Since 1981, the United States has recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. That’s 44 years of uniting people from all walks of life to end domestic violence. This year’s theme, promoted by the Domestic Violence Awareness Project, “With survivors, ALWAYS,” showcases that survivors deserve safety, support, and solidarity.

Beginning Monday, November 3, at 8:00 a.m., Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) will begin taking calls to schedule appointments for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for low-income residents in Skamania and Klickitat counties who need assistance paying their heating bills.

Prevention organizations in Klickitat County are coming together to host free events for parents, focusing on creating tech-healthy families. K-Link Collaborative, Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition, and the Coalition Preventing Abuse in Klickitat County (CPAKC) work to create safe teen cultures, safe spaces, and community education in efforts to reduce youth access to substances throughout Klickitat County.

It is the end of an era for Second Hand Rose, the community thrift store in Bingen operated by Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP). The store, which was already undergoing a remodel to downsize, has officially received notice from the WAGAP Board of Directors, which voted unanimously in June to permanently close the space.

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is launching the Driving Leadership Scholarship, a new opportunity designed to support young leaders from low-income households in Klickitat and Skamania Counties by removing transportation as a key barrier to growth.

Curt Gray is ending his working career on a high note, after stepping down this month from his role as the Skamania County Housing Department Coordinator for Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP). 

Nearly 40 percent of residents in Klickitat and Skamania counties are served by Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP). While poverty has been on the decline since 2015, rates are still higher than the rest of the state, and gaps in income inequality are increasing.

In the second annual Health & Wellness Family Fair being held at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon on May 16 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Skyline Health has expanded offerings to families to include more local health and wellness businesses and summer activities for youth. 

During routine outreach for the Energy Assistance Program at local In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites along the north side of the Columbia River this fall, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) staff confirmed there was a need to assist Native families that are not connected to traditional heating sources.

Our Klickitat Prevention Coalition is on a mission with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to help communities prevent suicides. In a joint effort, the two organizations are pairing up with prevention programs, schools, and community groups to offer Suicide Prevention Training from March through May.

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) has launched a comprehensive new initiative offering support and resources to strengthen communication, collaboration, and connections within the community.

In a long-anticipated move, Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) will start phase one of a remodel plan for its main office at 115 W Steuben Street in Bingen. The project targets creating a better footprint for the many programs under its umbrella, opening up some needed office and conference spaces to improve client services. 

Reflecting on 2024 at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), I am filled with immense gratitude and pride for all the WAGAP team has accomplished this year. Our collective strength, commitment, and collaboration have ensured that our agency evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of our community, even in the face of challenges. 

Donors responded to a call to help even more families this holiday season through the Tree of Joy program run by Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), increasing the number of children reached by nearly 100 this year.

There will be no Stevenson emergency warming shelter this winter due to minimal use over the past few years. Skamania County Homeless Housing Task Force and Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) have adjusted the units near the Hegewald Center to serve instead as temporary housing for families.

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) was pleasantly surprised by $35,000 in early annual fundraising donations this month presented by two local banks, helping the Community Action Agency jump-start its end-of-year fundraising campaign.

Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) hopes to reach 300 children from families in need this holiday season through the Tree of Joy program that provides essential winter items like cold-weather coats, clothing, hats, gloves, and boots, with a special gift item or toy that brightens a child’s holiday season.

Four new childcare providers have opened their doors in Klickitat County in the past two years, and one more is nearing approval with the help of the Klickitat County Childcare Committee (KCCC). These small businesses operate out of the homes of newly licensed providers, providing parents with an essential service.

Joanna Turner is inspired to help young people. After raising three children as a single parent and working for a domestic violence shelter in the Columbia River Gorge, she wanted to be upstream working to prevent violence before it started. That meant finding ways to engage teens in rural communities so they are active, have a sense of purpose and belonging, enjoy better mental health, and are more resilient. 

Community members are invited to contribute to a Community Voting Zine, a unique project put together by Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) to capture the stories, reflections, and artwork of local individuals around the themes of voting, health equity, and civic engagement.