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Mission

“APOYO” means “support” in Spanish. It also stands for “Allied People Offering Year-Round Outreach.” Our mission is to support by providing vital resources, advocacy, and opportunities to build community. We empower Latinx communities to promote, celebrate and honor their cultures and histories in Central Washington and beyond.

What we do

We have been at work in central Washington since the mid-1990s. APOYO is widely known for its service as a food pantry and clothing bank where everyone is welcome. We provide healthy, culturally-relevant food. From the beginning, we have advocated for civil and political rights for disempowered people and immigrants and helped people communicate with agencies, schools, and service providers. APOYO helped establish the Open Door free health care clinic and, working with community partners, we now sponsor vaccination clinics and health screenings. Our health and wellness programming includes education, an after-school sports program for youth, and a women’s fitness club. APOYO partners with Central Washington University to offer internships and educational opportunities. We organize cultural events and celebrations. Our work empowers and builds community! Learn more about our history and our team.

How You Can Help

Become a Volunteer

Join us to become part of a network strong enough to effect a positive change in the lives of the local Latinx community. Or if you need community service hours please feel free to contact us for more information.

Make A Donation

Giving online has never been more secure, convenient, and hassle-free. We also accept in-person donations at our physical location: 1320 E. 18th Avenue. Or you can mail a donation to P.O. Box 194, Ellensburg, WA 98926.

Sponsor APOYO Projects

APOYO is seeking sponsors for events and projects, year-round. In 2024, we are introducing exciting projects that help APOYO empower and celebrate Latinx voices and experiences.

CWU Students & Faculty

APOYO has partnered with CWU since 1998. We give students opportunities for internships and projects. To learn more, contact Professor Bernadette Jungbult, our board CWU Faculty Liaison.

Please contact us about food donations. Have garden surplus? We’d be happy to offer it at our food pantry!

Our Services

Our direct services are limited to food and clothing resources. We can offer help by referral to other services.

  • Food pantry
  • Clothing bank
  • Educational workshops
  • Internships & other learning opportunities for students
  • Translation assistance
  • Referrals to other resources

Building Community

APOYO is building a community outreach center to house our food pantry operations and be a space for our community to gather and thrive! We are in the early stages of the project: fundraising, building design, and infrastructure installation in partnership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Ellensburg Lodge 20.

Working Partnerships

APOYO is grateful for the sustaining support of the Inatai Foundation. With their support, we have been able to expand our capacity to make APOYO a stronger by-for organization: by the people, for the people. We learn more everyday about empowerment and organizational longevity with their guidance.

Partnering with the Washington State Department of Agriculture, we sustain our capacity to provide healthy food. The WSDA supports the viability and vitality of agriculture while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment. APOYO participates in WSDA food assistance programs. One is the We Feed WA Pilot Food Program. Learn more about We Feed WA.

Northwest Harvest

APOYO has been a Northwest Harvest partner since our founding. Their support has always been crucial. Northwest Harvest partners with 375 food programs throughout Washington to create a Hunger Response Network. For more information, visit Northwest Harvest.

Kittitas County Health Network

APOYO is a member of the Leadership Council of the Kittitas County Health Network. We work with KCHN to educate the community about health and wellness.

Kittitas County Public Health Department

Partnering with the Kittitas County Public Health Department, we host Covid-19 vaccination clinics at APOYO and provide health care supplies to APOYO members. Amigos Atléticos, our youth fitness club for students in grades 5-10 started with a KCPHD Covid-19 Health Equity Coalition grant.

HopeSource

APOYO helps get people connected to services through HopeSource. To address housing insecurity, we partnered with HopeSource December 2020 to March 2021 as a sub-contractor in the Washington State Department of Commerce Eviction Rental Assistance Program. APOYO was awarded $27,830.25 to distribute to landlords.

CWJFON

We have partnered with Central Washington Justice for Our Neighbors to help people apply for immigrant relief funds.

Others

Over the years, APOYO has partnered with other organizations to serve community needs as they arise. If your organization would like to propose a partnership, please contact us!

Know Your Rights

All immigrants, undocumented and documented, in the United States have certain rights under the Constitution. Learn about your rights and how your family can better prepare for an encounter with immigration law enforcement.

APOYO Food Bank

Ellensburg food distributions at
1320 E 18th Ave.

Wednesdays
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Saturdays
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Phone
Food Services (509) 312-5427

Office (509) 201-1820

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 194, Ellensburg, WA 98926-1911