Washington Works

A state worker for 23 years, Peggy Hays is tireless in her advocacy of children. As the Community Resource Program Manager for the Department of Children and Family Services in Vancouver, Peggy has been able to touch the hearts of businesses and civic leaders, plus nonprofit organizations in ways that result in substantial contributions of clothing, toys, outings, and special events.

“I am inspired daily by working with a community that has been very supportive and generous to the children and families we serve,” says Hays. “The hardest part of my job? Not enough time in a day.”

During the holidays, Peggy coordinates the “Gifts for Kids in Care”, a program which—through its partnerships with businesses, schools, or community individuals—provided nearly 7,000 gifts to more than 800 children last year. Foster parents and social workers complete wish lists, so that each child wakes up Christmas morning squealing with delight, to find exactly what they wanted under the tree.

“This year’s been almost more generous than last year,” Hays noted. The program has received so many donations that offers of more aid are being diverted to the Salvation Army.

Peggy’s work also includes everything from working on foster parent recruitment and retention to coordinating transitional housing for youth and organizing parenting classes. She was recently selected as one of Clark County YWCA’s “Women of Achievement” for her work in developing community partnerships to serve children in Clark and Skamania counties.

“I love children and working with families. The families we see go through so many traumas. I like that I can turn some of their despair into hope—try to normalize the life of children in foster care, and hopefully help turn their dreams into reality.”

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