Housing programs serve low-income individuals, families, seniors, and persons with special physical and mental needs, offering resident support services in addition to a clean and safe place to live.

Service to help guardians find temporary day care for short term demand.

Resources to help support families with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH).

Provides dental care to children, pregnant women, and the parents of children who are UCNW patients.

Families that need support with services and resources meet with a trained Parent Advocate to formulate a strategy to obtain services tailored to the needs of their family member. These needs may include special education services, future planning for adult services such as guardianship, government assistance such as Medicaid, or conflict resolution regarding standards of care.

Library-created learning resources for both parents and educators to help children become their best selves. Resources include Early Literacy Kits, Preschool Theme Kits, Baby Boxes, People of the Salish Sea Curriculum Kits, homeschooling resources, and more. Additionally, call your local branch to schedule a school visit to the library, or to request a library visit to your school.

A limited number of car seats are available for Whatcom County families referred to SWRFA through local social service agencies.

Multi-week classes to help parents and youth communicate better and encourage positive youth development. For parents/caregivers with 10-14 year old children. Dinner provided. Provided at various locations, check website for available programs.

Six hours of continuing education are required to fulfill parental obligations in receiving Medicaid Personal Care funding to care for their family member. Twice a year the Parent Coalition Program conducts trainings tailored to meet the needs of these families. Email [email protected] for more information.

A comprehensive preschool program for children ages 3 to 5 from income eligible families. This program provides children and families with information and access to child health and development, nutrition, behavioral health, family goal setting and resources.

Helps eligible families pay for child care. When a family qualifies for child care subsidy benefits and chooses an eligible provider, the state pays a portion of the cost of child care. Parents may be responsible for a copayment to their provider each month.

The Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) is a rent subsidy program funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Bellingham Housing Authority (BHA). This voucher based program is designed to assist lower income families, disabled individuals, and the elderly to find well-maintained housing in the private market in a location of their choosing, at a price they can afford.

Free school-day preschool program (6.5 hours) in 9 locations throughout Whatcom County for income eligible families with children between the ages of 3 and 5. This inclusive preschool program serves all children, including those with disabilities, and can coordinate with school district services to support a child’s special education and healthcare needs. Families enrolled in the program have access to the full range of Opportunity Council community resources including case management, parent and employment education opportunities, and more.

Services include dine-in and delivered daily lunches, wellness programs, exercise & strength training classes, recreational activities, entertainment, art & music classes, special events, and information about community support services.

Online library of resources that provide support, training, and information to empower and give voice to individuals, youth and families impacted by disabilities.

A state agency that investigates reports of child abuse and neglect.

Library-created learning resources for both parents and educators to help children become their best selves. Resources include Early Literacy Kits, Preschool Theme Kits, Baby Boxes, People of the Salish Sea Curriculum Kits, homeschooling resources, and more. Additionally, call your local branch to schedule a school visit to the library, or to request a library visit to your school.

The EcSA program helps families achieve financial success by paving a path to build a meaningful career and create confidence through financial literacy. Families with children who receive SNAP benefits are eligible to enroll.

An annual event in partnership with We Care and local churches to provide families with brand new toys for the holidays, up to two per child, at a 75% markdown from retail prices. Referral required: families can sign up with a number of local school districts and agencies, then shop for toys at NW Baptist Church.

Serves students experiencing homelessness. This program is designed to reduce isolation, maximize stability and maintain consistency for this population of children and youth. Contact the liaison in your school district for support.

A free Parents’ Day Out/respite program where kids with all types of special needs have fun while their caregivers get a break. Participants and their siblings have opportunities to make new friends, play games, do crafts, hear children’s stories, enjoy music, and more, while their parents get a break from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities. Call for schedule.

Library-created learning resources for both parents and educators to help children become their best selves. Resources include Early Literacy Kits, Preschool Theme Kits, Baby Boxes, People of the Salish Sea Curriculum Kits, homeschooling resources, and more. Additionally, call your local branch to schedule a school visit to the library, or to request a library visit to your school.

A free, early entrance kindergarten experience for children who are scheduled to enter kindergarten the following year. To be eligible, children must turn four by August 31; demonstrate academic, language, or social need; and cannot be currently enrolled in another early learning program.

Free part-day preschool program in the Ferndale area for income eligible families with children between the ages of 3 and 5. The half day program offers morning and afternoon options. This inclusive preschool program serves all children, including those with disabilities, and can coordinate with school district services to support a child’s special education and healthcare needs. Families enrolled in the program have access to the full range of Opportunity Council community resources including case management, parent and employment education opportunities, and more.

A statewide toll-free help line available to parents, caregivers, and anyone who has questions about a child in their community. The Family Help Line can help you find resources, parenting classes, and community events, and can provide you with someone to talk to and problem solve with.