The Eastmont Family Resource Center team (From left to right: Aurora Juarez, Maria Rosales, and Maribel Mendez-Guerrero) serve families across the district.
Tucked downstairs at the back of the Eastmont District Office building, the Eastmont Family Resource Center is quietly making a big impact for families, students, and schools. Now in its first year, the center supports hundreds of families by helping them navigate school systems, access community resources, and remove barriers that can get in the way of student success.
The center is staffed by Maria Rosales, Aurora Juarez, and Maribel Mendez-Guerrero. Together, they serve as a central point of connection for Eastmont families seeking support. The work of the center is funded through state and federal programs designed to help ensure students have what they need to be successful in school.
Families often arrive at the district office with questions about registration, enrollment, or access to information. The center can help guide them through those processes while also connecting families to essential community services. This includes information about health insurance, clinics, daycare and preschool options, housing programs such as Community Action, local food pantries, and organizations like Serve Wenatchee and the Housing Authority. In some cases, staff even accompany families on shopping trips to help them obtain basic necessities.
“We are a hub to connect families and students to local resources,” Maria explains. "By removing barriers", she adds, “it helps their students stay academically engaged.”
Much of the center’s work directly supports students’ and families’ sense of belonging. “We help the students feel included,” Aurora shares. “At the end of the day, we are just here to back them up!” Whether through translation support, enrollment assistance, or outreach, the team focuses on helping families feel confident and supported within the school system.
The center and its staff offer services districtwide. As Maribel emphasizes, “This center is available for all Eastmont families.” In addition to working with families, the team also provides critical support to schools. School staff regularly reach out for help, knowing the center has the capacity and flexibility of three dedicated staff members. The team collaborates closely with school counselors, helps organize transportation when needed, and supports schools by responding quickly to family needs.
No two days look the same at the Family Resource Center. A typical day might include a shopping trip with a family, providing bilingual support and guidance, assisting with Qmlativ (an online platform for grades, attendance, etc.), preparing enrollment packets, conducting home visits, and fielding countless phone calls. The team also serves as a liaison to other districts, helping families navigate transitions and access services beyond Eastmont.
Looking ahead, the center hopes to expand its impact by developing a clothing closet and pantry to meet ongoing needs for school supplies, hygiene products, and clothing donations for students and families across the district. Families who need support (or community members who want to learn more) are encouraged to connect below:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eastmontfamilyresourcecenter/
Phone: 509-888-1222
Want more stories like this? Sign up for Eastmont News emails to get weekly articles straight to your inbox. All Eastmont News linked HERE.