Looking back on 2021, we’re amazed by what Pine Valley accomplished together. It was a year that tested us and showed just how strong our community can be when we support each other. Thank you to every partner who stood with us through challenges and celebrations alike.
Community Covid Crisis Response: Foundations That Showed Up
Our Village Fund continued its vital role as a safety net for families in 2021. By January, we had received $10,111 in total donations and awarded $3,847.63 across 9 approved applications for needs like medical expenses, rent, phone, and garbage services. The fund continued to support the community throughout the year, with approximately $4,000 remaining in the account by July. The Village Fund committee tweaked its criteria to allow awards every six months, with applications possible every 28 days if no award was received.
Record Community Engagement
Community engagement remained a cornerstone of UCP’s work in 2021. The Mountain View Disc Golf Project, a UCP-sponsored initiative, celebrated its grand opening in April, with Kevin Pfeifer successfully raising all needed funds. Pam Conley attended the grand opening, and a positive article was published in the paper. We also saw active participation in the Pine Valley Firewise Community efforts. A “Bonus Friday” STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) event at the school on October 29 saw kids learning about fire safety and debris-free areas around homes, with Smokey the Bear and a Fire Truck present. We also organized a Bike/Jog/Walk event on November 13 to support the new Fire Station, with participants gathering at the old fire station and enjoying lunch and prizes at the Lions Club.
Major Firewise Grant Success
2021 marked significant strides in wildfire preparedness. We received a $2,300 grant from the Roundhouse Foundation in Sisters, OR, specifically for two iPads to collect fire risk information on properties. This grant also opened the door for a larger grant application in Spring 2022. Pam Conley and Debi Lorence were instrumental in establishing the Pine Valley Firewise Community as a UCP-sponsored project, with UCP approving a $500 donation to the project. Bill Schuhle generously donated his time to print banners for our Firewise booth, which were used at events like the school’s Bonus Friday. We also collaborated with Wallowa Resources and the Oregon Department of Forestry to secure grant money for property cleanup.
Professional Systems and Accountability
In 2021, we focused on strengthening our organizational infrastructure. Liz created a volunteer hour tracking tool for board members, essential for annual reports and grant applications, and provided training on blog posting for the website. We also joined the Non-profit Association of Oregon (NAO) for $50, gaining access to valuable trainings and resources. Pam Conley attended a grant writing class through NeighborWorks Umpqua, further enhancing our capacity for securing funding. Furthermore, the board approved a Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusiveness (JEDI) statement, which Liz then posted on our website, demonstrating our commitment to inclusive community building.
Community Fundraising Excellence
Our fundraising efforts in 2021 were highly successful. Our annual fundraising letter, drafted by Pam Conley and printed by Bill Schuhle, brought in $3,982 in donations by January, exceeding our $1,550 goal by $2,202. By March, donations reached $4,142 with an additional $100 in membership renewals. This strong community support provided flexible funding for our operations and allowed us to respond quickly to new opportunities.
Village Fund: Growing Stronger
The Village Fund continued to be a beacon of support for Pine Valley families. The fund’s committee diligently reviewed applications and ensured help reached those in need. By November, the fund had approximately $3,100 remaining after approving a new application for groceries.
Supporting Local Organizations
UCP actively supported local organizations and community initiatives. We joined the Chamber of Commerce for $60, with Steve White handling the membership and Hopi Wilder checking into participating in meetings, strengthening our ties with local businesses. Liz McLellan assisted Shella DelCurto with her “Working with Wolves” program by helping with online information, showcasing our commitment to diverse community projects. We also offered our help to the Pine Valley Rural Fire District Board in promoting community support for a new fire station, with UCP approving to match up to $1,100 from businesses for T-shirts for the Bike/Jog/Walk event.
Fostering New Community Initiatives
In 2021, we began exploring new avenues for community growth. Steve White initiated discussions for a mentoring program, connecting with Pine Eagle School Principal Cammie DeCastro, who identified 12-15 kids who could benefit. We identified Ford Foundation micro-grants as a potential funding source for mentor expenses. Additionally, Pam Conley continued efforts on the RV Fresh Water Hydrant project with Karen Andruss, a project that was temporarily put on hold due to COVID but remains a priority for community infrastructure.
What Your Partnership Made Possible in 2021:
– **Immediate crisis response** through the Village Fund, providing over $5,000 in awards to families in need.
– **Record community engagement** with the successful Mountain View Disc Golf grand opening, active participation in Firewise events, and the Bike/Jog/Walk for the new Fire Station.
