This section includes resource providers and organizations located within the Foothills area and those who bring services
to our communities From food to housing, healthcare, Elderly & disabled, and more, the resources
you need to get through a rough spot, a crisis or to improve your life are listed here.
To learn more and access services, click on the logo to be taken to that website.
The Foothills Food Bank distributes quality, nutritious foods to anyone in need. We operate a grocery store-like model where visitors are welcome once per week to shop items on our shelves and coolers; we normally carry non-perishable staples, fresh produce, dairy goods, breads, and frozen protein.
We are located on the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center campus at 8255 Kendall Rd. and our hours are Tuesdays from 8am until 11am and Thursdays from 4pm until 7pm.
No ID or documentation required, but please bring bags or boxes to bring your shopping home in. Home Delivery is available on a limited basis for those who are elderly, homebound or otherwise disabled.
Stop by, call us at 360-392-8149 or email us at foothillsfoodbankcontact@gmail.org if you have any questions or would like to get signed up.
Bridge 2 Services is a mobile outreach program that bridges people to the organizations and services they need. Many of the people we work with have had trust broken, have gotten stuck in a rut, or are feeling hopeless. We provide encouragement and support, valuing and validating each person. Focusing on our unhoused neighbors, B2S locates individuals and families, understands needs, delivers basic triage supplies, and builds relationships to move toward longer term outcomes. Simple actions like providing warm clothing, fresh water, food, and listening are the building blocks of a trusting relationship that can change lives.
Common Threads mission is to connect kids to healthy food in the garden, in the kitchen, and at the table. We want kids to grow up making food choices that are good for their bodies, their communities, and the environment.
When kids don’t eat well it’s hard for them to learn well, behave well and feel well. In Washington state over 35% of kids don’t eat enough veggies (WA State Healthy Youth Survey, 2016). To get kids excited about veggies, we joyfully garden, cook and eat with 7000+ kids in schools across Whatcom County as well as our partner site locations across Washington state.
JOIN US! COMMUNITY-LED VOLUNTEER GROUP! Who are we? Maybe you have seen us in the orange vests picking up garbage along the community roads, or maybe you have heard us speaking at meetings with county officials about the growing trash problems, abandoned vehicles, crime, or need for services in our remote area. You might have met us at our local Summerfest Events as well. The Neighborhood Watch Dogs Group was formed in August 2020 by concerned community members who wanted to build a strong community and address the issues of safety and cleanliness in our area. Our focus is on working with one another and outside agencies to build a healthy environment for everyone! We gather throughout the year to help clean our roads, removing thousands of pounds of garbage from along our streets. To join our meetings and if you want to learn more, please visit our Facebook page at:
KAVZ Radio is Your Voice of the Valley in the South Fork Nooksack Valley and East Whatcom County. We are the only community, low-power FM radio station in East Whatcom County. We are located in Van Zandt in the beautiful South Fork Nooksack Valley. and serve the communities of Van Zandt, Acme, Deming, Welcome and all the rural areas in and around Van Zandt.
We are an all-volunteer radio station that provides a diverse program of music and informational programming with a focus on local interests and local needs.
KAVZ is a program of the South Fork Valley Community Association (southforkvalley.org) and is housed at the historic Van Zandt Community Hall.
KAVZ has a long and storied past as a community radio station and we are undertaking to continue our service to the community and refresh our programming and our vision in response to community feedback.
As an all-volunteer station, we are always open and seeking more volunteers to help us in our mission. Whether you bring relevant experience in broadcast, music and audio or want to learn, please contact us at info@kavz.org if you want to find out how you can contribute, participate and learn.
You can stream music from our website 24 hours a day at: https://foothillsinfo.com/print-and-radio/
Whatcom County Water District #13 serves the communities of Peaceful Valley and Maple Falls, Washington, including Balfour Village and Red Mountain, and the campus of the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center.
Whatcom Water District No. 13 sources our water from a highly permeable aquifer that lies beneath the floor of the Columbia Valley.
Did you know that most people use an average of 70-90 gallons of water per day? In the average house, two thirds of indoor water is used in the bathroom.
Average Household Use
Toilet 26.7%
Faucet 15.7%
Bath 1.7%
Shower 16.8%
Clothes Washer 21.7%
Dishwasher 1.4%
Leaks 13.7%
Other Domestic 2.2%
Take some time to go through your house and look for ways to conserve. Be sure to check out the District website for useful tips and guides on water conservation.
