EDUCATOR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
SUPPORT FUNDING

In the 2021-2022 school year, OEA Choice Trust provided three million dollars to 125 school districts, Education Service Districts (ESDs), and community colleges to support the health and well-veing of Oregon public school employees. This funding was in response to the emotional toll caused by the unprecedented challenges of COVID-19 and rising racial and political tensions.

SUPPORT FUNDING IN ACTION

We thank the 125 educational organizations who made this one-time funding a success! We have received inspiring stories and photos highlighting the creativity and dedication sparked by this funding. We are excited to share them with you.

Mt. Hood Community College

“On May 6, a group of faculty and staff met at Salish Ponds for a hike around the wetlands with avian expert Wally Shriner, mycologist Catherine Creech, natural resources expert Jason Pinkerton and geologist Daina Hardisty. The leaders pointed out local flora, fauna, and rocks, and the group enjoyed packed lunch beside West Salish pond. It was so nice to be able to enjoy the natural setting while talking and laughing with colleagues.”

Phoenix-Talent School District

“We just kicked off a six-week on-site Zumba class and it was amazing! We had people from different sites in our district show up — there was laughing, dancing, sweating, and just an overall high energy in the room. As our Zumba instructor said, ‘Life happens. Zumba helps.’ It sure did for us and we can’t wait to keep going!”

Tillamook School District

Tillamook School District has been offering healthy lunches for our staff on our once-a-month Friday professional development days. “Eating lunch with everyone else gets me motivated.”  “After having lunch together, I am ready to work.” “It was delicious, warm, tasty, and good. Thanks for taking good care of us!”

Clackamas Community College

“We hosted a lunch on campus and had Moda and Kaiser Permanente attend to give out information on resources for our staff around mental well-being. We made up care packages for our staff and everyone was so appreciative of everything we provided and the opportunity to get together. There were a lot of smiles, laughter, catching up, and just pure happiness to see each other after two years of remote work.”

 

Imbler Charter School

“Our event at Hot Lake Springs was a huge success with hours of endless smiles and laughter. We had 27 people join us for decadent snacks and soaking in Hot Lake’s mineral tubs. The weather was perfect for hanging out all day long! I can see this becoming a tradition for sure!“

Rainier School District

“We offered staff reimbursement for 5K fun runs/walks and had staff, students, family, and friends participate. Everyone was energized and ready for fun as we ran and walked together. Our well-being improved as we met outside of work to connect and take care of ourselves.”

 

Black Butte School District

“To celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, we ordered lunch from a local restaurant for all the staff. It was a delicious treat for everyone and we all took the time to eat lunch together, which is hard with our schedules. It was a time to reconnect beyond the ‘to-do’ list and enjoy each other’s company.”

La Grande School District

We had a district-wide event at the climbing wall at Eastern Oregon Univ. and everyone had a blast! We had to schedule three Fridays in a row to accommodate everyone. We also worked with a local business so staff could get a sweet treat after climbing. There were a lot of feelings of rejuvenation, resilience, and hope!  

RECIPIENTS OF SUPPORT FUNDING

Two people bike with a mountain in the background

CONTINUE THE JOURNEY

If you received this funding and would like to learn about OEA Choice Trust can help you with further funding and support, visit the Education Employee Well-being Grants page.