Onalaska is now home to a new rural community and family resource center: Touched By One, Touched By All.
The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce will celebrate the center’s grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon on Friday, Dec. 19. The center is located at 1735 state Route 508, next to the U.S. Post Office, and the public is invited to attend the ceremony and open house.
Founded by Lakeda Sullivan in 2021, the organization began as a mobile diapers and resources outreach supporting low-income and military families at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), according to a news release from the chamber. As community needs grew, the organization expanded into broader outreach throughout rural Lewis County. Today, Touched By One, Touched By All is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families, empowering youth, and increasing access to essential community supports, according to the release.
The new community and family resource center will offer:
• Free health and wellness coaching
• Support services for individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities
• Parent-to-parent meetups
• After-school enrichment programs
• Student support for academic struggles and college preparation
• Community events, workshops and informal gatherings
• A co-op area with free Wi-Fi, computer access and workspace
• Space available for rent for celebrations, meetings or community activities
“Our after-school program is focused on helping students who are struggling academically or preparing for college applications,” Sullivan explained in the news release. “We want this to be a place where kids feel supported and families feel connected.”
Recently, the organization received a wheelchair-accessible van donated by Lewis County Transit, expanding its ability to provide transportation access for rural residents. Touched By One, Touched By All also secured a Developmental Disabilities Administration contract to support adults with intellectual disabilities, according to the news release.
Sullivan and her husband — who serves in the U.S. Army — relocated from Louisiana and Texas to Washington in 2021 while stationed at JBLM. After settling in Onalaska, Sullivan quickly recognized the lack of family resources in rural communities and took action.
She is a mother of three and holds a bachelor’s degree in community health and programs from Tacoma Community College. Sullivan previously served as a Washington State Parent Ambassador, where she advocated for childcare, early learning and family support at the legislative level. She also contributed to the Child Care Aware of Washington Design Team, helping guide statewide improvements in childcare quality and family engagement. Sullivan’s background includes nine years as a health educator and experience in criminal justice, complementing her lived experience and community leadership across Lewis County.
Community members can stay connected through the Touched By One, Touched By All Facebook page or call 360-827-2377 for more information.
