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Fun Factory FAQs

Sign with QR code: YWCA Fun Factory meets here, Free arts and crafts for ages 5-10, Come join us

Q. What is Fun Factory?

A. YWCA Fun Factory is a mobile ten-week summer recreation program that visits neighborhoods throughout the Walla Walla Valley. The Fun Factory brings FREE outdoor fun, crafts, games and other activities to places where kids gather.

Q. What ages is it for?

A. We see kids as young as 4 and as old as 12 or 13. Most crafts are designed with ages 5 – 10 in mind, but all are welcome to come give it a try.

Q. What are the dates?

A. This summer the van will roll out every weekday from June 23August 15 (except July 4).

Q. How does it work? Where do I sign up?

A. No need to sign up. Each stop lasts about an hour. Some kids live close enough to a Fun Factory location that they can show up on their own. Others are dropped off. And if a parent or other adult wants to stay, that’s OK too. (Adults can even make the craft, as long as they promise to share the glue and glitter!)

Q. What does a Fun Factory day look like?

A. Each day of the week is different. Imagine one week’s activity is paper bag puppets. On Monday, the van might take puppet supplies Ten Ton Studios in Waitsburg, to the library in Dayton, and then, if the YWCA office gets a confirmation call by 1, all the way up to Starbuck School. The next week, those locations will have a different activity. Once the schedule is published, you will know what to expect and can put an entry like “Fun Factory – Touchet Library – Thursdays at 2:45” on your calendar and show up every week if you like.

Q. Where and when can I find the Fun Factory?

A. Our 2025 bilingual schedule is posted on the Fun Factory webpage.

Q. WHO is the Fun Factory?

A. At each stop you’ll find three or four enthusiastic, energetic leaders who love making things and playing games with kids. You’ll know you are at the right place when you see the white Fun Factory van and the Fun Factory leaders (Ollie, Paige, Helena, and Maggie) in their bright tie-dye shirts.

Q. What if it’s too hot to play? Or too smoky to breathe well?

A. Click here to check the heat index and air quality numbers for your stop’s ZIP code. Here’s when we will move Fun Factory activities indoors:

  • If the heat index is 101 or higher,
  • or if the air particulates are 151 or worse,

And In locations with no indoor option, we will cancel for everyone’s comfort and safety.

Two-plus decades of YWCA service

and her grandsons joined Tom Stanley for a ride in the 2013 Fair Parade.

A Georgia native who studied engineering and served his country in the Marines during Vietnam, Tom Stanley moved here in 1980 to keep the line running at Continental Can.
During his time there, the can lines were the company’s best across the country.

When the plant closed in 2002, Tom went to work in agri-chemicals, till we found him and he become the YWCA Plant/Facilities Director.

Tom understood the importance of well-maintained facilities to show the community that their investment in the YWCA was in good hands. His meticulous care extended the useful lives of all our YWCA buildings and systems.

Pedestrians routinely complimented the YWCA grounds and asked who did the work – Tom and his staff of course! And building users were regularly astounded at how clean the restrooms were, even on weekends.

Tom retired this spring after 22 years of faithful service, including many years as YWCA’s lone male employee.

Said Tom (imagine this in his Georgia accent), “I loved my time at the YWCA. It was wonderful to work with people who care so much.”

Anita leads in infant care and holiday cheer

By Paige Rogers*

Last April YWCA Walla Walla expanded its childcare options by opening a full-time facility dedicated to caring for the community’s youngest children.

Located in Dayton, Rosemary’s Place is an offshoot of My Friend’s House, the YWCA childcare facility on Birch Street in Walla Walla. Children ages 6 weeks to 6 years are admitted.

Anita Jackson, a gregarious woman who laughs easily, is the lead infant caretaker at Rosemary’s Place. A mother of four, she knows a thing or two about nurturing babies and young children.

A sense of community

“I absolutely adore working here. Actually, I can’t imagine working any place else.” When pressed to say more, Anita points to the strong sense of community that upholds Rosemary’s Place.

“You work so closely with the parents and there are so many community members who want to be a part of working with kids.”  

She loves the fact that some volunteers like to read to the kids while others create pint sized science experiments for them to try. “They want to help however they can.”

Anita often takes the children on excursions and one of her favorite trips is to visit The Cottages, an assisted living facility near the hospital in Dayton. 

An opportunity to shine

Every year the Dayton Chamber of Commerce holds an annual Community Awards Ceremony to celebrate businesses in the community. They approached YWCA Director of Childcare, Tabitha Haney, to see if someone from Rosemary’s Place might want to decorate a few tables with centerpieces that the honorees could take home. 

The first person who came to mind was Anita. She’s well known for her design skills and is always the one to decorate the facility for holidays. Anita immediately accepted the challenge. After all, this was a chance for Rosemary’s Place to represent themselves as a new business in the Dayton community. 

