Blog
February 9, 2026
Why We Updated Our Mission
At WithinReach, our work has always been grounded in the knowledge that families thrive when they are supported early, holistically, and with dignity. For over 35 years, our organization has grown and responded to the changing needs of families across Washington, and we are proud to share our updated mission statement, which reflects both our history and our future.
Our Mission
To nurture a future where every family finds support, every child has opportunity, and community health is within reach.
This mission reflects our commitment to strengthening the systems that surround families — ensuring supports are easier to navigate, more equitable, and rooted in partnership with communities.
Why We Updated Our Mission
Over the past several years, the needs of families, and the systems designed to support them, have continued to evolve. Families face increasing complexity as they navigate health care, early childhood services, food access, and community supports.
At the same time, community-based organizations and partners are being asked to do more with fewer resources.
Our updated mission reflects what we have learned through decades of listening to families and working alongside partners across the state: meaningful impact happens when systems are connected, prevention is prioritized, and communities are centered as leaders in designing solutions.
What This Mission Means in Practice
Our mission comes to life through three interconnected areas of work:
- Supporting Families
- WithinReach helps families find the resources they need to support their children’s health, development, and overall well-being. We work to reduce barriers, simplify access, and ensure families can connect to supports when it matters most.
- Strengthening Community Systems
- We partner with community-based organizations, providers, and statewide networks to build stronger, more coordinated systems of care. Through convening, training, and technical assistance, we help align efforts, so families experience support as connected — not fragmented.
- Advancing Community Health
- WithinReach works at the systems level to promote prevention, equity, and evidence-based approaches that improve outcomes for children and caregivers. This includes supporting policy efforts, data-informed strategies, and statewide collaboration.
A Core Part of Our Work: Help Me Grow Washington
A key expression of our mission is Help Me Grow Washington, our statewide program that supports families with young children by connecting them to trusted, local resources.
Through Help Me Grow Washington, families receive support in four foundational areas:
- Food security
- Medical care (adult and pediatric)
- Family stability
- Child development
By offering centralized access and personalized navigation, Help Me Grow Washington helps ensure families receive timely and appropriate support, strengthening outcomes for children and communities alike.
Convening and Connecting Across the State
WithinReach also serves as a convener and backbone organization for several statewide initiatives, including:
Through these partnerships, we help build shared understanding, strengthen collaboration, and advance collective impact; all in service of healthier families and communities.
Looking Ahead
Our new mission statement reflects where we are headed: a future where families can access care with clarity and dignity, children have greater opportunity and community health truly comes within reach.
We are grateful for the community of partners, funders, and supporters who walk alongside us — asking hard questions, showing up for families, and staying rooted in dignity and care.