Mon, Wed, Fri : 08:00 am – 12:00 pm and 01:00 pm – 04:30 pm
YOUNG PEOPLE CAN LEAD!
In early February, WFCN hosted the first Community Building Networking Breakfast. We were honored to have several Mount Baker School District representatives present as well as folks from South Fork Valley Community Association. During this event, we networked for a purpose, which was to think together about how to raise resilience and hope for our youth. What do we mean by resilience and hope? As succinctly as possible— Resilience includes any number of factors by which individuals or families have 1) healthy connections to other people—strong attachments and a sense of belonging; 2) understanding of their own capabilities—the things they can do and can learn to do; and 3) connection to community (think opportunities and resources), culture (knowing of where you come from and the value that brings in knowledge, skills and rituals, and spirituality, which includes faith practices and religion, but also speaks to people feeling connected to some purpose or meaning bigger than themselves. Resilience looks different for every person, and it ebbs and flows day by day, but it is always good to increase resilience. Resilience helps us to bounce forward through adversity and challenging times in families, communities and societies. We can all use more resilience! Hope–we speak of hope as it comes from Hope Science. Hope consists of Goals; Pathways to those goals and the Motivation to choose and take action along the pathway. Over 2700 research studies tell us hope is the number one predictor of thriving (doing well, making progress and feeling satisfaction toward your goals). Youth tell us through the interactions we have with them in community that one of the factors that helps them increase their resilience and their hope is being given opportunities to participate in community leadership opportunities. They look for ways to contribute—to learning new and expanding existing skills, seeking their purpose and trying new things. What opportunities exist for your children to experience leadership? Let them lead a family meeting. Encourage them to serve in the community, such as at school, in local nonprofits or community efforts, or in faith communities. Help them start a home based business. Young people can lead. They only need an invitation and opportunity to participate and to work with trusted adults who can mentor and support them. How can you help increase opportunity and participation for youth leadership in the Foothills?
NW Clean Air Agency is responsible for enforcing federal, state, and local air quality regulations at stationary sources of air pollution in our jurisdiction. In addition to regulating businesses, we focus on informing the public about air quality issues and how to make clean air choices.
A major Northwest Clean Air Agency effort focuses on reducing wood smoke in the Columbia Valley Urban Growth Area. We do this in part by helping people replace old, polluting woodstoves with new stoves and ductless heat pumps.
This helps cut down on smoke during winter periods when stoves are in heavy use. To date, NWCAA — working with the Opportunity Council — has replaced more 100 woodstoves in Columbia Valley.
You can get a free air sensor at home from NWCAA to track fine particles like those in smoke!
NWCAA uses PurpleAir sensors in addition to our monitoring stations. We are adding outdoor sensors in the Columbia Valley urban growth area to give us more information about smoke in the area.
You just need to live inside the urban growth area and have a power source and a WiFi connection. Interested? Contact NWCAA monitoring manager Evan Bing at evanb@nwcleanairwa.gov.
And you can watch our video about PurpleAir’s sensor map and data! https://bit.ly/3M6zrFE
NAMI Whatcom is a local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization. We are dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness by providing free support groups, classes, and education forums to the community. All our programs are free, and led by trained volunteers who either live with a mental health condition or have a loved one with a mental health condition. Our nonprofit operates with the support of our members, donations and grants.
NAMI Whatcom is fully inclusive of individuals and families of all backgrounds and cultures. Our affiliate collaborates with others to advocate for system change and public policies that best support recovery and resiliency for those living with mental illness.
View board meeting minutes and our annual report here.
We are at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center, 8251 Kendall Rd, Maple Falls, every third Thursday from 10-11.30am.
No matter what their circumstances, every person deserves to feel safe, supported and heard. When we talk about individuals affected by domestic violence or sexual assault, we’re talking about every one of us. Whether it’s you, a loved one, a co-worker or a friend, someone you know needs help. DVSAS is here to help.
Our mission is to support individuals affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation and to lead the community towards ending these abuses of power.
NEED HELP? CALL 1.877.715.1563 | 24/7
We accept 711 and other relay calls. Walk-in services: Monday and Wednesday, 10AM – 2PM
Upcoming General Community Meetings in 2024
All Community Meetings will be held at the Kendall Elementary School Library on the following dates:
October 9th 5:30-6:30PM
November 13th 5:30-6:30PM
December 11th 5:30-6:30PM
Visit our website for more information or to access the Zoom Link for online meeting access at: www.foothillscommunityalliance.com
JOIN US THE 2ND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH From 5:30-6:30pm at the Kendall Elementary Library, 7547 Kendall Rd. Maple Falls in person and via Zoom
Meals and Wheels and More supports the health and independence of the older adult populations of Whatcom and San Juan Counties by providing nutritious food, social connection, and nutrition education.
