Community Connection Of Northeast Oregon

Senior programs: Helping seniors live independently in their homes while providing opportunities for socialization and access to services remains the primary goal of our senior programs. When a senior citizen or their family member seeks answers, we are usually the first place they turn. Just a few hours of assistance per week often makes the difference between living independently and a move to a care facility. Seniors received 13 phone calls to check on their health and well-being; 1556 seniors and 155 volunteers and people under the age of sixty enjoyed 43,602 meals from our senior centers; 502 seniors had 68,653 meals delivered to their homes; 144 frail seniors were helped with 23,971 professional caregiver hours; 25 family caregivers received 411 hours of respite relief; 4 seniors and their families recieved guidance on addressing immediate needs and planning for the future; and 5,787 recreational activities such as dances, card games, billiards, and exercise classes brought together 432 people.

Transportation programs: Throughout FY25, Community Connection continued its multi-faceted transportation system. The deviated fixed route systems in Baker, Union, and Wallowa County are open to everyone as well as the Dial-A-Ride busses in Baker and Wallowa Couties. Also available for all riders are the Intercity busses from Baker City and Enterprise to our multi-modal hub in La Grande. Beyond our region, passengers travel to medical appointments in Boise, Wallowa, and Portland are common occurrences.

Other Program Services: Programs for everyone: The Regional Food Bank has completed several projects; exterior painting, generator, power to exterior storage building, and office moves. There are still several remodeling projects in process that are funded through the Oregon Food Bank grants program. Projects that are ongoing are redoing the floors, heating/air conditioning improvements, and possibly replacing the metal roof. Most projects have the necessary funding, we are waiting on contractor availability. In our role as a HUD-certified Housing Counseling Center, we assist homeowners with forgivable down payment loans, homebuyer and budget education workshops; pre-purchase, foreclosure and financial capabilities counseling; and, for eligible households, mortgage payment assistance.