– **Major fire safety advancements** with grants from the Roundhouse Foundation and collaborations with Wallowa Resources and ODF.
– **Enhanced professional systems** through website updates, volunteer tracking, and professional development for board members.
– **Annual fundraising success** exceeding goals by over $2,000.
– **Continued Village Fund support** for families facing unexpected challenges.
– **Strong local organization partnerships** with the Chamber of Commerce, Pine Valley Rural Fire District, and support for the Pine Valley Grange.
– **Community planning leadership** through the establishment of the Pine Valley Firewise Community and board members participating in grant writing and community building trainings.
Looking Ahead to 2022
The partnerships and community engagement we built in 2021 position Pine Valley for continued growth in 2022. The Firewise initiatives will continue to strengthen our community’s resilience, and the Village Fund will be there when neighbors need support. We look forward to continued collaboration with all our partners and the expansion of our community-driven projects.
Most importantly, we’ve proven that Pine Valley knows how to come together during tough times and celebrate together during good ones. That’s the foundation everything else builds on.
Gratitude Beyond Words
From our dedicated board members – Pam Conley (President), Steve White (Vice President), Jack Greenman (Treasurer), Sarah Greenman (Secretary), Kim Elton, Liz McLellan (Tech Lead), and Hopi Wilder – to every family who benefited from community support this year, thank you for believing in Pine Valley. You’ve helped us respond to crisis with compassion, plan for the future with hope, and face challenges with confidence.
A special thanks to:
* **Kevin Pfeifer** for successfully raising funds for the Mountain View Disc Golf Project.
* **Linda Collier** for her work on the Pine Valley Recycle Grant.
* **Karen Andruss** for her involvement in the RV Fresh Water Hydrant project.
* **Shella DelCurto** for her “Working with Wolves” program.
* **Cammie DeCastro**, Pine Eagle School Principal, for her interest in a mentoring program.
* **Bill Schuhle** for printing our fundraising letters and Firewise banners.
* **Debi Lorence** for her leadership in establishing the Pine Valley Firewise Community.
* **Wallowa Resources** and **Oregon Department of Forestry** for their collaboration on fire safety grants.
* **Meredith Howell** from NeighborWorks Umpqua for the grant writing class.
* **All community members** who attended events, volunteered, and contributed to our projects.
2021 showed us what’s possible when foundations, community members, and local organizations work together toward shared goals. We’re grateful to be part of a community that takes care of its own and builds for the future at the same time.
Got a Community Project Idea? We’re Here to Help!
Looking at everything we accomplished together this year, we’re reminded that every successful project started with someone who had an idea and wasn’t sure where to begin. If you’ve been thinking about a project that could benefit Pine Valley – whether it’s big or small – UCP is here to help you figure out the next steps.
We Can Help With:
**Fiscal agency or sponsorship** for community projects that align with our mission – this means we can handle the money management and paperwork while you focus on making your project happen.
**Small grants** to get projects started – we’ve funded everything from the $500 Chautauqua Music Festival to the $5,000 MainStreet Stage project. Every idea deserves a chance!
**Project development support** – help turning your idea into a plan that works, finding the right people to work with, and figuring out what resources you’ll need.
**Training and workshop access** – connecting you with the skills and knowledge that make projects successful.
**Networking within our community** – we know who’s doing what in Pine Valley and can help connect you with people who share your interests or have complementary skills.
How to Get Started:
The easiest way is to come to one of our monthly UCP meetings and share your idea during our Open Discussion time. This is when community members bring projects, ideas, needs, or plans to the group. Don’t worry about having everything figured out – we’re here to help you work through the details!
You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page to get your idea out there and maybe find people willing to roll up their sleeves and help make it happen.
**Remember:** This list isn’t exhaustive. If you don’t see exactly what your project needs, please get in touch anyway. We may be able to point you in the right direction or help you find the resources you need.
From Ideas to Reality:
Some of our most successful projects – like the Village Fund, Pine Valley Firewise, and Pine Valley 2050 – started as conversations at UCP meetings. Someone said “What if we could…” and the community said “Let’s figure out how!”
Whether your project needs $250 or $2,500, whether it serves five people or the whole valley, we want to hear about it. Pine Valley grows stronger when community members step up with ideas that make this place even better.
**Questions?** Contact any board member! We’re excited to hear what you’re thinking about!
Here’s to continuing this important work together in 2022!
