Local earns national kudos

Gail LaVassar, director of the South Whidbey Family Resource Center’s Readiness to Learn program, has been honored by a national education organization that focuses on homeless students.

LaVassar was one of three people nationally to receive awards as “Outstanding Individual Working in a Program” by the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth.

Her award was presented recently at the group’s annual conference in Washington, D.C.

“You are to be commended for your outstanding efforts to provide service to homeless children, youths and families in your community,” said Mattie Lord, NAEHCY program manager in the letter announcing the award.

The Island County Readiness to Learn Foundation, headquartered in the Family Resource Center, works with other organizations to help students and their families. Programs include student advocacy, support for families in transition, assistance in finding resources, parent education classes and support groups for relatives acting a parents.

Its annual Back to School Project provides school supplies and clothing vouchers to qualified families, and its Holiday House offers holiday assistance in a store-like atmosphere.

The Family Resource Center is behind the South Whidbey Primary School on Maxwelton Road in Langley.

For information or to volunteer, call 221-6808, ext. 4602, or 221-6808, ext. 4320.

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