United Way Donation for the Access for All Program
Special to Times-Record The United Way of Barnes County has graciously donated $15,000 to the Access for All Program at Valley City Public Schools.
Michelle Wobbema, President of the United Way in Barnes County, says, “I am very glad the United Way was able to give this donation to the Access for All program. We know that the funds will allow the program to continue to support our youth, who are so important to the future of the community.”
The Access for All program was started in 2016 by the Education Foundation for Valley City Public Schools to start a behavioral health program at Valley City Public Schools. Initially, appointments were made with local counselors to fit each student’s needs. By the end of 2018 waiting lists grew long and transport issues prevented some
students from getting to appointments. In 2019, we entered into a partnership with The Village Family Service Center in Fargo to provide schoolbased behavioral health counseling in each of our schools. This partnership has strengthened our program, and has allowed counseling services to be provided to more students. Katie Youngbauer, clinical
counselor with The Village is now coming 4 days a week to help our students at Valley City Public Schools.
Wendi Wilmes, Education Foundation Director for Valley City Public Schools says, “We are so very thankful to the United Way for giving this donation to the Access for All program here at Valley City
Public Schools. This donation will keep helping our students receive support in their mental health, which is so vital to them.”
The United Way board members are: Michelle Wobbema, President, Dawn Riley, Secretary/ Treasurer, Stacey Lilja, Brad Buck, Jonelle Krueger, Erin Tombarge, and Lisa Yokom.