Our mission
Pomeroy Community Connection (PCC) is a nonprofit working to build a stronger, more resilient Garfield County through community-led solutions that improve long-term education, youth development, health, and safety outcomes.
While PCC plans to address other critical community needs in the future, our first priority is opening a licensed child care center in Pomeroy.
Our history
In 2023, a Garfield County Public Health District (GCPH) community assessment identified child care as a pressing need.
Here's what we've been up to since then:
2024
2025
GCPH hired Alesia Ruchert
as a Child Care Navigator to champion the effort to bring a child care center to Pomeroy.
GCPH hosted a Child Care Town Hall,
which brought local leaders, parents, and educators together to discuss issues and led to the creation of Pomeroy Community Connection (PCC).
PCC officially became a Washington-recognized 501(c)3.
PCC, in partnership with the Southeast Washington Early Learning Coalition, surveyed local families to learn about child care needs and interests.
PCC was awarded a planning grant
from the Washington Department of Commerce to complete architectural planning and feasibility assessment work for a new child care center.
PCC partnered with Blue Room Architecture
& Design to draft architectural and construction plans for a child care center, and with Arrowleaf Consulting
to conduct a Child Care and Early Learning Needs Assessment, develop and initiate a facility remodel and operations funding plan, and analyze potential program models to ensure program sustainability.
PCC initiated a Parent Advisory Council
to gather feedback directly from local families.
Merchant Memorial Group and the Larabee-Sutherland Family generously donated a building (750 Columbia Street Pomeroy) that was previously the Richardson-Brown Funeral Home to PCC for the child care center.
PCC participated in the WAGives GiveBIG campaign for the first time.
Community outreach activities began via social media, email, and newsletters.
The Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Pre-Licensing Support reviewed PCC's child care center pre-design documents.
All remaining pre-design deliverables
were completed, including a countywide
child care needs assessment, architectural and construction plans, detailed cost estimates, and an operational and sustainability plan.
PCC developed classroom designs
and refined furnishings cost estimates.
PCC collaborated with the Bartlow
Family to create potential names and branding for the child care center, ultimately selecting "Donna's Mama Bear Daycare and Learning Center."
PCC held its first annual non-profit organization meeting.
PCC received final design and planning
documents from Blue Room Architecture & Design.
PCC was awarded a Child Care
Partnership Grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce to support workforce development, including recruitment, training,
and retention strategies for child care staff.
Become part of our story!
From volunteering to making a donation,
there are many ways you can help us reach our goals!
Our partners
Garfield County Public Health District
Garfield County Hospital District
City of Pomeroy
Pomeroy School District
Garfield County
Southeast WA Alliance for Health (SEWAAH)
Southeast Early Learning Coalition
Blue Room Architecture
Arrowleaf Consulting
Blue Mountain Community Foundation
Washington Department of Commerce
Innovia Foundation