Dutch Brothers Celebrating “Dutch Luv ” with Free Coffee

Dutch Bros. Coffee of Central Oregon will be collecting non-perishable food once again to donate to the NeighborImpact Food Bank on Valentine’s Day (Tuesday, Feb. 14th). In an effort to encourage community participation, Dutch Bros. will be giving away free 16 oz. coffee drinks to customers who donate 3 cans of food for the duration of the day.

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 Dr, 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 Carol Smith, local franchise owner of Dutch Bros. Coffee. “Dutch Luv Day” is part of Dutch Bros.’ commitment to giving back to the community. Last year, The Central Oregon Dutch Bros. in Bend and Redmond collected a total 3,430 pounds of non-perishable food for NeighborImpact, approximately 3,000 pounds more than the previous year. For more information contact Sandy Klein, Food Resource Specialist, at 541-548-2380 x 148, or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org. For information about the Central Oregon Dutch Bros. please contact Carol Smith: 541 915-3905 carolsmith@bendbroadband.com.

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Rockin’ Dave’s Feast for the Community Postponed Until Future Date

Rockin’ Dave’s Feast for the Community will be postponed until further notice. The event that was planned for November 20, 2011 has been postponed. Dave Flier, owner of Rockin’ Dave’s Bagel Bistro is hoping to host the event in the winter of 2012 but unfortunately will be unable to hold the event on the weekend of November 20th. For more information, call Sandy Klein at 541-548-2380 x 148 or email sandyk@neighborimpact.org.

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NeighborImpact Weatherization Program Supports Local Residents

With support from the U.S. Department of Energy, the NeighborImpact Weatherization Program provides money saving services to Central Oregon residents. Since the inception of the federal weatherization program in 1976, more than 6.7 million homes have been weatherized across the nation. The NeighborImpact Weatherization Program provides permanent solutions to reduce the energy burden on low-income families by installing cost-effective, energy-efficient materials and services. More than 140 homes have been weatherized by NeighborImpact in the past year alone, including that of Central Oregon Resident, Frances Barber who said, “The experience (with NeighborImpact) was wonderful. What was done to my home is a blessing as it is warmer in the winter. I am tickled that there is a service provided like this for the ones that cannot afford to do the things the weatherization program does.” As the cold weather approaches, most families across the country are turning up their thermostats to combat dropping temperatures. For low-income families, however, cranking up the heat is not always an option. These families pay 14% or more of their annual incomes for energy compared with only 3% for other non low-income families. Unable to pay big balances or hefty reconnection fees, some families are considering how they will survive this winter without heat. Barber had a roof leak, an inefficient refrigerator, and limited financial resources to address these issues in addition to her daily expenses. NeighborImpact’s weatherization program provided her with a new refrigerator and addressed the roof leak as part of a comprehensive improvement plan for her residence. Now Barber doesn’t worry about food spoiling or water damage in her home due to a leaky roof. In addition, she has had a total savings of $180.00 on her utility bill in the six months since her home was weatherized 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. With the high costs of fuel oil and natural gas, a successful conservation program like the NeighborImpact Weatherization Program makes a noticeable impact to local residents.

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NeighborImpact Supports Foreclosure Prevention with Counseling and Education

NeighborImpact’s Housing Center foreclosure prevention services offers assistance to Central Oregonians still struggling to pay their mortgage and keep their homes. With monthly foreclosure prevention classes and housing counselors on staff, NeighborImpact services can provide homeowners with the tools and support needed to negotiate a modification with their lender. “Our staff works with clients to assess their situation and help them make informed decisions about options they may wish to pursue,” notes Selef Spragg Housing Center Manager. “Our accredited counselors have the specific skills and knowledge to help people through this trying time.” NeighborImpact’s Housing Center offers a variety of free programs including foreclosure prevention classes and counseling, first-time homeownership classes and counseling, down payment assistance loans, reverse mortgage counseling, financial literacy classes and counseling, credit counseling, and a matched savings program (IDA). “We want to encourage Central Oregonians to attend our classes so we can address their needs,” continues Spragg. “If you are struggling to pay your mortgage or on the brink of foreclosure and researching your options, we have resources available to assist you in making informed decisions about your financial future.” The next foreclosure prevention class (held every third Monday of the month) will be taught in Bend on September 19th, 2011. Anyone interested in signing up for classes or counseling services should contact Karen Bushnell at 541-318-7506 ext. 109 or karenbu@neighborimpact.org. Please refer to the website www.homeownershipcenter.org for additional information.

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Head Start is now enrolling children for the 2011-2012 school year

NeighborImpact’s Head Start Program is dedicated to helping ensure that children ages 3 and 4 from low-income families are ready for school. The Head Start Program is now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year. Head Start builds success for children through child focused, family-centered services that enhance social competence, school readiness and overall health and well-being. Children are provided a free high quality preschool education which includes individualized curriculum, nutritious meals, health and developmental screenings, and transportation. Head Start Classes are available throughout Crook and Deschutes counties. Space is limited.

Click here to download the official press release