community news
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
2014
7
communities to be a resource to teens so they learn and To create a vision for a future without sexual violence,
every voice can play a role in a healthier, safer tomor-
grow.

How can we support teens during this time of row for all.
You can use your voice to start the conversa-
change and discovery? Young people need age-appro-
priate information about healthy sexuality and relation- tion. You can support the voices of young people, and
ships from trusted adults. The first step is to start an together we can amplify our voices for a healthy future.
It’s time…to talk about it!
open dialogue. Ask questions and, most importantly,
listen. We can all play a role in model-
ing healthy behaviors, promoting positive
skills, and creating safe environments.
It is important to empower the voices of

Oregon Food Bank received increased USDA-TEFAP
youth and challenge negative, unhealthy
Eligibility
guidelines which allow more help for households
messages.
with groceries. The new gross income guideline for a one-

It’s okay if you do not have all the
person household is $1,799 with $626 for each additional
answers. It is more important to welcome
member.
“This is good news for people who need grocery
questions and learn together. SAFE of Co-
help,” states local food bank director Sandy Welch. “We hope
lumbia County offers a variety of resourc-
more people will utilize the assistance we offer at Vernonia
es to help prevent and respond to sexual
Cares,” she concludes.
assault, www.safeofcolumbiacounty.org.

Vernonia Cares Food Bank (VCFB), located at 627
Adams Avenue, is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00
AM until 2:00 PM. Any questions may be answered by calling
the food bank’s phone, 503-429-1414. If not open, leave a
County. It is never too late to donate: www.
message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
unitedwayofcolumbiacounty.com

Registration requires about ten minutes, as clients

The United Way of Columbia County
present proof of address and list how many people are in their
would like to thank everyone in their community
household. They sign a document stating they fall within the
for their continued support of United Way in their
target
income eligibility guidelines. The goal of VCFB is to
mission, “To increase the organized capacity of
provide, on a monthly basis, three days’ worth of emergency
people to help one another.” The Board also
groceries. “Every item we can provide is one less item families
recognizes and appreciates each Community
have to purchase,” encourages director Sandy Welch. “We
Partner’s accomplishments and commitment to
want to help!”
change lives in Columbia County.

United Way Board of Directors invites
the community to help them celebrate their 50 th
Anniversary of working for the common good
of the residents of Columbia County. Watch for
the United Way float in community parades and
join them July 26, 2014 in Clatskanie City Park
at the Rhythm on the River Blues Benefit. More
information www.rhythmontheriverblues.com

The children and teens of today are our hope
for tomorrow. It is important for us as parents, caring
adults and communities to help set young people on
the path for a healthy future and support them as they
work to create positive change. April is Sexual Assault
Awareness Month, and this year’s campaign is focused
on youth. Youth in our county experience sexual vio-
lence at a higher rate than youth elsewhere in the state.
In 2013, 10% of Columbia County teens reported being
sexually assaulted in a survey by the Oregon Health
Authority. This April, the campaign, It’s time…to talk
about it! Your voice. Our future. Prevent Sexual Vio-
lence, encourages individuals and communities to sup-
port healthy sexual development.

Young people face many challenges during
adolescence. Stereotypes and negative messages in the
media do not make the process any easier. By learning
and talking about healthy sexuality, adults are able to
support the teens in their lives. It is time for adults and
Help with Groceries
United Way of Columbia County

Another campaign year has come to a
close. The United Way continues to be impacted
by the economic climate in our area, including the
fact that over 73% of our workforce commutes
out of area to work, as well as changes in annual
company campaigns and corporate foundation
guidelines. At campaign end this year the United
Way is 12% below the amount raised last year.

The United Way awarded $129,391
to local organizations in 2014. Among the
recipients were several Community Action
Team programs for a total of $32,684; Columbia
Community Mental Health-$5,811; Columbia
Pacific Food Bank-$31,109; SAFE of Columbia
County-$6,846; and Vernonia Cares-$16,052.

To assure that for this year-two funding
cycle there would be the same allocatable dollars
available for partner agencies as was awarded last
year, the United Way Board reduced personnel
costs and operating budget. The Board then made
a decision to withdraw funds from the reserve
account to help cover operating expenses. They
understand that demand for services continues to
rise and funding is at a critical level for many of
these programs. The borrowing of funds from
the reserve account means they will all have
to work even harder in the upcoming year to
increase support for United Way and their efforts
to help change lives in Columbia County.

Some programs/agencies were not
eligible for funding as they did not apply in year
one. As always donor designations are paid
as directed. Eligible organization/programs
received at least the same amount of allocated
funds as last year. Any reductions in funds are
due to lower donor designations. Partnership
with United Way of Columbia County is not an
entitlement to funding. The good news is that
the total of allocated funds is exactly the same as
was disbursed in 2013.

It is important to remember funds
must be raised locally and they stay local to
provide services to the residents of Columbia
april3
Get all your
Garden Essentials
at the 1st Annual
Vernonia Community Garden
Fair & Plant Sale
May 10th 9am-4pm
at the Vernonia School Commons
1,000 Tomato Plants,
vegie & flower starts plus
many gifts for Mother’s Day
Interested in being a vendor?
Contact Penny Costley
503-429-0196