Literacy Changes Everything
Our annual campaign kicks off once again with our Celebrate United brunch, this year presented by Olympic Bluffs Cidery & Lavender Farm! As we start the next chapter of our literacy campaign, this vibrant event will center around the power of reading, learning, and opportunity. We will bring together business leaders, educators, nonprofit partners, advocates, and community members for a meaningful and inspiring experience designed to support literacy efforts across Clallam County.
Celebrate United will blend storytelling, community conversation, inspiring speakers, and interactive fundraising moments into an event that feels hopeful, welcoming, and creates real change for those in need in Clallam County. We want guests to leave with a connection not only to United Way's mission, but knowing that they have helped our community thrive.
Children who struggle to read are more likely to fall behind academically and face long-term barriers to opportunity. Adults with limited literacy skills often encounter challenges with employment, healthcare, financial stability, and navigating everyday life.
When we invest in literacy, we invest in stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures.
Purchase Tickets & Tables Now!
Friday, September 25 | 11am - 1pm
Red Lion Hotel; 221 N. Laurel St., Port Angeles
Expert Panel
The main program will be a panel discussion moderated by United Way CEO Christy Smith, exploring the theme of literacy as it relates to United Way of Clallam County's three focus areas: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, and Healthy Community. Literacy influences educational success, workforce readiness, financial stability, health outcomes, and economic mobility. It is the foundation for opportunity and plays a critical role in helping individuals and families thrive.
Jennifer Lu'Becke, Youth Services Librarian, North Olympic Library System
How literacy lays the foundation for lifelong learning and creates a positive cycle that benefits families and the community.
Jennifer develops and leads a wide range of literacy, educational, and enrichment programs for children and families, including story times, book clubs, summer reading activities, and community engagement events. Through her work, Jennifer helps foster a lifelong love of reading and learning while creating welcoming opportunities for young people and families to connect with their libraries and one another. Jennifer regularly coordinates youth-focused programming and community partnerships throughout the North Olympic Peninsula, supporting NOLS's mission of nurturing imagination, connection, and understanding to strengthen the community.
Molly Pringle, Plan Coordinator, North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition
Strong literacy skills open doors to education, job training, and higher-wage careers, while limited literacy can create significant barriers to employment and advancement.
The North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition is a federally funded regional economic development initiative focused on expanding access to quality jobs and strengthening workforce opportunities across Clallam and Jefferson counties. In her role as Plan Coordinator, Molly helps coordinate partnerships among local governments, tribes, educational institutions, nonprofits, and economic development organizations to implement programs that connect residents to sustainable career pathways and support long-term economic growth. The Recompete initiative was awarded approximately $35 million through the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Recompete Pilot Program, one of only six implementation grants awarded nationwide.
Dr. Terri Sabella, PhD, JD, RN-BSN, CPHQ, CEO, North Olympic Healthcare Network
The critical role literacy plays in health and wellness. When patients understand health information, they are better equipped to make informed decisions and manage their care.
North Olympic Healthcare Network (NOHN), a federally qualified health center serving communities across the North Olympic Peninsula. A registered nurse, attorney, and healthcare executive, Dr. Sabella brings more than a decade of leadership experience in community health centers, healthcare law, and clinical operations. Before joining NOHN in 2026, she served as CEO of HealthPoint in Texas and previously held executive leadership roles with the Tennessee Primary Care Association and CommUnityCare Health Centers. Dr. Sabella holds degrees in nursing, law, and healthcare management and is recognized for her commitment to expanding access to high-quality, patient-centered healthcare and advancing community health outcomes.
Join Us!
Friday, September 25 | 11am - 1pm
Red Lion Hotel; 221 N. Laurel St., Port Angeles