Sending a colorful message

First, she asked herself “What says childcare?”

Then, Anita let her imagination lead her, despite not having the exact craft skills required. Her first step was to attach colorful crayons around a large candle. She chuckled, “My boyfriend had to show me how to use a glue gun!” 

Since the mascot of Rosemary’s Place is an elephant, this too was included, along with the fragrant herb that the daycare is named after.

It’s obvious when speaking with Anita that she is very happy working at Rosemary’s Place and proud to have represented them locally. “There’s just a huge sense of community at work.” If asked next year, she said she’d be more than willing to create themed centerpieces again. “I’m happy to contribute to such a wonderful community!” 

Anita consults her notes while decorating a table to represent RoseMary’s Place at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce awards banquet.

*YWCA Volunteer Paige Rogers recently directed Rhinoceros at the Harper Joy Theater on Whitman’s campus. She holds an English degree from Princeton University and a Masters in Journalism from the University of Wroclaw.

A holiday miracle for Grace and her family

On a chilly morning in December, the team at Underriner Honda of Walla Walla gathered with anticipation for their annual holiday car giveaway. 

General Sales Manager Pat Custer took a moment to explain the process. “The United Way gathers nominations,” Pat shared. “Once applications are approved, our staff has the honor of making the final selection.”

A partnership of care


United Way Blue Mountain’s Executive Director Christy Lieuallen explained the criteria. “Trusted partner agencies like the YWCA identify clients who would benefit from a reliable vehicle and who can manage the ongoing costs of ownership, like insurance, fuel, and maintenance. We collect, organize, and review the applications before submitting them to the dealership,” she explained.

When Karen Angel, YWCA Advocate/Campus Advocate, learned about the opportunity, Grace and her children immediately came to mind. A family of 5, they barely fit in their borrowed Ford Focus. More worrying were the car’s growing mechanical issues.

Karen also knew that the car hadn’t been Grace’s only struggle. When she checked in at the shelter about the family’s food security and discovered Grace was skipping meals to be sure her kids would have enough, “it broke my heart,” she said.  

Grace was a perfect fit for the criteria. “She is responsible and  resilient,” Karen said. “And I knew how much she would benefit from a reliable vehicle appropriate for her family.”

Grace’s success impressed everyone at the shelter, said Karen. “Not even a month after moving out, she got promoted to a supervisor position.” This made her a full-time employee, which would help reduce her family’s financial stress and secure her ability to handle the responsibilities of car ownership.

Group of four smiling women who attended the car presentation.

YWCA Advocates at the presentation included Karen Angel, Alisha Gonzales, and Lana Bushman. Christy Lieuallen represented United Way.

Once the decision was made to nominate Grace, Karen and Lana Bushman, YWCA’s Director of Client Services, got to work on the application, completing it during a busy week with only moments to spare. 

A thoughtful selection

After the nominations were narrowed to a few finalists, the dealership staff made the final choice. “Her courage and dedication to her children stood out,” Pat said. “She’s faced so much and has worked hard to create a strong, loving home.”

Blake Underriner, owner of Underriner Honda, shared the history of the giveaway. “My parents started this program 10 or 15 years ago at their first store in Billings,” he explained. “We later expanded it to include our dealerships in Walla Walla and The Dalles.” Blake emphasized that the owners provide the car and cover a year’s worth of any necessary repairs. But what made him most proud was how the dealership’s staff embraced the project. “They chose the car, donated their time fixing it up and detailing it to make it as perfect as possible. They even pooled their own money to buy gifts for the kids.”

During the presentation, Pat struggled to hold back tears. “I get emotional this time of year,” he admitted. “No child should go without at Christmas, and I’m so grateful to work for an owner who cares this much.”  

Gratitude and joy

The presentation brought immense joy to everyone involved, but the highlight was the reaction from Grace’s family. Grace had decided that this special occasion warranted missing a little school, so her children arrived at the dealership with no idea what awaited them.

Product Specialist Teya demonstrates the van’s audiovisual system.

“This is ours?” Grace’s older daughter asked, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Once they grasped the reality of their new eight-passenger Honda Odyssey, the children eagerly explored its features, especially the screen and DVD player. A friendly debate ensued about who would get to pick the first video.

“That’s easy,” said one brother, gesturing to his younger sister. “The littlest should pick first.”

Between the dealership’s employees and several YWCA Advocates, plus United Way’s Christy, quite a crowd was assembled to witness the moment, one  filled with smiles, gratitude, and the promise of brighter days ahead for Grace and her family.

The kids enthusiastically dove into their gift bags and thanked the staff for their generosity before loading everything into their new vehicle. 

Black Honda Odyssey van in beautiful condition

For Underriner Honda and YWCA Walla Walla, this day was about more than just a car. It was a way to fuel hope and drive change in our community, one family at a time.

