United Way lends El Centro a helping hand

Just when it appeared that El Centro de la Familia’s fate was sealed as part of the Kitsap Health District’s budget cuts, United Way of Kitsap County stepped in to rescue the program.

United Way Executive Director David Foote officially announced the organization’s offer of a $40,000 community challenge grant to help El Centro, which helps Hispanic families with everything from parenting education to finding the community resources they need.

“I thought very hard about what we could do to help the situation because at United Way, community matters to us, and it’s what we’re about,” Foote said as the dozens of El Centro supporters applauded the gift. The grant is the first of its kind offered by United Way of Kitsap County.

The Kitsap Credit Union made the first $1,000 donation to the campaign and has an account set up to accept donations to meet the $40,000 challenge grant goal.

“The United Way is lending a hand, but it comes down to what the community is going to do,” Foote said.

“When you have good people you can find good solutions,” South Kitsap County Commissioner Jan Angel said, as El Centro was taken off the chopping block.

“I thank Dr. Lindquist and Kitsap Credit Union for helping out,” said United Way volunteer Rick Cortez.

Saving El Centro will help empower the Hispanic community to step up and return the generosity it has received, Cortez said.

Kitsap Literacy Council volunteer Lauren Leider also thanked United Way and the health district for working together to save such an important program.

“I work with ESL (English as a Second Language) adults and I just want to thank you on behalf of all the families,” Leider said.

However, just because United Way has stepped up with the grant, it’s still up to the community to provide the matching funds, Lindquist cautioned.

Before the meeting, United Way director of Resource Development Patricia Hennessy said the hope is that the grant will allow El Centro time to develop a long-term viable operation plan.

“Hopefully El Centro will emerge from this better than ever,” Hennessy said. “If the community wants it, it will step up.”

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.