Your grateful neighbors at United Community Partners
United Community Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting community-driven initiatives that strengthen Pine Valley. All contributions are tax-deductible and directly fund community projects.
Last Updated: August 3, 2025 by Liz
Project Updates: April 2023 UCP Meeting
Our April 6 meeting reflected how many community-led projects are growing strong roots in Pine Valley. Here’s a look at where things stand.
PV2050: From Vision to Action
We’re grateful to Becky Kaaen, who recently stepped up as chair of the PV2050 initiative. Under her leadership, PV2050 continues to transition from listening to planning.
The “coffee talks” phase has ended, and the team is now organizing a large community gathering in the coming months. This event will be an opportunity for neighbors to learn about the projects taking shape and to get involved directly. A few of the emerging project ideas include:
Local jobs for youth: A plan to train teens in roles like farm sitting
Reviving Cornucopia cabin: A potential community restoration effort
Creating a daycare, a co-working space, and a tool/repair café
Trail development and support for gym/track facilities
Community garden and housing efforts
And yes, ideas as unique as the “wigwam burner” are still in the mix
Already, the PV2050 steering committee has greenlit three substantial efforts:
Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) – Nearing completion, this plan will be handed off to the Pine Valley Rural Fire District to help guide local response strategies.
Halfway Main Street Revitalization – This group held its first planning meeting on March 22. The aim is to support our downtown in ways that reflect community needs and honor local character.
Pine Valley Museum Archiving Project – This effort is ready to transition directly into the capable hands of the museum.
Want to pitch an idea? Visit PV2050’s website to submit a project proposal or sign up to help.
Firewise: May 20 Event + Major Grant in the Works
Pine Valley Firewise is ramping up for a special Firewise Day on May 20. This year, we’re teaming up with the Oregon Small Woodlands Association to provide practical workshops on:
Home hardening (making homes more resistant to wildfire)
Fuels reduction strategies
Community education around fire preparedness
Debi reported that UCP submitted a grant proposal through the Oregon State Fire Marshal’s Fire Adapted Oregon initiative, made possible by Senate Bill 762. If approved, we will receive $243,000 upfront to fund three years of fuels reduction and seasonal cleanup days across the valley. The team identified two initial projects but may expand to four if capacity allows. We expect to hear about funding in April.
With only $65.30 currently in the unrestricted Firewise account, this grant would make an enormous difference in our ability to continue this work at scale.
The Village Fund: Continuing Compassionate Support
Since April 2020, the Village Fund has reviewed **41 total applications**, assisting neighbors with essentials like:
Rent and house payments
Utility bills and phone services
Food
Auto repair
Insurance
In 2022 alone, the fund approved 9 of 10 applications. For 2023, four applications have already come through. As of this meeting, the fund holds $1,961.62. With the current phase set to expire on April 20, the Village Fund committee will meet this month to decide whether to extend the program and begin fundraising again.
UCP fully supports continuing this project if the team behind it chooses to move forward.
Organizational News
-Pam submitted a Letter of Inquiry for a general operations grant through the **Oregon Community Foundation**. We’ll know by April 20 if we are invited to submit a full application. – The board unanimously voted to adopt an updated HR and anti-discrimination policy. – We also approved a proposal for UCP board insurance. – A $650 grant was approved to support Pine Fest, a beloved local event.
Key Goals for the Year
We’re focused on: – Recruiting members and collecting dues – Building a network of community members with skills and service ideas – Expanding public awareness of UCP and our work – Inviting a student to join the board for a year – Supporting Senior High School projects through UCP
These aren’t just aspirations. They’re areas where we want to see growth and fresh energy from folks in Pine Valley. If any of these goals spark your interest, reach out.
Meeting Moments
The meeting ended with a roundtable and a bit of personal check-in time—a reminder that relationships are the heart of UCP’s work. The next UCP meeting will be held on **May 4 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.**
Last Updated: January 25, 2024 by Liz
2022 UCP Board Members
UCP BOARD
Elected at August Annual Meeting
OFFICERS
Pam Conley – President – president@unitedcommunitypartners.org
Jack Greenman – Treasurer – treasurer@unitedcommunitypartners.org
Sarah Greenman – Secretary – secretary@unitedcommunitypartners.org
BOARD MEMBERS
Kim Elton – Board Member
Steve White – Board Member
Liz McLellan – Board member and tech consultant tech@unitedcommunitypartners.org
All community members are welcome and encouraged to join us at our monthly meeting. (Online during COVID) Each meeting has an open segment early on the agenda for community members to bring their ideas, needs, projects and concerns to the group.
