Welcome and introductions.
Workgroup updates:
Kindergarten Readiness Workgroup:
Transitional Kindergarten begins in October and has approximately 40 children registered. They continue to operate 3 programs that were funded by this group and the Olson Foundation.
The Early Learning Center at Community Resource Center continues to offer programming that is utilized by families. Utilization continues to grow.
YMCA (absent) received funding for several projects such as Ready, Set, Go, the Preschool program and a toddler gym.
The LANE reports an increase in attendance and utilization of its outdoor early learning space. Reminder it is open year-round.
Imagine That Community School will celebrate its ribbon-cutting tonight. This is an intergenerational preschool in collaboration with Warm Beach Senior Community.
Camano Forest School has received funding from this group for startup and just recently for a napping gazebo that will be erected at the South Camano Grange.
Early Learning Bus in collaboration with SnoIsle Regional Library is currently in process. The funding has been awarded, and the RFP for a vehicle has been published. More to come. This will be a mobile preschool model that will be available to the Stanwood-Camano area for two years after it is built out and put into service.
Natalie and Mary reported that several small preschools received funding for curriculum and supplies from this workgroup/funding.
Transportation
Snow Goose Transit has reported that they have received grant funding for operating and a capital grant to purchase two buses. Their riders continue to grow.
Unhoused Workgroup
Little Green House or Unhoused Resource Hub is being facilitated by Community Resource Center and they have purchased a building. They have some tenant improvements and engagement questions but are moving forward to implementation.
Cold Weather Shelter has joined this workgroup and the group is collaborating to help with resources such as volunteers and transportation. The group is also helping provide marketing resources.
Disaster Preparedness Workgroup
This group has just began meeting but have already started working on obtaining plans from Island County, Snohomish County, Camano Island Preparedness Group, City of Stanwood, North County EMS, etc. It was suggested to research Bainbridge Islands model and bring to the meeting in October. Coordination seems to be what is next.
Food Insecurity Workgroup
Food Insecurity workgroup has decided to reinstate this group. This is due to potential funding cuts of SNAP and Meals on Wheels. A meeting poll has been sent to those interested in attending and the partners who would be potentially affected.
Mental Health Workgroup
Healing Connection Center nonprofit is still active. The group decided to wait and research options for mental health for this community.
Child Care Workgroup
Child Care Workgroup did not receive grant funding but the Steering Committee has decided to poll the child care convening to find out the interest for pursuing this as an initiative.
A Coalition Partner meeting will start, and Julie will be reaching out for volunteer help.
The yearly Town Hall meeting for compiling community-conceived needs will be held off. Natalie will research a community needs assessment survey instead.
Next meeting will be Thursday, October 2 at 10 am.
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