MAY 2023 | Gala update and Executive Director Partnerships – Katie’s Korner – Resources update!
PARTNER WITH WCK!

Spotlight on Partnerships

As a 501(c)3, we are dependent on our partners to move forward our ultimate goal – sustainable out of school program funding for all Washington County youth.

Our annual fundraising gala called “Reach for the Stars” is happening on August 3rd at Ruby Vineyard in Hillsboro.  We are looking forward to connecting and celebrating the past year’s accomplishments with all our supporters.

We are asking for your help!  Please consider a partnership with WCK that works for you:
Sponsorships start at $250 and include event tickets!
General Admission tickets are only $75 for a lovely evening celebration with hors d’oeuvres, music, plus silent and oral auction items.  Did I mention our hosts at Ruby Vineyard will have their delicious wines available?
Donations are being accepted by our auction coordinator.

Every contribution helps us pursue sustainable funding for afterschool & summer youth programs, provide continuing education training for providers, and child behavioral information for parents.

Larry Crepeaux – larry@washingtoncountykids.org


Only 80 spots available and tickets are on sale now!
GALA TICKET LINK

PROVIDER PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Calling all OST providers!

Tabling Events
We are searching for three OST providers to partner together at the Hillsboro Farmers Market.  Promote your organization alongside WCK representatives on June 17, July 15, or August 19.  Please reach out to larry@washingtoncountykids.org for more information!

Coalition Expansion
This summer we are embarking on a comprehensive expansion of our provider network!  Please review your organization’s information and/or have someone contact us with your latest up-to-date information.

KATIE’S KORNER

WCK President, Katie Riley

As the weather is warming up, my thoughts are turning to fun things to do during the summer.  Who doesn’t want to be outside, enjoying sunshine, blooming gardens, shady spots, and a cool beverage?

I am looking forward to our annual gala.  For the first time, we will be located at Ruby Vineyard on August 3rd—just as the evening is starting to cool down at 6 pm.  Looking East I can see over rolling hills toward Mt Hood pushing its ice-cream-coated head up into the sky.  And with Peter Vik’s guitar in the background and a glass of wine in hand, it is the perfect setting.  Every year we have had dynamic speakers and amazing silent auction items.  Items are coming in fast – restaurant date nights, hand-crafted jewelry, and other quirky pieces.  Last year we added oral auction items, and reports are already coming in about the amazing trips that can be taken at great prices.

An Italy trip to Cortona is once again going to be available and it offers the opportunity to visit a hilltop town with stupendous views and outdoor cafes and little shops.  A trip to Bali is also offered and reports are gushing about lush tropical areas and yummy Thai food.  The trip to South Africa to visit a game preserve with daily safaris to view animals is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—think elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs, oh my!  All trips are ONLY available through charity auctions, so all other guests hold similar values—dedication to helping others—so you will meet like-minded people.  And that brings us to why we are doing a gala—we want to increase access to after school and summer programs and our efforts depend on your support.

Please sign up to attend and have a highlight of your summer while supporting a great cause.  The price is low, and it includes special hors d’oeuvres.  Come join us.  And invite your friends!

PARENT RESOURCES

2023 SPEAKER SERIES: FOR PARENTS
Our live events have now concluded but you can still enjoy the recorded presentations designed to provide useful information and tools for parents of children k-12!

PROVIDER RESOURCES

Did you know that we provide Out-of-School Provider Training?  In fact, attendees have received over 100 hours of career credits in just the last 15 months!

Please save the date for our next session:
Friday, September 8, 2023 | 10 am to 12 pm
Subject: De-escalating Negative Behavior

PROVIDER PROFILE & REQUEST:  HOMEPLATE

Homeplate serves houseless youth and is one of WCK’s partners.  They have resource centers in Beaverton and Hillsboro where kids can drop in, do laundry, get a shower, and find out about resources.
They are in need of the following items:

  • New men’s and women’s underwear, size M-2XL
  • New and gently used bras
  • New and gently used shoes
  • Teenager and adult size clothes, M-2XL
  • Teen and adult jeans/pants: all sizes
  • Individually wrapped snacks, including vegan
  • Cases of water bottles
  • Full-size shampoo, conditioner, and lotion
  • Makeup
  • Hair styling products
  • Laundry detergent, clothes softener, dryer sheets
  • Gift cards
  • Spring/summer is coming up: sunscreen, reusable water bottles, foot powder, electrolyte drinks, or drink packets
  • Clothes for the upcoming warmer seasons

Items can be dropped off at the Beaverton location:
Donation hours & location:
Mon-Fri: 10 am-1 pm. Closed on Thursdays.
12685 SW 4th St Beaverton

COMMUNITY CONCERNS:  1 PILL
1 Pill Can Lead to Death
The father of a high school senior in California wants to warn parents that the epidemic of fake pills laced with fentanyl can be fatal.  Ed Ternan stated that “Drug education is often focused on the risks associated with addiction and long-term use, when fentanyl can be fatal with just one pill.”  His son took a pill that he thought was a combination of Percocet and Oxycontin to help ease back pain.  It was laced with fentanyl and he died.
“We used to understand drugs as a potential ‘pathway’ to addiction,” Ternan said. “But now, there is no pathway — it’s a minefield. The risk has changed from eventual death to immediate death. … It’s extremely urgent that young people understand this.”
Narcan, a drug that can reverse the effects of fentanyl, works but if a kid is at home or somewhere that the Narcan antidote is not available, the results of taking a fake pill can be irreversible.
Parents and providers need to give kids this information so they know that there are fake pills being distributed and they should not take any pills unless they have been prescribed by a physician.  Don’t delay engaging in this important conversation.
MAY
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month