Pierce County Human Services has received approximately $2.6 million from the Puget Sound Taxpayer Accountability Account to enhance community access to affordable early-learning and out-of-school programs. This funding aligns with County Executive Ryan Mello’s Forward Together initiative aimed at supporting youth.
Mello emphasized the importance of these resources for helping youth thrive, focusing on safety, academic success, and social-emotional skill development. The initiative will address gaps in local youth services, as highlighted in the Pierce County 2025 Childcare Report, which noted many providers are at capacity.
Key allocations include:
-
Child Care Funding ($510,000):
- Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center: $250,000
- BrightSpark Early Learning Services: $180,000
- Greentrike: $60,000
- Step by Step: $20,000
-
Out-of-School Programs ($450,000):
- Communities in Schools of Tacoma: $125,000
- Hilltop Artists: $220,000
- Tacoma Community Boat Builders: $105,000
Additional funding will target violence prevention and community youth services:
- Clover Park School District (YMCA Late Nites): $190,470 for safe enrichment activities.
- Bethel School District (Teen Late Nights): $315,000 for mental health-focused programming.
- Pierce County Parks and Recreation (Active Youth Coalition): $250,000 for recreational opportunities in specific communities.
- Parks Tacoma (Summer Teen Late Nights): $300,000 for safe peer interaction.
- Tacoma Public Schools (Club B and Beyond the Bell): $600,000 for structured academic and social activities for K-8 students.
This initiative aims to support families facing financial hardship and strengthen community youth resources.
