In the heart of Snohomish County, the United Way has taken monumental strides towards enhancing the lives of local residents through two transformative partnerships – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Best Dental Help.
As a beacon of literary hope, Imagination Library – an international literacy program – has enrolled 9,000 children since its launch in Snohomish County in June 2023.
Recognizing the barriers faced by families who can’t afford books, the Imagination Library ensures that these children don’t miss out on the joy of reading at a young age.
Since books first started being delivered in August, an astounding 45,000 books have now been shipped to children in the community, fostering a love for learning that knows no economic boundaries.
With an outpour of support, Brittany Williams, Director of Communications and Marketing for the United Way of Snohomish County, says their continued partnership with Imagination Library has their sights set on a new goal: providing literature to children without permanent residence.
“We’re now looking at different ways we can get books into the hands of children who maybe don’t have permanent addresses. Unfortunately, kids who are experiencing hardships don’t always have consistent living situations. We’re working with several partners to see how we can expand this service to those children as well,” Williams says.
Through the generous contributions of donors and the unwavering dedication of United Way, The Imagination Library program is a testament to the power of community support.
By breaking down financial barriers, thousands of children are now discovering the magic of literacy within the pages of a book.
Youth dental care
In a groundbreaking move, United Way has also forged a partnership with the Best Dental Help, a mobile dental care clinic-on-wheels that addresses a crucial gap in healthcare accessibility, ensuring that economic disparities do not compromise the dental well-being of children in need.
By offering affordable and convenient dental care, this initiative is promoting a healthier future for the next generation of Snohomish County residents.
The mobile clinic is equipped with modern facilities and staffed by compassionate professionals dedicated to teaching the importance of oral health, offering screenings, cleanings, fluoride treatment and the placement of sealants, to the children of families who have opted for care at no cost to them.
Through these two unique partnerships, United Way of Snohomish County is demonstrating its commitment to community well-being. By nurturing the minds of the youngest members through the Imagination Library and ensuring the oral health of the future through the Best Dental Help, United Way is creating a future of compassion, equity, and empowerment.
To register for the Imagination Library program or learn more about the Best Dental Help, be sure to check out the important work being done at United Way of Snohomish County.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
