A Message from CEO Christy Smith
In the spirit of transparency, connection, and community leadership, I am continuing my monthly commitment to speak directly with you about the work happening across Clallam County, the partnerships moving us forward, and the challenges and opportunities we are navigating together. Each month, I will highlight initiatives that reflect our mission, introduce collaborations that are making a difference, and share hopeful steps forward for our community. My goal is to keep you informed, inspired, and connected to the impact you help make possible.
We are excited to announce the theme for this year's United Way Campaign Kickoff:
Literacy Changes Everything
On Friday, September 25, at the Red Lion Ballroom, I will moderate a panel discussion exploring this theme with three experts representing key areas of our work:
- Youth Opportunity: Jennifer Lubecke, Children's Librarian, North Olympic Library System
- Healthy Community: Dr. Terri Sabella, CEO, North Olympic Healthcare Network
- Financial Security: Molly Pringle, Plan Coordinator, North Olympic Peninsula Recompete Coalition
The more we talk about literacy, the more we realize how deeply connected it is to every aspect of our mission.
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. During our discussion:
- Jennifer Lubecke will share how early literacy lays the foundation for lifelong learning and creates a positive cycle that benefits families and the broader community.
- Dr. Terri Sabella will explain 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.
- Molly Pringle will challenge us to think beyond literacy as simply the ability to read. Strong literacy skills open doors to education, job training, and higher-wage careers, while limited literacy can create significant barriers to employment and advancement.
With the recent loss of Washington State funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, this conversation feels especially timely. Access to books and early literacy support can shape a child's future, and we hope this event will inspire our community to invest in that future.
Join Us at Celebrate United
Celebrate United is always an inspiring, welcoming, and mission-focused event that brings together community leaders, businesses, educators, and advocates to strengthen our community. We hope you'll join us as we explore how literacy truly changes everything.