You can also become a member or volunteer.
Last Updated: July 31, 2025 by Liz
2022 – End of the Year Roundup and Thanks!
Looking back on 2022, we’re amazed by what Pine Valley accomplished together. It was a year that tested us and showed just how strong our community can be when we support each other. Thank you to every partner who stood with us through challenges and celebrations alike.
Community Crisis Response: Foundations That Showed Up
Our Village Fund continued to grow in 2022, with $3,450 in new donations and a total of approximately $4,200 in the account by June. This allowed us to provide a $500 grant for car repair, among other needs. We explored new funding opportunities, with Sara Artly working on a grant request from the Collins Fund, and Maurizio from The Ford Family Foundation suggesting we apply for their Village Fund grant. Deanna Pennock was also instrumental in discussing Neighbor to Neighbor/Good Neighbor grants. This reliable support ensures we can continue to be a safety net for families facing unexpected challenges.
Record Community Engagement
Community engagement was a highlight of 2022. Our Firewise Community Wildfire Preparedness Day on May 7 saw 40 people attend, with 13 dedicated volunteers helping make the event a success. John and Patty Billington generously hosted a wood chipping demonstration at their place, showcasing practical fire safety measures. We also held a successful city cleanup day on August 20, which was a big hit, with Pine Valley Recycling expressing interest in making it an annual event. Kevin Pfeifer has been working diligently on the PV2050 website and marketing package, funded by leftover Roundhouse grant funds, to further enhance our outreach.
Major Firewise Grant Success
A significant achievement in 2022 was the progress on our Firewise initiatives. We received a $62,979 SB762 Grant, administered by Wallowa Resources, to pay the Idaho Conservation Corps for fuels reduction work. Additionally, a $10,000 Roundhouse grant allowed us to hire Debi Lorence as our Project Coordinator, whose expertise has been invaluable. We also secured a $500 grant from State Farm for our Firewise event. Jana, an ODF Forester, has been working on setting up a chipping project to utilize remaining SB762 grant funds. We’re also excited about the potential for a NE Youth Corps, with Kristian Thorton of NE Oregon Workforce leading efforts to establish this organization, which could provide future crews for our work in Pine Valley.
Professional Systems and Accountability
In 2022, we continued to strengthen our professional systems. Liz McLellan implemented crucial tech updates, including adding a volunteer log, updating our grant packet, and listing newer grants on the website. The board also made a significant decision to require double signatures for checks over $500, enhancing financial accountability.
Community Fundraising Excellence
Our annual fundraising efforts were a great success in 2022. Our fundraising letter raised $3,580, exceeding our goal of $3,000. Pam Conley drafted the letter, and Bill Schuhle was instrumental in printing it up for us, ensuring our message reached our supporters effectively. This flexible funding is vital for our operations and allows us to respond quickly to new opportunities throughout the year.
Village Fund: Growing Stronger
The Village Fund continued its vital role as a safety net for families. The review committee of the Village Fund works diligently to support our neighbors and make sure the funds are used with accountability. We continued to explore avenues for growth, with Sarah Greenman working on a grant request from the Collins Fund and Maurizio from The Ford Family Foundation encouraging us to apply for their Village Fund grant.
Supporting Local Organizations
We actively supported local organizations and community initiatives in 2022. Debi Lorence began working with Halfway residents on a Community Needs Planning Project, which UCP supported with $500 to cover initial costs. Sarah Greenman stepped up as the UCP Liaison for the Pine Valley 2050 Vision project. We also assisted the Pine Valley Grange by helping them paint the trim on their building in October, a small but impactful project that demonstrates our commitment to local partnerships. We also approved applying for a grant for a generator for the Lions Club, a project initiated by Kim Elton and seconded by Liz McLellan, to help establish them as a community emergency center.
What Your Partnership Made Possible in 2022:
– **Immediate crisis response** through the Village Fund, with $3,450 in new donations and a total of approximately $4,200 in the account by June, supporting families with critical needs.
– **Record community engagement** at the Firewise Community Wildfire Preparedness Day (40 attendees, 13 volunteers) and a successful city cleanup day on August 20.
– **Major fire safety advancements** with the $62,979 SB762 Grant and $10,000 Roundhouse grant, enabling fuels reduction work by the Idaho Conservation Corps and the hiring of Debi Lorence as Project Coordinator.
