Communities rally around children

Photo shows small play kitchen with a colorful road in front

WITH SOME HELP from Sen. Maria Cantwell, $413,000 in federal funds were earmarked for Columbia County Health System (CCHS) to transform Booker Rest Home into RoseMary’s Place.

Without our CCHS partners, the center wouldn’t be preparing to open this April.

But having been chosen to operate Dayton’s new licensed childcare left YWCA Walla Walla with furniture to buy, staff to hire, training to acquire, and supplies to select.

Fortunately, YWCA partners in Walla Walla and Columbia counties believe childcare, like health care, is critical to community wellbeing.

Anchored by a $200,000 Sherwood Trust grant, YWCA approached additional grantors like the Blue Mountain Community Fund, Columbia REA, Innovia, and Wildhorse Resort & Casino to help prepare the center for kids.

“RoseMary’s Place, like My Friends’ House in Walla Walla,” said YWCA Director of Childcare Tabitha Haney, “will set a very high standard for early learning. We are grateful for all the amazing support.”