On Saturday May 8th, 2010 at 2nd Street Theater, 220 NE Lafayette, Bend, Celebrate The Season --Your Backyard Farm Center, presents a second screening of the Documentary: Mad City Chickens. Mad City Chickens is a sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical look at the people who keep urban chickens in their backyards. From chicken experts and authors to a rescued landfill hen or an inexperienced family that decides to take the poultry plunge—and even a mad scientist and giant hen taking to the streets—it’s a humorous and heartfelt trip through the world of backyard chickendom. The movie originally screened on March 20th to a full house and gave insight to anyone interested in learning about having chickens within city limits, and what is needed to successfully keep urban chickens. All are encouraged to attend. Duane and Julie Schiedler from Celebrate the Season in Bend will be on hand to give information on having chickens in Deschutes County and will be raffling off a Backyard Chicken Coop. The movie is being shown in conjunction with the 1st Annual Bend Chicken Coop Tour being held that day. The aim is to educate the urban population on the benefits of raising ones own food, and to bring to light the misconceptions people might have about the raising of poultry in an urban setting. The doors open at 6:00 p.m., movie begins at 7 pm. and there will be a no host wine and beer bar. All proceeds will benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door and seating is limited. Call 541-Chicken for ticketing and information or e-mail 541chicken@gmail.com.

Click here to download the official press release

On Saturday May 1st, from 2-5 pm at 2nd Street Theater, NeighborImpact presents a gala event called “Bet Against Hunger”. People are invited to attend this Kentucky Derby Day Casino Party and help raise funds for NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. The Derby will be televised, there will be Black Jack Tables, Roulette and Craps, Mint Juleps will be served and in keeping with the time honored Derby tradition, there will be a Fanciful Hat Contest at 3:00 p.m., with prizes given to the top three most Fanciful Hats. Participants will be able to enter prize drawings with their Casino earnings, there will be additional raffle and silent auction items. Some of the prizes include sight-seeing flights from Berg Air, a certificate from Medispa and Roses from Autry’s 4 Seasons. Hors de oeuvres will be provided by Chow and there will be a no host bar.

Click here for more information and to purchase tickets

Click here to download the official press release

13th Annual $1 Million Giveaway to Fight Hunger

For the 13th consecutive year, Alan Shawn Feinstein of Cranston, Rhode Island, will divide $1 million among anti-hunger agencies nationwide. The Feinstein Challenge matches money donated to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank between March 1st and April 31st. NeighborImpact has set up the Virtual Food Drive on their website to help promote the Feinstein Challenge and make it easier for people to donate to the Food Program. The more money collected during the challenge, the larger percentage the Feinstein Foundation will give to the Food Bank, making this an ideal time for anyone who has considered donating to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. The Virtual Food Drive can be accessed by clicking here and then clicking on the Virtual Food Drive Link. For more information, contact Sandy Klein at sandyk@neighborimpact.org or call 541-548-2380 x 148.

Click here to download the official press release

NBC’s The Biggest Loser’s Pound for Pound Challenge Benefits Local Food Bank

NBC’s The Biggest Loser, General Mills, Subway, 24 Hour Fitness and Feeding America have partnered on the Pound For Pound Challenge, a program that encourages residents of Central Oregon and Americans across the country to lose weight nationally to help provide hunger relief locally. For every pound of weight participants pledge to lose, 14 cents will be given to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. That is the monetary equivalent to one pound of food that NeighborImpact can distribute. The Challenge runs through June 30, 2010. To join the challenge, simply visit the Pound For Pound website at www.pfpchallenge.com or www.biggestloser.com and click on the button that says PLEDGE. For every pound of weight participants pledge to lose, the Pound For Pound Challenge will donate 14 cents to Feeding America. Although it is a National Challenge, by entering your zip code and pledging for the Oregon Food Bank, proceeds will be forwarded to NeighborImpact. NeighborImpact’s Food Bank is the Central Oregon regional affiliate for the Oregon Food Bank. Approximately 14,000 people (7% of Central Oregon’s population) are accessing meal sites, brown bag sites and emergency food boxes throughout the area every month. With the rapidly increasing need for donations, everyone can do their part to their part to spread awareness of the hunger issue and become part of the solution. In addition to pledging to lose weight, at pfpchallenge.com, you can create a PFP Challenge team on Facebook, invite friends and family to join the Challenge via e mail, donate directly to Feeding America and find other tips on eating right and weight loss. For more information or for team toolkits for your organization, or to become a Challenge Champion, please contact Sandy Klein at sandyk@neighborimpact.org or call 541-548-2380 x 148.

Click here to download the official press release

Empty Bowls Cookbooks Available!

In conjunction with NeighborImpact’s feature annual community fundraising event, Empty Bowls, Empty Bowls Commemorative Cookbooks are now on sale at several locations. The cookbook features recipes from NeighborImpact staff, committee members, board of directors, friends and family and recipes from local professional chefs. Featured in the cookbook is everything from crockpot meals and soup recipes to an introduction on how to read a recipe from the head of the Cascade Culinary Institute, Julian Darwin. In addition to the NeighborImpact office in Redmond, the cookbooks are available at the following locations in Bend:
Devore’s, 1124 Newport Ave,
Camalli Book Company, 1288 SW Simpson Ave,
Allyson’s Kitchen, 375 Powerhouse Dr
Kitchen Complements , 137 NW Minnesota Ave
The Open Book, 155 NE Greenwood Ave.
The Curiosity Shoppe, 25 NW Minnesota Ave #7
Between the Covers, 645 Delaware Ave.

Commemorative Empty Bowls Cookbooks are being sold for $12 with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit the NeighborImpact Food Bank. For more information, call 541-548-5262 x 148 or e-mail sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

Click here to download the official press release

Strictly Organic offers “Neighborly Blend” benefits NeighborImpact

For the next six months, you can buy “Neighborly Blend” at their store or on-line at www.strictlyorganic.com $4 of every pound sold goes to support NeighborImpact. NeighborImpact provides a diversity of services that not only meet basic needs for food and shelter, but also enrich people’s lives by providing access to education, skills, and hope for the future.

Click here to download the official press release

Get Your Can to Bits & Pieces Custom Framing Food Drive

Bits & Pieces Custom Framing of Bend presents their Third Annual Framing For Food Canned Food Drive April 26-May 7th, 2010 to benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. For each canned or non perishable food item a person brings in, they will receive $1 off their frame order (including glass, matting and backing), up to 1/3rd off the order. For example, when someone places a framing order that comes to $300, they could bring in a maximum of 100 items and receive $100 off their entire order. For the first year, Bits & Pieces Custom Framing is accepting monetary donations to NeighborImpact’s Food Bank in lieu of canned food items. Bits & Pieces Custom Framing is located at 2115 NE Hwy 20 Suite 105, Bend in the Tuscan Square Shopping Center near Costco. For more information contact Greg at 541- 585-1541 or e mail bpframing@yahoo.com.

Click here to download the official press release

Farmer’s Market accepting the Oregon Trail Card

NeighborImpact is partnering with the Bend Farmer’s Market to staff a booth at the Wednesday Farmer’s Market that accepts the Oregon Trail Card as part of an effort to increase access for low-income Central Oregonians to locally nutritious food. The market is also able to accept bank debit cards with a small transaction fee of $1.50 that helps to underwrite the markets cost of accepting the Oregon Trail Card. “Traditionally the farmer’s market was a cash only exchange which eliminated people who had food stamps. This opportunity is a win-win for everyone. Not only does it provide access to low income folks, but for those of us who can’t make it to the bank, we can use our debit card which underwrites the cost to the market for operating the program”, explains Holly Hutton, NeighborImpact’s Deputy Director.

