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.

Click here to download the official press release

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.

Click here to download the official press release

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 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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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)