Category: Announcements

UCAN Food Bank Launches 7th Annual “Cheese and Thank You” Fundraiser

ROSEBURG, OR — February 28th through March 31st – Throughout the month of March, 19 local restaurants in Douglas County are participating in the 7th annual Cheese and Thank You fundraiser to benefit the UCAN Food Bank, supporting the Douglas County emergency food network. This campaign brings together the community to enjoy creative cheesy creations while raising vital funds for our local food pantries. This month-long campaign will be kicking off Saturday, February 28, in partnership with Columbia Bank.

Join UCAN and Columbia Bank staff, at Columbia Bank’s downtown Roseburg branch located at 445 SE Main Street, where the official launch event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family-friendly celebration will feature free grilled cheese sandwiches and the distribution of this year’s Cheese and Thank You passports. The event is conveniently located around the corner from the Umpqua Valley Farmers’ Market, giving attendees the opportunity to enjoy both community events. We will also have UCAN’s Food Drive Barrel at the event if community members would like to donate any non-perishable goods to the Food Bank.

Beginning on March 1, participants can purchase featured cheesy dishes from a variety of local eateries throughout Douglas County. For every Cheese and Thank You menu item purchased during the month of March, participating restaurants will donate $2 to the UCAN Food Bank.

“The UCAN Food Bank is excited to once again partner with our incredible local businesses and community members,” said Cady Lyon, Director of Community Engagement at UCAN. “By purchasing a cheesy creation at a participating restaurant, not only are you supporting local businesses, but you are also supporting the UCAN Food Bank’s mission to fight hunger and strengthen families across Douglas County.”

Passport holders who collect stamps from participating restaurants, for every 5 stamps they share will be one entry into a drawing for a $150 Sherm’s gift certificate. Completed passports may be dropped off at the UCAN Garden Valley Service Center (251 NE Garden Valley Blvd. Roseburg, Mon-Fri 9am-12pm, 1-5pm) or you may email a picture of your completed passport to communityengagement@ucancap.org by Friday, April 10, 2026.

Community members will also have an opportunity to enter a separate drawing for gift cards from participating restaurants. There are 2 ways to be eligible to win:

Each week, we’ll randomly select multiple winners to receive restaurant gift cards! NOTE: Each post counts as an entry into a drawing for a restaurant’s gift card.

2026 Cheese and Thank You: Participating Restaurants & Featured Dishes

A‑1 Burgers and Indian Food – Myrtle Creek

  • Cheezy Burrito – Cheese, sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns, and country gravy.

Atom Bistro & Coffee Bar – Glide

  • The Atom Bomb – Triple‑decker grilled cheese with cheddar, pepper jack, and Swiss; served with jalapeño pepper soup and thin‑cut fries.
  • Vegan Chick‑un Veggie Quesadilla – Grilled seitan, vegan mozzarella, peppers, onions; served with avocado, salsa, and sriracha cashew cream.

Backside Brewing – Roseburg / Backside Brewing Outpost – Sutherlin

  • Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese – Cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, fresh jalapeños, peppered bacon, toasted to perfection.

B’s Sweet Treats and More – Roseburg

  • Light and Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Icing – Flavors include peaches & cream, blackberry, cherry, and salted caramel pecan.

Brix Bar & Grill – Roseburg

  • Bacon Jam Brioche Melt – Parmesan‑crusted brioche with onion, bacon jam, apple slices, sharp cheddar, and brie.

Creekside Gas & Grill – Sutherlin

  • Smokey Tri‑Tip Mac – Mac and cheese with smoked gouda and house‑smoked tri‑tip; served with Parmesan garlic toast.

Dianne’s Deli and Coffee Shop – Roseburg

  • Gourmet Grill – Sourdough grilled with Monterey blend, provolone, Swiss, cheddar, and basil.

Friendly Kitchen / UCC Café – Roseburg

  • Friendly Flagship Grilled Cheese – Parmesan and mashed‑potato crust with five cheeses and apricot jam.

Granny’s Mini Hut – Roseburg

  • Spicy Artichoke – Jalapeño artichoke filling with mozzarella on a French roll.

Jackson Street Provisions – Roseburg

  • Weekly rotating specials, including plant‑based options.

Kelly’s Cozy Corner – Sutherlin

  • Gooey Cheesy Weekly Surprise – Rotating Cheesy Specials.

La Cocina – Roseburg

  • Cheesy Chipotle Enfrijoladas – Corn tortillas with refried beans, Monterey cheese, chipotle sauce, and rice.