Click here to download the official press release

Bend Event to Help Homeowners Prevent Foreclosures

At this free event, homeowners will be able to attend workshops – offered in both English and Spanish – that will
teach them how to participate in foreclosure prevention programs such as the federal Making Home Affordable Plan.
Other workshop topics include homeowner’s rights under new Oregon laws, short sales, avoiding rescue scams, and
how lawyers can help prevent a foreclosure. Nonprofit housing counselors from NeighborImpact and other agencies,
as well as lawyers and state agency employees will be on hand to provide information and answer questions.
Representatives from the Oregon Employment Department will also be present, providing employment information.
For more information on the event call 1-866-814-9710 or go to www.foreclosurehelp.oregon.gov.

Click here to download the official press release

Welcome to Oregon - Pair Embarks on 50-State Journey to Promote Civic Responsibility

On January 4th of this year, Tim Malcolm and Kirsten L’Orange, founders of The Civic Projects, began a 14,000-mile cross country journey to promote social awareness and service by volunteering at 50 community organizations in 50 states in 50 days. The cross-country journey is also serving as a fundraiser for the 50 non-profit organizations in which The Civic Projects will be donating their time. On February 19th the Civic Projects will be arriving in Central Oregon to help bring awareness to community-based service organizations hard-pressed by today’s economic climate. Partnering with NeighborImpact, The Civic Projects will be serving within the agency’s Food Program and Head Start. “In light of the current economic environment, there has never been a better time or better motivation to volunteer,” Kirsten said. All of the funds accrued during Tim and Kristen’s journey will be equally divided among the 50 organizations visited throughout their 50 day journey. If you wish to follow the progress of The Civic Projects journey, please visit: http://www.thecivicprojects.org/thecivicprojects/Home.html.

Click here to download the official press release

Mad City Chickens Fundraiser For NeighborImpact’s Food Bank

The Season, Your Backyard Farm Center, presents a movie about urban chickens, Tarazod’s Documentary: Mad City Chickens. Mad City Chickens is a sometimes serious, sometimes whimsical look at the people who keep urban chickens in their backyards. From chicken experts and authors to a rescued landfill hen or an inexperienced family that decides to take the poultry plunge—and even a mad scientist and giant hen taking to the streets—it’s a humorous and heartfelt trip through the world of backyard chickendom. Anyone interested in learning about having chickens within city limits, and what is needed to successfully keep urban chickens is encouraged to attend. Duane and Julie Schiedler from Celebrate the Season in Bend will give a short presentation before the movie on raising and keeping urban chickens, Sydney Leonard and Sandy Klein will talk about the NeighborImpact Food Bank and Community Food. The aim is to educate the urban population on the benefits of raising ones own food, and to bring to light the misconceptions people might have about the raising of poultry in an urban setting. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. and will include a no host wine and beer bar, refreshments, and a silent auction featuring many items for the backyard chicken keeper. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door and seating is limited. Call 541-Chicken (541-244-2536) for ticketing and information or e mail 541chicken@gmail.com.

Click here to download the official press release

Whole Foods Bend donates 3,460 pounds of food the the NeighborImpact Food Bank

Whole Foods Market is pleased to announce a donation of 3,460 pounds of nutritious food to NeighborImpact Food Bank. This donation is the result of the store’s Bag Hunger program held during November and December 2009. Bend customers supported the program by purchasing specially made bags of groceries which were then given directly to the NeighborImpact Food Bank. The 3,460 pounds of food is enough for 69 emergency food boxes or over 2,450 meals to families in need. “Many thanks to the staff of Whole Foods who put time into making this a successful program by putting bags of food together and pricing them,” said Steve Murray, NeighborImpact Food Bank coordinator. “Your selection of products showed a commitment to providing balance and quality.” “We are so happy to offer this donation to NeighborImpact,” said Jason Valdez, marketing specialist at Whole Foods Market Bend. “This organization is very close to our hearts. At Whole Foods Market we believe that everyone should be able to eat and live well.”

Click here to download the official press release

Murder on the Menu to Benefit NeighorImpact

There is Murder on the Menu the evening of Thursday February 11th at 6 pm at The Design Center of Redmond. The Celebrated Chef Geoff is preparing to launch another hit TV show, “Celebrity Chef”. The public is invited to join a cast of crazy chefs for the final round of competition. Presented by The Pampered Chef, The Design Center and Buckboard Murder Mysteries, Murder on the Menu is an interactive murder mystery with proceeds going to benefit the NeighborImpact Food Bank. If you purchase your ticket in advance the cost is $25 for the first ticket and as an added incentive to buy early, the second ticket is $12.50 or $30 at the door. The Judges (aka public) can enjoy an extravaganza of food provided by Chef James Laszlo Hanzely and no-host wine and beer provided by WineStyles of Redmond. Everyone who attends is asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the NeighborImpact Food Bank. The Design Center is located at 2127 South Highway 97, Suite 110, Redmond OR. For more information or to purchase a ticket please contact Angie Standley, The Pampered Chef at 541-633-0297, Buckboard Productions at 541-548-6900 or The Design Center at 541-548-6900.

Click here to download the official press release

NeighborImpact Holiday Extravaganza

NeighborImpact is inviting people to come down to the Curiosity Shoppe’s newest location in downtown Bend at 25 NW Minnesota #7 (in the Thump Coffee building) on December 4th, from 5-9:00 pm. Bowls from Empty Bowls, the first ever Empty Bowls Cookbook and a holiday food drive are all in the store. Refreshments and good cheer will abound. People are encouraged to come by during First Friday Gallery Walk and support NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. Non-perishable food donations will be accepted during the evening, which will go to help those in need during the Holiday Season.

Click here to download the official press release

High Desert Bells---Ringing in the Season, Benefit Concert for NeighborImpact

High Desert Bells Ringing in the Season will be the theme for a combined handbell choir concert on Saturday, December 12th at 2:00 p.m. Come to the Church of the Nazarene at 1270 NE 27th in Bend and enjoy handbell music presented by choirs from around central Oregon. Ringing a variety of mostly traditional music will be the Jubilate Bells from Bend Church of the Nazarene, Bells of Praise from Bend First United Methodist Church, Bells of Sunriver and Note-A-Bells from Madras United Methodist Church. The choirs will be joined by a flute solo, percussionists, and vocalists with the Central Oregon Youth Choir. The concert will be a benefit for NeighborImpact. Cash donations will be accepted to help NeighborImpact fulfill the needs of local families. For more information contact Richard Frazier, 389-7235 or Dee Zimmerlee, 540-8332.

Click here to download the official press release

Empty Bowls to be held on November 15

The 8th Annual fundraising event, Empty Bowls, is around the corner for NeighborImpact and there are still tickets available. A nationally-recognized event designed to raise awareness about hunger issues, Empty Bowls will be held on Sunday November 15th at Central Oregon Community College’s brand new Campus Center at 2600 College Way. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose from over 700 hand-crafted bowls created by local potters, who have donated their time and talents for this event. They can then enjoy delicious gourmet soup and local bread and desserts while listening to music from local musicians. Chef Julian Darwin of the Cascade Culinary Institute will be providing the gourmet soup. Commemorative cookbooks will be available for sale. This year there will be two seatings, at 11:30 a.m. or at 1:00 p.m. Tickets are available through the Source Weekly web site: www.tsweekly.com ($1.50 per ticket service charge will be applied to online orders) until noon tomorrow or at the Source Weekly’s office at 704 NW Georgia, Bend, until 4:00. Tickets may also be available at the door the day of the event. Please contact Sandy Klein, Development Specialist ext.148, or Holly Hutton, Deputy Director, ext.106 at 541-548-2380 for more information.

