Every dollar counts. That is the message being shared as nonprofits like Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) prepare for what is traditionally a joyful period of the year. 

The 2024 Annual Report for Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is now available to the public following approval by the board of directors during a recent meeting. The Community Action Agency has served Skamania and Klickitat counties since 1966, supporting low-income families to improve their quality of life.

The Tree of Joy holiday program for low-income families in Klickitat and Skamania counties has grown over the past few years.

Beginning Monday, November 3, at 8:00 a.m., Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) will begin taking calls to schedule appointments for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for low-income residents in Skamania and Klickitat counties who need assistance paying their heating bills.

Prevention organizations in Klickitat County are coming together to host free events for parents, focusing on creating tech-healthy families. K-Link Collaborative, Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition, and the Coalition Preventing Abuse in Klickitat County (CPAKC) work to create safe teen cultures, safe spaces, and community education in efforts to reduce youth access to substances throughout Klickitat County.

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is launching the Driving Leadership Scholarship, a new opportunity designed to support young leaders from low-income households in Klickitat and Skamania Counties by removing transportation as a key barrier to growth.

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) has connected with the Weatherization Assistance Program through the Northwest Community Action Center (NCAC), a division of the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, to help households improve energy efficiency. 

Curt Gray is ending his working career on a high note, after stepping down this month from his role as the Skamania County Housing Department Coordinator for Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP). 

An anonymous local donor has offered up to $15,000 for others to match to support the work of Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) in Skamania and Klickitat counties. The offer is open through April and can support any of the agencies’ programs.

Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition is on a mission with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help communities prevent suicides. In a joint effort, the two organizations are pairing up with prevention programs, schools, and community groups to offer Suicide Prevention Training from March through May.

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) has launched a comprehensive new initiative offering support and resources to strengthen communication, collaboration, and connections within the community.

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is adjusting routes for its Mobile Food Bank to work within its budget for 2025. As a result, stops in Mill A and Lyle will be ending soon.

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) was pleasantly surprised by $35,000 in early annual fundraising donations this month presented by two local banks, helping the Community Action Agency jump-start its end-of-year fundraising campaign.

Preventing financial stress for rural families was a primary goal of the recent Financial Wellness Fair series put on by Community Enrichment for Klickitat County (CEKC) and Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) with the help of area partners. Over 200 people participated.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) recently released an analysis based on Bank Secrecy Act reports that indicate in a one-year period, from 2022 to 2023, financial institutions reported roughly $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder financial exploitation.

2024 marks the 60th year since the Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty. Over 1,000 agencies across the country are working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors, making communities stronger and helping families across the US thrive.

A new partnership centering around civic engagement has been formed at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP). Recently, Cristian Olivares and Ben Noble have been made co-directors on a mission to engage low-income residents as partners in building thriving communities. 

“Building Connected Communities” is the 2024 theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. The focus this year is addressing social and structural factors that are essential to improving the way people live, learn, work, and play.

Houselessness can happen to anyone at any age. Just ask Teri Hounslow.  Following a divorce, Hounslow kept houselessness at bay—well, kind of. She had been running a campsite with her husband before that job and their marriage dissolved. Then, at over 60 years old, she found herself without a place to stay.

With winter in full force, partners throughout the region have been pooling resources together to help houseless community members cope with potentially life-threatening conditions. To keep this and other efforts going, Mid-Columbia Houseless Collaborative is extending an open invitation for individuals and organizations to learn more about its members’ work over the past year and their plans for 2024 at its next quarterly meeting from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. on February 13 via Zoom.