I would like to offer encouragement to all those service providers of our children and youth in Island County. Your commitment, professionalism and passion for our kids is truly appreciated.

Having worked with these service providers for over 22 years, I am impressed by the collaborative efforts put forth by our children and youth serving organizations. We live in a community with limited resources that call for service providers to work together. They each have different programs that serve a variety of needs in the community. First and foremost, the providers put the needs of their clients first. They wouldn’t continue and have support from the community if they didn’t. If you feel that there are needs not being met, then please, get involved. I have no doubt that these hardworking organizations can use your help.

There are a number of coalitions and networks that continue to work hard in our community. The North Whidbey Youth Coalition and Community Resource Network have worked together for years. Both of these groups encourage providers to come together, support each other and learn about each others programs in our community.

We have another wonderful opportunity for the children and youth serving organizations to come together, Islandwide, for the “State of Island County’s Children and Youth,” Friday, Feb. 24, at 11:30 at the Service Alternative office in Coupeville. This is a collaborative effort of many organizations that work tirelessly for our community’s children and youth. If you are interested in attending please contact Bess Windecker-Nelson at bessn@whidbey.com.

Experience tells us that the best way to help the most people is to work together. I believe our children and youth programs do that here in Island County. To the staff, boards and volunteers of these organizations: Keep up the good work!

Cathy Niiro

United Way of Island County