Click here to download the official press release

Click here for more information

Stuff the Bus to benefit NeighborImpact Food Bank

Combined Communications, Premier West Bank and Newport Market, along with Mt. Bachelor are once again sponsoring the annual “Stuff the Bus” Food Drive Campaign to help feed the hungry in Central Oregon. The public is encouraged to help stuff a Mt. Bachelor bus with non-perishable food donations. Last year the bus collected 7,000 pounds of food and the goal this year is 15,000. The bus is at different locations throughout Central Oregon Monday through Friday October 26th through November 13th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers for NeighborImpact are on hand to accept donations and give out gifts from the sponsors as well as information on NeighborImpact. For a complete list of locations go to http://clear1017.fm/page.php?page_id=45443.

Click here to download the official press release

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Murder Mystery to Benefit NeighborImpact Food Bank

There is Murder On the Menu at the Blue Olive Restaurant at Brasada Ranch the evening of November 13, 2009! The public is invited to attend an evening of great food, silent auction items and a Murder Mystery to benefit NeighborImpact’s Food Bank. As part of her Crook County High School Senior project, organizer Arika Ovens has designed an exciting evening to raise money and awareness about hunger issues in Central Oregon. Buckboard Productions, LLC, will present “Murder On the Menu” where competition is more than fierce for the “Chef de Cuisine” position and things really heat up in the kitchen!

Click here to download the official press release

Central Oregon Sonic Drive Ins to Collect Food for NeighborImpact

The NeighborImpact Food Bank is teaming up with Sonic Drive In throughout October to collect food for Central Oregonians. During the month of October Sonic Drive In will give a free large fountain drink of your choice for a donation of two cans of food, that food then going to the local food bank. Food collected in Madras will be donated directly to the Jefferson County Food Bank.

Visit your nearest Sonic Drive In at:
222 NW 4th St – Madras
500 NW Oak Tree Lane – Redmond
63076 N Highway 97 - Bend

Click here to download the official press release

Bend Chiropractors to Collect Food for NeighborImpact

During the week of November 2 - November 6 Members of the Central Oregon Chiropractic Alliance will be donating their new patient services (consultation, exam, x-rays and report of findings) for non perishable food donations. On Saturday November 7, patients can come in and get an extra adjustment for the month in exchange for a non perishable food donation.

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Meet Me At Applebee’s Fundraising Program in Bend and Redmond to benefit NeighborImpact

Bring your family to the Bend and Redmond Applebee’s for a night out and benefit the NeighborImpact Food Bank at the same time! Bring the attached voucher in Wednesday, October 7th, between 5 and 9 pm for the Redmond Applebee's, and Wednesday, October 14th, between 5 and 9 pm for the Bend Applebees, and present it to your server when you pay your bill and Applebee’s will donate 15% of all revenue generated back to NeighborImpact! This is a simple way to give back to your neighbors and have a great night out at the same time! Everything on the menu counts, so whether you go in for a beverage and some appetizers or celebrate a birthday, 15% of your entire bill goes to NeighborImpact. Please feel free to make copies of the vouchers and give them out at church, school, social events and to your friends. The only restriction is that these coupons cannot be handed out at Applebee’s the day of the event, and will not count towards complimentary or discounted items.

Click here to get your Redmond Applebee's vouchers

Click here to get your Bend Applebee's vouchers

George Winston Concert to Benefit NeighborImpact

On Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. Pianist George Winston will be performing at the Tower Theater, 835 NW Wall Street, Bend. George Winston, best known for his melodic rural folk piano style, has always acknowledged that his main piano influences are the great New Orleans R&B pianists. Concert goers are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food items or monetary donations the night of the event. NeighborImpact volunteers will be on hand to sell George Winston CD’s. All proceeds from the sales will go directly to the NeighborImpact Food Bank.

Click here to download the official press release

Jeld-Wen Tradition Champions Tour to Benefit NeighborImpact

NeighborImpact is one of several non-profit organizations that will be part of the Charity Ticket Program for the 21st Annual JELD-WEN Tradition Champions Tour PGA Golf Tournament to be held August 17-23, 2009 at Crosswater Club, Sunriver, Oregon. The JELD-WEN Tradition is one of five Majors Championships played annually. In 2008 the Champions Tour events combined donated more than $9 million dollars to charity. This is the first year for the 2009 Charity Ticket Program being offered by JELD-WEN Tradition. Spectators can purchase tickets for the 72 Hole Golf Tournament and 100% of those ticket sales will benefit NeighborImpact. Daily Grounds Tickets are available for $20 and Season Badges are available for $40. Tickets may be purchased at www.jeldwentradition.com/tickets.cfm or you can download the mail-in ticket order form here.

Click here to download the official press release

Click here to ownload the Ticket Order Form

Click here for the Schedule of Events

Click here for the Official Jeld-Wen Tradition Fact Sheet

NeighborImpact Offers Rent & Utility Assistance in La Pine

Eligible area residents will now be able to access utility and rental assistance services at a site in LaPine. In the past, these services were only available through NeighborImpact’s Bend office. In addition, applications for the Head Start program will be available for interested families. Beginning on Friday, September 7 and continuing on the first and fourth Friday of each month, NeighborImpact staff will be at the LaPine Community Kitchen site at 16480 Finley Butte Road (VFW Hall) from 10:30am to 2:00pm.

Click here to download the official press release

Community First Bank Announces its Community Care Program

Community First Bank now offers a program that allows supporters of non-profit organizations like ours to financially assist the organization of their choice simply by doing business with Community First. With the Community Care Account, Community First Bank will donate 1% of your average annual balance to the non-profit organization of your choice when you open a qualified account with them. For more information, please click here:

Community Care Account

Poem Contest for $10,000 Grant - The Heart and Soul of NeighborImpact

The CTK Foundation Philanthropic Fund and Grammy award winning artists Los Lonely Boys are offering an unusual and creative way for NeighborImpact to apply for funding. To apply for the grant, we are required to submit a 4-8 line poem (lyrics) that represents the “heart and soul” of our mission. The deadline is August 15th, after which a panel of recognized independent music artists and producers from around the country will select the winner based on the quality and impact of the lyrics. The organization will be awarded a $10,000 grant and Grammy Award-winning recording artists Los Lonely Boys will create a song based on the poem, which will be professionally produced in a recording studio. Three runner ups will each receive a full sized steel strung acoustic guitar, signed by Los Lonely Boys made by Musical Instrument Maker First Act. The community NeighborImpact serves as well as staff members are encouraged to submit a poem or lyrics. The deadline for submission is August 10th. Submissions can be sent via e mail to sandyk@NeighborImpact.org with the word “POEM” as the subject line, or sent by mail to NeighborImpact along with contact information. The submissions will be reviewed by a committee, including a local professional writer and key NeighborImpact Staff. One poem will be chosen and submitted with the Grant Application. In the event NeighborImpact is awarded the Grant, the person submitting the chosen poem will receive an honorarium of $250 once the grant is actually received. No compensation of any type will be awarded if NeighborImpact is not awarded the CTK Foundation Grant.

Click here to download the official press release

4H Food Drive at Deschutes County Fair to benefit NeighborImpact

All Deschutes County 4H Clubs are invited to participate in a county wide Food Drive to benefit the NeighborImpact Food Bank during the Deschutes County Fair, July 29 through August 1, 2009. Food and Funds will be collected at three different locations at the Deschutes County Expo Center in Redmond. There will be two donation spots at the North Sisters Building, including the 4H Food Booth, and one at the livestock area in the Sheep Barn. There will also be a collection spot in the Hooker Creek Indoor Arena on Saturday, August 1st during the Livestock Auction. With over 250 4H Clubs in Deschutes County, the goal is to create a challenge for each group to get as many non perishable food items and monetary donations as they can. For more information contact Bob Marler at 420-8156.

