CWU and APOYO Approve New Two-Year Agreement

Central Washington University and the Allied People Offering Year-Round Outreach (APOYO) food and clothing bank have reached an agreement that allows the non-profit to continue operating on campus for two more years.

"The university and APOYO have a relationship of more than two decades," noted Delores Cleary, CWU's Vice President of Inclusivity and Diversity. "This memorandum of understanding permits APOYO to continue being housed on campus for two more years until they find a permanent home."

Cleary said the association with APOYO allows CWU to build on the opportunities available for collaborative academic offerings for students. She said this could include guest lectures by APOYO faculty affiliates, research projects, and internships.

As part of the agreement, which expires on October 31, 2022, the university will allow APOYO, which serves local and neighboring communities, to operate from campus. CWU will pay for power, heating, water/sewer, and garbage collection, and provide the organization with available surplus furniture.

The university also will contribute up to $20,000 for facility repairs, which will be matched by a $5,000 contribution from APOYO.

APOYO's Academic Connections team will continue to collaborate with CWU on academic offerings. APOYO staff will provide monthly reports to the university listing student volunteer or internship activity. According to the agreement, minimum targets for APOYO include providing opportunities for at least one class annually, two internships annually, and providing 25 students annually with volunteer opportunities. This will be modified during the pandemic.

"APOYO understands that the need for compassionate, culturally-aware community service is intensifying," said Stefanie Wickstrom, APOYO's Executive Director. "We are happy to be supported by CWU in our work as we gather resources to transition to an off-campus facility and expand our community presence."

"We think this a fair agreement for all parties," Cleary said. "While we will be able to make short-term repairs to the building, it is not a long-term solution."

The university plans to demolish the house at the end of the agreement.