Through our Meals on Wheels and Community Meals programs we provide 2000+ seniors throughout Whatcom and San Juan Counties with more than 200,000 nutritious meals each year!
Every meal we provide meets at least one third of a senior’s daily nutritional requirements.
February is the shortest month of the year. It’s also the best month to play in the snow. If you live near Mt. Baker, February can be the best month for snowy adventures. By now, the Mt. Baker Ski Area usually has developed an excellent base for skiing and riding snowboards, and the cold air keeps the snow from developing that mashed potato quality that makes for a less fun outing. Also, this month, the water on Picture Lake will be frozen thick enough to allow for sledding. It can be fun to drive up to Mt. Baker, climb up the snow around Picture Lake, and take a sled ride down the slope into the bowl created by snowplows and the frozen lake. For those who prefer cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, the Salmon Ridge SnoPark usually has enough snow for the groomer to come out and keep the trails neat. Salmon Ridge is located on Mt. Baker Highway just east of Hannegan Pass Road (FS Road 32) and across the highway from Silver Fir Campground. The Nooksack Nordic Ski Club, a local nonprofit, helps to maintain these trails, and you might find their ambassadors out there who will let you try out gear and sell you a permit to park in the lot.
If we’re fortunate, we’ll have snow in Glacier, Maple Falls, and the Columbia Valley neighborhoods. If we do, Maple Falls Park is a great place to ride that new sled you purchased. It’s a short walk or drive to Mt. Baker Highway and Silver Lake Road. The Park is on Second Street, you’ll see the sign from Silver Lake Road. Initially, this was the home of the Maple Falls School, now, it’s a community park owned by Whatcom County Parks and Rec. and maintained by an intrepid group of local neighbors. The park has a hill from where the school was down to the field below. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not a huge hill, but it’s a great ride, and there’s no need to worry about trees, traffic, or other obstacles at the bottom. As a bonus, climbing back up the hill makes it easy to take another ride.
Many people get excited when the snow starts to fall, but I don’t. My favorite winter sport is hot cocoa. I can find an excellent cup for sale in Glacier or make some at home.
If you want more ideas for fun activities during February, stop by the Mt. Baker Visitor Center in Maple Falls Town Hall. Sonya and I would be delighted to give you some great options. 360-599-1518 mtbakervisitorcenter@gmail.com
Deming Library
Winter Concert with Lindsay Street
Lindsay Street is a whimsical, fun, and musically diverse folk-roots band that has been playing gigs since 2004. Based in Bellingham, WA Lindsay Street draws inspiration from past and emerging music traditions that wash up on the shores of Bellingham Bay by way of Ireland, England, Scandinavia and Quebec, with an occasional original tune thrown in the mix. Described as “pan Celtic, quirk and beauty,” Lindsay Street creates unique arrangements that feature accordion, guitar, violin, mandolin, bodhran, banjo, whistles, and other assorted instruments and vocal harmonies. Sponsored by the Friends of the Deming Library. Saturday, Feb 1, 2025, from 3:30pm – 5:00pm.
Deming Storytime
For ages 2-6, 30 minutes. An open program that includes stories, rhymes, and songs with opportunities for movement and interactive participation. January through May on Wednesday from 10:30am to 11:00am
Library Budget Listening Session
WCLS administrators will review the library system’s budget forecast and ask community members for their input about the library services that matter most to them and their families and their suggestions about how to move towards fiscal sustainability. Each session will include a brief presentation followed by a Q&A and hands-on interaction and discussion. Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Deming Let’s Make Valentines
Come to the library to make valentine cards for all the loved ones in your life. We’ll have all the supplies you need; you bring your creative spirit and open heart! Saturday, Feb 8, 2025, 10:30am – 11:30am
Build Your Immunity: Herbal medicine, home remedies, and practical tips for staying healthy all year
Come learn how to support your immune system’s natural resiliency. We will discuss aspects of the immune system and specific herbs to treat infections, as well as tonics to strengthen overall resiliency. Included in the discussion will be common sense approaches to immunity that are often overlooked. You can sip on herbal tea during the class and take home a sample of medicinal tea, along with recipes for preparations at home. Sonia Wollin has been a practicing community herbalist since 2010, helping people connect with herbal medicine, foods, self-care, and lifestyle choices that nourish each unique individual. Space is limited; please register for this class at wcls.org. Sponsored by the Friends of the Deming Library. Saturday, Feb 8, 2025, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Deming Art + Audio for Teens
This program mixes our two favorite things – doing art and listening to audiobooks! Decompress from your day as you draw, doodle or paint while listening to a great story read by some of the world’s best audiobook readers. We will share a few ideas for destress doodling and provide all art supplies. Many of our audiobooks will be “always available” titles, so you can finish listening to the book on your own. We will begin a new book every session. Snacks provided. Grades 6-12. Wednesday, Feb 12, 2025, 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Foothills Book Club
The Foothills Book Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 pm. Library staff leads the discussion of a diverse series of fiction and non-fiction books to broaden your reading horizons. At the book club, friends new and old connect through the shared love of books and reading.
