Join the effort by Althauser Rayan Abbarno to Improve Education and Open Up Educational Opportunities For All Students in Our Community

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You Can Help Increase Educational Opportunities

There are many ways we can give back to our communities, both in gratitude for what we’ve been given and in an effort to improve the quality of life around us. The attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno believe the foundation of any successful community is a quality education. So, partners Todd Rayan and Peter Abbarno made supporting educational opportunities for all students one of their core business values.

The attorneys and staff with Althauser Rayan Abbarno invite you to join them in supporting some great local organizations that really make a difference in the life of our students. Here are ways you can help our students succeed:

W.F. West Mentorship Program

The Chehalis School District Mentorship Program is a good example of a program that builds relationships and creates partnerships between students and leaders in the community. Abbarno, an active mentor at W.F. West, is looking to help build the program by recruiting mentors. “The Chehalis School District Mentoring Program’s goal is for W.F West seniors to be better prepared for their future pathway, persist through high school challenges, and achieve overall success because they have the support of a mentor,” said Autumn Ledgerwood, Chehalis School District Mentor Coordinator/At-Risk Specialist. “Mentors, like Peter, become part of our students’ lifelong network of people who genuinely seek to foster their professional and personal success beyond high school.” “In my role as mentor, I work with students to make sure they are on task with academic requirements, and I speak to them about their plans after graduation,” said Abbarno. “The mentorship program through W.F. West helps prepare our students for success by exposing them to real life issues they will undoubtedly will face after graduation.” You can learn more about the W.F. West mentoring program by contacting Ledgerwood at (360) 807-7230 or aledgerwood@chehalisschools.org

Rob Fuller Scholarship Luncheon

The Rob Fuller Scholarship luncheon, sponsored by the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce, awards scholarships and honors the Top 25 high school students from Centralia and Chehalis. Althauser Rayan Abbarno has been active with the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce scholarship luncheon. This year, Althauser Rayan Abbarno established a new scholarship in the name of Cheyllyn Collinsworth, a Top 25 student at Centralia High School in 2017 who tragically lost her life in a car accident only weeks after the luncheon. “There are a lot of talented students in our community that need financial support to fulfill their academic ambitions,” said Rayan. “Cheyllyn’s story touched us deeply and we wanted to create a lasting memory for her family. We encourage individuals and businesses to invest whatever they can afford to these talented students.” To support the Rob Fuller Scholarship program or other Chamber scholarships, visit the Centralia Chehalis Chamber of Commerce at www.Chamberway.com or call (360) 748-8885.

Back to School Supply Drive

There are too many children in our community living in poverty and many families struggle each day to make ends meet. “Every child in our community should have an equal opportunity to be successful in school,” Abbarno said. “That starts with being prepared on the first day of school with the right tools for success.” Althauser Rayan Abbarno has taken the lead in the Centralia Back to School Supply Drive and partnered with a variety of businesses and organizations such as the Centralia Community Foundation to collect and distribute back-to-school supplies. “We collect items at participating businesses, like Thorbeckes, the Chronicle, Dick’s Brewery, Black Dog Pottery, and our office, then we deliver them to the Centralia School District,” added Abbarno. “Children and students should not have to suffer in school because of their family’s financial circumstances. We want to make sure all students have support from the community.” If you would like to donate to the Centralia Back to School Supply Drive, visit the Althauser Rayan Abbarno office at 114 West Magnolia in Centralia or contact them at (360) 736-1301 for more information about getting involved.



Watch D.O.G.S.

Research shows that children raised in “fatherabsent” homes have a four-times greater risk of poverty and are twice as likely to drop out of high school. The mission of Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is to provide positive male role models for the students, and demonstrate by their presence, that education is important. “I think that Watch D.O.G.S. is an amazing opportunity for father figures, like Peter, to show the importance of education to their students,” said Andy Justice, Principal at Edison Elementary. “It helps the students both socially and academically.” Justice said he would be encouraged if more men stepped up and joined Watch D.O.G.S. to help inspire students. “There can never be enough positive role models for our students,” said Abbarno, a member of Watch D.O.G.S. at Edison Elementary in Centralia. “Many students, male and female, don’t have a positive male role model to look up to, discuss issues with, or aspire to become like. We can and need to be more active and visible for our children.” If you would like more information or to join Watch D.O.G.S in your community, contact your local school or school district or visit dadsofgreatstudents.com.

Community Organizations

Other great community organizations to support include:

Boys and Girls Club of Chehalis: To volunteer or donate visit www.bgcchehalis.org or call (360) 345-1700.

Centralia College Foundation: To support scholarships, students and programs at Centralia College visit www.foundation.centralia.edu or call (360) 623-8942.

Chehalis Foundation: To support student and community projects in Chehalis visit www. chehalisfoundation.org.

Centralia Community Foundation: To support student and community projects in Centralia visit www. centraliacf.org.

United Way of Lewis County: To help the United Way’s mission of lifting 30 percent of Lewis County families out of poverty by 2030, visit www. lewiscountyuw.com or call (360) 748-8100.

Discover! Children’s Museum: To support the efforts to establish a children’s museum in our community visit www.discovermuseum.org