Building Trust, Building Futures: A Visit to Readiness To Learn
Republished from Whidbey Community Foundation, May 8, 2025
At Readiness To Learn (RTL), connection is everything. During our site visit, we met with members of the RTL team and saw firsthand how they weave a vital web of support around students and families on South Whidbey Island.
Founded in 1998, RTL helps students and families facing poverty, housing instability, trauma, and health challenges navigate toward greater stability and success. Their work is comprehensive and deeply rooted in the community: from basic needs support, academic coaching, mental health referrals, and parent education, to their fiscal sponsorship of Pamoja Place—a grassroots, BIPOC-led effort to foster belonging and community. RTL’s reach last year included over 690 students and their families, a testament to their broad and integrated services model. RTL’s secret is simple but powerful: consistent, trusted relationships. It’s these relationships that truly change outcomes for young people and families.
Pictured: Pictured Jessie Gunn, WCF Executive Director; Helen Price Johnson, WCF Board Member; Jason Joiner, WCF Vice President; Cailyn Murray, RTL Co-Executive Director; Mary Michell, RTL Family Support Specialist; and, Gail LaVassar, RTL Executive Director presenting the grant check in support of South Whidbey students!
One standout achievement: 100% of students experiencing housing insecurity who received support from RTL graduated high school last year — a remarkable leap from a 45% graduation rate just seven years ago. This kind of success isn’t just about services offered; it’s about deep, personal investment in every student’s journey. RTL’s approach is warm, personalized, and responsive: staff walk alongside each family at their own pace, helping them set and reach self-defined goals.
Did you know? RTL also coordinates programs like the free “Smile Mobile” dental van, community parenting classes, and a no-cost holiday store for families. It’s clear their South Whidbey Family Resource Center is more than just a building—it’s a welcoming gathering place where families find connection, safety, and resources.
RTL’s summer camps are another way they build confidence, resilience, and joy among young people. They are actively promoting both summer registration and donations to support scholarships to make camp accessible to every child who wants to attend. Learn more and donate here.
They are also always seeking volunteers to help with Tutor Time, providing direct academic support to students who need an extra boost. Find out how to get involved here.
The WCF Community Health Grant is supporting RTL’s integrated services that address social and economic factors—one of the most critical health determinants. By reducing barriers to basic needs, education, and community belonging, RTL is directly strengthening the long-term health and resilience of our island community.
WCF is proud to partner with Readiness To Learn as they continue to foster hope, opportunity, and empowerment—one student, one family at a time. Learn more at https://readinesstolearn.org/.
Support Community Health Grants
WCF’s Community Health Grant Program is dedicated to improving the well-being of Whidbey Island residents by addressing key factors that shape a thriving, healthy community. These grants support projects and organizations that enhance access to healthcare, promote healthy behaviors, strengthen social and economic stability, and improve environmental conditions that impact health. By funding initiatives that eliminate barriers to health and opportunity, WCF strives to create a more equitable and resilient community—one where every individual has the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
WCF is able to provide grants like these with broad support from our community. If you are interested in supporting the Community Health Grant Program, we ask that you make a contribution to WCF’s Foundation Fund, which holistically supports our grant programs, nonprofit trainings/workshops, and WCF operations. WCF’s Board of Directors allocates funding each year toward our grant programs. WCF is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to Whidbey Island; all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Learn about different ways to make a charitable contribution here.
