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