Honoring Native American Heritage Month: Transforming cancer care across the Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is a global leader in cancer research, home to innovative science and transformational studies across our region. Yet not all communities benefit equally from these advances. Native American and Alaska Native communities throughout Washington and Oregon face higher rates of cancer diagnoses than the general population—and, in Washington, a higher rate of death from […]
Creating pathways to employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Since the U.S. first recognized National Disability Employment Awareness Month in 1945, systemic barriers and inequities have persisted despite decades of advocacy and progress. Today, for example, the unemployment rate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) remains nearly twice as high as for those without disabilities. Across Washington and Oregon, the Kuni Foundation is honored to […]
Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Local researchers driving global impact
Each October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month offers a moment to reflect on progress and recommit to advancing cancer research and care. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are fortunate to live in a region that is driving and defining the future of cancer innovation. The Kuni Foundation is honored to partner with world-class cancer researchers […]
A playground that unites and inspires
Fruit Valley Park in Vancouver, Washington, spans six acres and serves more than 1,000 households, a central gathering space known for its natural beauty, community garden, and movie nights. The well-loved playground needed replacement, and the Kuni Foundation worked collaboratively with the City of Vancouver to reimagine the space with a focus on inclusive design […]
Centering inclusion: Sabin CDC and partners advance affordable housing for people with IDD
Sabin Community Development Corporation (CDC) recently hosted an engaging roundtable at its Center of Joy in Northeast Portland to highlight recent work with Portland State University (PSU) and other housing efforts. Graduate students from PSU’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) Program kicked off the gathering with a presentation of their feasibility study, analyzing […]
An evening of community, compassion and hope with the University of Washington Medicine
Surrounded by Dale Chihuly’s inspiring glass artwork, an equally inspiring capacity crowd came together on April 18 for the University of Washington Medicine’s annual Spring Soirée. Speakers including university leaders, researchers and UW Medicine patients all helped evoke a hopeful future, celebrating the power of medical research and philanthropy to create a better, healthier community […]
Empowering Potential: Disability Employment Awareness
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) have unique skills and perspectives that benefit employers, yet the unemployment rate for people with IDDs is more than double the rate of their neurotypical peers. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which celebrates the value and talent employees with IDD contribute to America’s workplaces and economy. To […]
Empowering Independence: Horizon Project, Inc. Launches STEP Center for Independent Living in Hermiston
On a beautiful day in April with a room full of supporters, Horizon Project, Inc. proudly announced the opening of the STEP Center for Independent Living in Hermiston, Oregon. Rooted in the organization’s mission to empower adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this innovative program promises to be a beacon of support and opportunity for […]
Kuni Foundation Awards $2.5 million to Advance IDD Housing Options and Catalytic Cancer Research
Funded projects include renovations to assist in aging in place for residents with IDD, the use of artificial intelligence to detect skin cancer and an exciting homeownership pilot project for neurodiverse adults. The Kuni Foundation awarded more than $2.5 million during the organization’s most recent round of grantmaking to accelerate groundbreaking cancer research and inclusive, […]
Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Breaking Barriers and Fostering Inclusion
Every year, during the month of October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an opportunity to recognize and promote the contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce. This special month serves as a reminder of the progress made in promoting workplace diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities. It’s also a […]