How you can inspire community support as a Table Captain

Longtime Table Captain Wendy Cheng at a 2018 VIP reception for the YWCA luncheon speaker, (c) Whitman College

Wendy Cheng has been a dedicated YWCA Luncheon Table Captain for so long that she’s lost count. “Maybe 15 years?” she speculated.

Over time, her involvement grew, and she co-chaired the event for several of its 25 years alongside Claire Siegel and a few other friends.

One common misconception Wendy shared about being a Table Captain (TC) is that you’re responsible for purchasing tickets for the entire table. Yes, a few TCs may choose to treat the whole table, but most simply extend invitations to a few friends who purchase their own tickets.

Another myth is that you have to recruit friends who will be big donors. “Yes, the luncheon is a fundraiser,” Wendy says, “but the goal is to have a diverse cross-section of the community attend. The luncheon is also about growth—introducing new people and new energy to our mission of helping survivors break free from domestic violence.”

Wendy suggests starting small by inviting groups you’re already a part of, like workout buddies, book clubs, or church friends. She recalls her own humble beginning, filling just half a table by asking four tennis friends to join. From there, word spread. Soon, friends were asking to bring co-workers or family members, and she found herself filling not just one-half, but two full tables of ten.

Today, the process is simpler than ever with online ticketing. Wendy provides her guests with easy instructions: choose an entrée, note any allergies, and pay online. If you prefer, checks are fine too.

“It’s really that simple,” she says. “Then all that’s left is showing up to enjoy lunch, reconnect with friends, and hear an inspiring speaker.”

Wendy’s story shows that being a Table Captain isn’t about having deep pockets or a vast network—it’s about sharing your passion for the YWCA mission and creating opportunities for others to get involved. If that sounds like something you would enjoy, reach out to Kirsten: kschober@ywcaww.org. Or call 509-525-2570 and let the YWCA office know you’d like to learn more about being a Luncheon Table Captain.

You make the holidays feel more like home

Every year, generous volunteers Adopt a YWCA Family to make sure everyone in the shelters has a beautiful season of peace and joy.

Also included are families involved in support group and LiNC life skills classes.

Clients with the courage to walk away from domestic violence often have little time to think about anything other than safety. They do their best to make the holidays special for their children, but funds can be sparse.

When you give to a child through the Adopt-a-Family program, you allow moms to focus on healing. Your compassion makes a safe, temporary shelter feel more like home.

Holiday deadlines*

  1. By Thursday, Nov. 21: Request a family.
  2. During the week of Thanksgiving: You will receive the family’s wish lists so you can begin shopping.
  3. Shop for list items or gift cards (usually about $75/person).
  4. Friday, Dec. 13: Drop off the unwrapped gifts at the YWCA, 213 S. First Ave.

    *We will continue taking applicants until all families are spoken for. Later requests will have custom deadline schedules.

After you sign up, YWCA staff members match a family to your budget and family size preference and provide sizes, favorite color, and a couple of wish list items for each family member

If you have any questions about the program, please call the office, 509-525-2570.

Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM)

October is a time to reflect on the seriousness of intimate partner abuse and break the silence about violence. Check out October events below and get ideas for taking action.


Image asks what steps can be taken to prevent domestic violence? Oct 23-31 is the YWCA Week Without Violence. Saturday, Oct. 26 join us at Dayton's Flour Mill Park for a Community Prevention and Wellness Fair. Pick up your DV Awareness ribbon and learn more about services available in Columbia County

< Saturday, Oct. 26, 11am-1pm:
Join YWCA Columbia County at Dayton’s Flour Mill Park for the Community Prevention and Wellness Fair


Candlelight tribute 6:30pm at the YWCA

  • Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m. at YWCA Walla Walla
Group of people walking with candles around the block of the YWCA shelter.

Walkers at 2023 gathering


Meet at noon, Heritage Park: Take Steps to Stop Domestic Violence

Thursday, Oct. 24, Noon: Meet at Heritage Park downtown and Take Steps to Stop Domestic Violence.

Passerby stops to add flowers to a domestic violence memorial, a brief narrative with two shoes on top to represent a life lost.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, we’ll remember lives lost in 2023 in Washington State.

Each year we remember the women, men, and children whose lives were lost to domestic violence in the previous year during the YWCA Week Without Violence. Meet us at Heritage Park at noon, and we’ll walk to the County Court House remembering these losses along the way.

Get in the spirit by wearing purple, the color of domestic violence awareness. Or make a sign to carry with an anti-DV message (the links here might give you inspiration).

A  group, most wearing purple and some holding signs, stand in front of the courthouse listening to inspiring words about stopping domestic violence.

Join a discussion group

DV IN BOOKS AND MOVIES


Social media is teeming with talk about domestic violence, thanks to the recent movie based on Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel It Ends With Us.

