Anna Isquirisigza and her four children were locked in a cycle of alcoholism and domestic violence. Eventually, Anna lost rights to her children, her home and had been physically beaten within a thread of her life. Eighteen months later, Anna is reunited with her family, reenrolled with WorkFirst and involved in counseling thanks to United Way-funded agencies. “These resources have rebuilt my life,” Anna said. “I’m determined to live a healthy future for my children.”
Read more about Anna. 
Ashton Faller is an enthusiastic five-year-old, all energy and eager for kindergarten. School officials are confident he can thrive in a regular classroom, despite early indicators of autism, thanks to his time spent at Little Red School House. “Little Red has made a huge difference in our lives and an incredibly deep impact on Ashton’s future,” said his mother Lisa. “We learned so much about his capabilities and what we can do to support him.”
Read more about Ashton.
You would think any child that needs everything just so might be intimidated by an animal more than four times his size. But not Carter FitzPatrick! Even with Fragile X Syndrome, this energetic six-year-old shows no fear with horses, just unabashed eagerness to ride. “Horseback riding helps people confront challenges,” EquiFriends instructor Trisha Shoff explained. “Whether that’s a physical ability or overcoming a particular fear, there is always something to learn and goals to achieve.”
Read more about Carter.
It’s hard to believe from his easy camaraderie and that it wasn’t long ago Dan Blum was caught in despair, brought on when his wife of 59 years passed away. “Dan reflects the best thing we do - letting people know life goes on,” said Marc Avni, the East County Senior Center’s executive director. “Almost all seniors experience loss, whether of prestige or close family. Centers like ours empower people to regain meaningful lives.”
Read more about Dan.
There’s no mistaking the passion in Jake Welch. It extends to faith and family, care for his two brothers with disabilities and volunteer leadership for The Arc of Snohomish County, funded through United Way. This enthusiasm is evident at the Arc’s annual Sibshops events. Formerly a participant, Jake volunteers for these weekend getaways, giving kids who have siblings with disabilities the opportunity for undivided time and attention complete with activities focused completely on them.
Read more about Jake.
Armed with a laptop and excitement, 25-year-old Jason Shepard started classes at Edmonds Community College this winter. He will stand out - extremely bright, nearly blind and determined to live independently. “It’s simple,” Jason explained. “I know I have limits, everyone does. But I get to attend college, and not everyone gets to do that. I am determined to succeed, which for me means living as independently as possible.”
Read more about Jason.
Stationed in Iraq with the U.S. Army, Michael LeVasseur was far from home when his mother, Kim, received news that his father was in critical condition at a Minnesota hospital. How would she get word to her son? “This is exactly what our United Way-funded Service to the Armed Forces program does,” explained Snohomish County Red Cross program coordinator Bev Walker. “Donations enable us to be available day or night to help families prepare and respond.”
Read more about Kim and Michael.
Laughter is common between 12-year-old Lacy Rule and TOC Management Services manager Renee Huseby, an almost lyrical testament to their growing friendship. Renee is thrilled community support through United Way enabled the program to connect her with young Lacy. They both see their relationship as long-term, through graduation and perhaps even phone calls at college. “No offense though Renee,” Lacy said seriously, “but I’m going to draw the line at taking you to the prom.”
Read more about Lacy and Renee.
Visiting the doctor is an event. When you don’t speak English, it can be an obstacle course. Thankfully, Milana Atanassopoulos is available to help families navigate the process as the United Way-funded Ukrainian/Russian outreach worker at Community Health Center of Snohomish County. “There is nothing that means more to us than the wellness of our children and she has helped so much,” said Svetlana Nazarchuk, one of Milana’s clients. “She’s an extension of the family.”
Read more about Milana.
Stephanie Davis loves writing letters. Although multiple disabilities limit her skills, she recalls writing many in her youthful summers from “Camp K”, or Camp Killoqua, a place she remembers with fondness. Stephanie’s parents recognize the impact this United Way-funded, Camp Fire USA endeavor had on their daughter and maintain its positive influence on her friendship skills, creativity and, most importantly, lasting confidence in her own ability to be self-sufficient.
Read more about Stephanie.
Through housing subsidies, Thomas and Linda Ndamele found enough financial relief to support their small family and enable Thomas to enroll in pharmacy school. Graduation (with honors!) brought independence – a testament to hard work and the power of giving through United Way. “The Lincoln Way program provided so much more than rent,” Linda testified. “Anyone with perseverance and a willingness to accept help can achieve financial freedom through empowering resources like these.”
Read more about Thomas.
83-year-old Tillie Groen feels young. Get her laughing and you’ll see! She giggles like a teenager, spontaneous and carefree. First connecting with the Stillaguamish Senior Center as a kitchen volunteer, she later moved into the Center’s low-income housing complex. Program and Volunteer Coordinator Karen Kay is thrilled every time she hears Tillie’s laughter. To her, it’s a reminder of the healthy aging the Center empowers in seniors through community investments from United Way.
Read more about Tillie.