– **Enhanced financial systems** with improved check signing processes and Liz McLellan’s website and grant packet updates.
– **Annual fundraising success** exceeding goals, raising $3,580.
– **Continued Village Fund support** with Sara Artly leading efforts.
– **Strong local organization partnerships** supporting the Halfway Community Needs Planning Project, the Pine Valley Grange, and the Lions Club generator project.
– **Community planning leadership** with the launch of the Pine Valley 2050 project and the Community Builders training undertaken by Rose Darting, Debi Lorence, and Pam Conley.
Looking Ahead to 2023
The partnerships and community engagement we built in 2022 position Pine Valley for continued growth in 2023. The Firewise initiatives will continue to strengthen our community’s resilience, Pine Valley 2050 will keep bringing residents together around shared goals, and the Village Fund will be there when neighbors need support. We look forward to the ongoing efforts of the Community Builders training and the continued collaboration with all our partners.
Most importantly, we’ve proven that Pine Valley knows how to come together during tough times and celebrate together during good ones. That’s the foundation everything else builds on.
Gratitude Beyond Words
From our dedicated board members – Pam Conley (President), Steve White (Vice President), Jack Greenman (Treasurer), Sarah Greenman (Secretary), Kim Elton, and Liz McLellan – to every family who benefited from community support this year, thank you for believing in Pine Valley. You’ve helped us respond to crisis with compassion, plan for the future with hope, and face challenges with confidence.
A special thanks to:
* **Sara Artly** for chairing the Village Fund and her work on grant requests.
* **John and Patty Billington** for hosting the wood chipping demonstration.
* **Debi Lorence** for her invaluable work as Firewise Project Coordinator and her leadership in the Halfway Community Needs Planning Project and Community Builders training.
* **Wallowa Resources** for administering the SB762 grant.
* **Idaho Conservation Corps** and **NW Youth Conservation Corp** for their fuels reduction work.
* **Jana, ODF Forester** for her work on the chipping project.
* **Kristian Thorton** of NE Oregon Workforce for his efforts in establishing the NE Youth Corps.
* **Kevin Pfeifer** for his work on the PV2050 website and marketing package.
* **Bill Schuhle** for printing our fundraising letters.
* **Rose Darting** for her leadership in the PV2050 steering committee and participation in the Community Builders training.
* **Becky Kaaen** and **Gail Kimberling** for their involvement in the PV2050 steering committee.
* **Maurizio Valerio** from The Ford Family Foundation for his continued support and guidance.
* **Cheryl Puddy** of the Oregon Community Foundation for her assistance with funding.
* **Eric Chambers** for his support with Bottle Drop Funds for cleanup days.
* **Kali Thorne Ladd** from Children’s Institute for potential childcare funding.
* **Dale Taylor, Galen West, and Bill Schuhle** for their work with the Pine Valley Museum archiving project.
* The many **community members** who attended events, volunteered, and participated in discussions.
2022 showed us what’s possible when foundations, community members, and local organizations work together toward shared goals. We’re grateful to be part of a community that takes care of its own and builds for the future at the same time.
Got a Community Project Idea? We’re Here to Help!
Looking at everything we accomplished together this year, we’re reminded that every successful project started with someone who had an idea and wasn’t sure where to begin. If you’ve been thinking about a project that could benefit Pine Valley – whether it’s big or small – UCP is here to help you figure out the next steps.
We Can Help With:
**Fiscal agency or sponsorship** for community projects that align with our mission – this means we can handle the money management and paperwork while you focus on making your project happen.
**Small grants** to get projects started – we’ve funded everything from the $500 Chautauqua Music Festival to the $5,000 MainStreet Stage project. Every idea deserves a chance!
**Project development support** – help turning your idea into a plan that works, finding the right people to work with, and figuring out what resources you’ll need.
**Training and workshop access** – connecting you with the skills and knowledge that make projects successful.
**Networking within our community** – we know who’s doing what in Pine Valley and can help connect you with people who share your interests or have complementary skills.
How to Get Started:
The easiest way is to come to one of our monthly UCP meetings and share your idea during our Open Discussion time. This is when community members bring projects, ideas, needs, or plans to the group. Don’t worry about having everything figured out – we’re here to help you work through the details!
You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page to get your idea out there and maybe find people willing to roll up their sleeves and help make it happen.
**Remember:** This list isn’t exhaustive. If you don’t see exactly what your project needs, please get in touch anyway. We may be able to point you in the right direction or help you find the resources you need.
