Exchange aims to connect community

The Wahkiakum Community Network (WCN) has been working to improve the lives of youth and families in our area for some time. With Kellyn Pakenen Hazen, the new Public Relations Coordinator, on staff, the WCN prepares for the birth of a new idea.

A year ago, the Network board of directors brainstormed an idea that they coined the Neighborhood Information and Community Exchange (NICE).

“NICE will be my first big project,” said Pakenen Hazen who replaced Tammy Peterson, the new chairman of the board, in December.

“We want to connect community members to services and resources available within the community,” Pakenen Hazen said.

The Neighborhood Information and Community Exchange is a place where community members can go to share resources, to look for a resource that they need, to teach what you know or to look for a teacher, and to post what you want to learn to do or find someone who needs your help.

The WCN website, http://www.wahkiakumcommunitynetwork.org, showcases the Neighborhood Information and Community Exchange. Visitors can find the description of NICE and the link pages; Teach, Grow, and Share.

Pakenen Hazen said that “all of the ‘exchanges’ that take place within NICE must be done at no cost. It is our hope that the Neighborhood Information and Community Exchange provides an outlet for healthy community development and relational gain, instead of providing monetary gain for its users. We invite you to participate in this great community resource!”

Pakenen Hazen, 23, lives with her husband Caleb in Naselle, where she graduated from high school in 2007. She then went on to the University of Washington and chose to return to the area upon completion of her bachelor’s degree.

“I feel very fortunate every day,” Pakenen Hazen said of her experiences with the Wahkiakum Community Network. “I learn something every day, whether it is through training or through the people that I meet.”

Of joining the Cathlamet community, Pakenen Hazen admitted, “The Mules were always our rivals, so working here has been a huge eye opener. The community involvement and support here is incredible. The people really come together.”

“We also serve Naselle,” she said. “There are N.H.S. students on our board, and we are always looking to recruit new members. It’s been fun to see the two communities unite and to see a friendship forming.”