The book to read for February is Kindred by Octavia Butler. Please stop by the Deming Library to get help finding a title or placing your hold on Libby/Overdrive to get an eBook or eAudiobook version. Tuesday, Feb 18, 2025, 7:00pm – 8:15pm
Friends of the Deming Library Monthly Board Meeting
The Friends plan activities that support the library, and Deming has a fantastic group of Friends! Visitors welcome. Meets monthly on the fourth Monday of the month.
For more information, please contact FODL President, Virginia Naef at 360-595-1093. Monday, Feb 24, 2025, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
DSHS Mobile Office at the Library
The Department of Social and Health Services Mobile Office is on the open road and coming to the Deming Library! The Mobile Office gives DSHS the opportunity to provide crucial services in environments that may not have DSHS brick-and-mortar offices nearby, and to be agile in meeting the needs of people who could benefit from their programs.
Each DSHS Mobile Office is staffed by specialists who can determine people’s eligibility for state and federal medical, cash and food assistance programs. The team processes new applications, case reviews, changes, EBT card requests and required documents. They also take applications for the Child Care Subsidy Program and forward them to the Department of Children, Youth and Families for processing.
The DSHS Mobile Offices do not provide:
Child care subsidy determinations. Thursday, Feb 27, 2025, 10:00am – 2:00pmContact Library Branch Manager: katrina.carabba@wcls.org
Onsite social service intakes and assessments.
Workfirst vouchers.
Deming Library 5044 Mt. Baker Hwy P.O. Box 357 Deming, WA 98244 (360) 592-2422 Hours Mon-Thurs 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Fri 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Sat 10:00 AM-5:00 PM View Map Ride WTA Route 72X to the Deming Library, using the Deming Rd at Water St (Nooksack River Casino) stop.
North Fork Sing Along Storytime with Star Tom A special Storytime full of music and delight featuring celebrated children’s musician “Star Tom” McCurry. Tuesday, Mar 4 2025 10:30am – 11:00am North Fork LOL 101 – Jokes for Kids Why don’t eggs tell jokes? They’d crack each other up! Learn to write hilarious jokes, and how to tell them with side-splitting style. Come to practice or just guffaw. Thursday, Mar 6 2025 3:45pm – 4:45pm Let’s Write Together In-Person We will focus on writing goals, dialogue, characterization, world building, writing with all of our senses, and sentence craft. Please bring a notebook and pen. This is a PG class. Weekly on Tuesdays. 6:30pm – 7:45pm, Tuesday, Mar 4 6:30pm- 7:45pm, Tuesday, Mar 11 6:30pm – 7:45pm, Tuesday, Mar 18 North Fork Art + Audio for Teens This program mixes our two favorite things – doing art and listening to audiobooks! Many of our audiobooks will be “always available” titles, so you can finish listening to the book on your own. We will begin a new book every session. Snacks provided. Grades 6-12. Tuesday, Mar 18 4:00pm – 5:00pm Kokedama Plant Workshop Explore the unconventional free form growing practice of kokedama! All materials provided. Spaces are limited and registration is required. Tuesday, Mar 25 2025 6:00pm – 7:30pm Paint workshop with Ashley Dickinson Paint a colorful hummingbird. Saturday, March 22nd 2025 Our programming coordinator is still finalizing a few details about the Paint workshop. In addition to the physical materials at the library, we offer programs for adults, children and teens such as Storytime, Community Conversations and Teen Club at North Fork Library. You can find all our events and meetings on the Community Calendar on our website. mariya.farmagey@wcls.org 360) 599-2020
North Fork Library 7506 Kendall Road Maple Falls, WA 98266 (360) 599-2020 Hours Tues 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Wed10:00 AM-6:00 PM Thurs10:00 AM-8:00 PM Fri 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Sat 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
View Map Ride WTA Route 72Xto the North Fork Library using the Kendall Rd at Mt Baker Hwy stop.
Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and make a real difference in the East County neighborhood? Well, buckle up because we’ve got an exciting opportunity!
From now until June 30th, 2024, the Chuckanut Health Foundation and East County Partners are kicking off an initiative that is focused on shaping the future of our community. We’re talking about the Health Equity Zone (HEZ) initiative, and we want YOU to be a part of it.
The goal of the Health Equity Zone is to ensure that everyone has a fair shot at being healthy, no matter who they are or where they come from.
During the initial outreach phase, we’re hitting the streets to raise awareness and extend a warm invitation for folks to join us. We’re all about inclusivity, so whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer to the area, your voice matters.
There’s more! We’re not just here to talk. We are rolling up our sleeves and diving deep into the nitty-gritty of community engagement. We’re prioritizing your insights and contributions, and we’re committed to evolving our approach based on your feedback.
June 28th, 6pm-8pm at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center.
Food and childcare will be provided at each event, and all ages are welcome. As a thank you for your participation, all attendees will receive Visa gift cards.
Our volunteer nurses in the Ask-a-Nurse program provide blood pressure checks health counsel, referral and telehealth, as well as limited screening at the Foothills Food Bank to support older adults and families residing in and around Mt. Baker School District #507 on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month.
Whatcom County Fire District 14 and Kendall Fire Station’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve through emergency response, public education, and community service. We’ve been your local volunteer fire department, serving the Sumas, Kendall, and Welcome areas since 1965. Check us out at www.wcfd14.org, or on Facebook
The Kendall Fire Station (Whatcom County Fire District Station 92) is housed at the roundabout in Kendall Washington and has fire fighters highly trained in fighting building fires as well as wild fires. They provide a number of other emergency services including medical aid, as well as offering fire safety and prevention education to our community.
Kendall Station #92 7528 Kendall Rd, Maple Falls, WA 98266 Mailing: PO Box 482, Sumas, WA 98295
Station 91: Sumas 143 Columbia Street, Sumas, WA 98295 Station 92: Kendall (District Office) 7528 Kendall Road Maple Falls, WA 98266 Station 93: Welcome 5640 Mosquito Lake Rd, Deming, WA 98244
EWRRC Services
The East Whatcom Regional Resource Center Information and Referral (I&R) Team serves the East Whatcom Community as a branch of the Opportunity Council. We provide the same access to services that can be found at our downtown Bellingham Opportunity Council location. Stop by our office if you need housing services, deposit assistance, basic food applications, community resource referrals and so much more! (see lists below). Accessing I&R services in Maple Falls saves travel time and expenses and our two I&R staff would love to help you access services to meet your needs. Please stop by our office at 8251 Kendall Rd, Maple Falls. Or contact us at 360-599-3944.
Other basic hygiene products as donated by partners.
Community resource referrals and information
Diapers/Pull-ups and wipes
Water & Snacks
I&R SERVICES
Housing Pool Intake applications and check-ins
Deposit Assistance Screenings
Energy Assistance
Basic Food application assistance
Referrals to other Opportunity Council Programs that can help with employment, childcare, education, utilities, housing, care coordination, and much more.
Working with Opportunity Council but don’t want to meet your case manager in Bellingham? Anyone can request appointments or meetings to be scheduled at the EWRRC! Our I&R team can help you communicate with Opportunity Council programs operated out of Bellingham. We can facilitate the required paperwork, help schedule appointments, and return any information that your case manager needs.
WE ARE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN
Please visit our website for more information about Transitional Kindergaten for students who are four years old.
FAMILY SERVICES & PARENTING SUPPORT
There are four Family Services Coordinators at Mount Baker School District. Our mission is to create partnerships between families, school, and the community. All our services are confidential.
We provide support which enables children and adolescents to live in a safe and healthy environment, as well as encourages them to be present and do their best in school.
We assist families with resources, information and problem solving to help their children succeed in school.
We are available for confidential meetings by phone, at school, or at home.
Northwest Youth Services’ mission is to affirm youth experience and autonomy as we work together to foster collective healing and justice in order to dismantle the systems of oppression that perpetuate youth homelessness. At Northwest Youth Services, we believe this is attainable by focusing on participants’ holistic selves and well-being, not just their trauma or symptoms.
