The Stories We Shared: 2020 Year in Review
What a year it has been! A worldwide pandemic that has impacted every part of our lives, political unrest that brought to light gross injustices and deep division, economic uncertainty that has many families fearing for the future and social isolation that has impaired relationships and mental health—these may be the hallmarks of 2020, but the year has also provided the Southwest Washington community unprecedented opportunities for goodness, outreach, compassion, growth and positive change. We at Vancouver Family Magazine are proud to share the stories that shape our community through it all. Here are a few of our favorite stories we published in 2020.
January 2020
Best of Vancouver: The Winners! – Check out the local restaurants, parks, salons and fun spots who won your votes to become the best in their category.
How Clark County Home-Schools – See how local families learn at home, together. (Back when we published this, we had no idea how important school at home would soon become!)
February 2020
Youth Substance Abuse Prevention: Connection is Key – Learn how local organizations and fellow youth are working to prevent substance abuse and addiction.
March 2020
Postpartum Depression – Identifying and confronting postpartum mood disorder, and where to find help.
April 2020
Family History Comes Alive for Kids – Local authors explain how family history helps kids find a sense of belonging, plus how to involve the whole family in making genealogy fun and engaging.
May 2020
All About Washington’s New Paid Family and Medical Leave – Learn how moms and kids benefit from expanded maternity leave and other medical leave options.
Discussing Death – How death doulas and Death Cafes facilitate a healthy and healing view of the inevitable, plus how to talk to kids about it.
June 2020
How a Community Came Together to Fight COVID-19 – Meet the hidden helpers in the early days of Clark County’s fight against the coronavirus.
Youth Hand in Hand – See how local high school students united to offer free online classes and tutoring for youth, by youth
LGBTQ+ Youth Resources in Clark County – June may be Pride month, but queer youth need support and belonging all year round. Find local resources here.
July 2020
5 Family-Friendly Hikes in Clark County – Explore these easy local hiking paths with the whole family.
August 2020
Give Them a Break – Discover how occupational therapists use movement breaks to help students learn.
Recycling and Composting Right in Clark County – Implement earth-friendly practices for a clean and green community.
Independent Living Skills Program – See how local foster teens and young adults are getting the support they need.
September 2020
Treatment: Transplant – Discover how local survivors met their bone marrow donor matches, plus how to become a donor yourself.
Tiny Humans, Big Love – Learn how a chance conversation after church led to helping thousands of local babies (and new parents) in need.
NW Getaway: Hood River – See why breathtaking scenery, extreme watersports, a charming downtown and abundant agritourism make Hood River a brilliant Pacific Northwest getaway for families.
New Washington State Child Car Seat Laws – What you need to know about new safety guidelines.
October 2020
Mosaic Family Voyage – Meet the Messerschmidt family and follow their adventures as they live, work and school aboard a sailboat full time.
COVID Crisis, Oceans Apart – Read how one local family watched desperately from another continent as their daughter fought COVID-19
November 2020
Grieving Forward – Be inspired by local families who experienced the unimaginable and are now using their grief to help others move forward.
December 2020
Pivot Point – Discover how local nonprofits have gotten creative to raise much needed funds in the era of COVID.
Social & Most Popular
Our most popular Facebook post of 2020:
Our most liked Instagram post of 2020:
Our most popular Tweet of 2020:
Our most widely read web article of 2020 was a huge surprise! Back in 2013, I wrote a short online post for our website about my first experience floating the East Fork Lewis River from Lewisville Park to Daybreak Park just outside Battle Ground. I had learned the hard way that some simple preparations and precautions (that I had not taken) can make the experience a blast for families. Seven years later, the post garnered serious traffic this year during the summer months.
Which stories inspired you this year? Tell us in the comments below!
