THE DALLES — Google recently announced more than $70,000 in support for Wasco County school districts and other local organizations that provide services to children and families in the Columbia River Gorge. Google’s Data Center Community Impact Program awards funds to eligible organizations and initiatives that make a difference in communities that are home to Google data centers.
These contributions will help expand programs offering services and learning opportunities, including resources for children who have experienced trauma, and tools and technology to enhance learning and skill development, said a press release.
Google’s 2024 Impact Program recipients include:
• SafeSpace Children’s Advocacy Center of the Gorge is a nonprofit that partners with law enforcement and medical professionals to address child abuse, offering free services to help children and families heal. Since moving into a new facility in December 2023, the nonprofit has doubled its capacity. To help SafeSpace meet a growing need, Google’s support will help streamline its volunteer recruitment process, broaden community participation, and expand services to include pediatric mental health. The funds will also go toward creating an online 3D tour of their space to help visitors know what to expect upon arrival.
“Our goal is to help and advocate for any child who has experienced the incredibly difficult challenge of violence or trauma,” SafeSpace Executive Director Beatriz Lynch said. “Support from Google and so many others in our community will allow us to reach more families and provide crucial resources they need during their healing journey.”
• Gorge MakerSpace will receive funds to purchase new and more reliable technology including new laptops and tablets to help students learn and hone new skills, from woodworking and 3D printing to coding. The laptops will also be used by local STEM teams to program robots that will be entered into regional and even national competitions.
“These funds will help us access the technology needed to foster creativity, innovation, and technical skills in our students,” Gorge MakerSpace founder Jack Perrin said. “Google’s support will ensure MakerSpace has the tools it needs to continue being a hub for learning and empowering the next generation of makers and thinkers.”
Other Impact Fund recipients include:
• North Wasco County Education Foundation: to help teachers and staff purchase additional library and art materials for their classrooms.
• Chenowith Elementary: to purchase skates and other equipment to host skate nights that bring families and the community together.
• Dalles-Wasco County Library Foundation: to build a soundproof pod for video conferencing the community can use.
• North Wasco County School District 21 Occupational Therapy Department: to install a sensory pathway at four elementary schools, including Colonel Wright, Chenowith, Dry Hollow and Mosier Community School.
“Google is committed to supporting organizations that are creating a better future for everyone in the Columbia River Gorge region,” said Kate Franko, Google’s Regional Head of Data Center Public Affairs. “This year, we are honored to contribute to programs that strengthen community resources and tools for children and families in Wasco County.”
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