Welcome to the middle of summer — and the Back To School Project!
It costs approximately $114 per child for a new backpack plus all needed supplies for one child to attend school.
We at the Readiness to Learn Foundation are busily preparing for the 13th Back To School Project. With that comes the coordination of so many community volunteers, the support of service clubs and church communities, local businesses and donations large and small.
This a great community endeavor, as we come together to ensure every child has a head start on the first day of school.
If you are a family who finds back-to-school buying a stretch, please call the Readiness to Learn Foundation at 221-6808, ext. 4321. One of our family support advocates will conduct a short intake over the phone and make an appointment with you.
We also still have lots of fun volunteer opportunities at the Back To School Project. Please inquire.
Look for blue drop-box donation bins at the following area businesses:
Langley: Coldwell Banker, U.S. Bank, Whidbey Island Bank, Sno-Isle Library, CMA Church, St. Hubert Catholic Church, United Methodist Church.
Freeland: Christian Life Center, Coastal Community Bank, U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, Whidbey Island Bank, Sound Business Center, Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Augustine’s in-the-Woods Episcopal Church, Sno-Isle Library.
Clinton: Island Drug, Whidbey Island Bank, Well’s Fargo Bank, Boomerang.
Bayview: Curves, the Goose Grocery, House of Prayer.
RAPP – Relatives as Parents Program
Are you raising a relative’s child? Is the child your grandchild, niece or nephew? You are not alone. There are more than 35,000 grandparents and other relatives raising children in Washington state.
Would you like to join an informal group of relative caregivers who understand what you are going through? You are invited to attend a RAPP meeting once a month in the Family Resource Center.
We also welcome drop-ins. We are located at the Primary School in the light green portable next to the small playground.
For more information or to register, call Marilynn Norby at 221-6808, ext. 4602.
Single Mom’s Group
This group is open to any mom who is parenting alone, or feels alone, and needs the support of other single moms. Join this group in a casual and confidential atmosphere, in the Family Resource Center.
It meets once a month and light dinner and free childcare (upon request) are provided. Bring yourself, your ideas, your joys and your challenges to this supportive environment.
For more information and to RSVP with childcare, call 221-6808, ext. 4602 or our direct line: 221-0484.
Parents of Special Needs Children Group
The Parents of Special Needs Support Group will be meeting informally over summer. For information about this summer’s plans, and to join other families to share in the fun, support and to make new connections, call the center at 221-0484.
Mother Mentors
This group meets to provide free vital support for families with young children.
This is a program offered by volunteer women who remember what it is like to be at home with little ones. Do you have a newborn, an older child (or children) and a newborn? Mother Mentors is there to assist. To learn more, call the new number at 221-0484 or email them at wamothermentors@gmail.com.
Mother Mentors is the newest program under the Readiness to Learn Foundation.
Our Parent Library
Looking for books on childhood development, adolescence, behavioral challenges or Asperger’s syndrome? We have a small but mighty lending library in the Family Resource Center.
Come in and browse, have a cup of coffee and relax.
Library books may be kept for a month; if you have any overdue books please drop them off so others may check them out. We gladly accept used or new books on parenting, teens, children, self-care, etc. Please help add to our selection.
Volunteer of the Month
Our August volunteer of the month is Larry Johnson, husband of Ann Johnson, training and development coordinator for Readiness To Learn.
Like lots of partners, Larry has cheerfully volunteered here and there, remaining in the background, but always ready.
Larry is willing to do anything to help a child. He is not shy about promoting Readiness to Learn or lending a hand when needed. His smile is contagious enough to brighten anyone’s day.
Thank you, Larry, for being part of our family team!
Contact Information
Readiness To Learn Foundation/SW Family Resource Center
SW primary school campus, in the light-green portable, 5476 S. Maxwelton Road, Langley. Call 221-6808, ext. 4322 or ext. 4602 for more information.
Direct line: 221-0484
