As Director of Social Services for St. Vincent de Paul, Cindy Pasko was not new to issues of poverty in our community when she enrolled in the 2006-2007 Leadership Bend class.  Her class teacher set the challenge to work on a project that would make a lasting impact on the area.

After researching programs in cities around the U.S., Cindy narrowed her focus on Project Homeless Connect, a program that originated in San Francisco and was functioning in about 100 cities cross the U.S.  Although the idea was rejected by the team as a class project, many volunteered to support Cindy when she decided to pursue the project outside class.

With Cindy's leadership, the first year "Project" was a one day event that brought together 1200 people, including 500 volunteers in October 2007.  Cindy recruited The Partnership to End Poverty as the event's title sponsor; and she reached out to businesses throughout the community.

Project Homeless Connect not only serves the homeless, but strives to help those on the edge.  Services range from a free dental check up and nutritious meals to basic life skills like money management.

With the success of the first year's event, Cindy successfully approached the Deschutes County Commissioners and the Bend City Council about creating a coordinated Regional Ten Year Strategy to tackle the challenges of poverty in our area.  Today, Cindy Pasko is continuing the work by stimulating more public will and leveraging community resources to help end poverty.  Cindy is coordinating the effort on the 10 Year Plan and making plans for the second annual "Project Homeless Connect" event.

Network of Entrepreneurial Women honors Cindy Pasko as the winner of the 2008-2009 Leadership in Action Award for her lifetime of work for the benefit of the community, culminating in Project Homeless Connect.  Today Cindy works with the Partnership to End Poverty.  She serves on the Deschutes County Commission on Children and Families Professional Advisory Community and the Central Oregon Regional Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program Committee.  Cindy demonstrates a life of giving and what it means to make a difference.

N.E.W. is pleased to honor this special woman with the 2008 Leadership in Action Award.

WANT TO HELP?

Contact Cindy Pasko at 541-504-1389 or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .