Learning Together
December 2, 2025 – “Each agency stands as a beacon of hope for our community. But when we unite—collaborating, supporting one another, and lifting up the individuals we serve—that beacon grows brighter.”
– Roger Skjelstad, Alano Club of Wenatchee
Roger is a former SkillSource participant who is now a recovery coach and transport lead with the Alano Club of Wenatchee, a community partner who helped support a successful Van Tour so that other partners could get an inside understanding of how each serves the community.
The day began at Catholic Charities, where their behavioral-health team shared how they support youth as well as adults, and individuals returning to the community after crisis or incarceration.
Next on the tour at Wenatchee Valley College, CAMP and TRIO SSS staff shared how they guide first-generation and low-income students through higher education. Through personalized support, they reduce academic and financial barriers for students from migrant and seasonal farmworking backgrounds.
Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council has a new facility with an expanded food distribution center and free Community Market. The tour explored the facility and learned how weatherization and energy-efficiency programs help low-income households manage utility costs and remain safely housed.
During lunch, Roger from the Alano Club of Wenatchee shared a brief overview of their recovery-support services and how the Club provides a safe, peer-led space for individuals working toward stability.
The tour stopped next at Northwest Justice Project, which provides legal-aid support to farmworkers and other vulnerable populations.
The Van Tour ended at Sage Advocacy Center, which provides 24-hour crisis and advocacy support to individuals and families experiencing unsafe situations in coordination with local law enforcement. Each stop on the tour gave participants a deeper understanding of how we all work together to serve the community.
“It’s one thing to know what resources exist on paper, but experiencing those environments firsthand gives us the context we need to make stronger referrals, build meaningful relationships, and ultimately provide more effective, empathetic support to the communities we serve.” – Alejandra Lopez Rocha, Northwest Justice Project
Thank you to Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council for opening their space and hosting lunch, and to the Alano Club of Wenatchee for providing an additional van so the group could travel together throughout the day.
