Assistance League of Bend

1.0 Improve the physical and emotional well-being of children and adults in need of assistance across Deschutes County through the chapter's philanthropic programs.
2.0 Raise sufficient funds to support philanthropic activities and maintain a viable chapter.
3.0 Create and sustain an informed and enthusiastic membership that understands and supports the mission of Assistance League of Bend.
4.0 Increase public awareness of Assistance League of Bend as a leading provider of needed and valued community services to children and adults living in poverty.
5.0 Continuously improve the organizational efficiency and operational effectiveness of Assistance League of Bend.

1.0 Sustain or increase giving to children and adult programs as the need demands and as funds allow by providing clothing, hygiene items, chemo hats and other support. Conduct community needs assessments prior to developing new programs or expanding existing programs to assure the services provided are relevant and necessary. Evaluate outcome of all philanthropic programs annually.
2.0 Maintain or Increase net revenue from fundraising as needs demand and funds allow. Realize a surplus of at least 50% of total receipts for each fundraising event and activity conducted for the benefit of philanthropic programs.
3.0 Maintain or grow membership as needs demand and resources allow. Survey member needs and interests in order to retain voting members for 5-8 years. Offer educational opportunities for members by promoting participation in national and regional conferences and local workshops, as well as providing guest speakers and chapter-wide mentoring. Create participation opportunities for interested individuals who, due to time constraints, are not able to fully participate as traditional voting members at this time.
4.0 Increase awareness that the chapter is the leading provider of new clothing through Operation School Bell to school-age children in need or living in poverty in Deschutes County. Regularly maintain, update and expand the chapter website and other social networking sites to increase pubic awareness of Assistance League programs, fundraisers, strategic partnerships, sponsors, donors and supporters. Create a higher profile for the chapter in the community through the use of local media outlets, digital marketing, speaking engagements and a quarterly community newsletter. Ensure recognition for the services the chapter provides by having sufficient brand identification on all products the chapter distributes.
5.0 Annually review and evaluate the strategic plan. Maintain a reserve fund equal to the current year's operating expenses. Practice accounting principals consistent with nonprofit organizational requirements. Have an efficient and safe space to accommodate philanthropies, fundraising activities, and chapter administration. Review and update chapter documents annually. Be cognizant of risks, assess their severity and determine ways to address them.

Our approximately 150 volunteers are our greatest asset. We actively recruit and sustain a diverse, informed and enthusiastic group of members. Our non-profit organization operates using only volunteers; we have no paid staff so the funds we raise go directly to support our philanthropic programs. We also have an active Advisory Council made up of leaders in our community, including an attorney and other knowledgeable individuals from both business and professional fields that help us to create public alliances and offer professional insight. In addition, we have a strong relationship with our media partners, including television, radio and newsprint, that assist in marketing our chapter by promoting our philanthropic programs and fundraising events. Our chapter website is updated regularly and has become an effective tool as a core information and resource center, and as an important public relations vehicle. All of these resources strengthen our ability to improve the quality of life for the vulnerable populations in Deschutes County.

Recognizing the large number of low income children in Redmond, Oregon, we recently expanded our Operation School Bell® program to include 500 students in the Redmond School District. Teachers report that their students are much more likely to come to school and stay engaged because the new clothes allow them to fit in. They have seen a significant reduction in bullying as well. We have also been successful in establishing a strong partnership with a local retailer to provide the shopping experience. Unfortunately, there are many more children who could use our help, but we simply do not have the funds to clothe every child in need. We are working with local businesses and individuals in Redmond to gain more financial support for the vulnerable populations in their community.

Fiscal year 2020-21 found us navigating COVID-19. Upon recommendations from our National Assistance League we amended our Operation School Program. Our Program amendment broadens the language used to identify the services provided to children in need to now include clothes, hunger, supplies, health and/or literacy. In addition the amendment defines the area served as Deschutes County, including the Bend/La Pine School District, Redmond School District and Sisters School District. The Notice also broadens the existing language as it relates to providing funds to include not only schools, but school districts, organization and agencies.
OCTOBER 2020 - For the first time we conducted pop-up opportunities where we distributed essential items to children in need. The month of October resulted in a underwear and sock distribution to approximately 1,170 students
NOVEMBER 2020 - Popup distribution of 800 sets of hats and gloves to students in need.
DECEMBER 2020 - Provided scholarships for 10 students to have tutoring assistance
FEBRUARY 2020 - Distributed 850 ($40 each) Famous Footwear gift cards
MARCH 2020 - Resumed our student clothing opportunity at our local Walmart allowing new school clothing shopping for approx 1000 students.