January, 2023

Change the future. Invest in our kids.

New Program Coordinator!

Meet our new Program Coordinator, Jessica Sim!

Born and raised in the Northwest, Jessica’s commitment to her community started with her immigrant parents who experienced first-hand the daily challenges and barriers that our city faces. In her over 20 years of combined experience in Event Planning, Community Engagement, Program Development and Youth and Family Services, she is inspired every day to purposely integrate equity in local engagement and develop more responsive programming that reflects Washington County’s diversity. Jessica is thrilled to be back in her hometown and to help serve as the Program Coordinator for Washington County Kids. In Jessica’s free time, she enjoys creating culinary treats, redesigning vintage clothes and volunteering at church. When she is not making a mess in the kitchen you can catch her singing back up at karaoke night with her family.

Afterschool is Cool!

Don’t miss the “Afterschool is Cool!” Poster Contest “Showcase” that will be held at the Shute Park Library in Hillsboro on February 7th from 6pm-8pm. Come see all the posters created by afterschool participants.  Participants were asked to develop posters about what they like best about their afterschool program.  The poster contest was open to all students in kindergarten through 12th grade who are participating in an afterschool program in Washington County. The posters were due at their afterschool program on January 26th.  Judges for the contest Include Washington County Commissioner Jerry Willey and local well-known artists, Linda Holland and Ed Labadie. Winners will be announced and receive gift card prizes during the event at 7:30 pm. Two categories are being considered: Elementary & Middle/High School.   In addition, winning posters will be displayed on Tri-Met buses and bus benches!

Special Shoutout!

Board member, Vincent Blanco, J.D., was recently interviewed on radio station KMUZ (100.7) about his labor work for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and he also talked about Washington County Kids. To listen to what he had to say, click here.

Parent Speaker Series

Sneak Preview:  Parent Speaker Series!

Back by popular demand!  The Washington County Kids’  virtual Parent Speaker Series will be coming in March. Topics that are on our radar:

  • Depression and Mental Health

  • Helping kids improve their social skills/relationships

  • What to do to help your kid who has experienced trauma

  • Gender identification issues

  • How to help your kid who is experiencing bullying

  • Safe and healthy screen time in the digital age

Watch for more information on how to sign up to attend.

Mark Your Calendar

Board and Steering Committee meeting:

2/23 @ 6:30 pm
Check website for details

Support WCK

Volunteer with WCK!
Interested in lending your skills to support our mission? We could use assistance in any of the following areas:
–Writer: Help us share stories about people, programs, and the need for out-of-school time programs
–Technical support for eventsEmail to discuss details.

Donate to WCK

VISIT OUR SHOP!

Show your support with our growing collection of branded products.

Quote Totes! 
Meaningful quotes that remind us why WCK exists. We chose this favorite to use on our first quote tote:

“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
–Benjamin Franklin 



Art Totes!
Two to choose from, artwork images provided by Katie Riley!





Other ways to support WCK

Fred Meyer Rewards:  Visit this website to link your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to WCK account #EG761. You receive the same rewards as usual and Fred Meyer makes a small donation to WCK.

Benevity: Give through your company!

NOTE: Amazon Smile is closing on 2/20, but you can still shop there and donate until then!

Click HERE to sign up for AmazonSmile and select WCK as your preferred charity. They will donate to WCK at no cost to you.

Helpful Parenting Resource Direct Links

Early Learning Washington County – One Stop Early Learning Access Point

All Early Learning Resources Gateway including Help Me Grow and Parenting Together Washington County

https://earlylearningwashingtoncounty.org/

Preschool Promise Provider Directory

https://earlylearningwashingtoncounty.org/preschool-promise/providers/

Free Early Learning and Preschool Opportunity Connections (Multilingual Options):

https://earlylearningwashingtoncounty.org/preschool-promise/#booklets

Parenting Together Washington County

All Parenting Support and Resources Gateway

www.parentingtogetherwc.org

Events Calendar Opportunities with embedded PDF Flyers

https://parentingtogetherwc.org/events/

Events Calendar Upcoming Flyer Direct Links – January and February Highlights

PARENTING SUPPORT AND CONNECTION

Platicas de apoyo para Mamas

Weekly Spanish facilitated Drop-In Virtual Mom’s Circle of Support Moms with Children 0-3 focus

Moms Support Circle

Weekly English facilitated Drop-In Virtual Mom’s Circle of Support Moms with Children 0-3 focus

Dedicated Dads Community

Informal Learning and support network for Dads and other father figures helping to raise children Meets Monthly

Play and Learn Drop-In for Dads and Kids 2 – 6 years of age

Meets first Saturday of each month

Refugee and Immigrant Resource Fair and New Year Celebration

Resource Fair and Family Friendly Activity sponsored by Lutheran Community Services NW at Village Church

WORKSHOPS

PAX Tools Workshop – Tips and Tools for Bringing Peace to Parenting

PARENTING SERIES

Abriendo Puertas: Serie de aprendizaje, apoyo y conexión para padres Opening Doors series facilitated in Spanish

Fortaleciendo Familias: Serie de aprendizaje, apoyo y conexión para padres y jóvenes

Series for Families and Youth Ages 10 -14 facilitated in Spanish

Incredible Years Parenting Support, Learning and Connection Series

Virtual weekly sessions

Circle of Security Support, Learning and Connection Series

Virtual weekly sessions

“Nurturing Hope” Parenting Learning, Support and Connection Series

Parent learning and connection series for parents/caregivers of children with special health, development or behavioral needs

Nutriendo Esperanza serie para padres de niños de 0-10 años con necesidades especiales

Same as above facilitated in Spanish

Help Me Grow – Helpful Resource Links

Help Me Grow Resource Gateway

https://caowash.org/programs/early-childhood-development/help-me-grow.html

Community Action Early Childhood Supports

https://caowash.org/programs/early-childhood-development/healthy-families.html

Do you have news you’d like us to share?

If you are a part of our OST provider network and/or have been invited to submit a story or item of interest to Washington County families, teachers, or care providers, email your content before 5 pm on the 3rd Friday of the month (up to 400 words for stories, 75 words for events or other special requests; include cropped jpg or png image). Submission is not a guarantee of inclusion. Include name and email of person we can contact with questions.

Newsletter Editor: Michael Coiner