In Yakima, Washington, where community and culture are deeply intertwined, the Yakima School District’s Family and Community Engagement Program is paving the way for a stronger, more informed future. Spearheaded by Berenice Ponce, the district’s Family Engagement Supervisor, the program is committed to creating spaces where families can gather, share their voices, and advocate for the resources they truly need.
One of the most impactful recent collaborations has been with United Way of Central Washington. Together, they have brought financial empowerment and wellness workshops directly to families in the district—equipping them with knowledge many had never been exposed to before. These workshops go beyond just information; they foster a safe, supportive environment where families can learn, ask questions, and begin to see their financial goals as achievable realities.
“New skills and shifting their mindsets is what is needed in our community,” said Ponce. “I feel that them having this information is going to change their way of life.”
According to the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data provided by United for Alice, a two-adult and two-child household in Yakima county needs to earn $78,720 just to survive on essentials like housing, food, transportation, childcare, etc. The median household income for Yakima is $68,015 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This means many families are living at or below the ALICE threshold and are getting by paycheck to paycheck. United Way of Central Washington and the Family and Community Engagement Program are helping many of these families look at their budgets and see how they can best manage their finances while also building community.
Berenice Ponce
The Family and Community Engagement Program already plays a crucial role in organizing family focus groups, advisory committees, and events that foster community connection. But with United Way’s involvement, the addition of financial wellness programming has been transformative. Families are now learning how to move beyond “survival mode” and instead think proactively about their futures—whether that means saving for a child’s education, managing debt, or simply feeling more in control of their financial decisions.
These workshops don’t just deliver knowledge; they validate and uplift the voices of families who are often overlooked. Parents and caregivers are empowered to identify what they need most and advocate for support that’s tailored to their realities. And the long-term impact? Families begin to shift their perspectives, gaining the confidence to set goals, plan for the future, and break cycles of financial hardship.
Programs like these are a powerful reminder of what happens when schools, families, and community organizations work together. In Yakima, it's not just about providing information—it’s about building a future where every family has the tools, confidence, and support to thrive.
Watch the full interview with Bernice here:
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