Columbia Industries (CI), a mission-based organization committed to supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities and other challenges, is honored to partner with the National Park Service. The National Park Service is working directly with CI clients through the CI Community Center, which is a safe, creative, and supervised place for people with disabilities and barriers to find social connection, life enrichment, and community integration. This partnership provides CI’s clients the opportunity to participate in the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger program.
The Junior Ranger program is led by Ranger Kalina, National Park Service Education Specialist. During the course of the partnership, CI clients will learn about the Manhattan Project National Historical Park located here in our Tri-Cities community. Clients will not only hear from Ranger Kalina, having first-hand experience with a National Park Ranger, they will also visit the REACH Museum to learn about our region’s WWII and Cold War history. Clients will also learn about Nez Perce, Umatilla, Wanapum, and Yakama tribes that have called the Hanford area home since ancient times. Additionally, clients will learn about the unique environment of the Mid-Columbia region. Future outings related to this program may include a tour of the iconic B-Reactor.
“Working with the National Park Service is an incredible opportunity for our clients,” said Michael Novakovich, President and CEO of Columbia Industries. “Seeing a National Park Service Ranger in a flat hat and green and grey suit holds a special place in the hearts and minds of adults and kids alike – the experience is sure to be a cherished memory for our clients. We are absolutely thrilled about this partnership and what it means for the clients we serve.”
The next opportunity for client participation in the program is Monday, October 10th as participants will visit the REACH Museum. Individuals interested in participating in this program or other upcoming opportunities offered through the CI Community Center are encouraged to call 509-582-4142 x1400 to get connected and learn more. For more information, the CI Community Center calendar of events can be found here. Additional dates for the National Park Service’s Junior Ranger program offered through the CI Community Center are being discussed.
