By Jennifer Pauletto
Washinton Gorge Action Program
 Reflecting on 2024 at Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP), I am filled with immense gratitude and pride for all the WAGAP team has accomplished this year. Our collective strength, commitment, and collaboration have ensured that our agency evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of our community, even in the face of challenges.
One of the most significant milestones was our successful leadership transition. The planning and intentionality demonstrated by Leslie Naramore and our board were vital in creating a smooth and minimally disruptive process for our programs and services. I deeply appreciate their foresight and the support from our entire team. It is a testament to the resilience and dedication of our staff and volunteers that our work continued uninterrupted, focused on the well-being of the people we serve.
The year 2024 also marked the end of COVID-related funding, which required us to adapt and seek new resources. Our teams focused on the most vulnerable in our communities and worked diligently to fill the gaps left by these changes. In partnership with local agencies, our outreach to in-lieu and treaty fishing sites, and our work in rural areas like Roosevelt help ensure no one is left behind. A key development was the expansion of family resources from Klickitat County into Skamania County. We continue strengthening partnerships with other agencies to serve our communities better.
Another highlight was the launch of WAGAP’s civic engagement program. The initiative empowered community members with the knowledge and tools to actively engage in civic life. We fostered a culture of civic participation and community-driven change through several projects, including civics trivia, a civics course in partnership with the City of White Salmon, voter registration efforts, and a volunteer event that mobilized 75 people to support low-income communities. Additionally, we partnered with Community Enrichment for Klickitat County (CEKC) to host impactful Financial Wellness events in Spanish and English, bringing resources directly to community members in need.
Driving community-level change is a focus for WAGAP as we look ahead to 2025. Our mission remains steadfast — to uplift the people we serve, increase access to resources and opportunities, and alleviate poverty through advocacy and services. We are more committed than ever to our vision of a healthy, welcoming community where all people have equitable opportunities to thrive, free from poverty and oppression.
We are excited about the tangible activities guiding us into the new year. We will complete and publish our community needs assessment, foundational in shaping our next strategic plan. Additionally, we are investing in new tools to enhance our case management capabilities as part of a Whole Family Approach, ensuring we can track client progress more effectively through databases and data-driven programming.
I am incredibly proud of our WAGAP team and the partnerships we have in our communities that increase our joint impact. We have made great strides, but our journey is far from over. As we move into 2025, the work of community action is ongoing, and together, we are stronger.
Thank you for your continued dedication, support, and belief in our shared vision.
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