Youth & Families

The health and well-being of youth and families is vital to the strength of our community. That is why United Way of Whatcom County is committed to providing the resources, support and opportunities that lead to success.

Through the support of community programs that provide childcare, health care, adult mentoring and more, United Way assists youth and families in reaching their full potential. Read their stories here.

Why do we support these agencies?

In Whatcom County, 14.6% of children and 7.8% percent of families live below the poverty line. Children in poverty are more likely to have physical and emotional health problems and are less likely to complete basic education.

In recent years, Whatcom County's high-school-dropout rate has increased more rapidly than Washington state's overall average. From 1994 to 2004 the county's dropout rate increased by 55.8%.

In Whatcom County schools, 39.9% of children qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The availability of these lunches is determined by the income levels of children's families.

The birth rate among females ages 15-19 was 20.2 live births per 1,000 females in 2004. Teen mothers are more likely to give birth prematurely and have babies with a low birth weight.

How are we making a difference?

• 149 families received case management services through Brigid Collins’ Child Abuse Prevention Program

   

• 70 children with their families received counseling and care management through Catholic Community Services’ Mental Health and Care Management Services
  
  

• 136 children with disabilities were enrolled in Whatcom for Early Learning’s Birth to Three Program. Center

   

• More than 150 “at risk” high school students participated in alternative fitness opportunities at the YMCA
  
  

• 184 youth successfully completed an internet safety program “NetSmartz” through Boys & Girls Club
  
  

• 1870 dozen diapers were distributed through Catholic Community Services’ Hope House

Bellingham Childcare and Learning Center

• Affordable Childcare
     Provides parents with the time needed to pursue education, vocational training or to work
     entry-level jobs through affordable childcare. Also provides parents with the means to learn
     healthy ways to guide and discipline their children by having parents and teachers work together 
     to establish learning goals for each child.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Washington

• Community-Based Mentoring Program
     Volunteers age 18 or older are matched with children age 6-14 in a one-on-one relationship.
     Children are generally referred to the program by their parent or guardian. Community-based
     "Bigs" agree to spend 6-12 hours each month with their "Little" Brother or Sister for a minimum of
      12 months. Matched participants spend time doing a variety of activities that may be available
      within the community and can include crafts, movies, working on homework or school projects,
      hiking, sports, dining out or just hanging out together. Group match activities are offered.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County

• Youth Services

    Develops children’s skills needed to make positive choices about health, education and future
    opportunities and enhances their abilities in leadership, the arts, school performance, technology,  
    career development, fitness and social recreation. Also provides a safe and positive after-school
    environment, providing after-school meals during the school year and lunch Monday-Friday during
    the summer.

Camp Fire, USA Samish Council

• Camp Fire Classic Club

     Increases the number of children who make positive choices for themselves and for their society
     by developing self-esteem, decision-making skills and outdoor skills.

Girl Scouts, Totem Council

• Community-Based Program for Girls

     Develops self-esteem among girls by helping them identify their strengths and weaknesses,
     increase their confidence, display optimism about their futures and develop social skills.

Mother Baby Center

• Mother Baby Home Center
     Effects higher rates of breastfeeding among program participants by providing women with
     support and access to nurses, dieticians, behavioral health specialists, community health workers
     and doulas during pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

Whatcom Family YMCA

• Child Care – A Safe and Nurturing Environment

     Fosters confidence among children by providing an average of 4 hours/day in constructive YMCA
     programs to more than 70 kindergarten-age children, and an average of 2-3.5 hours/day for more
     than 400 children.

• Community Outreach/Sponsorships

     Improves personal hygiene and self-esteem in the community. In 2005, the program provided
     more than 650 monthly shower passes to 20 different community agencies.

• Creating Strong Families
  

     Helps families with younger children feel empowered by sponsoring sports and family-related

     activities.

• Creating Healthy Teens

   

     Increases social competency and positive values among teens.