MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO & BOARD PRESIDENT

To Our Friends and Supporters, 

It is with great pride and gratitude that we reflect on the progress and impact we’ve achieved together over the past year. Thanks to the dedication of our staff, board, and community partners, WithinReach continues to serve as a vital connector and advocate, bridging gaps between families and essential resources, breaking down barriers to access, and driving systemic change.  

This year marked a significant milestone as we completed two key strategic plans that will guide our work in the years ahead. WithinReach finalized our 2024–2026 Strategic Plan, which focuses on strengthening our role as a key connector, advocate, and systems builder for families and communities. Additionally, in partnership with the HMG Washington Network and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), we completed the Help Me Grow Washington 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, setting a clear direction for expanding and enhancing equitable access to essential family supports statewide. 

Central to these efforts is our new mission statement, developed collaboratively with staff, board, and community partners: 

“WithinReach serves as a key connector and advocate for families in Washington, particularly those currently and historically affected by disparities. We partner with communities to co-design and connect families to equitable system supports and advocate to ensure essential resources are available and accessible to young children and their caregivers.” 

We also celebrated the successful merger of ParentHelp123.org and HelpMeGrowWA.org into a single, refreshed website at HelpMeGrowWA.org. This update makes it easier than ever for families and providers to find all the Help Me Grow Washington resources in one accessible place, streamlining support for those who need it most. 

As we look to the future, we remain deeply committed to creating and co-designing systems that meet families where they are, break down barriers, and build equity. The accomplishments highlighted in this report reflect not only the hard work of our team but also the power of partnerships and the collective belief that every family deserves access to the support they need to succeed. 

Thank you for standing alongside us in this work. Your trust and partnership fuel our mission and inspire our continued efforts to innovate and transform. Together, we are making a difference, and we are excited for all that lies ahead. 

With gratitude and optimism, 

Sharon Silver, CEO
Rupin Thakkar, Board President 

Our Work

WithinReach Board of Directors 2023-2024

Eric Tatsuno, President- Boeing, Integrated Planning and Scheduling Specialist
Rupin Thakkar, First Vice President- Swedish Medical Group, General Pediatrician and Clinic Director, Swedish Pediatrics – Edmonds
Gerard Fischer, Second Vice-President- Health Care Executive – Retired
Chelsea Brogan-Ferguson, Secretary-Treasurer -Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Financial Advisor

Brian Sherrell- Microsoft, Chat Support Engineer
Leyla Salmassi- Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, University of Washington, Manager, Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center
Anna Rapp- Community Volunteer
Katy Cook- Abacus Financial Planning, Principal and Chief Commercial Officer
Yuri Kim- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Program Officer – Economic Mobility & Opportunity
Thatcher Felt- Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, Pediatrician
Lauren Bab-a Center for Community Health & Evaluation, Kaiser Permanente, Evaluation & Learning Associate
Sheryll Namingit- Washington Healthcare Authority, Health Economics Research Manager