Click here to download the official press release

NeighborImpact Pottery Games to be held on July 29, 2009

An annually anticipated summer event, “The Pottery Games” is again being held, on Wednesday – July 29, 2009. The Pottery Games, previously known as the “Pottery Olympics”, is a precursor for NeighborImpact’s traditional fundraising event Empty Bowls (to be held on November 15th this year). The public is invited to watch local potters compete for medals and prizes in competitions as varied as the best and biggest bowl, best bowl thrown blind folded, best bowls thrown with no-hands and lastly using audience participation, best tandem thrown bowls. The public is invited to contribute by making handformed bowls. The Pottery Games will happen Wednesday July 29, 2009, from 4-8 p.m., at the Old Mill Quarter (550 SW Industrial Way in front of CinderCone). The event is free and family friendly.

Click here to download the official press release

Want to make a difference in your community? Three AmeriCorps positions available

NeighborImpact has two full-time AmeriCorps positions open a Volunteer Coordinator and Health Access Navigator and a third position, Volunteer Center Project Coordinator, through partnership with Volunteer Insights: be a part of a dynamic team of individuals serving Oregon’s communities by generating volunteers for NeighborImpact and other non-profits or helping increase family access to health care. As an AmeriCorps member you receive extensive training, a modest living allowance ($11,400 for eleven months of service), health insurance, and an education award of $4,725 towards college or to pay off qualified student loans. Go to http://www.neighborImpact.org/jobs to hear more about this outstanding opportunity. Applications due by July 20, 2009. It’s your world and your chance to make a difference. Call today.

Click here to download the official press release

Missing Link Golf Course to Host Customer Appreciation Day Food Drive

Missing Link Golf Course, 1401 NE Maple Ave. Redmond Oregon will be hosting a Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday July 18th, 2009, and is offering 9 holes of free golf with a donation of 3 non-perishable food items. Other activities include Free BBQ and Hot Dogs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Vendor Demos and Prizes. Please call Traci Welsh at 923-3426 for more information.

Click here to download the official press release

Housing Center to offer free workshop for struggling homeowners on June 22

Are you a Central Oregon homeowner sturggling to make ends meet? Come to a free workshop which covers:

The workshop will be held on Monday, June 22, 2009 from 5:30 to 8 pm at the NeighborImpact administrative offices at 2303 SW First Street in Redmond. You must reserve a seat to attend the event. Reserve a seat by calling (541) 548-2380 x.138.

Click here to download the workshop flyer

Hungry All Year Long promoting a major food and funds drive

The face of hunger is changing before our eyes.  Hungry All Year Long, in coordination with NeighborImpact, will be promoting a major food and funds drive that includes all of Central Oregon. 

The communities that will benefit from the Hungry All Year Long program include – Bend, Redmond, Sisters, LaPine, Sunriver, Prineville, Madras, Terrebonne and Crooked River.  All of the food items that are collected in each community will benefit that particular community.  Donation spots will be located in many business locations which can be downloaded by clicking here.  In addition to business locations, be sure to check the calendar for several events during the month of June that will also be collecting food.

The goal of Hungry All Year Long is to collect 20,000 lbs of food, but don’t forget that for every dollar we collect NeighborImpact can purchase 6 lbs of food, so we are also accepting monetary donations through PayPal. Click the PayPal Donate button below to make a monetary donation:

Hungry All Year Long has a goal – to bring Central Oregon communities together in an effort to avert hunger.  We can use everyone’s help, so join our efforts today

Click here for more information

Meet Me At Applebee’s Fundraising Program in Bend and Redmond to benefit NeighborImpact

Bring your family to the Bend and Redmond Applebee’s for a night out and benefit the NeighborImpact Food Bank at the same time! Bring the attached voucher in Monday June 22 for the Redmond location and Wednesday, June 24 for the Bend location, between 5 and 9 pm, present it to your server when you pay your bill and Applebee’s will donate 15% of all revenue generated back to NeighborImpact! This is a simple way to give back to your neighbors and have a great night out at the same time! Everything on the menu counts, so whether you go in for a beverage and some appetizers or celebrate a birthday, 15% of your entire bill goes to NeighborImpact. Please feel free to make copies of the vouchers and give them out at church, school, social events and to your friends. The only restriction is that these coupons cannot be handed out at Applebee’s the day of the event, and will not count towards complimentary or discounted items.

Click here to get your Redmond Applebee's vouchers

Click here to get your Bend Applebee's vouchers

Central Oregon Chapter of the Oregon Dressage Society hosting food drive at Central Oregon Dressage Classic

Help Stop Hunger in Central Oregon. The Central Oregon Chapter of the Oregon Dressage Society is hosting a food donation drive for NeighborImpact at the Central Oregon Dressage Classic, being held at the Rim Rock Riders Arena at Brasada Ranch on June 13th and 14th. The Central Oregon Chapter is asking all members, exhibitors, spectators, volunteers and show staff to bring non-perishable food items or a cash donation to all shows and events this year. The Central Oregon Dressage Classic is a two day USDF Recognized Show featuring competitors from around the region. This event will also be included in the Hungry All Year Long Food Drive during National Hunger Awareness Month in June. Some suggestions are soups, canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, cereal, pasta, bottled juices, and boxed meals such as macaroni and cheese. Paper and personal hygiene products are also needed. Please, no glass items! For more information on the Central Oregon Chapter of the Oregon Dressage Society, or the shows, please visit www.centraloregondressage.com. Please help your neighbors in need. When you ride down that centerline, remember to “Halt. Salute. Donate.”

Click here to download the official press release

NeighborImpact Housing Center to Host Open House in Prineville Monday, June 8 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

NeighborImpact’s Prineville Housing Center, 205 NE 4th St,.will hold an Open House for the Prineville/Crook County community to help inform the community about its programs and free counseling services available to the citizens of the county. Housing Center staff will be on hand to provide information about homebuyer education classes, foreclosure intervention workshops, reverse mortgage counseling, financial fitness classes, downpayment assistance programs, credit counseling and homeowner rehabilitation programs.

Click here to download the official press release

Housing Center to offer free workshop for struggling homeowners in Madras on May 11

Are you a Central Oregon homeowner sturggling to make ends meet? Come to a free workshop which covers:

The workshop will be held on Monday, May 11,, 2009 from 5:30 to 8 pm at the NeighborImpact office at 645 SW Marshall St. in Madras. You must reserve a seat to attend the event. Reserve a seat by calling (541) 548-2380 x.138.

Click here to download the workshop flyer

17th Annual National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive Saturday, May 9, 2009

Close to 3,000 letter carriers throughout Oregon and Clark County, Wash., will join with letter carriers across America to collect donations of nonperishable food from their postal customers during the annual National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive. Letter Carriers Food Drive is the largest one-day food drive in Oregon and in the nation. All donations
received here will be distributed to clients in Central Oregon. Food can be set out the morning of May 9 to be picked up by letter carriers and other volunteers working with them. Food can also be dropped off at most post offices in the area.

Click here to download the official press release

Crook County Connect will take place at the Crook County High School Saturday, May 2, 2009

Crook County Connect aims to aid those affected by the current economic crisisthe homeless, low-income families, and needy individuals of Crook County, by providing free services to ease the hardship. Services are limited, provided on a first come first served basis and include emergent medical care, prescription assistance, car oil changes, basic veterinary care, basic home repair, employment training provided by the Employment Department, DHS Senior and Disabled resources, Mental Health resources and NeighborImpact Early Care and Education, and Housing and Emergency Services information and resources.

