Established in 2009, Kids First is a community-based not for profit organization that is operated by team of local volunteers who include Island County foster parents, social workers, small business owners, CASA’s, active and retired educators, military veterans, parents, grandparents, and compassionate others.

Team members learned quickly that much of what we assumed about foster care was a myth. That is, resources that are available through WA State (Children’s Administration barely begin to meet the needs of children in foster care. We have also learned that foster parents are reimbursed at about 65% of what it costs to meet the basic needs of the children in their care.

As such, too many children are missing out on opportunities that are normally available, during childhood. Kids First Team aims to promote involvement by the entire community in helping children access opportunities like music lessons, having a bike of your own, protective – gear so that you can play sports, cheerleading uniforms, session s with a hair stylist, specialized hearing and visual aids. 

None of this would be possible without the compassionate response that these aims are receiving from fellow Island County community members. Kids First is the only program of its kind serving Island County children.

With Special Thanks to the Island County-Stanwood Community Network for your vision and your generosity in providing seed funding for Kids First – Island County.  (www.fpc.wa.gov)