HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY SUPPORT COALITION

Okanogan County residents formed the Highland Community Support Coalition (HCSC) in 2022 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization to offer support and guidance services to various communities in the North Okanogan Valley of Washington State. HCSC improves the quality of life in the upper Okanogan Valley by fostering economic, educational, and cultural growth for small businesses, non-profits, and individuals. Additionally, HCSC supports artistic, recreational, and environmental development through local improvement projects, enhanced services, and business incubation.

HCSC's current projects are:

1. The Guild Art Center and Gallery
The Art Center Project addresses conditions that are foundational to community and economic well-being in the Upper Okanogan Valley region. Oroville faces persistent challenges—economic decline, social isolation, and limited access to education and opportunity. The Art Center is a powerful local resource offering:

-Two classroom spaces for art and digital education (and other training)
-Two public galleries to highlight regional artists driven by an artists’ co-op
-Two public third spaces for social engagement (indoor and outdoor)
-A gift shop for local art at an affordable price
-Improved all abilities access
-Enhanced digital capabilities expanding engagement with artists, educators, and visitors
-An Audio Video room enabling remote training and meetings

Subject Area: Arts and Culture

2. Sidley and Molson Lakes Habitat and Recreation
The restoration of critical habitat to the Common Loon in Eastern Washington at Molson and Sidley Lakes, including monitoring, building and installing three nesting platforms, optimizing water quality for feedstocks, and testing pH. This project also seeks to expand non-intrusive recreational access to the area through building an ADA birding/photography blind and restrooms.

Subject area: Environmental Stewardship

3, Digital Equity
In partnership with the NCW Tech Alliance, HCSC provides digital training to achieve tech equity in the North Okanogan Valley and assist the community to cross the digital divide. Three HCSC members are trained as Digital Navigators to offer digital education, access to essential services, and online safety training. By the end of Q1 2026, HCSC will offer a fully equipped A/V room for training with desks and laptops. In addition, related spaces will offer high-speed fiber-optic enabled wi-fi for co-working.

Subject area: Digital Equity and Education

3. Live Music
An affordable music series that reflects the demographics of the Upper Okanogan Valley. The series will provide a positive source of commonality for attendees, build social networks, and combat loneliness --often heightened in rural areas.

Subject area: Arts and Culture

4. Small Latino Business Training and Counseling
Enrolled, developed, and provided marketing, website development, and financial training to 16 Latino owned small businesses with the aim of improving business management skills and financial outcomes.

Subject area: Community and Economic Development.

5. Fiscal Sponsorship and Grant Assistance
Given the challenges associated with living in a distressed area, HCSC offers individuals and non-profits assistance with preparing for and selecting grant opportunities. HCSC also offers fiscal sponsorships.

Subject area: Community and Economic Development.

The Board of HCSC is trained and experienced in operating aspects of private and public organizations from the tech industry to insurance, construction, art galleries, education, and real estate. The Board also resides locally and is knowledgeable regarding the culture and economic climate of Oroville and the surrounding region.

The Officers of HCSC are:

• Chair Joan Krajewski
• Secretary Niarus Walker
• Treasurer David Sykes
• Director at Large Kevin Myrick
• Director at Large Meghan Carranza
• Director at Large Niarus Walker

HCSC collaborates with many other non-profit organizations. HCSC is a member of the Nonprofits Association of Washington, Okanogan Country, a Tourism Council, and NCW Tech Alliance.

HCSC is also a registered charitable organization in the State of Washington. Among other resgistrations, it maintains State and federal unique identification and registration numbers as follows:

• UBI: 604-968-373
• EIN: 88-3969782
• UEI: CX1ECHHEQEX7