YWCA staff members are wondering if there is community interest in a YWCA-hosted discussion of the book or film. If you are interested, please let us know by October 19 so we can include you in our plans. We can have Advocates on hand to address myths and facts about intimate partner violence and join us to discuss Hoover’s and the film’s depiction.

If you’d prefer a nonfiction exploration of the topic, journalist Rachel Louise Snyder’s No Visible Bruises is the YWCA Board fall book club pick.


Self-care Saturday

Saturday, Oct.26

Download the Tiny Survival Guide from the Trauma Stewardship Institute for some self-care ideas to get you started.

Are stress and trauma causing or depleting your mental energy? The Trauma Stewardship Institute has a tip sheet for decision fatigue and cognitive overload.

Download Coloring Pages from the National Network to end Domestic Violence (like Dogs Against Domestic Violence or Sloths for Safety) and enjoy the mental health benefits of coloring, which can be a lot like meditation. Post your masterpiece on Instagram to share a positive message with your followers.

Campus support role for YWCA advocate

Smiling advocate standing in the Walla Walla Courthouse law library where the YWCA provides assistance with protection orders

KAREN ANGEL always knew she wanted a job helping people, which is why she studied psychology at Washington State University.

She was hired as a YWCA Advocate partway through her degree, which has included many relevant classes like Violence Toward Women, Behavior Disorders in Children and Adolescents, and Families in Poverty.

“When I first began my job with the YWCA, I was super excited to help women who felt alone.” Karen loved the idea of helping families and guiding survivors to light and hope.
She’s done crisis work responding to sexual assaults at the hospital and handling domestic violence calls. She represents the YWCA at the county protection order clinic and accompanies clients to hearings.

“Working in the shelter for the past two years, I have noticed that some kids come into our shelter in distress and frustrated because of the situation they were living in,” she said. “Of course it’s reflected in their behavior.”

Coursework about poverty, she said, “allowed me to truly see the struggles that low-income families go through and how much it impacts not just the parents but the kids as well. Sometimes those struggles go on for generations.”

THE BEST FEELING
“I love to see when a woman who has been put down or gaslighted finds their purpose again,” Karen said. “Watching them fly from our shelter to their own home – with a job and empowered – is the best feeling in the world.”

Now in her new role, she continues her work in the shelter and also spends half her time as an advocate at Whitman providing free, confidential support to anyone experiencing assault or intimate partner violence.

While these YWCA services can be provided on campus, an assault will not be reported to college officials unless the survivor wishes.

And those times when abuse is reported, Karen offers support throughout the investigation process. She understands how traumatic an assault can be and that it has the potential to disrupt a student’s education.

“What happened to them was not their fault,” Karen said. “I want to encourage them to continue with their careers and move on from an awful experience.”

Child advocacy: Your support empowers young lives

Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) succeed when they center on kids’ needs


WHEN A CHILD is being abused, the No. 1 priority is that child’s safety and well-being.

Children are vulnerable,and they may lack the vocabulary and power to speak for themselves.
In her new role at the YWCA, Leslie Bumgardner, Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Coordinator, is helping make sure those kids have a voice.

“I’m excited about bringing a team together,” Leslie said, “getting everyone who’s committed to what’s best for children around a table regularly.”

The ultimate goal is to have a fully accredited Child Advocacy Center (CAC), a process that will take time.

Meanwhile, Leslie is looking forward to strengthening partnerships between team members.
Those partnerships are vital because children respond best in a protective environment where they feel safe and can tell their stories – just once – to the people who can help stop the abuse and provide needed support. That’s the essence of a CAC.

WHY MDTs MATTER
A key component of the CAC model is the multidisciplinary team (MDT). Leslie has been meeting with Child Protective Service investigators, law enforcement personnel, counselors, advocates, and other expert professionals to prepare for improved collaboration among these entities.

“We can do better for kids when we put them at the center of the process,” Leslie said.
When efforts are not well coordinated, the independent process of each agency involved can lead to unnecessary and repetitive interviews that re-victimize a child, forcing them to relive the trauma over and over.

The CAC model is designed to transform the process. As MDT members gather and share information about a child’s case, they smooth the way for that child to begin healing, receive justice, and experience trust.

ADVOCATING FOR CHILDREN
“Coordinated, child-centered responses have been found to accelerate the healing process for kids. We’re so grateful to everyone who encouraged the YWCA to lead this work,” said Executive Director Anne-Marie Zell Schwerin.

By next year, YWCA Advocates specially trained in child advocacy will join MDTs collaborating to provide better outcomes and support for children and families.

“Everyone is working hard to do their best for children,” Leslie said, “and I can’t wait to build a team that pulls together all the folks already working passionately for young victims of violence and sexual abuse.”