Vision

To have a world where all children are given the opportunity to reach their full potential

Mission

To increase access to quality out-of-school-time programs that equip Washington County children and youth for success.

Who We Are

Washington County Kids (WCK) was established in 2009 to increase access to out-of-school time (OST) programs for Washington County children and youth. OST programs (early learning, after school, and summer) make a difference in helping kids succeed.

WCK works with program providers, school districts, parents, civic groups, and business and elected leaders to:

• expand awareness of the need for and value of OST programs
• improve communication
• serve as a centralized, county-wide hub
• serve as a resource for providers and our community

Many Washington County kids experience significant barriers to success. Poverty, and food insecurity create conditions that make it difficult to succeed in school and in society.

The good news is that kids are resilient and can overcome even the most adverse circumstances – with the right support. Out-of-school time (OST = early childhood, afterschool and summer) programs make a difference!

Kids who participate in OST programs are:

• More likely to do better in school academically.
• More likely to graduate from high school on time.
• Less likely to be victims of bullying.
• Less likely to use drugs and alcohol.
• Less likely to get pregnant.
• Less likely to break the law.

Parents whose kids participate are:

• More likely to feel their children are safe.
• Less likely to be absent from work.
• More likely to stay in their jobs.

Let’s work together to help kids be successful!

WCK is a champion for all children and youth. We build partnerships and advocate for solutions that remove barriers and make OST (early childhood, after school, and summer) programs available.

The biggest barrier to program access is cost — to the families, and to the providers. Friends of Washington County was established to focus solely on solving this problem by securing a sustainable source of funding specifically for OST  programs. 

Washington County is fortunate to have a wide variety of quality OST programs doing amazing work serving thousands of our kids. But we have a long way to go to ensure all kids have access to these important programs. Not all kids have access to a program near them. Some programs that are located nearby have waiting lists and/or need to charge more than families can afford. Some parents work longer hours than programs can accommodate. Older kids often have no options available for safe, stimulating participation.

Let’s make Washington County a model that others will want to follow. With your help we can ensure the existence of quality programs in our county to keep pace with the growing need for their services.