Along with sunny weather and lots of free time, summer can also bring challenges for young families in Friday Harbor. School is out, childcare options can be limited and many parents are working long hours.

United Way of San Juan County recognizes the importance of providing safe, structured activities for children in our community and offering support for working parents who may be stretched thin during the summer months. United Way’s support of our Family Resource Center’s Youth Mentoring Program enables school-aged kids – mostly from single-parent families – to be paired one-on-one with an adult mentor. Together, Mentor and Mentee meet weekly to try out enjoyable local activities like swimming, canoeing and hiking.

Likewise, United Way funding enables our center to offer free parent-child playgroups four mornings a week. The playgroups provide valuable time for new parents to connect with one another while their young children build social skills through cooperative play and group activities. It’s a terrific way for families to stay connected even when schools are closed for the summer.

We encourage community members to support United Way of San Juan County and the efforts they make to ensure that local families have access to active, healthy summer activities.

Jennifer Armstrong

Director, San Juan Island Family Resource Center