May 28, 2026
Contact: Angela French, Executive Director
angela.french@lewiscountyuw.com
United Learning Center Partners Host U.S. Senator Patty Murray and State Rep. Peter Abbarno for Facility Tour and Future Planning Discussion
CENTRALIA, WA — Community leaders and project partners recently welcomed Patty Murray and Peter Abbarno to tour the newly completed first phase of the United Learning Center (ULC) in downtown Centralia, highlighting the transformative investment in early learning, youth development, and family support services in Lewis County.
“I’m so glad I was able to secure funding for ULC—United Way and their partners have created an important hub for the community to offer high-quality, affordable child care, early learning opportunities, and fun summer programs for kids. Having access to this center will be nothing short of lifechanging for so many families,” said Senator Murray. “I hear constantly from families across the state about how they can’t afford child care or they can’t get off the waiting list—that’s just wrong. Tackling the child care crisis is a top priority for me, so not only will I keep working to support local initiatives like this, I’ll keep pushing for a national investment to make high-quality, affordable child care a reality for every working family in America.”
“It has been a great experience joining Senator Murray in support of this project and the amazing partnership the United Learning Center has created for Lewis County,” said State Representative Peter Abbarno (R-Chehalis). “The ULC will help lift the community up, reduce intergenerational poverty, and create better community outcomes through early learning and early intervention, education, discovery, family resources, and economic development.”
The tour included representatives from United Way of Lewis County, Bezos Academy, Discover! Children's Museum, Centralia School District, Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County, and project manager Todd Chaput, who helped oversee the development and construction of the collaborative community facility.
“Projects like the United Learning Center are successful because of strong partnerships and a shared commitment to children and families,” said Angela French, Executive Director with the United Way of Lewis County. “We wanted Senator Murray and Representative Abbarno to see firsthand the impact their support is already making in our community and to continue conversations about the future growth of this important regional resource.”
The visit provided an opportunity for project partners to thank Senator Murray and Representative Abbarno for their critical support in helping secure funding and advancing the vision for the United Learning Center. Leaders also discussed the next phases of development, future programming opportunities, and the long-term impact the center will have on local children and working families.
"Thanks to the hard work of Centralia's community leaders, and support from Senator Murray and Representative Abbarno, the United Learning Center will provide children in Centralia with incredible opportunities to learn, connect, and grow," shared Jerrod Gonzales, Washington District School Leader at Bezos Academy. "We're thrilled to be partnering with this group to create space for 80 3–5-year-olds to attend preschool, at no cost to their families. We can't wait to open our doors."
Located in downtown Centralia, the United Learning Center was created through a partnership designed to provide comprehensive educational and enrichment opportunities for children and families. The facility brings together early learning, after-school programming, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on educational experiences under one roof.
"By investing in spaces where children can learn through play and families can connect through meaningful experiences, Discover! Children’s Museum creates opportunities for curiosity, creativity, and stronger bonds between parents and children. Through hands-on exhibits the museum inspires meaningful family connection while helping children grow into confident, lifelong learners who will help strengthen our community for the future," stated Shelby Campbell, Discover! Children’s Museum Executive Director.
The first phase of the project is now complete and includes space for Discover! Children’s Museum, Bezos Academy's preschool (offered at no cost to families served), and programming by the Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County. The center is focused on supporting households that are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) by expanding access to quality childcare, early education, and youth engagement opportunities.
“The United Learning Center is a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together to invest in kids and families,” said Sarah Althauser, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County. “Through the Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County, this space will help youth build confidence, discover new passions, develop meaningful relationships and explore future ready opportunities and career pathways that expand what they believe is possible for their future. We are incredibly grateful to Senator Murray, Representative Abbarno, and the many partners helping create opportunities that will positively impact Lewis County for generations to come.”
The United Learning Center has been described as a “campus of compassion” and a long-term investment in educational opportunity, workforce participation, and community vitality in Lewis County.
Centralia School District Superintendent, Dr. Lisa Grant, expressed, “The benefits of the United Learning Center for Centralia and Centralia students is endless. The Discover Children’s Museum gives families and children a place to explore and learn together, the Bezos Academy provides free quality preschool services that will change the trajectory and future of 80 children, and the Boys & Girls Club provides a safe place for our students after school. The District is thankful for the partners involved, including the federal funding from Senator Patty Murray.”
The facility officially celebrated its grand opening earlier this year after years of planning, fundraising, and collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit partners.
“The United Learning Center is the result of people with vision and heart coming together to make amazing things happen for our community's children and their families. The City of Centralia is honored and grateful to be a part of this public-private partnership that has brought so many people and organizations together to enrich the lives of our young people. We are grateful to Sen. Murray and her staff for visiting with us and seeing firsthand the result of the federal grant she helped secure — funding that was critical in making this investment in our community's children and families possible”, stated Chris Brewer, Mayor of the City of Centralia.
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