From Ideas to Reality:
Some of our most successful projects – like the Village Fund, Pine Valley Firewise, and Pine Valley 2050 – started as conversations at UCP meetings. Someone said “What if we could…” and the community said “Let’s figure out how!”
Whether your project needs $250 or $2,500, whether it serves five people or the whole valley, we want to hear about it. Pine Valley grows stronger when community members step up with ideas that make this place even better.
**Questions?** Any of our board members can help you with getting started! Just get in touch!
Here’s to continuing this important work together in 2023!
Your grateful neighbors at United Community Partners
United Community Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting community-driven initiatives that strengthen Pine Valley. All contributions are tax-deductible and directly fund community projects.
Last Updated: July 31, 2025 by Liz
2021 Year End Roundup and Thank Yous!
Looking back on 2021, we’re amazed by what Pine Valley accomplished together. It was a year that tested us and showed just how strong our community can be when we support each other. Thank you to every partner who stood with us through challenges and celebrations alike.
Community Covid Crisis Response: Foundations That Showed Up
Our Village Fund continued its vital role as a safety net for families in 2021. By January, we had received $10,111 in total donations and awarded $3,847.63 across 9 approved applications for needs like medical expenses, rent, phone, and garbage services. The fund continued to support the community throughout the year, with approximately $4,000 remaining in the account by July. The Village Fund committee tweaked its criteria to allow awards every six months, with applications possible every 28 days if no award was received.
Record Community Engagement
Community engagement remained a cornerstone of UCP’s work in 2021. The Mountain View Disc Golf Project, a UCP-sponsored initiative, celebrated its grand opening in April, with Kevin Pfeifer successfully raising all needed funds. Pam Conley attended the grand opening, and a positive article was published in the paper. We also saw active participation in the Pine Valley Firewise Community efforts. A “Bonus Friday” STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) event at the school on October 29 saw kids learning about fire safety and debris-free areas around homes, with Smokey the Bear and a Fire Truck present. We also organized a Bike/Jog/Walk event on November 13 to support the new Fire Station, with participants gathering at the old fire station and enjoying lunch and prizes at the Lions Club.
Major Firewise Grant Success
2021 marked significant strides in wildfire preparedness. We received a $2,300 grant from the Roundhouse Foundation in Sisters, OR, specifically for two iPads to collect fire risk information on properties. This grant also opened the door for a larger grant application in Spring 2022. Pam Conley and Debi Lorence were instrumental in establishing the Pine Valley Firewise Community as a UCP-sponsored project, with UCP approving a $500 donation to the project. Bill Schuhle generously donated his time to print banners for our Firewise booth, which were used at events like the school’s Bonus Friday. We also collaborated with Wallowa Resources and the Oregon Department of Forestry to secure grant money for property cleanup.
Professional Systems and Accountability
In 2021, we focused on strengthening our organizational infrastructure. Liz created a volunteer hour tracking tool for board members, essential for annual reports and grant applications, and provided training on blog posting for the website. We also joined the Non-profit Association of Oregon (NAO) for $50, gaining access to valuable trainings and resources. Pam Conley attended a grant writing class through NeighborWorks Umpqua, further enhancing our capacity for securing funding. Furthermore, the board approved a Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusiveness (JEDI) statement, which Liz then posted on our website, demonstrating our commitment to inclusive community building.
Community Fundraising Excellence
Our fundraising efforts in 2021 were highly successful. Our annual fundraising letter, drafted by Pam Conley and printed by Bill Schuhle, brought in $3,982 in donations by January, exceeding our $1,550 goal by $2,202. By March, donations reached $4,142 with an additional $100 in membership renewals. This strong community support provided flexible funding for our operations and allowed us to respond quickly to new opportunities.
Village Fund: Growing Stronger
The Village Fund continued to be a beacon of support for Pine Valley families. The fund’s committee diligently reviewed applications and ensured help reached those in need. By November, the fund had approximately $3,100 remaining after approving a new application for groceries.
Supporting Local Organizations
UCP actively supported local organizations and community initiatives. We joined the Chamber of Commerce for $60, with Steve White handling the membership and Hopi Wilder checking into participating in meetings, strengthening our ties with local businesses. Liz McLellan assisted Shella DelCurto with her “Working with Wolves” program by helping with online information, showcasing our commitment to diverse community projects. We also offered our help to the Pine Valley Rural Fire District Board in promoting community support for a new fire station, with UCP approving to match up to $1,100 from businesses for T-shirts for the Bike/Jog/Walk event.
