EUVALCREE

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About Us

our mission

Euvalcree mobilizes and engages underserved and underrepresented populations to improve the lives of all children, families and communities in RURAL Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.

A Beacon of Hope

EUVALCREE serves as a beacon of hope, helping to create better places for our family and community.

Since its inception, EUVALCREE has galvanized a Latino population strong in number but underrepresented in leadership roles. A perception persisted that area Latinos had little interest in civic affairs – a perception we know is far from the truth. Latinos make up 67% of Ontario School District students and 33% of Malheur County’s population. Yet Latinos are absent from city, county, and school leadership roles. We train leaders to build organizational structures and develop indicators to measure the effectiveness of civic, policy, and advocacy change.

our vision

A unified community advocating for itself and equity for all.

our vision

A unified community advocating for itself and equity for all.

Our History

It is our history that shapes who each of us are. This could not be more true for EUVALCREE, which was established in November of 2014 to address the frustrations of the region’s Latino community. Under its first incarnation, the organization’s logo was a fist; however, it quickly became apparent that the only thing you get with a fist is another fist. It was in that enlightenment that the group shifted focus, which led to the creation of a new vision, one that would empower, regenerate passion, and establish hope for the community.

Today, EUVALCREE’s primary goal is to develop the social capital and leadership capacity of community members. The organization has developed a strong networking and community infrastructure that allows us to communicate with and organize community members in significant and impactful ways.

As a growing community and advocacy organization, it is important we stay true to our grassroots origins. It is our deep connection and roots within the community that truly set us apart.

Our Core Values

  • We welcome and respect all CULTURES.
  • We value the EMPOWERMENT of those we serve.
  • We value COLLABORATION with other organizations, individuals, community, and other stakeholders.
  • We value effective and honest COMMUNICATION with the communities we serve.
  • We believe in accountability and RESPONSIBILITY.
  • We value SERVICE to others.

Together Building Community, Together Building Our Home

What does "euvalcree" stand for?

The word “Euvalcree” consists of three interconnected words. The prefix “Eu-” is originally from Latin origins and typically means “good”, “well”, or “true.” The root word, “Val-” is frequently shortened from words like “valor” or “value” and relates to strength, courage, and worth. Lastly, the suffix “Cree” which stands for the word “creed” which can refer to two main things: a statement of religious beliefs or a set of guiding principles or beliefs. Both of these definitions are derived from the Latin word “credo,” which means “I believe.”

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Gina Galaviz-Yap, Board Member, Juntos Statewide Director

As a first-generation college graduate, and daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico, I am passionate about increasing access to higher education. I believe that knowledge is power, and that it can transform and individual to benefit the community. Serving on this board allows me to stay connected to the needs of my community.

Euvalcree an agent of change for the various communities in Eastern Oregon. The community leads the organization, advocating for services and change needed to overcome the challenges uniquely faced by rural communities.

I have over ten year of experience higher education. Starting out in admissions and recruitment, I was previously a Director of Admissions at a small regional public university in Oregon. In my current role as the statewide director of Juntos, I oversee the Juntos program that engages with students and families across the state to increase high school graduation rates and Postsecondary access.

Childcare Entrepreneurship Program

EUVALCREE works with local individuals that are interested in starting up their own home-based childcare. We offer guidance and support to obtaining all the necessary licenses, registrations, as well as support with the business development and start up.

Energy Trust Home Audit Program

Our Home Audit program is open to eligible Oregon residents that seek to improve the energy efficiency of their home; thus, reducing their energy expenses. Our staff schedules and conducts an audit of eligible homes to determine if the home can undergo improvements. After the audit, we will offer improvements with rebates and cash incentives that are available. Our goal is to save our clients hundreds of dollars while also maximizing the efficiency of their home energy usage!

Reach out to learn more or apply below.

Please let us know if you would like more information about this specific program by completing the form below.

Roberto Gamboa, Director of Operations and Community Development

I currently act as the Director of Operations & Community Development for EUVALCREE, supporting rural and BIPOC (Black and Indigenous People of Color) community members in Eastern Oregon. I am passionate about making changes to our policies and systems to truly benefit our local communities that are not being served equally or equitably. I genuinely believe that the work I do with Euvalcree is essential and brings positive change.

I firmly believe that our work uplifts our communities in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, as an organization, we have helped over 200 families with assistance like rent/mortgage, utilities, food, and other resources they needed to quarantine and isolate. This has brought an immense feeling of pride and joy. I currently hold an Associates in General Studies from Treasure Valley Community College.