United Way, putting kids first | Letters


December 6, 2011 · Updated 9:56 AM 

United Way continues to provide invaluable support for our county’s youth through many organizations, including the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition.

Youth are experiencing an exciting combination of hands-on educational opportunities-being creatively challenged to discover their own and others’ natural gifts and leadership talents. Hundreds of children in every grade from preschool to high school have received free enrichment education through the “Challenge” program, offered by SJIPC with support from United Way.

Unique, fun, team-building activities help young people develop essential life skills in problem-solving, communication, cooperation and healthy decision-making. United Way supported the expansion of Challenge this year to include the award-winning Yoga Calm curriculum; enhancing the ability of youth and teens to manage stress and develop healthy practices to improve their physical, emotional and mental well-being, as well as their academic achievement. Older teen are practicing leadership skills with younger youth to create “Unity in Community”, taking charge of the direction of their lives while helping others.

Please join the San Juan Island Prevention Coalition and our collaborators in thanking United Way for their vision, knowing that creating a healthy community depends on the way we care for our children.

Alice Hibberd,

Challenge coordinator, SJIPC

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.

So keep your comments:

  • Civil
  • Smart
  • On-topic
  • Free of profanity

We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters. We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full detail on participating on our site.