What We Do

Our logo's concentric circles are a metaphor representing the manner in which we work throughout the region, rippling our resources and advocacy in ever widening circles as we attempt to reach the far corners of Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties and Warm Springs Reservation. 

The Poverty Line:  Click here to start our newest video about living on the edge and trying to budget when the money runs out before the bills do.

What makes Partnership to End Poverty unique:

There are many organizations in Central Oregon doing important work in poverty reduction. Each makes an invaluable contribute within its niche. Some of the larger organizations are engaged, as are we, in systems change. But rare are the organizations that are dedicated to long-term, system change. That is the unique role we play. In this context, we embrace the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Three primary tools: We rely on three primary tools to accomplish our work. These tools reflect our self-identification as social entrepreneurs:

Leverage: The Partnership believes that the concept of leverage is at the heart of what we must do to make a significant difference in poverty. As of this writing we have a staff of six, meanwhile there are 60,000 people in poverty in our region. To make the degree of difference to which we aspire, we must leverage what we do by working with those external organizations and individuals who, in turn, are working directly with the people in poverty.

Convening: We believe an important role we play is that of convener. Our staff members are trained and experienced in facilitation and organization . We strive to keep current on who the leaders and doers are in the various sectors within which we work - nonprofit, business, faith-based, government and education. Given the breadth of contacts and the diversity of our staff and board members, we believe that we are capable of convening whatever people and organizations are necessary to assist in the accomplishment of our mission.

Catalyst (Investment, Innovation, Intervention): As a result of our social entrepreneurial culture, we believe it is an integral part of our culture to serve as a catalyst when opportunities arise that will serve our low-income constituency.