Calista Scott and her husband, Dean, recently setup a fund to address the need for disposable diapers in Skagit County among lower income families. Below is a quick interview with them to better understand the impact this fund will have in our community.
Beyond the physical needs of the child, what is the impact on the families? Calista: Both diaper need and poverty are correlated to toxic stress in families. The children most often served by diaper banks, children under three-years-old, are the poorest age group and the group poverty hurts most, as the first few years of life are crucial for healthy brain development. Children who grow up in an atmosphere of persistent stress may fail to build or maintain important brain connections. These changes have real-life implications and costs: toxic stress is related to poor long term health, social and educational outcomes. Why did you choose the Skagit Community Foundation? Calista: Skagit Community provides us an opportunity to help our neighbors. It has a good reputation and keeps the money local. We hope to be able to see the good that the donation will make to our local community. To learn more about the Diaper Bank of Skagit County or to get involved, click here.
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With a pledge of $50,000, Skagit Community Foundation has joined the effort to build a new YMCA building in Mount Vernon. Located adjacent to Salem Lutheran Church, the five acre plot of land will house a full-size gym with a 4,500 square foot running track, a learning kitchen for classes on healthy eating, a community room and more programming for youths.
With a history of collaborating with community partners, our donors believe the YMCA not only makes fitness possible for all ages, but a county-wide shared facility like this strengthens our community ties and uses limited resources to the maximum advantage. To learn more about the new facility or make a donation, click here.
Why did you use stock to establish the fund? Herb: The stock was at its peak and the donation afforded me maximum tax benefits. What do you hope to accomplish with your Donor Advised Fund? What would you like to tell other people about your experience so far?
Herb: Give yourself more time to get educated on the philanthropy industry. Sort through the options and don't wait until the end of the year. Have the inward conversation with yourself about how you would like to see your money disbursed. You can't take it with you. If you don't plan, your money will go to the government by default. A Donor Advised Fund at the Skagit Community Foundation is a wonderful concept because they can help me support the values I care about in my lifetime and they will continue funding in these areas when I'm gone. |
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