Gesa Local Heroes Grant Award

Walla Walla Public Schools - Juvenile Justice Center named as recipient of Gesa Credit Union’s
Local Heroes Grant Award

Walla Walla Public Schools to use grant for Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) classroom library books

Walla Walla Public Schools today announced it has been chosen by the Gesa Community Foundation as a recipient of Gesa Credit Union’s Local Heroes Grant Award, receiving $4000 in funding. With the award money, Walla Walla Public Schools Juvenile Justice Center (JJC) plans to update its classroom library with new books. The school district contracts with Walla Walla County to provide educational services for students detained at JJC.

“Gesa is honored to support the Local Heroes in our community whose selfless dedication and unwavering commitment betters the lives of those across Washington,” said Don Miller, President and CEO of Gesa Credit Union. “We are inspired by the remarkable efforts of Walla Walla Public Schools that continue to make a positive and lasting impact, and we’re thrilled to honor their work with our Local Heroes Grant award today.”

Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program offers funding to organizations that assist Local Heroes in Washington, such as firefighters, healthcare workers, law enforcement, teachers and veterans. This year, 42 organizations were awarded through the program. Launched in 2021, Gesa’s Local Heroes Grant Program has provided more than $1,000,000 to 108 organizations across Washington state.

"I'm so excited to use this grant to develop and update JJC's detention library," said Walla Walla High School Library-Media Specialist Kim Cassetto. "We can finally replace the rest of the severely worn and outdated books and add more non-fiction and contemporary fiction books."