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What is it? Our 5th annual back-to-school clothing and school supplies program for low-income families in Whatcom County!
How Does it work?
Graduates (and others, please see explanation below) of The Whatcom Dream Financial Empowerment 8-week Course are eligible to obtain a $100 Fred Meyer Gift Card from WD for only $25.
Families may obtain one $100 Fred Meyer gift card for each of their growing youngsters (preschool through 18 years of age).
Consistent with TWD “Hand-Up / Pay it Forward” philosophy, the $25 collected from parents is funneled into a fund to cover the expenses for our core Financial Empowerment 8-week Course and other WD Hand-Up / Pay it Forward programs.
When: The last two weeks in August each year.
Who: Graduates of the WD Financial Empowerment Course are given the first opportunity to participate. Invitations are then extended to our partner nonprofit organizations including:
1. Engedi Refuge (sex trafficking survivors)
2. Family Promise (homeless services),
3. Goodwill Industries (participants in their GED program),
4. Blaine Community Assistance Program,
5. Lynden New Way Ministries (homeless services), and
6. Mercy Housing Sterling Meadows (affordable housing for Spanish speaking migrant workers).
2022 Goal: We hope (with your help!) to serve 150 children in 2022!
FAQs:
How are eligible families identified and notified of the program? WD graduates are contacted by TWD staff and invited to participate. WD notifies our partner nonprofits and invites case workers to refer families to us after all graduates have been served.
Which geographic or other communities are included in the program?
a. Bellingham
b. Lynden
c. Blaine/Birch Bay
d. Kendall
e. Ferndale
f. Nooksack
g. Sumas/Everson
h. Deming
i. Mercy Housing Sterling Meadows (affordable housing for Spanish speaking migrant workers)
Are families interviewed as a part of the program? Yes, each family wishing to participate is contacted by WD to identify the number and age of the children. We describe the program (hand-up / pay it forward), identify any areas where the family might be struggling financially and make an appointment to do an in-person check-in when they pick up the card at the WD office in Bellingham.
Is the card limited to the purchase of shoes/clothing? The original purpose and design of the program was to provide new clothes and supplies for low income children at the beginning of each school year. That remains the intent. However, in recognition that the income streams of the families we serve, we understand that families may in their discretion use the gift cards to purchase food as well as clothing. That is why we selected Fred Meyer gift cards this year instead of clothing outlets only.
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