December 3, 2023
Dear Friends,
As we reflect on the memorable moments of our 40th year at the West Coast Latvian Education Center (WCLEC), your continuous support stands out as an example of commitment to our shared mission.
In 2023, this enabled us to upgrade the Center’s internet, install a new commercial stove, replace the doors in the dorms, and spend invaluable time together. From Kursa and Mežotne, to Jāņi and the 40th anniversary celebration, your generosity fostered learning, celebration, and connection. In addition to financial support, volunteers brought incredibly vital skills to our work this year. Thank you for your contributions!
This summer, camp was filled with kids and families from Memorial Day through the 40th anniversary celebration. Labor Day weekend brought nearly 200 people to camp to reconnect, play, and celebrate those who gave their time and talents to help build this incredible place.
Edvīns Rūsis shared his reflections on being there for the opening ceremony on June 25th, 1983 when the Latvian flag was raised for the first time at the WCLEC. The flag was from Miervaldis Janševics’ father’s house in Latvia. Dr. Andris Ritmanis, was also there and spoke for many in his remarks: “Es stāvu uz latviešu zemes un virs manis plīvo latviešu karogs.” We finally had a place of our own.
I invite you to read Edvīns Rūsis’ reflections on the opening ceremony of WCLEC here.
Looking ahead to the next 40 years, we envision the community’s expanded role in the maintenance of our facility and as the primary driver of events and activities hosted on the property. A shared sense of ownership will improve our stewardship of the property and enable all of us to participate in our Latvian culture, creating lasting connections and cherished memories for generations to come.
- Expand Community Engagement: Create a shared sense of ownership for upgrading and maintaining our facility and programming. The WCLEC aims to tap into a broader range of perspectives and resources by building out board committees and matching volunteers to other operational, camp, and event related needs. We aim to ensure every parent, camper, teacher, visitor, and community member feels a personal stake in the enhancement and preservation of our property and knows how they can contribute.
- Ensure the Sustainability of Current Facilities: We strive to maintain a space that meets everyone’s needs and reflects the pride and care of our community. To this end, we are assessing and revising our current maintenance plan, developing a 3-year facility upgrade plan, and continuing to implement measures to mitigate natural hazards.
- Secure Sustainable Funding: To fulfill our mission, the WCLEC must secure sustainable funding to support both day-to-day operations and planned/emergent facility repairs and upgrades. The last few years have continued to highlight this need as we navigated the pandemic, rising costs, and multiple $20k+ projects. We know that the Latvian community has the resources to plan, organize, and fund this work and we will be focused on exploring new funding sources and implementing new strategies to realize this vision.
Your support is crucial in achieving these goals and we hope you will join us to ensure another 40 years of impactful camps and community events.
As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to think about your capacity to support the WCLEC. Whether that be a tax-deductible donation or a commitment to volunteer on a project, all contributions are greatly appreciated.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Make a gift online and receive a 40th anniversary t-shirt for starting a monthly recurring donation or any donations of $150 or more.
- Donate through your Donor Advised Fund by directing your gift to WCLEC (EIN: 91-1185144).
- Donate your Latvian Village property to WCLEC (email info@rklic.org) or join the waitlist to buy a property.
- Volunteer – Complete our volunteer interest form here.
Thank you for being an essential part of our community and for investing in our future!
Wishing you a joyous holiday season!
Marisa Turaids
Board President, West Coast Latvian Education Center