When I drive by the building under construction that is to be the United Learning Center, I am filled with hope and excitement. Hope that it might soon be finished, and excitement because of all the benefits it will bring to so many different people of Lewis County.
I was still a member of the United Way of Lewis County board when the ULC was an idea, then a plan that was garnering both state and federal support, then the Bezos Academy offered their support. We were all thrilled. Then the Boys & Girls Club and Discover! Children’s Museum wanted to be a part of this incredible project.
Just think: a preschool for low-income families' children, after-school care for many children, a chance to be in the Discover! Children’s Museum. Plus, other agencies began offering services knowing that they could also serve this population. The groundbreaking for this incredible project was a day of joy.
Since that time, many changes have occurred that have seen some setbacks in the completion of this much-needed project. For this building, the United Learning Center, to not be finished would be a huge loss to so many people. It would be devastating. To think that the preschool alone could change lives is reason enough, but the other aspects of this project would bring a revitalized feeling to Centralia that ties in beautifully with the Centralia Downtown Association's goals.
More business, more foot traffic, more chances for growth, and all because the thought of helping children be better prepared for school was the driving impetus.
If that doesn't classify as a huge win-win, I don't know what does.
We have to make the United Learning Center real. Finish it, help children learn, help families in this community be successful. Just imagine the ribbon-cutting ceremony when the ULC opens.
I can hardly wait. I hope you'll join me.
Doris Wood Brumsickle
Centralia