Little Brother’s Pub – Roseburg
Rotating grilled cheese selections:

  • The Encheeselada – Jalapeño, salsa, cilantro
  • The Roz Cheese – Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, jalapeño, rosehip jam
  • The Moz – Mozzarella, basil, tomato, balsamic glaze
  • Homemade Cheesecake

Lilly’s Mexican Cuisine – Roseburg

  • Cashew Queso Nachos – Homemade tortilla chips with beans, protein choice, onions, cilantro, and vegan cashew queso.

The Narrows – Glide

  • Hot and Sweet – Blackberry jam, crispy jalapeño poppers, Swiss cheese on sourdough.

Shanti’s Indian Cuisine – Roseburg

  • The Golden Scramble – Plant‑based tofu scramble with vegetables, turmeric, spices, and coconut milk.

Workman’s Bar and Smokehouse – Roseburg

  • Cheesy Tri‑Tip Melt – Onions, cheese, tri‑tip, chipotle‑marionberry BBQ sauce on sourdough; includes a side.

The FarmStand by Lehne Farms – Roseburg

  • Cauliflower Cheesy Mac – Roasted cauliflower baked in a creamy cheese sauce.

About UCAN

UCAN is the local community action and a non-profit agency serving Douglas and Josephine County and is dedicated to enhancing prosperity and well-being throughout our communities. Our programs
and services address critical issues such as housing and homelessness, food security, energy efficiency, child development, family well-being, and health. Our mission is simple yet profound: “Creating solutions to poverty, improving lives in our community.” At UCAN, we envision a future where every residents we serve has access to the resources and opportunities necessary to realize their full social, civic, and economic potential. Our goal is to empower individuals to secure their lives and actively participate in building stronger communities.

Donate to UCAN at the Giving Machine

UCAN has been invited to accept donations through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Giving Machine. UCAN is the only Douglas County non-profit invited to participate. This special red vending machine in located at Eugene’s Valley River Center’s center court. Those interested in donating to UCAN can give between $5-$100 to provide oral health kits, children’s books, babyproofing items, meals and math kits to families in need. The Giving Machine will operate through December 14th.

Notice of Waitlist Closure

On November 18, 2025, UCAN’s Affordable Housing Waitlist will close. UCAN will post notices with the Waitlist Reopening Date when applications will be received again. Those notices will be posted in the local newspaper as well as at our offices and at our housing properties.

UCAN launches new volunteer management platform

Volunteer with UCAN

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of UCAN’s new volunteer management platform: volunteer.ucancap.org

This system is designed to make volunteering easier, more flexible, and more rewarding as we track our impact together:

  • Build your profile. Share your interests and skills so we can connect you with the opportunities that matter most to you.
  • Find opportunities in real time. The calendar and listings are always up to date with roles that need support, from one-time events to ongoing projects. Sign up for opportunities at your own pace, whenever you have time to support our community programs.
  • Track your impact. Hours will be logged, and you will see the difference you’re making in our community.
  • Streamlined paperwork. Complete volunteer agreements and role-specific requirements directly on the site.

We encourage you to create your profile today, so you don’t miss out on upcoming events and ongoing needs.

Celebrating the Retirement of UCAN CEO Shaun Pritchard

After more than five years of dedicated leadership, UCAN announces the retirement of CEO Shaun Pritchard. Shaun joined UCAN during an exceptionally challenging time and helped guide the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded critical services across our region, and led major efforts to address homelessness and community recovery.

From launching the Gary Leif Navigation Center in Roseburg to expanding shelter and outreach services in Grants Pass, Shaun’s impact has been deeply felt across Douglas and Josephine counties. His vision and leadership helped UCAN grow stronger and more responsive to community needs.

We are grateful for all that Shaun has contributed to UCAN and wish him all the best in his next chapter. UCAN’s Chief Operating Officer, Jordan Jungwirth, will step in as Interim CEO during this leadership transition.

Struggling to pay your energy bills this year?

We are offering free classes to those who have trouble making ends meet in the Winter, when energy bills soar. We already offer help paying utility bills, and we can even weatherize homes so they stay warmer. But you can also take steps to lower your own bill. Sign up for one of our new Home Energy classes, and learn some neat tips and tricks for lowering your energy use. You can sign up for a class by calling us at 541-492-3902 or selecting a class on-line here. We will check to make sure you income qualify for our class.