Fostering New Community Initiatives
In 2021, we began exploring new avenues for community growth. Steve White initiated discussions for a mentoring program, connecting with Pine Eagle School Principal Cammie DeCastro, who identified 12-15 kids who could benefit. We identified Ford Foundation micro-grants as a potential funding source for mentor expenses. Additionally, Pam Conley continued efforts on the RV Fresh Water Hydrant project with Karen Andruss, a project that was temporarily put on hold due to COVID but remains a priority for community infrastructure.
What Your Partnership Made Possible in 2021:
– **Immediate crisis response** through the Village Fund, providing over $5,000 in awards to families in need.
– **Record community engagement** with the successful Mountain View Disc Golf grand opening, active participation in Firewise events, and the Bike/Jog/Walk for the new Fire Station.
– **Major fire safety advancements** with grants from the Roundhouse Foundation and collaborations with Wallowa Resources and ODF.
– **Enhanced professional systems** through website updates, volunteer tracking, and professional development for board members.
– **Annual fundraising success** exceeding goals by over $2,000.
– **Continued Village Fund support** for families facing unexpected challenges.
– **Strong local organization partnerships** with the Chamber of Commerce, Pine Valley Rural Fire District, and support for the Pine Valley Grange.
– **Community planning leadership** through the establishment of the Pine Valley Firewise Community and board members participating in grant writing and community building trainings.
Looking Ahead to 2022
The partnerships and community engagement we built in 2021 position Pine Valley for continued growth in 2022. The Firewise initiatives will continue to strengthen our community’s resilience, and the Village Fund will be there when neighbors need support. We look forward to continued collaboration with all our partners and the expansion of our community-driven projects.
Most importantly, we’ve proven that Pine Valley knows how to come together during tough times and celebrate together during good ones. That’s the foundation everything else builds on.
Gratitude Beyond Words
From our dedicated board members – Pam Conley (President), Steve White (Vice President), Jack Greenman (Treasurer), Sarah Greenman (Secretary), Kim Elton, Liz McLellan (Tech Lead), and Hopi Wilder – to every family who benefited from community support this year, thank you for believing in Pine Valley. You’ve helped us respond to crisis with compassion, plan for the future with hope, and face challenges with confidence.
A special thanks to:
* **Kevin Pfeifer** for successfully raising funds for the Mountain View Disc Golf Project.
* **Linda Collier** for her work on the Pine Valley Recycle Grant.
* **Karen Andruss** for her involvement in the RV Fresh Water Hydrant project.
* **Shella DelCurto** for her “Working with Wolves” program.
* **Cammie DeCastro**, Pine Eagle School Principal, for her interest in a mentoring program.
* **Bill Schuhle** for printing our fundraising letters and Firewise banners.
* **Debi Lorence** for her leadership in establishing the Pine Valley Firewise Community.
* **Wallowa Resources** and **Oregon Department of Forestry** for their collaboration on fire safety grants.
* **Meredith Howell** from NeighborWorks Umpqua for the grant writing class.
* **All community members** who attended events, volunteered, and contributed to our projects.
2021 showed us what’s possible when foundations, community members, and local organizations work together toward shared goals. We’re grateful to be part of a community that takes care of its own and builds for the future at the same time.
Got a Community Project Idea? We’re Here to Help!
Looking at everything we accomplished together this year, we’re reminded that every successful project started with someone who had an idea and wasn’t sure where to begin. If you’ve been thinking about a project that could benefit Pine Valley – whether it’s big or small – UCP is here to help you figure out the next steps.
We Can Help With:
**Fiscal agency or sponsorship** for community projects that align with our mission – this means we can handle the money management and paperwork while you focus on making your project happen.
**Small grants** to get projects started – we’ve funded everything from the $500 Chautauqua Music Festival to the $5,000 MainStreet Stage project. Every idea deserves a chance!
**Project development support** – help turning your idea into a plan that works, finding the right people to work with, and figuring out what resources you’ll need.
**Training and workshop access** – connecting you with the skills and knowledge that make projects successful.
**Networking within our community** – we know who’s doing what in Pine Valley and can help connect you with people who share your interests or have complementary skills.
How to Get Started:
The easiest way is to come to one of our monthly UCP meetings and share your idea during our Open Discussion time. This is when community members bring projects, ideas, needs, or plans to the group. Don’t worry about having everything figured out – we’re here to help you work through the details!
