Author: Rachel Haakenson

NeighborImpact Responds to Local Need with Gift Cards Supporting Unpaid TSA Workers

Central Ore.—When paychecks stop, the impact is immediate. NeighborImpact responded with more than $5,000 in gift cards to help local TSA officers and their families keep groceries on the table and everyday essentials within reach while pay remains disrupted. At Redmond Municipal Airport, a partial federal government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security has meant TSA officers continue reporting to work without pay—putting pressure on everyday expenses like groceries, gas, and housing. Redmond MunicipalRead More >

Welcome to the Mission

There are many indicators of a healthy growing non-profit. One of the those signs is the number of people choosing to support the work for the first time. New donors don’t just make an immediate impact—they help ensure long-term stability, sustainability, and deeper community connection. In 2025, NeighborImpact made a focused effort to invite more people into our mission of supporting people and strengthening communities—and the response was extraordinary. Through expanded community events, outreach toRead More >

Planned Giving

Have you ever thought about how you can extend your impact beyond today and into the future? Including NeighborImpact in your estate plans offers an extraordinary opportunity to do just that. Planned gifts are versatile and resourceful, allowing you to make a substantial contribution without affecting your current financial situation. Here are just a few benefits: Creating Lasting Change: By pledging a portion of your estate or assets, you ensure that the initiatives you careRead More >

Generosity Multiplied

For Norwyn Newby, caring for people has always been a calling. After medical school at Oregon Health & Science University and a decade of advanced medical and military training, he and his wife, Barb, moved to Bend in 1980. For more than 20 years, Norwyn served patients as a neurosurgeon. Though retired since 2002, his instinct to step in when people need help hasn’t faded. Barb has long supported NeighborImpact. But this year felt different.Read More >

GOOD FOOD, SHARED IMPACT

Get ready to taste your way through downtown Bend this spring! NeighborImpact’s annual Foodie Crawl, presented by U.S. Bank, returns to downtown Bend on Sunday, April 26, 2026, from 2–4 p.m., inviting guests to explore the local food scene while supporting neighbors facing food insecurity. This walkable tasting event pairs small plates and beverage samples from participating restaurants and chefs throughout downtown, allowing attendees to set their own pace and discover new favorites along theRead More >

You Met the Moment

When uncertainty around SNAP benefits began affecting families across Central Oregon, you responded. Between November and January, donors gave $1,352,560 to support NeighborImpact and its Food Program—ensuring that when need increased, our community was ready. Because of your generosity, no pantry in our network of 56 partners had to close its doors due to a lack of food. Together, the network brought in 482,490 additional pounds of food compared to the previous quarter, with NeighborImpact’sRead More >

NeighorImpact Provides More Than 1 Million Services

Central Oregon, January 26, 2026— Central Oregonians came to NeighborImpact for services more than a million times last year, according to new data published by NeighborImpact analyzing annual impact. The organization recorded 1,011,391 individual services provided to Central Oregonians assisted during the 24-25 program year—more than double the 460,802 services provided 5 years ago. Individual services are counted each time a person receives a service from NeighborImpact, and individuals who access more than one program are counted forRead More >

NeighborImpact Expands Free Home  Weatherization Services to the Columbia River Gorge

NeighborImpact is bringing its free home weatherization program to residents of the Gorge region, helping households save money on energy bills and make their homes safer, warmer and more comfortable year-round. The Weatherization Program provides no-cost home improvements for income-qualified homeowners and renters. Services can include adding insulation, sealing air leaks and ducts, and repairing or replacing inefficient heating systems and appliances. The program’s trained staff perform a full home energy audit to identify which upgradesRead More >

NeighborImpact Head Start Grant Renewal Brings Stability for Central Oregon Families Amid Child Care Uncertainty

Central Oregon, January 7, 2026—As child care providers across the country await clarity amid delayed and frozen federal funding, NeighborImpact has received confirmation of a renewed federal grant that will enable its Head Start program to continue serving families in Central Oregon for the next five years. While NeighborImpact continues to assess how ongoing child care funding uncertainty may affect other programs, this renewal provides continued, reliable early learning and care for families enrolled inRead More >

NeighborImpact Board of Directors Elects 2026 Officers

Central Oregon—NeighborImpact’s Board of Directors has elected its officers and Executive Committee members for 2026. NeighborImpact’s board is composed of representatives from Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, drawing membership from elected officials, community members and residents representing low-income perspectives. Together, the board provides governance and oversight for the organization, which serves more than 55,000 Central Oregonians each year. The board elected the following officers: President: Chad Carpenter —Read More >