Community Foundation

Daniel, who has loved water since he was an infant, has a dream to pay for college with a swimming scholarship. His parents grew up on the Great Lakes, swimming their childhood summers away and proud that Daniel wanted to use swimming to go further in his education than they did.  

Life got complicated after Daniel’s family moved to Astoria and his sister was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. She passed away a few  years later, and due to medical bills, Daniel​'​s parents could​n'​t afford extraneous activities like swim team. A scholarship helped ensure Daniel has a shot at his dreams and can stay healthy and focused on his goals.

Inka was lonely. Born in Astoria after her Finnish parents migrated in the mid-1920’s, she grew up working in canneries until the last one closed in 1980, and has been surviving on a fixed income ever since.  Widowed and nearly 90 years old, she was craving social interaction--until she started walking “the lazy river” at the Astoria pool. 

“It was a blessing to find the pool,” says Inka, “It is gentle on my joints and an enjoyable place to meet people. I am grateful for the scholarship, as I wouldn’t be able to afford to swim at the pool without it.”

It’s hard enough to be a single mom, but when you’re diagnosed with cancer, it becomes even harder. Molly went through treatments, and despite the exhaustion, nausea and memory loss, her greatest desire was to ensure quality time with her kids. 

She created a work schedule around radiation treatments, and applied for a scholarship so the family could play in the pool together on the winter days she wasn’t too ill from treatment. They played Marco Polo, swam in the current of the lazy river, even went down the pool slide with laughter and togetherness carrying her through the tiredness she felt deep in her bones.

One of our recipients provided the following feedback: "This scholarship has benefited my life by providing a safe and constructive avenue for maintaining my physical and mental health and well-being. I am a low-income senior with disabilities, and access to this facility reduces stress and burdens I experience in life. "