In the heart of Centralia, a transformative vision is taking shape: The United Learning Center.
(ULC) is poised to create a beacon of hope and opportunity for children and families in our community. With the unwavering support of local and federal officials, including state Rep. Peter Abbarno, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, the ULC promises to impact lives far beyond Centralia, reaching families in every corner of Lewis County.
The United Learning Center represents a “Campus of Compassion,” a hub that will provide tangible support needed to break cycles of poverty and build a brighter future for our children. This project is a unique collaboration between United Way of Lewis County, Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County, City of Centralia, Bezos Academy, Discover! Children’s Museum and Cascade Community Healthcare. This powerful partnership brings together the best in early learning, after-school care, creative play, mental health resources, and family support.
The ULC's broad mission is clear: Tackle pressing challenges faced by our community — poverty and lack of access to quality education and child care are two pressing issues. Lewis County consistently ranks among Washington state’s highest in poverty and unemployment rates. This presents significant barriers to success for many families, but the ULC has the capacity to make a tangible and lasting difference.
Addressing the child care desert
Lewis County has a critical shortage of affordable child care, classifying it as a "child care desert." Children who have access to early education are more likely to graduate high school, have fewer encounters with the justice system, and enter kindergarten prepared with essential skills. In Lewis County, 50% of kindergartners enter school unprepared. Many families, balancing multiple jobs to make ends meet, are unable to afford the average child care cost of $1,200 per month per child. As a result, many children miss out on vital early learning opportunities, which can impact their academic success.
ALICE families (Asset Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed), a United Way acronym for what many refer to as “the working poor,” earn too much to qualify for tuition-free programs such as ECAP and Head Start. In Lewis County, one in three families are ALICE households: Caregivers are working full-time, but the cost of living does not align with their income. As a result, many families are unable to access affordable child care and early learning programs.
A key partner, Bezos Academy, will provide tuition-free, full-day preschool for 80 children aged 3 to 5, many from ALICE households. This program for ALICE families will be a game-
changer for our community. With Bezos Academy’s champion efforts, we can ensure that children have the foundation they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Safe after-school care and a hands-on learning museum
Equally important is the inclusion of the Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County, which will offer after-school programs in a safe and nurturing environment. When the campus is complete, 100 kids will have access to after-school programs focused on health, wellness and positive social development. Boys & Girls Club successfully provides a nurturing and mentor-rich environment where K-12 children know they are loved, valuable and have a bright future ahead.
The ULC will also be home to Discover! Children’s Museum. This interactive and dynamic learning space will be available for all children to explore, create and develop critical problem-solving skills. The museum will serve as more than just a place to learn — it will be a year-round resource where families can create memories and deepen connections with their children.
Meeting the need for behavioral health resources
The ULC is also committed to addressing the mental health crisis that too often goes unspoken in our community. Cascade Community Healthcare, a leader in behavioral and mental health, will be an essential partner within the ULC, offering much-needed resources in a safe and supportive environment. For many families, the stress of daily life — facing poverty, unstable employment and the challenges of raising children — can take a toll on mental health. By integrating these critical resources into the ULC’s campus, we can help children, parents and families heal and thrive.
A hub for recreation and wellness
In addition to its educational and support services, the United Learning Center will also feature a vital recreation center for the community. Whether after-school programs provided by the Boys & Girls Club, recreational leagues or classes for community members, this facility will offer a place for people of all ages to be active and healthy. The recreational space will play a crucial role in promoting wellness and creating a sense of community.
Beyond its impact on children and families, the ULC will play a pivotal role in the economic revitalization of downtown Centralia. With this campus in place, foot traffic will increase in the area as parents, children and community members visit the ULC for recreational activities, educational programs, after-school care and health services. This influx of people will support local businesses, contributing to the overall vibrancy and growth of downtown Centralia.
A bright future for Centralia and Lewis County
The United Learning Center is more than a building — it’s a vision for a better, stronger and more compassionate community. It’s an investment in the future of our children, in the wellbeing of our families, and in the long-term success of our entire region. Together, we are laying the foundation for a future where children thrive, families can succeed and our community flourishes.
The United Learning Center is a symbol of what is possible when we come together with compassion, vision and commitment. This campus will change lives, and the ripple effects will be felt for generations to come. Join us in supporting this incredible mission.
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Annie Oien is the executive director for the United Way of Lewis County.
