Kristina Lotz, Skagit Talk, August 16, 2026 – View article on SkagitTalk.com

 

It truly takes a village to raise a child – no one knows this more than parents! Since 2006, Children of the Valley has been that village for many youth in Skagit County who need some extra support. Started by local school teachers, clergy, law enforcement, and other community members, the Children of the Valley After School Program is led by Operations Coordinator Samara Mejia Reyna, who explains that the program provides “safe and compassionate after-school support to under-resourced children in Skagit Valley.”

 

Under-Resourced Youth in Skagit County Find Help and Hope

Children of the Valley works in partnership with several school districts – Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Burlington-Edison, and Conway – to serve kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Samara explains that students are referred to them by their educators who see “substantial personal or academic need.”

 

They currently operate four sites with 11 classrooms. “Children of the Valley provides a place of nurturing for under-resourced youth through academic assistance, social-emotional learning, and enrichment activities,” explains Samara about what they do at these sites. “Our afterschool program is built upon five cornerstones of care aimed at addressing the unique needs of the children in our care. These cornerstones of care include academic assistance, enrichment activities, social-emotional learning, and family support. By participating in COV, children achieve academic gains, increased attendance and engagement at school, and increased confidence and compassion.”

 

Understanding that you can’t address a child’s problems independently of their world, Children of the Valley looks at the child’s whole environment to fill any gaps they may have. “Many of the children we serve face barriers that extend beyond the classroom, including poverty, housing instability, food insecurity, trauma, and limited access to enrichment opportunities,” explains Samara. “Children of the Valley helps bridge those gaps by providing a safe place after school where children are known, valued, and encouraged to thrive. Investing in children today strengthens families and creates healthier, more resilient communities for the future.”

 

Youth Services in Skagit County

Just one example of services Children of the Valley offers to under-resourced youth in Skagit County is its Bicycle Club. In partnership with Cascade Bicycle Club, they provide bike safety, repair skills, laws and more to middle school students in Mount Vernon, Burlington-Edison, and Sedro-Woolley school districts. Kids even have a chance to earn a free bike! “It promotes confidence, leadership, healthy lifestyles, and community connection through cycling,” Samara shares.

 

In the summer of 2026, Children of the Valley operated its Dream Big Summer Program. The program is “providing children with continued academic enrichment, hands-on learning experiences, outdoor recreation, field trips, and opportunities to build friendships in a safe and supportive environment,” Samara says.

 

Just a few other very important services Children of the Valley offers include:

• Family Support services, connecting families with community resources and individualized assistance. We also provide our families with support during the holidays as well as any emergency disaster relief needed.
• Nutritious afternoon snacks.
• Academic tutoring and homework assistance.
• Social-emotional learning through evidence-based curriculum.
• Enrichment opportunities including art, STEM, outdoor education, leadership activities, and community service projects.
• Special events and family engagement opportunities throughout the year.

 

Back to School: Support Children of the Valley

As need increases, so does Children of the Valley. “Children of the Valley continues to grow in response to the increasing needs of local children and families,” shares Samara. “We’re excited to expand our reach, strengthen our partnerships with local school districts, and continue creating opportunities for children to learn, grow, and dream big.” One of these is their Sedro-Woolley location move. They currently have two classrooms at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, but are working with the school district to find a larger, more permanent home where they can serve more students.

 

Because of this, they are always grateful for any support the community can provide. You can help by volunteering, donating, sponsoring an event, helping to spread awareness or becoming a community partner.

 

During back-to-school season, they are in particular need of the following shares Samara:

• Volunteers
• Classroom supplies
• Enrichment materials
• Healthy snacks
• Financial support

 

“Every contribution, whether it’s time, resources, or financial support, directly impacts the children and families we serve,” Samara shares.

 

To learn more, visit the Children of the Valley website.