Community
Community Stories
9
2019
Child Care Costs In Pierce County Threaten Families’ Financial Security
Getting promoted cost local mother Kelly Blucher more than $1,200 a month. The raise that came with her promotion made her ineligible for the state child care benefits that helped her support her family. “I didn’t just fall off the benefits cliff, I jumped off,” Blucher said. “I lost food benefits, WIC, and the > Continue Reading
8
2019
Local Girls ‘Step’ Into Leadership Roles After School
The Vision Step Team after-school program at Sheridan Elementary almost never came to be. When only three girls signed up at the beginning of the year, Coach Chelsea McElory said some people urged her to try another school. “You really need about ten girls to make it run full throttle,” Chelsea explained, “but these girls > Continue Reading
8
2019
Partnering for Census 2020: Philanthropy Northwest, Kiran Ahuja
At Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, we’ve seen how much more we can accomplish when we work together. Since 1981, community members have shared their commitment to a thriving Pierce County by partnering with GTCF to bring their vision to life and build a legacy for future generations. In our 2018 yearbook, Pierce County Partners, a few > Continue Reading
10
2019
Partnering to Improve Access: Michele Johnson, Chancellor – Pierce College
At Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, we’ve seen how much more we can accomplish when we work together. Since 1981, community members have shared their commitment to a thriving Pierce County by partnering with GTCF to bring their vision to life and build a legacy for future generations. In our 2018 yearbook, Pierce County Partners, a few > Continue Reading
10
2019
Failure is a Necessity for Youth in Alchemy’s Skate In School Program
As his knee hit the ground, Alex Miles quickly tucked and rolled from forearm to shoulder, immediately popping up to his feet and right back onto his skateboard. “I don’t really get that frustrated anymore when I fall,” Alex said, ” I’m just used to it now.” Alex is one of a few students learning > Continue Reading
10
2019
GTCF Spark Grant Recipient Tackling “Period Poverty” at Local Schools
Sharon Chambers-Gordon was first exposed to the issue of “Period Poverty” through her own daughter’s experience. “She was in Middle School when it happened for the first time, and she didn’t have any supplies with her.” Luckily the school nurse had a few sanitary napkins, but the nurse told Sharon it wasn’t something that > Continue Reading
7
2019
Partnering to Leave a Legacy: Elaine Stafford & Shelby Clayson
At Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, we’ve seen how much more we can accomplish when we work together. Since 1981, community members have shared their commitment to a thriving Pierce County by partnering with GTCF to bring their vision to life and build a legacy for future generations. In our 2018 yearbook, Pierce County Partners, a few > Continue Reading
7
2019
6 Tips From Pierce County Organizations for Attracting and Retaining Volunteers
Tacoma Community Boat Builders’ crew of 36 volunteer mentors were recently named Pierce County Volunteer Group of the year. In 2018, the group collectively served over 4,100 hours building boats and forging bonds of friendship with youth from the Pierce County Juvenile Court system. Executive Director Shannon A. Shea says these volunteers are the heart > Continue Reading
7
2019
KBTC Uses Marbles, Paint, and Dr. Seuss to Make After-school Science Fun
On a recent afternoon at Jennie Reed Elementary School, first-grader Sadie’Sade was one of about a dozen students using a tray filled with paint and marbles to try to create a picture. As she rocked the tray back and forth she said, “I like it because it’s fun!” But the activity was more than just > Continue Reading
6
2019
Endowment Funds Help L’Arche Tahoma Hope’s Community for the Long-Term
L’Arche Tahoma Hope is a familiar sight at local farmers markets, offering flower baskets, plants, and vegetables. That produce is grown on six acres in rural Pierce County by members of the L’Arche community, people with and without developmental disabilities. Although the market booths are the most visible part of L’Arche’s work, the 43-year old organization also supports and enriches the lives of its community > Continue Reading