With local roots and a global mission, the Gates Foundation believes all people should have the opportunity to lead healthy productive lives. That's one reason we're optimistic about a new, Pacific Northwest initiative launched today - aimed at casting a wider net of giving to help low-income families.

Nine organizations throughout Washington and Oregon will soon be receiving $5M to re-grant within their own communities. The goal is to empower these communities to identify and address their own prioritized social challenges. We know that we'll help more people using this approach, than by only relying on direct grant making. For more about the program, see this Seattle Times article.

This is just one part of the work we're doing in 2012 in the Pacific Northwest.  We have a deep commitment to improving the lives of children and their families.

There are many dimensions to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. One way is through a great education. Young people become healthy, productive adults if they are successful in school. That's why we've also placed an emphasis on making sure every child gets a great education starting at birth. We're making sure every child in the state can access high-quality early learning opportunities.

Great schools alone aren't enough. For kids to succeed, they need the support of strong families and thriving communities.  We continue to support work to dramatically reduce family homelessness in this state as well.

We're midway through the year in making our grants.  If you'd like to know more about our approach, check our website, or stop by our new Visitor Center open to the public daily Tuesday-Saturday in Seattle.