Click here to download the official press release

Homeless Leadership Coalition Announces 2009 Tri-County One Night Homeless Count Results

On January 29th 2009 volunteers conducted confidential and anonymous surveys in Bend, LaPine, Sisters, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras. This one-day count will provide the most up-to-date information about the number of individuals in Central Oregon who are struggling to find adequate housing. Through this data, local agencies and programs are able to qualify for increased funding, better target support services, and develop comprehensive plans to address poverty and homelessness in Central Oregon.

Click here for the 2009 Homeless Count Results

Adopt a Truck, Help the Environment and Feed the Hungry

Have you ever wondered what happens to a lot of the fresh fruits & vegetables, meat and dairy products that local grocery stores have, that are getting close to their expiration dates, but are still perfectly edible? In the past it all would have ended up in local landfills. Now, thanks to efforts of NeighborImpact’s Food Recovery Program, which started 10 years ago, over 60,000 pounds of food each month are diverted from becoming waste and distributed to people in need. NeighborImpact’s two refrigerated food trucks are on the road a combined 5 days, 45 hours a week, picking up perishable foods from 11 Central Oregon stores. Everything from chicken and frozen turkeys to milk and fresh strawberries gets collected and distributed to food pantries throughout the entire tri county area. To expand recovery efforts and help offset the cost of maintenance, fuel, licensing, insurance and drivers, NeighborImpact is offering opportunities to sponsor one or both of the Food Recovery Trucks. Businesses can have their logos displayed on the side of the truck, in varying sizes depending on the level of sponsorship. Since the trucks are on the roads 5 days a week, visibility is high. Occasionally, the trucks are taken to food drives at special events, where they can be seen by as many as several thousand people. Not only is truck sponsorship a highly visible form of advertising, companies sponsoring a NeighborImpact Food Truck will be branded with a highly credible community assistance organization. For more information on adopting a NeighborImpact Food Truck please call or e mail Sandy Klein, Development Specialist at 541-548-2380 x 148 or sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

Click here to download the official press release

NeighborImpact Employees Need Your Help with Poverty Simulation Training

NeighborImpact is holding staff training called a Poverty Simulation and we need volunteers for this special event! This is a great opportunity to give back to an organization that gives! The Poverty Simulation training gives participants a taste of what a month in poverty might be like.  Whether playing the role of a single mother on TANF, a retired older couple, an undocumented worker, a teen in a low-income family, a banker, teacher or welfare caseworker, participants walk away with a truer sense of reality of being low-income and trying to get social service assistance.  Those who have experienced poverty in real life report that the experience triggers some of the anxiety and frustration of the real thing.  Facilitators for this event are from Oregon State University.

Click here to download the official press release

$9,275 Raised for NeighborImpact through Mt. Bachelor Charity Vouchers!

NeighborImpact wishes to thank all voucher recipients who used their Mt. Bachelor discount ski vouchers, we hope you had fun riding! Out of 1,000 vouchers distributed through NeighborImpact, 371 were exchanged for a $25 discounted lift ticket netting $9,275 in donations for NeighborImpact. NeighborImpact also wishes to thank Mt. Bachelor for including NeighborImpact in their charitable giving program. We look forward to working with Mt. Bachelor on future campaigns.

New Head Start program serving the Sunriver/Three Rivers Community

Early Education matters to children, families and the community. By offering Oregon PreKindergarten Head Start services in partnership with New Generations Preschool, families from all economic levels will have access to high quality comprehensive, familycentered early education for their children. This project brings Head Start services into the local Sunriver/Three Rivers Community and increases the availability of community preschool services..

Click here to download the official press release

STEPS phone message system now available for information regarding days and locations of emergency shelter openings during extreme cold weather

Are you part of a family with children in need of emergency shelter during the coldest winter nights? The STEPS phone message system (323-7118) is up and running and contains information regarding days and locations of emergency shelter openings during extreme cold weather.

Click here to for more information

Housing Center to offer free workshop for struggling homeowners on April 4

Are you a Central Oregon homeowner sturggling to make ends meet? Come to a free workshop which covers:

The workshop will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 10 am to 12 pm at the NeighborImpact administrative offices at 2303 SW First Street in Redmond. You must reserve a seat to attend the event. Reserve a seat by calling (541) 548-2380 x.138.

Click here to download the workshop flyer

Dutch Bros Celebrating Valentines Day by Collecting Food for NeighborImpact Food Bank

On Valentine's Day Dutch Bros is giving customers at its Bend and Redmond locations that donate 3 cans of food a free 16 oz drink as part of the annual Dutch Love Celebration. Dutch Bros is partnering with Food Banks around the state, including NeighborImpact here in Central Oregon in collecting needed food during this time of increased need. Food pantries throughout the region are seeing the highest number of clients they have ever experienced and Dutch Bros efforts to help out are greatly appreciated.

Click here to download the official press release

Volunteers needed for the Homeless Leadership Coalition's 2009 Homeless Count

We need your help now to count of the homeless residents in Central Oregon beginning immediately – through January 29, 2009 at sites throughout Central Oregon where unsheltered people can be counted – including churches, social service organizations, food banks, etc. Volunteers may also seek out sites where unsheltered people reside to count them – such as camp sites and parks. Volunteers are critical in making this count successful. You will be able to choose the day, time and place you would like to volunteer. The results of this count will help bring funds for services to Central Oregon so that we can help unsheltered families and individuals to obtain housing services.

Click here to for more information and to download the volunteer flyer

Central Oregon One Day Homeless Count to be conducted January 29

For the fourth straight year, the Central Oregon Homeless Leadership Coalition is conducting a one-day count of people who are homeless or in transitional housing in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. This count is a part of a national effort to identify the number of people struggling to find appropriate and adequate housing. From 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29th, volunteers will be conducting confidential and anonymous surveys in Bend, LaPine, Sisters, Redmond, Prineville, and Madras. This one-day count will provide the most up-to-date information about the number of individuals in Central Oregon who are struggling to find adequate housing. Through this data, local agencies and programs are able to qualify for increased funding, better target support services, and develop comprehensive plans to address poverty and homelessness in Central Oregon.

Click here to download the official press release

The Homeless Leadership Coalition is conducting an anonymous count of the unsheltered residents living in Central Oregon. This includes all individuals who are residing in motels, substandard housing, shelters, transitional housing, camp sites or doubled up with other families. The purpose of the count is to help improve services to unsheltered persons. Volunteers will be at food banks, meal programs and other sites throughout the tri-county area to conduct the count. While supplies last, food and other items will be provided to everyone who is counted. Results of the surveys will be posted at the Homeless Leadership Council website (http://www.cohomeless.org/).

Click here to download the announcement flyer in English

Click here to download the announcement flyer in Spanish

NeighborImpact Food Bank Adopt a Truck Sponsorship Opportunity

NeighborImpact Food Bank is offering businesses and individuals an Adopt a Truck Sponsorship opportunity. By purchasing space on one or both of the Food Recovery Trucks, Adopters will receive exposure around the entire Central Oregon Region by having their company logo placed prominently on the side of the truck. The trucks are on the road 5 days / 45 hours a week picking up and delivering food. Anyone interested in getting more information about adopting a NeighborImpact Food Recovery Truck, please contact Sandy Klein, Development Specialist, NeighborImpact at sandyk@neighborimpact.org or call 541-548-2380 extension 148.

Click here to download the official press release

The Regal Cinema CANS Film Festival collected more than 4,000 pound of food in Central Oregon

Central Oregon moviegoers donated more than 4,000 pounds of food to the NeighborImpact Food Bank during Cans Film Festival this year. This is 3.5 times more food than collected in 2007. The food collected will help feed the hungry in Central Oregon, where NeighborImpact has seen a record increase in demand for food resources this fall. NeighborImpact thanks all participants, volunteers and Regal Cinemas for playing integral roles in the success of this event.

