This year we are celebrating six decades of community impact, growth, and connection. Check out our special video highlighting our history and stay tuned for more stories, events, and celebrations throughout 2026!

LIHEAP not only supports individuals—it strengthens our communities. By ensuring that residents have access to basic utilities, we protect health, economic stability, and dignity. With continued support and timely funding, we can help families stay safe, warm, and secure. Together, we can ensure that the most vulnerable in Klickitat County—and across the country—receive the assistance they need to thrive.

WAGAP had the opportunity to collaborate with Front & Center on their Advocacy Day in Olympia. On a personal level, I was honored to join them in the opportunity to echo the extraordinary work our Energy Assistance Department does in our communities, and furthermore to share with senators and representatives the stories of the families we serve. I truly hope I was able to do justice to the work our team has accomplished over the years, as it represents countless hours of dedication, compassion, and commitment to community well-being.

Bingen, WA (February 23, 2026) – Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) today announced the departure of Executive Director Jennifer Pauletto after years of dedicated leadership and service to communities throughout the Columbia River Gorge region. The organization’s Board of Directors has initiated a comprehensive recruitment process to identify the agency’s next Executive Director.

“What we are most looking forward to in 2026 is utilizing the feedback we received from the community through our Community Needs Assessment as we guide our next strategic plan,” Pauletto said. “We continue to strengthen our core services while exploring innovative ways to help change the causes and conditions of poverty, one individual at a time”. 

Melanie Tucker has joined Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) to become its new Family and Community Wellness Director. She brings 30 years of experience in social services to support the Whole Family Approach, including overseeing programs such as the Pathways Health Connect team and the White Salmon Community Youth Center.

Nearly 75 percent of children in Washington under age five are cared for by parents, family, friends, and neighbors who may be eligible to apply for subsidies. This type of child care is considered licensed-exempt by the State of Washington. Providers still need to navigate forms and receive some training to qualify for the current $4.50-per-hour subsidy rate.

Every dollar counts. That is the message being shared as nonprofits like Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) prepare for what is traditionally a joyful period of the year. 

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Food banks, churches and community organizations across the Gorge stepped up quickly to help families who have been affected by the recent loss or delay of federal support to buy food. 

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) and Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) today issued a warning that critical programs serving thousands of low-income residents across the Mid-Columbia region could be delayed because of the extended government shutdown that ended November 12th, 2025.  

Photo by BĀBI on Unsplash

Klickitat County Childcare Committee (KCCC) has supported the development of a new childcare business in the White Salmon area. It is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen local infrastructure, providing families with more options.

The 2024 Annual Report for Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) is now available to the public following approval by the board of directors during a recent meeting. The Community Action Agency has served Skamania and Klickitat counties since 1966, supporting low-income families to improve their quality of life.

The Tree of Joy holiday program for low-income families in Klickitat and Skamania counties has grown over the past few years. It is now available throughout both counties through offices in Bingen, Stevenson, and Goldendale, as well as the WAGAP Food Bank Network, including the Mobile Food Bank.

Since 1981, the United States has recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. That’s 44 years of uniting people from all walks of life to end domestic violence. This year’s theme, promoted by the Domestic Violence Awareness Project, “With survivors, ALWAYS,” showcases that survivors deserve safety, support, and solidarity.

Beginning Monday, November 3, at 8:00 a.m., Washington Gorge Action Programs (WAGAP) will begin taking calls to schedule appointments for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for low-income residents in Skamania and Klickitat counties who need assistance paying their heating bills. Low-income senior events in Skamania and Klickitat counties start October 23

The Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management is collecting information from survivors and business owners affected by the Burdoin wildfire this summer.

White Salmon’s free Zumba class, held weekly on Fridays at the Mt. View Grange hall at 6:00 p.m., is celebrating its first anniversary in September. 

Prevention organizations in Klickitat County are coming together to host free events for parents, focusing on creating tech-healthy families.

For the fourth year in a row, the Washington side of the Gorge will kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with El Grito, a cultural celebration open to all community members. Admission is free and the event will be held on Sunday, September 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon.