October 17, 2025
“I had the incredible opportunity to spend time with leaders in health, human services, and early childhood education across Gilliam, Wheeler, and Sherman counties, people who truly wear many hats to meet the needs of their communities.
Umatilla Morrow Head Start is proud to partner with the Condon Early Learning Center in providing Preschool Promise, Early Head Start, and Head Start services, and the exciting news is, they’re expanding! Hayley Andrews, the Condon Early Learning Center Director, continues to grow the program!
During my visit, I also had the privilege of sitting alongside amazing advocates and champions for Oregon’s youngest learners, including Elena Barreto, Dana Hepper from the Children’s Institute, Liz Farrar Campbell, Chair of the Oregon Early Learning Council, and K’Lynn Lane from The Ford Family Foundation.
There is so much heart, dedication, and innovation happening in rural Oregon. These incredible professionals are driving impact across some of our state’s most frontier communities, proving that when we come together with shared purpose, even the most rural places can lead the way in creating opportunity for children and families.”
- Suellen Whitlock