A Shoulder to Lean On NeighborImpact bolsters our community in these uncertain times
By Caitlin Richmond
SINCE 2010
CONNECT HERE. LEARN HERE. STAY HERE.
Get Connected to Proven, Online Curriculum Did you know Bend-La Pine Schools’ K-12 students can opt into the District’s long-established online learning program, Bend-La Pine Schools Online? This FREE, personalized learning program—perfected since 2010— serves thousands of students innovatively and successfully each year. With a proven track record of dynamic, hands-on materials and dedicated access to local educators, BendLa Pine Schools Online allows students and families to design their perfect fit for a well-rounded, comprehensive approach to personalized learning. Bend-La Pine Schools Online helps students stay connected to both local schools and communities with flexible options. • Full-time online school • Part-time online/part-time school • Homeschool families
Bend-La Pine Schools Online is the District’s CONNECTED option for families during the 2020-21 school year. Learn more at BendLaPineSchoolsOnline.com 16 | BendNest.com
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hen you scratch the surface of NeighborImpact, you’ll find the myriad ways in which they help Central Oregonians. From immediate assistance with food procurement and a mobile food bank, to more long-term resources such as financial counseling, NeighborImpact improves the lives of those in need in so many different ways. “We are the largest nonprofit in Central Oregon,” says Rachel Haakenson, the Marketing and Communications Director. NeighborImpact serves residents of Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties, as well as residents of the Confederated Tribe of Warm Springs. To put their range in perspective, last year they distributed 3.5 million pounds of food. Although the food pantry is just one of the many ways in which NeighborImpact supports families in Central Oregon, in the time of COVID-19, food scarcity has become quite a pressing issue. Before the virus, NeighborImpact was primarily a distributor of food donated by local grocery stores. Because many more families now face empty cupboards and kids are no longer able to get breakfast and lunch at school, NeighborImpact updated operations to make food donations more easily accessible, Haakenson said. NeighborImpact now has several pick-up spots all over Central Oregon where anyone who needs extra food can get what they need. And unlike many food
NeighborImpact hits the road with their Mobile Pantry.
