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Hello from Okanogan County! My name is Valerie Mason, and I’m honored to begin my service with the Okanogan County Community Action Coalition (OCCAC) as the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator VISTA. I’m excited to share a little about myself, the organization I’ve joined, and the incredible work underway in our community.

 

OCCAC was formed in 1965 as part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, and for nearly 60 years, it has been a driving force in rejecting the notion that poverty is an inevitable part of rural life. Through education, outreach, and direct support, OCCAC continues to stand with the people of Okanogan County, empowering them with financial literacy, strategic planning, and access to critical resources.

 

In the coming years, OCCAC is taking a bold step forward with the vision of a new community facility—one that will house classrooms, community kitchens, gardens, meeting spaces, and a hub for ongoing education and collaboration. This development reflects our shared belief: rural communities can be resilient, connected, and self-sufficient.

In response to rising food insecurity, inflation, and funding challenges, OCCAC and the Okanogan County Food Bank are turning toward the land—and to our community—for solutions. We’ve launched several agricultural initiatives that I’m especially passionate about, including:

Each of these projects embodies OCCAC’s mission and reflects my own lifelong commitment to food sovereignty, security, education, and wellness.

 

As Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, my focus is building and strengthening the volunteer program that will make these efforts sustainable. I bring with me years of experience in gleaning, garden education, and community organizing. It’s my goal to help establish a network of committed volunteers—individuals who will support these programs long-term and help them flourish. This is just the beginning, and I’m so grateful to be planting roots here at OCCAC. Let’s keep growing hope.