You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page to get your idea out there and maybe find people willing to roll up their sleeves and help make it happen.
**Remember:** This list isn’t exhaustive. If you don’t see exactly what your project needs, please get in touch anyway. We may be able to point you in the right direction or help you find the resources you need.
From Ideas to Reality:
Some of our most successful projects – like the Village Fund, Pine Valley Firewise, and Pine Valley 2050 – started as conversations at UCP meetings. Someone said “What if we could…” and the community said “Let’s figure out how!”
Whether your project needs $250 or $2,500, whether it serves five people or the whole valley, we want to hear about it. Pine Valley grows stronger when community members step up with ideas that make this place even better.
**Questions?** Contact any board member! We’re excited to hear what you’re thinking about!
Here’s to continuing this important work together in 2022!
Your grateful neighbors at United Community Partners
United Community Partners is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting community-driven initiatives that strengthen Pine Valley. All contributions are tax-deductible and directly fund community projects.
Last Updated: April 6, 2023 by Liz
SEPT 2021 UCP BOARD ELECTION RESULTS
UCP BOARD
OFFICERS
Pam Conley- President – president@unitedcommunitypartners.org
Steve White – Vice President – boardvp@unitedcommunitypartners.org
Jack Greenman – Treasurer – treasurer@unitedcommunitypartners.org
Sarah Greenman – Secretary – secretary@unitedcommunitypartners.org
BOARD MEMBERS
Kim Elton – Board Member
Hopi Wilder – Board Member
Liz McLellan – Board member and tech consultant tech@unitedcommunitypartners.org
All community members are welcome and encouraged to join us at our monthly meeting. (Online during COVID) Each meeting has an open segment early on the agenda for community members to bring their ideas, needs, projects and concerns to the group.
You can also become a member or volunteer.
Last Updated: January 25, 2024 by Liz
New UCP Project
Firewise Community Project
UCP is a fiscal sponsor of the Pine Valley Firewise Community Project as of September 2021.
FIRE! It is on all of our minds at some level. Our community like dozens of others in Oregon can come together as a community and help prepare. Our fire crew is volunteer, and they need our help today. Join us to help Pine Valley become a “Firewise Community” just like East Eagle Creek did!
Get informed before it is too late. MORE INFO
Last Updated: August 2, 2021 by Liz
2021 Annual Meeteing – You’re Invited!
Annual Report LINK
Agenda LINK
Last Updated: January 25, 2024 by Liz
Reduced Meeting Schedule During Covid 2020-2021
During the COVID19 pandemic UCP has a reduced meeting schedule. If you wish to attend one of our Zoom meetings for any reason contact Pam Conley.
Last Updated: January 25, 2024 by Liz
2021 Board Member Update
We are so sad to see two board members off into their new lives – Thank you to Kat Davis for her great service to the community and especially to our board. We grew as a team and as people under your tutelage Kat and miss you already! We also lost Deanna Bowman our dedicated and stalwart scribe to the wilds of Boise – with so much gratitude for your voice, wily board building skills and presence – we miss you Deanna.
We are lucky to have Pam Conley, Steve White and Liz McLellan remaining in their roles.
We are grateful to announce that United Community Partners has THREE new board members: Kim Elton, Sara Greenman and Hopi Wilder. More soon on these three! But how thrilled we are!
UCP BOARD
OFFICERS
Pam Conley- President – president@unitedcommunitypartners.org
Vacant – Vice President – boardvp@unitedcommunitypartners.org
Pam Conley – Acting Secretary secretary@unitedcommunitypartners.org
Steve White – Treasurer – treasurer@unitedcommunitypartners.org
BOARD MEMBERS
Sarah Greenman – Board member
Kim Elton – Board Member
Hopi Wilder – Board Member
Liz McLellan – Board member and tech consultant tech@unitedcommunitypartners.org
All community members are welcome and encouraged to join us at our monthly meeting. (Online during COVID) Each meeting has an open segment early on the agenda for community members to bring their ideas, needs, projects and concerns to the group.
You can also become a member or volunteer.
Posted: September 30, 2020 by Liz
Reminder – UCPs annual meeting is tomorrow THURSDAY Oct 1 4-6pm
Download meeting materials here:
unitedcommunitypartners.org
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CONTACT INFO
P.O. Box 545
Halfway, Oregon 97834
Phone 541-742-4065
president@unitedcommunitypartners.org
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