Click here to download the official press release

Potters Responding to Central Oregon Economic Woes

Central Oregon potters are coming together October 29th at 2:00 at the CinderCone Clay Coop (505 Industrial Way) to respond to the growing economic concerns of Central Oregonians. The goal is for several hundred more bowls to be thrown for NeighborImpact’s Empty Bowls event on November 16th. Many potters themselves are only one pay check away from losing their homes, so they know all too well how economically precarious a time it is for others. Bob Sant, one of the co-founders of Empty Bowls is spearheading this effort.

Click here to download the official press release

NeighborImpact will accept applications for the HTBA (Home Tenant Based Assistance) long-term rent assistance program during Project Homeless Connect on Saturday, October 11th 2008 at the Deschutes County fairgrounds in Redmond

Ten spots will be available for the program and clients will be chosen through a drawing. Rent assistance subsidies are for a period of one year and include a case management agreement between agency and households. Assistance is expected to begin for eligible qualified applicants 2 to 3 months after the initial application.

Click here for more information

NeighborImpact's "Pottery Games" to be held during Bend’s popular First Friday - August 1st

An annually anticipated summer event, “The Pottery Games” is again being held on the first Friday in August. The Pottery Games previously known as the “Pottery Olympics” is a precursor for NeighborImpact’s traditional fundraising event Empty Bowls (on November 16th this year). The public is invited to watch local potters compete for medals and prizes in competitions as varied as the best and biggest bowl, best bowl thrown blind folded, best bowls thrown with no-hands and lastly using audience participation, best tandem thrown bowls. The public is invited to contribute by making hand formed bowls. The Pottery Games will happen during downtown Bend’s popular First Friday - August 1st, from 6 - 9 p.m., at the Old Mill Quarter (550 SW Industrial Way in front of The Curiosity Shoppe/Blue Spruce Gallery). The event is free and family friendly.

Click here to download the official press release

Individual Development Account (IDA) Helps Low Income Households Save for Homeownership or Business Development

The IDA Program is a matched savings program intended to help low income households meet specific savings goals. Households must save a certain amount of their own income each month, as determined with a counselor. Each dollar saved is matched by $3 from the State if the household attains its savings and educational goals. NeighborImpact has been awarded a limited number of Oregon Individual Development Account slots to enroll low income households in a matched savings program that will help people on their way to attaining homeownership or the development or expansion of a business. Households in the tri-county area of Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties who earn 80% or less of area median income adjusted for household size are qualified to apply for this unique program (for income limits call 548-2380 x120). Individuals must be enrolled in the program for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 3 years. Households must save a certain amount of their own money each month and enroll and complete NeighborImpact courses such as Homebuyer Education and our Financial Fitness course series to receive the matched funds when they complete the program.

Click here to download the official press release

Volunteers Wanted

NeighborImpac is soliciting volunteers for the Pottery Games at the Old Mill Market Place, in front of the Curiosity Shoppe. The Pottery Games is a great event, with potters competing in friendly competition, such as, best bowl thrown with no-hands, tandem throwing, throwing blind-folded, etc.  The public is invited to make bowls, watch potters and join in the fun.  Volunteers will help potters in numerous ways, by bringing water, moving bowls, bringing beer and food, and just being a potter's helper.  On August 2nd. potter's get together and trim the bowls. We are looking for volunteers to cover 2 hour shifts on August 1st and 2nd.  On August 1st are three shifts, 4-6 pm, 6-8pm, 8-10 pm.  On August 2nd, the shift is from 10-12:00 pm. This is the push to get bowls made for Empty Bowls on November 16th.

For more information contact Holly Hutton at (541) 548-2380 x.106 or hollyh@neighborimpact.org.

NeighborImpact and Flatbread Community Oven invite you to join us for a night of live music, wine tasting, appetizers and a silent auction June 14 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm

There is a $20 suggested donation per person for the event. All proceeds beneift NeighborImpact. Flatbread Community Oven is proud to donate $0.25 of every flatbread sold to NeighborImpact!

Click here to download the official press release

NeighborImpact's Head Start Program Recruiting Children and Families for the 2008-2009 School Year

On May 9 from 10 AM to 7 NeighborImpact Head Start staff will be recruiting children and families for next school year at Wal-Mart and Food 4 Less in Bend, Wal-Mart in Redmond, Price Slasher in Prineville, Shop Smart in LaPine, and Rays in Sisters.

Click here to download the official press release

The Bend Lions Club Supports Head Start

The Bend Lions Club took an interest in Head Start’s screening and referral of children who need support around hearing and vision services. A hearing machine of almost four thousand dollars was purchased by the Lions Club of Bend for the Head Start program. In addition, further support was given for those children who do not have insurance or do not qualify for the Oregon Health Plan, by paying for vision exams and glasses.

Click here to download the official press release

May 9 is Child Care Provider Appreciation Day

Child care organizations and parents across the nation are joining together the Friday before Mothers’ Day to celebrate Provider Appreciation Day. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski has proclaimed May 9 Child Care Provider Day, calling for the recognition of the key role of providers in the social, emotional and cognitive development of more than 165,000 children in child care settings statewide.

Click here to download the official press release

Affects of Rising Food and Fuel Prices Highlight 2008 Survey of Food Box Recipients

Oregon Food Bank recently conducted a survey at food pantries throughout Oregon to find out what caused people to need emergency food assistance. In Central Oregon agencies in Madras, Redmond, Prineville, La Pine and Bend provided survey results from their clients. Over 3,800 individuals filled out the survey in all parts of Oregon. The three major reasons respondents cited for needing help are rising food prices (52%), high fuel costs (40%), and housing costs (23%). Residents in Central Oregon face all of these issues. The survey also shows the largest group receiving emergency food is households with children.

Click here to download the official press release

National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive Saturday, May 10, 2008

NeighborImpact Head Start staff will be recruiting children and families for next school year at Wal-Mart and Food 4 Less in Bend, Wal-Mart in Redmond, Price Slasher in Prineville, Shop Smart in LaPine, and Rays in Sisters on May 9 from 10 AM to 7.

Click here to download the official press release

2nd Mt. Bachelor Free Ski Day is Friday, April 11!

Due to the adverse weather conditions during the February 1 free ski day, Mt. Bachelor is having a 2nd free ski day Friday, April 1.

Help the less fortunate by donating three cans of non-perishable food! All food will be donated to NeighborImpact and given to the poor and needy in Central Oregon! Although any donation of non-perishable food is accepted and appreciated, canned donations (boxed and glass items tend to get damaged) are prefered. In exchange, Mt. Bachelor will give you an all day lift ticket for your generosity! Donations accepted at Sunrise Lodge, West Village ticketing area, Nordic Center and the Bend Park and Ride.

Click here for more information

Click here to download the official press release

The Homeless Leadership Council announced the results of its annual point- intime homeless count, which was conducted on January 31, 2008.

Click here for the Tri-County report

Click here for the Deschutes County report

Click here for the Crook County report

Click here for the Jefferson County report

2008 Mt. Bachelor Free Ski Day is Friday, February 1st!

Help the less fortunate by donating three cans of non-perishable food! All food will be donated to NeighborImpact and given to the poor and needy in Central Oregon! Although any donation of non-perishable food is accepted and appreciated, canned donations (boxed and glass items tend to get damaged) are prefered. In exchange, Mt. Bachelor will give you an all day lift ticket for your generosity! Donations accepted at Sunrise Lodge, West Village ticketing area, Nordic Center and the Bend Park and Ride.

