Helping our Communities Thrive:
Seeing Poverty through New Eyes
On September 17, 2009 the City Club of Central Oregon will welcome Wendy Schechter, Director of Workforce and Healthcare for the Partnership to End Poverty to lead a discussion about the surprising ways poverty it is experienced by our Central Oregon community.
Approximately 23,000 Central Oregon residents live below the federal poverty level ($22,050 per year for a family of four) and another 59,000 are in danger of slipping into poverty at any given time. Despite these numbers, few people understand the dynamics which lead to poverty. Generational and chronic poverty is the stereotype, but the current economic recession reminds us that many Central Oregonians confront the reality that poverty may be just one paycheck away.
In addition to the forum discussion, the Partnership to End Poverty will provide information about Central Oregon Project Connect which is scheduled for Saturday, September 19th. The mission of Project Connect is to rally the region to support and create lasting solutions for those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Central Oregon. Project Connect is a component of a Regional 10 year Strategy to End Homelessness. Please visit the Project Connect website to learn more about being involved.
Forum participants will have an opportunity to explore the limitations imposed by perceptions of poverty and how people experiencing poverty can best be supported on a journey to economic prosperity.
Pre-registration is required by September 14th, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. The cost to members is $13.00 for lunch. Nonmembers pay $25.00 for lunch and program.
The Forum will begin at 11:30 and conclude promptly at 1:00 p.m. City Club Forums are conducted at St. Charles Center for Health and Learning, 2500 NE Neff Road in Bend.
The registration deadline has passed, please phone the CIty Club to inquire about space availability.
1) Pay online with your credit card (Visa or Mastercard)
2) Use the "Contact Us" link to indicate your attendance and pay at the door (cash or check is accepted at the door.)
3) Call the City Club 541-633-7163 to rsvp with the names of those who will attend and pay at the door (cash or check is accepted at the door.
Speaker Bio
Wendy Schechter, PhD, MBA
As Director, Workforce and Health Care for the Partnership to End Poverty, Wendy acts as a catalyst for partnerships that increase income and assets of low-income residents in Central Oregon. She uses entrepreneurial creativity to improve systems, such as workforce, health care, and transportation. She has 40 years experience in non-profits as a director and manager, and 20 years experience as a consultant to non-profits and small businesses. She is Vice-Chair of Health Matters of Central Oregon, and Chair of the Central Oregon Workforce Coordinating Council. Prior to coming to the Partnership to End Poverty, Wendy was Director, Health and Learning, Cascade Healthcare Community for 10 years. Wendy owns two businesses, Affordable People Solutions and Celebrating the Sacred. Her passion is supporting people and organizations to reach their full potential. Wendy’s PhD is in Health Sciences and Educational Psychology, and her MBA is in Management.
Related Information
Communication Across Barriers - Donna M. Beegle, Ed.D
Oregon Housing and Community Services
OHCS Poverty Report
NeighborImpact