A love of this place.
Fifteen years ago, the Chehalis Foundation started renovating our parks and recreation facilities and supporting our civic improvements. The Foundation recently expanded its vision to include an educational component that first focused on the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program at W.F. West high school and is now reaching into the lower grades with new and innovative teaching. The goal is to inspire and better prepare our kids for higher educational opportunities and to be creative thinkers. The success of the projects that have been completed is incredible. They are a testament to what can be accomplished when you combine fantastic vision, committed leadership, focus, and a very supportive community that shares the same vision.
What has been going on here in our hometown is really nothing short of remarkable! It all started in 2003 when Chehalis City Councilor, Dr. Isaac Pope, saw a need to provide opportunities for the community without using taxpayer dollars. With the support and help of former Lewis County Commissioner, Joanne Schwartz, they recruited like-minded leaders who shared this vision and who would dedicate time and resources to enhance the community. As a result, the Chehalis Foundation was born.
What started as “lessening the financial burdens of the city” expanded to the community and educational excellence in the Chehalis School District. To date, generous donors have given the Chehalis Foundation over 12M. With their support we have made significant improvements to our public education, city parks and facilities and we are helping to revitalize Chehalis.
It took a love of this place we all call home, a sense of pride in being from here, and a realization that we want future generations to feel the same way. Working together with community and city leadership, the Chehalis Foundation likes to solve big problems that have positive impacts on our community. We know there is more to be done, and we hope that awareness of our commitment and support of our goals will inspire more to participate.