As we look back on 2022, OnPoint is, once again, so proud to be part of a strong community that’s committed to giving back. The last few years have been challenging—but time and time again, we’ve seen individuals and organizations step up to help those in need, including local non-profits that continue to uplift our community despite facing obstacles of their own.

That’s why we’re excited to announce the results of OnPoint’s fifth annual social giving campaign. This year, we again relied on the voices of people in our community to guide our end-of-year giving. From November 29 to December 9, we invited community members to nominate and vote for local non-profits that make a meaningful impact via our social media channels.

We’re proud to announce that our community chose Little Critter Crew (LCC) as this year’s recipient of a $5,000 grant.

This Eugene-based non-profit has been rescuing small animals since 2021. Little Critter Crew was founded by animal enthusiasts who noticed a lack of helpful resources for abused, neglected small animals and exotic pets. LCC established a network of volunteers who open their homes to foster and care for rescue animals who’ve been removed from unsafe situations, such as mice, gerbils, chinchillas, sugar gliders, hamsters, rabbits and rats. Along with providing sanctuary and finding caring adoptive families, LCC is dedicated to spreading awareness of pet overpopulation. LCC also works to change the perception of small animals; rather than being thought of as “disposable,” small pets should be seen as valued family members.

As the grand prize winner, Little Critter Crew will receive a $5,000 grant from OnPoint. We look forward to seeing LCC make progress toward its goals, which include building an animal shelter to better serve community needs, and to someday open an adoption center that’s designed specifically for small animal species and exotic pets.

In addition to LCC, we’re also donating $2,500 each to five non-profits that were runners-up in this year’s campaign:

• Beaverton Education Foundation: Since 1983, the Beaverton Education Foundation (BEF) has been working to fill funding gaps, create hands-on learning activities and connect communities to classrooms. Terra Linda Elementary School principal Christy Batsell says, “BEF’s investments in summer learning have made a huge impact and we continue to see that engagement during the new school year.” BEF’s projects support student learning, from STEM to after-school and summer programming. BEF Board Chair Rajesh Shah notes that “OnPoint Community Credit Union’s commitment strengthens our community and supports Beaverton Education Foundation’s work to ensure every Beaverton student is inspired and prepared for the brightest future.”
• Horses Adaptive Riding & Therapy: Based in the Willamette Valley, Horses Adaptive Riding & Therapy (HART) offers barrier-free, safe and affordable horse-centered activities that improve life for individuals with special needs. HART provides adaptive and recreational riding in a supportive, inclusive environment. This quote from a special rider makes the organization’s impact clear: “I am 5 and started riding Remi when I was 4. Remi taught me how to calm my body around him, because he would get scared. I learned how to balance and sit up straight on him. My muscles are stronger, like a superhero. I can sit quietly, I can be more patient and wait, and I love playing all the games in the arena. My nana says she loves what the horses have taught me and enjoys watching me ride.”
• Local Grown: Local Grown got its start as an Instagram account in 2021; today, it’s a non-profit that provides community-funded scholarships targeting—but not limited to—students of color in Oregon. Scholarships categories include BIPOC women in STEM, DACA, trade-school, non-citizen, and more. Local Grown says, “Thank you to everyone who took the time to tag us in the comments and thank you to OnPoint for their contributions!”
• Loving Them Forward: This Vancouver-based non-profit helps caregivers, seniors and family members navigate life’s transitions. By connecting caregivers to community resources, education and support, Loving Them Forward works toward a better quality of life for caregivers’ family members and the elderly. Here, caregivers can find resources such as hospice, counseling, medical equipment, senior living, insurance, and food and meal programs. Loving Them Forward also offers help with downsizing and moving, legal issues, options for in-home care and caregiver support groups.
• Positive Charge PDX: Founded in 2016, Positive Charge PDX counters negativity and fear by gathering volunteers to work on issues that need immediate attention. Whether it’s tackling homelessness, helping kids with cancer or assisting victims of natural disasters, Positive Charge PDX makes a difference where it’s needed most. This 100-percent volunteer non-profit works closely with community partners to identify needs and take action. Projects include making sleeping mats for unhoused individuals, collecting costumes so children in pediatric wards can play dress-up, delivering food to families in need, fighting book bans by increasing diversity in literacy, and much more.

The events of the past two years underscore that working together is more important than ever. At OnPoint, we cherish our community partners and the impact they’re making. We’re proud to work with these amazing non-profits, and we’re committed to supporting through charitable giving and volunteerism, while bringing awareness to their cause.

That’s why we continue to give back through events like our social giving campaign and our sixth annual employee giving campaign. In 2022, OnPoint employees directed $100,218 between Big Brothers Big Sisters Columbia Northwest, Cascade AIDS Project and Girls Build. Over the last six years, OnPoint employees have directed more than $500,000 in donations to 15 local charities around Oregon and SW Washington as a part of our employee giving campaign. Additionally, on Giving Tuesday, OnPoint donated $25,000 each to Habitat for Humanity of Oregon, Blanchet House and New Avenues for Youth, in addition to several other regional non-profits. These  organizations provide day shelter, meals and resources to underserved communities in the Oregon and SW Washington.

We’re incredibly grateful to our members, employees, and our community. Our members’ ongoing support allows us to give back and we look forward to continuing to help our community in the year to come. Visit www.onpointcu.com/community-giving to learn more about OnPoint’s commitment to the community.