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Darrington nonprofit tells Snohomish County committee prevention funding saves lives
Summary
North County Family Services, youth and community partners told the Health & Community Services Committee that prevention and locally delivered services — and recent transportation and vehicle donations — have supported vulnerable residents in Darrington and urged continued county investment in prevention and intervention programs.
North County Family Services and local youth speakers described how prevention and intervention programs in Darrington rely on county funding and community partnerships to support vulnerable residents.
Wyone, who identified herself as representing North County Family Services in Darrington, told the Health and Community Services Committee that the organization has served the community since 1993 and uses prevention programming to keep people out of crises while also providing intensive intervention when needed. She said donated resources — including a county-donated Ford Fusion — and a new Zip transportation pilot have materially improved access to school and services in the rural town.
Rosa Angela Morales Mata, a program speaker from Darrington, thanked the council for recognizing prevention and intervention, saying, "Your funding helps ensure they are searched, heard, and cared for." (quote as spoken in public comment.) Youth speakers from the Darrington Youth Coalition described volunteer work, community events and leadership development made possible by county support. Sydney Menting said the funding has created "opportunities to do more than just have fun" and helped the coalition provide meals, senior outreach and service projects.
Council members praised the presentations. Councilmember Belo said the dinner-theater fundraiser illustrated strong community engagement; Councilmember Dunn welcomed the report that the Zip pilot is helping residents travel to medical and grocery locations and offered to share that user feedback with Community Transit. Committee members asked about broadband and app access for residents who lack smartphones; Wyone said staff work around access gaps by arranging pickups and helping residents use the service.
The committee used the session to note how relatively small local investments and partnerships can enable prevention programming and transportation access in outlying communities. The presentation concluded with council members thanking the group and returning to the committee agenda.
