About United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties
The United Way of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties has a long tradition of supporting and strengthening local communities, with roots dating back to 1937 when the Longview Community Chest was first formed. In 1943, the organization expanded its efforts to unite the Longview and Kelso areas, and the name was changed to the Longview-Kelso Community Chest. By 1954, the organization was supporting 18 partner agencies.
In 1959, the Longview-Kelso Community Chest became the Cowlitz County United Fund. That year’s campaign goal of $100,000 was surpassed, raising $107,069—7% above the target. Over the next decade, the Cowlitz County United Fund grew quickly, doubling in size and impact.
Under the leadership of Margaret Spence in 1981, the United Fund continued to thrive, supporting 16 local organizations. In 1989, the organization formally became the United Way of Cowlitz County, with Kay Green serving as Executive Director. By this time, the United Way was supporting 22 local agencies.
In 1996, Bob Johnson took over as Executive Director, bringing a new outcome-based funding model to ensure that United Way’s support was focused on measurable community impact.
Brooke Fisher-Clark served as Executive Director from 2016 to 2021, during a period of significant transformation. Under her leadership, the organization focused on long-term impact, with an emphasis on education. During this time, United Way became an affiliate of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, furthering early childhood education throughout the region. The organization also grew to support 23 partner agencies.
In 2022, Sabrina Kochprapha became Executive Director, ushering in a new era of leadership and collaboration. Under her guidance, United Way focused on ensuring that by 2032, 80% of children in Cowlitz and Wahkiakum counties will be prepared for kindergarten. In addition, United Way launched a preschool scholarship program to provide more children with access to early education and developed the Early Learning Resource Navigator to connect families with childcare, Head Start, preschool, and other vital community resources. Today, the organization continues to support 25 local partner agencies, making a lasting impact on our communities.