We employ radical innovative services and care models that go beyond physical well-being to build social capital in partnership with young people, 13 to 24-year-olds experiencing homelessness or unstable housing. Our philosophy of care centers around three concepts: Learn, Create, and Connect.
Welcome Abby Worline as Mount Baker Community Coalition’s newest team member. Abby joins MBCC as a co-coordinator. Along with Allison Ormsby, Abby will work to engage community members from a wide variety of sectors (parents, youth, business owners, government, social services, education, media, and healthcare) in prevention efforts to increase protection and decrease risks associated with youth substance use and encourage strong mental health. Coalition work takes all of us to join around local concerns and contribute to strategies that help our youth lead productive, healthy lives in a safe, healthy and connected community. To learn more about the coalition or to connect with Abby, email mbcoalition@wfcn.org. If you have any questions or need to contact the coalition, please email Allison Ormsby at obv@wfcn.org or call (360) 375-0883.
NWRC provides information, referrals, and assistance in obtaining services that support independence, dignity, and health of older adults and people with disabilities. We offer needs-assessment, case management, arrange short- and long-term in home care, as well as offering many other services and programs. Staff is available to meet with you on the telephone, or if necessary, in-person to help you identify services that address issues commonly faced by people who are older or who are disabled.
Our Mission is to improve the quality of life, increase the independence and assure the full inclusion in the community of all persons with developmental disabilities. Information and referrals are available from The Arc to help meet the unique and individual needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Every effort is made to provide the most useful assistance possible, professionally and confidentially.
Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Deming Library 5044 Mt. Baker Hwy Deming, WA 98244
Nov. 14 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. East Whatcom Resource Center 8251 Kendall Rd. Maple Falls, WA 98266 We will have Russian & Spanish interpreters on site at both events. To learn more about other events in your area, visit our online events calendar: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/medicare-counseling-and-events-calendar
Strong Community Requires Connection
As times change and new neighbors arrive, needs change and the vision for what a better future looks like changes, too! The Columbia Valley (CV) is the name of our local urban growth area. In 2011 the Foothills Subarea Plan was developed to describe the vision for how CV’s future will emerge. If you are curious, you can check out the Foothills Subarea Plan at https://www.whatcomcounty.us/1141/Foothills-Subarea-Plan. The Columbia Valley Community Connections effort was started to help neighbors connect with one another and with organizations that serve the people who live in the Columbia Valley. We aimed to ways in which we could create a safe, connected and healthy community for our shared future. The CVCC effort is on a bit of a hiatus as the options for having meetings have changed. However the need for our community to strengthen its connections, and the dreams and hopes for a better future have not changed and there are many organizations and efforts that need you and others to participate to make them stronger and better able to reach our goals! Civic participation is essential to a strong community. When many people contribute a little, we increase the quality and amount of effort because there is more representation across the spectrum of community voices and ideas. And we won’t burn out the few who are doing a lot. Consider participating in the Health Equity Zone effort; the Foothills Community Alliance; the Kendall Parent Teacher Organization; the Kendall Watchdogs; volunteer in a local school; contribute to the Foothills Communication Hub or the Southfork Valley Community Association. In addition, when we all chip in and get involved, we learn about what is happening in our community. We knit the fabric of community more tightly and we cross-pollinate with our ideas, goals and knowledge of strategies that will actually build the stronger community we want! It is only through connection and participating that we can more easily translate those goals into new plans for a better future and how we shape our community and infrastructure to support more of what we want! So, this in an invitation to “Get Connected!” If you are interested in getting connected to any number of efforts in Columbia Valley, email Kristi at executivedirector@wfcn.org
The purpose of Columbia Valley Community Connections is to provide a welcoming place where we can gather and connect to build a strong community. Our shared commitment is to support communication and local leadership. We work together to turn vision into reality, provide solutions to challenges, promote imaginative and inclusive activities and create a more engaged, resilient community for all. kristi.slette@wfcn.org
Free Tax Preparation at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center
IRS certified free tax preparation is available at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center in Maple Falls. Through a partnership with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and Western Washington University, Opportunity Council staff at the resource center are available to provide free tax preparation for most taxpayers. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call (360) 599-3944 or stop by at 8251 Kendall Rd, Maple Falls, WA 98266. For more information on tax credits and filing tips, visit www.whatcomabc.org/money-management/taxes/