Click here for more information

Click here to download the official press release

Wild Oats, a Whole Foods Market, asks customers to help over the holidays

Wild Oats in Bend is working with the NeighborImpact Food Bank to provide food to Central Oregon households during the months of November and December. The store is offering customers the opportunity to purchase bags of groceries through its Grab & Give program. Different price range bags will be available for purchase. The food will be distributed to low income residents of Central Oregon through the NeighborImpact Food Bank and a network of local social service agencies.

Click here to download the official press release

Bend Area Transit to Collect Food during Christmas Parade

BAT will be using its Ride the River bus and trailer to collect non-perishable food items before, during and after Bend’s annual Christmas Parade. BAT will be teaming up with NeighborImpact by providing needed items to local food pantries. Collections will take place at the Franklin Annex parking lot on the South side of Franklin between Bond and Wall – Halfway along the parade route.

Click here to download the official press release

Senator Wyden Visits Food Bank and Urges Donations

Senator Ron Wyden will visit Central Oregon during his Thanksgiving recess from Washington, DC. His time here will include a trip to NeighborImpact, the regional food bank for Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties. Senator Wyden will discuss the low food supply currently being seen at food banks throughout Oregon, and what role local donors as well as the Federal Government can play replenishing shelves with food.

Click here to download the official press release

The Peak 104.1 FM Radio Personality to Collect Food While Staying in a Motor Home

Bryon Mengle will spend 104 hours in a motor home (for the second year in a row) to highlight hunger in Central Oregon. The Horizon Broadcasting personality will be partnering with NeighborImpact’s Food Bank to collect non-perishable food items for distribution in Central Oregon. Last year 10,000 pounds of food was collected from businesses, schools and individuals, all answering the call Bryon put out over air. On-air incentives will be offered and a special challenge is being thrown out to area schools.

Click here to download the official press release

541 Lounge & Restaurant to Collect Canned Food While Dancing Away Hunger

The NeighborImpact Food Bank is teaming with the 541 Lounge & Restaurant during Homeless and Hunger Awareness Week (Nov 12-16) in a food collection event. All food will benefit Central Oregon residents, and be distributed through a network of local social service agencies. Enjoy the music at 541 Lounge while helping to fight hunger.

Click here to download the official press release

Connect with all the help your community has to offer at Project Homeless Connect - Saturday, Oct. 13, 2007

Individuals, businesses, churches, nonprofits and social service agencies from Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook Counties are collaborating under one roof, for one day, to provide critical information and services to the homeless — people living in tents, vehicles, on the streets, in cheap motels, couch hopping, — as well as those doubled up with other families. These agencies will provide free advocacy and referral assistance, as well as free products, goods and services. Community members in need will be bussed in at no charge from the tri-county areas to the Hooker Creek Event Center at the Deschutes County Fair And Expo Center. They will check in and be guided through the services most helpful to their individual needs.

Click here to download the official flyer

Click here for more information on Project Homeless Connect

Click here to visit the Project Homeless Connect web site

Help kids through NeighborImpact throughout the week of September 3rd at AAA!

Simply drop off school supplies, including #2 pencils, 3-ring binders, scissors, glue sticks, calculators and lined notebook paper to the AAA Service Center (20350 Empire Blvd, Suite A5) in Bend throughout the week of September 3rd.

Click here to download the official press release

Olympics Out, But Two Pottery Throw-A-Thons On

An annually anticipated summer event, called the Pottery Olympics, is out this year, but in its place, two Pottery Throw-A-Thons are on. Earlier this year, the international Olympics Committee hired a copyright lawyer to threaten local non-profit NeighborImpact with a lawsuit for use of the ‘olympics’ name. In order to avoid being sued, the non-profit agency, which works for the economically disadvantaged in the community demurred its case and changed the name. Still, two Pottery Throw-A-Thons will preserve the spirit of the traditional pre-fundraising event as well as its means to procure 1,000 bowls for NeighborImpact’s Empty Bowls fundraiser (on November 11th this year).

Click here to download the official press release

August 25th Redmond Munch & Movies Benefits NeighborImpact

The movie of the evening is Disney’s “Cars” with musical performances before the movie by The Threes. The event is scheduled to start at 6:30pm, with the movie starting at dusk. Game & event booths run from 6pm until the start of the movie. Fundraising activities include face painting, airbrush tattoos, carnival-style games for the kids and a 50/50 raffle for the adults.

Help kids through NeighborImpact throughout the week of September 3rd at AAA

Simply drop off school supplies, including #2 pencils, 3-ring binders, scissors, glue sticks, calculators and lined notebook paper to the AAA Service Center (20350 Empire Blvd, Suite A5) in Bend throughout the week of September 3rd.

Click here to download the official press release

Printing Post in Redmond Collecting Food Donations

The Printing Post, Redmond’s downtown commercial printer, is hosting a food drive during August. Non perishable food items can be dropped off at their site by anyone wishing to contribute to the food drive. The Printing Post is also offering their customers a 10% discount on all jobs over $25 for a donation of 3 canned food items during August. All collected food items will be distributed to low income residents of Central Oregon through the NeighborImpact Food Bank and a network of local social service agencies.

Click here to download the official press release

August 23rd Blind Boys of Alabama Concert to Benefit NeighborImpact and other Local Charities

The 5 for 5 Concert series, featuring The Blind Boys of Alabama, raises money, awareness and support for local non-profits that benefit the Central Oregon community. As the title sponponsor for this event, the Pronghorn Foundation is proud to present this soulful band to Bend while encouraging stewardship and philanthropy in the community.

For more information go to: http://www.5for5concert.org/main.html

Click here to download the official concert poster

Printing Post in Redmond to offer Discount for Food Donation

The Printing Post, Redmond’s downtown commercial printer, will be offering a 10 percent discount on all print jobs over $25 in exchange for a donation of 3 canned food items during July and August. All collected food items will be distributed to the low-income residents of Central Oregon through NeighborImpact’s Food Bank and network of local social service agencies. The discount-for-canned-food option will be open from July 5th to August 31st, during the Printing Post’s business hours (M-F 8AM – 5PM).

Click here to download the official press release

Participatory Pottery: Previously and Coming Up in NeighborImpact's Pottery Throw-A-Thon

NeighborImpact's Pottery Throw-A-Thon is not only a bunch of potters getting together to throw bowls. As per the event on July 6, the community can be potters too - at least by pinching or sculpting bowls, if not actually throwing them, or running around casting magic spells a la the ever popular Harry Potter. At the July 6 Throw-A-Thon, Alissa Clark, a ‘clay works’ artist from the valley, won the gold prize for the best, audience-judged pinch-pot.

Click here to download the official press release

Community Planting Roots with Transitional Housing Kids

The Homework Club kids of Healy Heights get a chance to plant roots and seeds in their community garden this Saturday, June 9th, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Homework Club, a NeighborImpact transitional housing program, is a place where kids, whose families would otherwise be homeless, can go to have an after school snack, be with their friends, and learn new things when their parents are not around. Now that the kids are out of school, the garden becomes a new site for learning with the larger Healy Heights’ community, Homework Club tutors and NeighborImpact volunteers.

Click here to download the official press release

“Hungry All Year Long” Canned Food Drive has big eyes set on a prize

The “Hungry All Year Long” Canned Food Drive has big eyes set on a prize – of 7,000 pounds of non-perishable food. It is hoped, that with more than 50 participating businesses to host collection bins, that this goal can be reached by collecting throughout the month of June.

