Why does United Way of San Juan County fund Kids’ Summer Workshops? The local United Way’s focus is to help meet vital needs in San Juan County, and one of the most important issues facing children and youth is how to avoid risky behaviors and find positive role models and growth experiences.
Last spring, the entire Lopez Island Elementary School took a field trip to the Fidalgo Pool in Anacortes. Once there, students’ swimming capabilities were screened. Students who could swim a short distance across the pool (about 12 yards) were allowed access to all parts of the pool. If they could not pass this test, they were relegated to the roped off shallow end of the pool and required to wear a floatation device.
When Marvin Snapp, the only fifth grader who didn’t pass the swim test, had to spend the day with the younger kids (mostly kindergarten through second graders), clad in his life jacket, wishing he could be with his peers.
Last summer, Marvin received scholarships from Lopez Island Family Resource Center, which allowed him to participate in the Kids’ Summer Workshop Swimming Program. (United Way of San Juan County helps fund five programs at LIFRC, including the Kids’ Summer Workshops.) For two successive weeks Marvin attended classes, and the experienced swim instructor worked carefully with him to help him overcome his fears and learn the skills necessary to swim. By the end of the second week, Marvin was swimming the length of the pool, self-esteem flying high, as he proudly swam with his peers during free swim time.
Programs like Kids’ Summer Workshops need and deserve our support, say United Way staff. United Way of San Juan County funds ten after-school and summer activity programs on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Islands. Through donations from people in the community, these programs provide a safe, educational, fun place to be for over 1,250 children every year.
Every little bit of support makes a huge difference to these small programs. 98 percent of donated funds stay local. For a full list of all 28 United Way of San Juan County funded programs and to contribute, visit www.unitedway-sanjuancounty.org.
