Heart BEAT

Blue Mountain Action Council Aids Three Counties

Council Is Involved With Numerous Local Charities, Puts Americiorps Volunteers In Schools

DAYTON - The Blue Mountain Action Council has become an increasingly familiar name in Columbia County. The council has been involved with numerous local char- ities and organizations by offering assistance to groups that help support the community.

Americorps volun- teer members and public outreach specialist Em- ily James and other vol- unteers from across the country help propel Blue Mountain Action Coun- cil and Americorps into Walla Walla, Columbia and Garfield counties.

The council facilitates many programs through the three counties, most of which are available in Columbia County, James said.

James said the council has an array of programs to help people in need get back on their feet or it can strengthen a struggling grip in a difficult situation.

The council offers housing, weatherization, energy assistance, food, adult literacy, low-income bill assistance, job train- ing, transitional hous- ing and legal assistance programs, to name a few. James said these programs help by connecting people with jobs or bill assistance and often help people from ending up on the streets.

One program that often ties many facets of the council's work together is the transitional housing program. James said the program is offered to people who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless with special focus on people with children.

"Often times we'll re- fer them to a job training program or put them into an adult literacy program," James said. "We help them get past that hurdle."

James said the adult literacy program currently does not extend into Co- lumbia County because it is especially in need of volunteers. James said the program matches tutors with adults looking to achieve some sort of educational goal.

Volunteers like James propel the council and Americorps with a passion for helping.

"I spread the word about what (the Blue Mountain Action Council) does and how people can get assis- tance," James said.

James said she was in- terested in working for the council and Americorps because she is interested in community building and possibly starting a non-profit organization of her own.

Americorps volunteer Bree Jacobs has been working with students and getting hands-on experi- ence.

Jacobs said she just started working at Waits- burg Elementary School, after spending time at Dayton Middle School last year.

She said she joined Americorps to help her decide what career path she wants to take. Work- ing with kids has helped her realize she wants to teach and now she can find out what age group she wants to work with, Jacobs said.

During the day, Jacobs said she is treated like a staff member. She works with young students, helping them with everything from reading, math and computer projects. Last year, Jacobs worked on the anti-bullying murals at the Dayton schools.

"I really love the small town environment," Ja- cobs said. "I could see myself working in a small town school."

The council recently moved offices and is now located at 1520 Kelley Place, Suite 140 in Walla Walla.