Click here to download the official press release

For a complete list of locations where you can donate food go to:
http://www.summit1031.com/Hungry/default.aspx

‘National Provider Appreciation Day’: Child Care Providers Recognized

Around the world, the Friday before Mother’s Day (May 11th), child care organizations and children’s parents will celebrate ‘Provider Appreciation Day’. It is estimated that nearly 12 million under age five in the United States are in some type of child care every week. Locally, NeighborImpact’s Child Care Resources program hosted an appreciation day for Central Oregon child care providers last Saturday. At an all-day special provider appreciation day, child care providers from around Central Oregon came for recognition, training, and a free lunch. Deschutes County Commissioner Tammy Baney also attended, sharing her own experiences with finding quality child care as well as offering encouragement to those attending.

Click here to download the official press release

Letter Carriers Host a Day to ‘Stamp out Hunger’ – May 12th

Nearly 3,000 letter carriers in Oregon and Clark County, Wash., will join with other letter carriers across America to ‘stamp out hunger’ by collecting donations of nonperishable food from postal service customers during the annual National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Food Drive.

Click here to download the official press release

Governor Kulongoski Invites Oregonians to Take the ‘Food Stamp Challenge’

Governor Ted Kulongoski has challenged all Oregonians to join himself and his wife, Mary Oberst, during “Hunger Awareness Week” this month from April 23rd to the 29th, to live on an average food stamp budget of $21 per person for the week: amounting to an average of $3 per day, per person.

Click here to download the official press release

In the Children’s Garden: Businesses, Landscapers, Gardeners, Seedlings and Volunteers Needed!

Healy Heights Transitional Housing Program invites landscapers, gardeners and volunteers to support Healy Heights Transitional Housing program and its children’s garden. A meeting will be held at Healy Heights, on April 18th, 5:30 p.m.

Click here to download the official press release

Advance America Sponsors Food Drive in April

Advance America will hold a community food drive during two weeks in April. The public is invited to drop non perishable food items at their Westside location. All collected food items will be donated to the NeighborImpact Food Bank for distribution to low income residents of Central Oregon through a network of local social service agencies.

Click here to download the official press release

Green $ for Healy Heights Residents Using Gold, Solar Power

Solar water heating is affordable. NeighborImpact has partnered with Cascade Sun Works to prove it. During the week of March 5th, Curci’s company installed the solar water heaters in eight apartment units at Healy Heights.

Click here to download the official press release

Answers and Assistance Mobilized for Residents of Jefferson County

Friday, April 20th, residents of Madras can benefit from NeighborImpact’s mobile outreach program - in the form of the ‘Answer Van’. The Van will travel from Bend to the NeighborImpact Madras office and then station there from 12-noon to 4 p.m. The office is located at 675 SW Marshall St.

Click here to download the official press release

Bit Mobile visits libraries during Tax Season

The OSU Extension Service Bit Mobile is scheduled to make a special round of stops this year to help Central Oregonians connect to the internet so they can learn about Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and access a free tax filing program, called CompleteTax, on the Beehive Cascades website www.beehivecascades.org/taxes.

Click here to download the official press release

On NeighborImpact Day, Food Prepared Becomes an Asset Shared

Fifty percent of proceeds gained during the launch of Oregon’s second Entrees Made Easy on ‘NeighborImpact Day’, will benefit non-profit, NeighborImpact. Customers who either prepare meals for themselves or their families with Entrees Made Easy or buy a calendar of the “Muscle Gourmet” - Bend’s Chef Dave Nathan - will contribute to the proceeds. It is hoped enough revenue will be gathered to help the local non-profit agency better face its deficit caused by recent cuts in Federal Food and Emergency Shelter Funds for Deschutes County.

Click here to download the official press release

Partnership Connecting People to Tax Resources in Jefferson County

NeighborImpact and the OSU Extension Office Bit Mobile have partnered with the Jefferson County Library to bring a mobile computer lab to Madras so people can file their taxes online using Beehive Cascades (www.beehivecascades.org/taxes).

Click here to download the official press release

Social Work Coalition Sponsors Food Drive for National Social Work Month

In honor of National Social Work Month, the Hospice Social Work Coalition of Central Oregon will hold a community food drive during the month of March. Members of the coalition are inviting the public to drop non-perishable food items at sites listed below. All collected food items will be donated to the NeighborImpact Food Bank for distribution to low-income residents of Central Oregon through its network of local social service agencies.

Click here to download the official press release

A ‘Shot in the Arm’: 25,500 lbs. of Food Collected From Free Ski Day

Thousands of pounds of food were collected today, at Mt. Bachelor, as the resort generously donated its facilities and staff time for the 17th Annual Free Ski Day. The opportunity for Central Oregonians to ski ‘free’ in exchange for just three non-perishable food items that went to NeighborImpact attracted over 7,700 people to the mountain.

Click here to download the official press release

Neighbor Impact Free Ski Day is Friday, January 26!

Help the less fortunate by donating three cans of non-perishable food! All food will be donated to Neighbor Impact (formerly COCAAN) and given to the poor and needy in Central Oregon! Although any donation of non-perishable food is accepted and appreciated, Neighbor Impact prefers canned donations (boxed and glass items tend to get damaged). In exchange, Mt. Bachelor will give you an all day lift ticket for your generosity! Donations accepted at Sunrise Lodge, West Village ticketing area, Nordic Center and the Bend Park and Ride. Lifts open at 9am and close at 4pm. Free tickets are available for alpine or nordic. Snowblast Tubing Park is open but tickets must be purchased.

"Adopt a Family" for the Holidays! NeighborImpact seeks individuals and businesses to help extend the holiday spirit to families in need

NeighborImpact is asking Central Oregonians and Central Oregon businesses to “Adopt a Family” for the holidays. Many of us revel in the holiday season, but for some in our community, the coming of winter means struggling to stay warm. NeighborImpact works with families in Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties. Advocates in each community are meeting with families to identify the most important needs and their Christmas wishes – including clothing sizes and each family member’s most wished for gift. Some families are also in need of food for their Christmas dinner. Adopting a family is easy. Anyone interested in adopting a family can simply contact NeighborImpact 541-548-2380 ext.110 or chloef@neighborimpact.org.

Click here to download the official press release

The AAA of Bend will host a month and a week-long food drive with NeighborImpact to make the holidays brighter for area families. Donations of canned or dry packaged food can be dropped off at their offices. The food will go towards NeighborImpact’s Food Bank which distribute hot meals and food boxes through out Central Oregon via its network of local agencies.

Click here to download the official press release

The new OHCS Report on Poverty 2006 highlights the effects of the recent recession and booming housing market on the lives of low- and moderate-income Oregonians. County profiles provide insight into local needs and efforts to combat the causes and consequences of poverty.

Click here for the Deschutes County summary

Click here for the Crook County summary

Click here for the Jefferson County summary

Bits & Pieces in Bend is joining a national ‘Framing For Food’ effort. I will work with NeighborImpact Food Bank to conduct a food drive while offering a discount on framing between Nov 15 and Dec 5. Customers who drop off food will receive $1.00 off their framing job for each food item they donate, up to half the total cost of the job. Canned or dry, packaged food can be dropped at their shop. The food will be given to NeighborImpact for distribution through its network of local agencies that provide food boxes and hot meals in Central Oregon.

Click here to download the official press release

COCAAN's new name is now unveiled as the agency celebrates 21 years of service to Central Oregon

COCAAN has been serving the Central Oregon community for the past 20 years and has grown from a small non-profit to an organization with over 15 offices, and just last year, provided over 100,000 different services to local residents. It is one of the largest local social service organizations in Central Oregon, and now the agency has taken on a new name in an effort to better market what the agency does and the services that it provides.

With name change, NeighborImpact is more than an acronym -
(Bend Bulletin article published November 13, 2006)