Business Connection Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce
United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties Brooke Fisher Executive Director
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Campaign champions community care
March 2020
Volume 12 • Issue 3 Business Connection is published monthly by the Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce 105 N. Minor Road • Kelso, WA 98626
STAFF
Bill Marcum, CEO Amy Hallock, Project Manager Pam Fierst, Office Manager Joelle Wilson, Social Media Service
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nited Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties has established community value as a cornerstone resource for funding essential human service programs steered by data and vetting processes, recruitment and deployment of volunteers and advocacy and collaborative efforts to improve systems and reduce inefficiencies and barriers to health equity for all. United Way has its priorities and sights set to reach its horizon goals: that all adults and youth are healthy, all students will graduate high school prepared for diverse post-secondary opportunities and beyond, and all families are financially stable. United Way provides an opportunity for growth and sustainability for specific programs that aid in achieving progress toward the big goals. Many of these programs would struggle without United Way support. Several partner agencies are small but mighty, offering essential services to community members, but are resource constrained or they miss out on other funding opportunities due to eligibility requirements or criteria.
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360-423-8400 kelsolongviewchamber.org To advertise, call Bill Marcum 360-423-8400 or bmarcum@kelsolongviewchamber.org Ad Deadline 20th of Each Month
READY for Kindergarten is one such “small but mighty” program that United Way funds with Community Caring Project (Parent’s Place). “This program offers a series of 15 classes to parents/caregivers of children ages zero to five, with tools and strategies to assist them in teaching and assessing skill levels in cognition, literacy and social and emotional development,” stated Kathie Griffin, Community Caring Project executive director. “The need in Cowlitz County is critical with 75 percent of local children entering kindergarten performing below grade level standards. Program data indicates that of the children who start behind, 71 percent are still behind by fifth grade. This exponentially lessens the prospect that these kids will graduate high school. United Way funding is critical to the READY for Kindergarten program, and United Way’s long-term community impact goal of improving local graduation rates.” Your support is encouraged. Help United Way continue bringing the value of impact to our community. Donations can be made through March 31 at www.cowlitzunitedway.org to support the current United Way campaign.