First Step Family Support Center, a United Way partner agency, has been awarded a grant from the Ben and Myrtle Walkling Memorial Trust in support of its Three Bears Educare Center, which provides early-learning-focused child care for children up to age 5.

Located in the agency’s new Dorothy Duncan Learning Center, Three Bears Educare is the result of a strategic plan for growth to meet the needs of working families with young children in Clallam County.

Three Bears Educare Center benefits the citizens of Clallam County and Port Angeles by helping support parents in the healthy development of their children.

First Step was awarded $3,685 in support of staff training needs by the trust. Other funding for Three Bears comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, private donors, fees, several foundations and proceeds from First Step’s annual dinner and auction, Midnight in Paris.

First Step Family Support Center has been serving the Olympic Peninsula since 1971. The agency mission is to provide for the healthy development of children and families.

Nita Lynn, First Step executive director, said, “Scientific research has identified the first 3-5 years of life as a critical time for children as much of their foundation for success in life is built during those first years.

“Providing a consistent, safe and nurturing environment for toddlers and preschoolers to grow, develop and thrive in while their parents are in school or working is of the utmost importance for Three Bears Educare.

“This grant from the Ben and Myrtle Walkling Memorial Trust will greatly assist these efforts.”

For more information, call 452-3263 or see www.firststepfamily.org.
 
First Step gets donation
First Step Family Support Center recently received $1,500 from D.A. Davidson & Co., a financial services firm based in Great Falls, Mont.

Associates in Davidson’s Port Angeles office chose the agency in honor of its work in the community.

First Step served more than 4,900 primarily low-income adults and children last year.

Call 406-791-7465 or visit www.dadavidson.com.