Catholic Charities Awarded $400,000 Grant for Youth Services

Premera Blue Cross, a leading health plan in the Pacific Northwest, has awarded Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington a $400,000 grant to support Pathways to Hope, which teaches youth how to navigate systems and practice financial stewardship. Youth (18-24) are taught housing and life skills, while given emotional support to finish high school or earn a GED.

“These programs are among the leaders in our area in making a difference in the lives of individuals and families,” said Gloris Estrella of Premera Social Impact. “They, like us, are working toward a healthier community by providing services and resources to some of Yakima County’s most vulnerable.”

The grant will support critical connections to behavioral health services while helping youth build a support system through family engagement. The combination of housing, trauma-focused case management, behavioral health interventions and family engagement will enhance a youth’s ability to maintain long-lasting well-being and break the cycle of chronic homelessness.