Children of the Valley gets funding from city of Sedro-Woolley
Vince Richardson, Skagit Valley Herald, September 16, 2025 – View article on GoSkagit.com
SEDRO-WOOLLEY — The Sedro-Woolley City Council has approved $40,000 for the Children of the Valley after-school program.
The funds comes from a sales tax the city collects as a result of state legislation that originated as House Bill 1590.
In Sedro-Woolley, Children of the Valley is based out of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.
“At our site we currently serve 30 students every day after school,” site coordinator Star Torres said during an Aug. 27 presentation to the City Council. “This fall, we are excited to be opening a third classroom that will allow us to serve students who have been on our waiting list.”
Taxes collected under the House Bill 1590 legislation is to be spent on affordable housing or related services.
Others who have received funding for services include Family Promise of Skagit Valley, the Helping Hands Solution Center and the Skagit Valley Family YMCA.
“The children that come into our program are those in our community who need the most support,” Torres said. “Many are unhoused and face significant challenges whether it be behavioral, social or just meeting their most basic needs.”
Children of the Valley, which was founded in 2006, is a free, referral-based after-school program that works in partnership with the Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Conway and Burlington-Edison school districts to serve K-8 students referred to the program by educators.
Currently, the program serves about 200 children at four sites, offering academic assistance, enrichment activities, social-emotional learning, family support and mentorship.
“Our goal is to provide them with a safe, structured and caring space where they can thrive academically, socially and emotionally,” Torres said.
Among the 204 volunteers that work with students through Children of the Valley, 24% are retirees, 45% are professionals, 21% are college students and 10% are youth.