The video project entitled “Spotlight,” produced by Bend filmmaker Felipe Santacruz, celebrates both the diversity of Central Oregon and those who are working to make the community more equitable and inclusive. Made up of three short films, the project highlights work in the Latinx, LGBTQ+ and disability communities.   “The conversations I had the opportunity to capture served as a wonderful learning experience for me,” said Santacruz. “I am proud to be able to shareRead More >

By Design is a quarterly email newsletter that was created by NeighborImpact after August 2021 listening sessions during which NeighborImpact partners said they needed more information on the management and operation of a nonprofit. NeighborImpact needs reliable partners to leverage its work and resources, and investing in the operational strength and capacity of our partners help us do more. By Design October  

The Mexican Consulate assists Mexican citizens living or traveling in the U.S. with legal services such as updating a passport, obtaining a Mexican ID card or notarizing legal documents. In June, the Consulate made a 2-day appearance at Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center to serve Central Oregonians. There, NeighborImpact and other service providers offered information to attendees about available services. Among our programs represented were Energy Assistance, Food, Housing Stabilization, Head Start and EarlyRead More >

More families now qualify for NeighborImpact’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs, thanks to a change made by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Early Head Start provides children ages 0-3 and pregnant women with family support, weekly home visits, health assessments and monthly playgroups. In Head Start, children ages 3-5 are given quality preschool education in a classroom setting, in addition to health care, dental care and family engagement opportunities. TheRead More >

Deschutes County is partnering with Neighborlmpact to offer a new domestic well assistance grant and loan program. More than $527,000 in funds are available. To apply, please visit neighborimpact.org/wellrebate or contact (541) 323-0399. “As groundwater levels decline, we continue to see an increased demand for domestic water assistance across the County,” said Commissioner Phil Chang. “We’re grateful that these funds are available to assist residents who are experiencing issues.” Funding for the program was providedRead More >

Central Oregon—Looking for something fun to do this Saturday? Come make a ceramic bowl for a good cause! Prineville Potters unite! Clay Dragon, Ruddy Waters Pottery, Crow Ceramics and Starrflower Studios will be at the The Art Corral Saturday, August 27th 10am-4pm. The Throw Down event begins at noon. Come try your hands at throwing a bowl on the pottery wheel and shop for pottery at the different studios’ booths. All bowls made will be donated to NeighborImpact for First Interstate Bank’s EmptyRead More >

Let us introduce you to Dorothea ‘Dot’ Thurby. Dot is a born-and-raised Warm Springs tribal member and has been working for NeighborImpact as a program liaison in Warm Springs for one year. She links persons to our services and is a voice for the Native population, communicating real needs to us that she gleans from residents and from the Tribes’ Emergency Management department. Since her hiring, Dot has helped 671 residents secure services through ourRead More >

Jessica and Rocky Szenczy bought a home in La Pine sight-unseen after falling on hard times. “We had nowhere else to go,” Rocky said. “We were in a bind, and we bought this place.” Only after moving did they realize that the property used to be a junkyard, with scraps of garbage still strewn about. What’s worse, the couple discovered that the home’s well was only 30 feet deep, and it was running dry. “IRead More >

Central Oregon—If you have fallen behind on your mortgage payment or your property taxes, NeighborImpact may be able to help with the Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). These funds help qualifying homeowners who are at risk of losing their home by paying past-due balances and/or providing ongoing payment relief and other housing-related expenses. NeighborImpact’s HomeSource program offers counseling to assist you in understanding HAF, the process, qualifying, and applying to this program; along with otherRead More >

“The Grapevine” is released quarterly to all of NeighborImpact’s partner organizations. The purpose of the newsletter is to spread awareness about NeighborImpact programs and to share information about services and job opportunities that are currently available. Read The Grapevine Summer 2022