Healthy Children’s Fund

The Healthy Children’s Fund is the result of more than 10 years of work by hundreds of people from public and private groups. It is a voter-approved initiative that helps young children and their families in Whatcom County. The fund aims to create a county where:

  • More children are safe, healthy and ready to learn.
  • Families are strong, stable and supported. 

Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Kindergarten Readiness & Increased Protective Factors

Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain develops by age five. This time is key for setting the stage for future learning and growth. Created to address kindergarten readiness and build protective factors, the Healthy Children’s Fund helps improve the health and well-being of children in Whatcom County by providing:

  • Support for programs that help children develop the skills they need to do well in school and life.
  • Resources to ensure all children can attend quality, accessible and affordable early learning and childcare.
  • Early interventions that help address issues like homelessness, mental health and at-risk behaviors.
  • Family support (e.g., housing stability, parenting support and access to behavioral health services).

Value Added to the Community

Healthy children who are ready to learn result in a more educated, productive and stable population. Created to add value to the community, the Healthy Children’s Fund strives to help:

  • Increase high school graduation rates, lower crime rates and lower medical costs.
  • Increase access to affordable childcare, enabling parents to return to work. This, in turn, supports local businesses by addressing labor shortages.
  • Promote community well-being. 

Reducing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

The Healthy Children’s Fund works to reduce children’s exposure to adverse childhood experiences in Whatcom County. These experiences include abuse, neglect, challenges at home and other trauma. Such trauma comes in many forms; explore Veto Violence to learn more. The whole community thrives when we prevent ACEs. Prevention promotes:

  • Healthy brain development. 
  • Emotional and psychological resilience.
  • Improved physical health.
  • Better social and behavioral outcomes.
  • Enhanced family and community stability. 
  • Long-term economic benefits.

Learn More, Get Involved 

Whatcom County residents can learn more, get involved and check Healthy Children's Fund progress if they:

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