UCAN CONTINUES ADAPTING TO MEET URGENT NEEDS
I am always excited to share the news of new programs and initiatives that UCAN is offering. This newsletter has articles describing two new services for UCAN.
This year we have offered a pilot Diaper Distribution program, generously supported by the Community Action Partnership of Oregon and PDX. The program helps the many families of babies and infants who struggle to pay for diapers and wipes. This year, we served about 750 Douglas County families, more families than were served in any other county, keeping our youngest healthier and happier. The pilot program wraps up in February, and we hope that it will be extended.
We will be starting a new nurse home visiting service in early 2025. Through Family Connects, all new parents in Douglas County will have the opportunity to have a UCAN nurse meet with them to address concerns and connect them with resources. The program is voluntary, free, and requires no insurance.
While excited about these new efforts, I also hope you can help us better address some very basic needs. Feeding Umpqua, our Douglas County Food Bank, lacks the food needed to best address hunger at this time. More families than ever are struggling to eat three meals daily. Cash and food donations to Feeding Umpqua will help us to better nourish our neighbors.
We have received some funds to operate a warming shelter in Roseburg, but the amount will only allow us to operate on the coldest winter nights. Those lacking shelter are much more likely to suffer hypothermia and frostbite. We are looking for volunteers to work at the shelter, and donations will allow us to operate the shelter on more freezing nights.
As the year comes to a close, I want to thank all of the many people and agencies who have supported our efforts, whether through partnerships, donations, volunteering or otherwise. We could not do this work without all of you. I wish you all the happiest of holidays!
