With rising costs for everyday essentials and unexpected expenses, 2024 has presented several financial hardships across the nation. Once again, OnPoint is proud to be part of a strong community that’s committed to giving back, especially in these times when many people face additional financial obstacles. Again and again, we’ve seen local individuals and organizations step up to help those in need, including local nonprofits 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 seventh 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 December 3rd to December 13th, we invited community members to use our social media channels to nominate and vote for local nonprofits that make a meaningful impact.

With nearly 2,000 votes during the campaign, we’re proud to announce that our community chose Waggin’Tails Search and Rescue as this year’s recipient of a $5,000 grant.

This Portland-based nonprofit formed in 2009 as a pet care service, but soon realized there was a need for search and rescue of lost dogs. Finding that there was a lack of information and resources available for families of these lost dogs, Waggin’Tails Search And Rescue incorporated in 2019 to provide those families with 24/7 advice and guidance, as well as encouragement and emotional support. They also actively participate in the process of searching for and locating lost dogs. We look forward to seeing Waggin’Tails continue their heartwarming work, reuniting families with their lost companions.

In addition to Waggin’Tails Search And Rescue, we’re also donating $2,500 each to five nonprofits that were runners-up in this year’s campaign:

• NW Blind Athletes: Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Vancouver, WA, Northwest Association for Blind Athletes is a national leader dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, youth, and adults through participation in sports and physical activity in communities across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. NWABA’s programs and services serve individuals of all ages and abilities who are blind and visually impaired. Programs offer opportunities in more than 15 sports, from teaching children to swim for the first time to providing week-long residential camp experiences.
• The Backwoods Foundation: The Backwoods Foundation is rooted in a commitment to ensuring every child has access to reliable nourishment. Through the dedicated support of donors and volunteers, they provide weekend and holiday food bags for students who might otherwise go without. These efforts help to bridge the gap during critical times, fostering stability and well-being throughout the school year. By addressing food insecurity, The Backwoods Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the health, development, and potential of students in need.
• Omega NW: Omega NW is dedicated to creating opportunities for women to rebuild their lives, regardless of their circumstances. Through partnerships with local businesses, they provide paid internships, mentorship, skill-building, and ongoing support. Their approach centers on compassion, understanding, and equipping women with the tools they need to achieve lasting success.

• Organización de Amigos: This organization is dedicated to making quality fitness programs accessible to all youth, providing a positive and supportive environment where they can develop their talents and foster a lifelong love for movement and fitness. Focused on inclusivity and empowerment, the organization aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive through physical activity. By collaborating with local Oregon affiliates, they sponsor children and teens to participate in CrossFit® youth programs, creating opportunities for growth and community engagement.

• Family Kitchen – Bend: Family Kitchen in Bend is dedicated to serving the community by providing nutritious meals to anyone in need, offering a welcoming and caring environment. Guided by core values of inclusivity, dignity, and respect, the organization creates a space where all individuals are treated with compassion and attentiveness.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen just how powerful it is when people come together to make a difference. At OnPoint, we take pride in partnering with our community to highlight the incredible work of local organizations. Through our charitable giving and volunteer efforts, we remain dedicated to supporting these inspiring nonprofits and the meaningful impact they have.

That’s why we continue to give back throughout the year. In addition to this donation, employees across the organization contributed $36,000 to support 225 different nonprofits, demonstrating their collective commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

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 serve the community in the years ahead. Visit www.onpointcu.com/community-giving to learn more about OnPoint’s commitment to the community.

This was all taken from this part of the email: Wow! OnPoint employees came together in a BIG way to make an impact during our Giving Tuesday campaign.

More than 60% of employees directed their OnPoint for Good rewards to nonprofit organizations across our footprint. Because we reached this milestone, we will direct an additional $60,000 to four Food and Shelter-focused nonprofits in honor of Giving Tuesday:

• Rose Haven: provides shelter, resources, emotional support and connections to community members in Portland.
• Giving Plate: provides food relief to anyone experiencing food insecurity in Central Oregon.
• ShelterCare: provides compassionate housing and behavioral health services for individuals and families wanting a safe and stable home in Eugene.
• Clark County Food Bank: provides emergency food relief to individuals and families in SW Washington.