Children of the Valley receives national recognition

Children of the Valley, a nonprofit that supports Skagit Valley children in need, received national recognition for building strength and belonging in its community.

The organization was one of 14 organizations and individuals recognized throughout the country.

Children of the Valley, a free after-school program based on individual academic and personal needs, received the recognition from the Courage Project, which recognizes acts that support communities.

According to a Courage Project news release, when December flooding displaced families throughout Skagit County, Children of the Valley mobilized quickly to provide emergency shelter, essential supplies and culturally responsive support for immigrant, migrant, and farmworker communities.

Awards from Courage Project range from $10,000 to $50,000. Children of the Valley received $25,000 to further its mission.

Children of the Valley was nominated by former board chair Beth Ashley.

Ashley, a retired principal from Mount Baker Middle School, is now involved in fundraising and strategic planning for Children of the Valley.

She said Children of the Valley's response to the flooding was much like the organization's day-to-day efforts. It stepped up and served the community.

During the flooding, the organization was there for long hours supporting families as much as possible.

"They went so far above and beyond, it was remarkable," Ashley said.

The organization assisted about 150 families during the flooding, provided them with bilingual services and helped them meet their immediate and long-term needs.

Children of the Valley provided shelter for evacuees with support from the Red Cross, worked with Mount Vernon School District employees and paraeducators to help interpret for families and helped families access culturally appropriate foods.

Flora Lucatero, executive director of Children of the Valley, said it felt meaningful to help Spanish-speaking families feel welcome and provide them a place to access shelter and services during the flooding.

"Just seeing the community step up and come support the families ... seeing people show up with food, water, clothes, games and activities for the kids to do while they were here was really encouraging and provided a lot for those families facing the trauma of the flood," Lucatero said.

Lucatero said in the news release that the recognition is deeply meaningful to her, and it reflects collective efforts of staff, volunteers, families and community partners who came together to support children and families during the flooding.

"Courage means showing up for others in times of uncertainty, even when you don't have all the answers, and doing whatever you can to help meet their needs. It means believing in people's potential, walking alongside them through both challenges and successes, and advocating for opportunities that help every child and family overcome barriers and thrive," Lucatero said in the release.

"I am grateful to be part of a community that continually demonstrates compassion, resilience, and a commitment to creating brighter futures for all."

Courage Project honorees will be honored Friday at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., during an interfaith service to honor America's 250th anniversary.

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