Something New Is Taking Shape at Room One!

A handful of years ago, Room One was approached by a private foundation that had been watching our work and saw the potential for something bigger than the manufactured home we were in at that time. That little building had been the heart of our services for years, and it truly helped pave the way for what our community would need next. As the valley’s challenges and opportunities grew, it became clear that we needed a space that could match the depth and breadth of our work. The foundation offered an infrastructure grant with the sole purpose of helping us create a space that truly served the needs and strengths of our community.

At the time, the plan was for a single new building. But as we began listening more deeply to our neighbors and partners, it became clear that one building wouldn’t be able to house our community’s vision! And so the project grew into a small campus with two buildings and a shared courtyard, designed to bring people together and make resources more accessible than ever before.

After years of dreaming, designing, and building, this new campus is finally close to being fully open.

Our new Community Gathering Space–located right next to our current building in Twisp–will soon be ready to welcome you in! The building includes a large teaching kitchen, a creative art room, a wellness space, and additional offices designed to strengthen partnerships and further expand services throughout our rural valley.

We are especially excited to highlight two spaces that will open with this new building.

First is the Baby Item Room, a staple of our programming since nearly the beginning. The new space holds enough baby clothes for the whole valley (or so it seems!) and operates as a clothing exchange, offering free essentials like clothing and accessories, outerwear, blankets, and more.

[Two infographics: Grand opening, donation parameters]

The new building will also include a much-anticipated Teen Drop-In Center.

This youth space was designed by teens for teens, with input from students who joined our Youth Advisory Board this past summer. Beginning with two afternoons each week, the drop-in space will provide a safe, fun, and inclusive environment where young people can build community, learn new skills, explore their passions, and connect with trusted adults.

One of those young people, Owen, has already become one of the new space’s biggest ambassadors. After learning about the plans from a friend who was involved in the Youth Advisory Board, he started spreading the word. “It’s going to be awesome,” he said. “We don’t have anything to do in this town right now except for hanging out at the park.”

Owen’s excitement reflects what this project means for local youth: a place that’s fully theirs, where they belong and feel supported. In rural communities like ours, dedicated spaces for youth are essential. They offer belonging, mentorship, and opportunity, all of which contribute to our broader vision for a valley where everyone can grow up safe and supported.

And here’s where you come in. If you’ve ever wanted to support Room One’s mission by volunteering, but haven’t found the right opportunity, this could be your chance. As we develop programming for the new youth space, we’d love to learn about your skills, interests, and ideas. Filling out our interest form isn’t a commitment to volunteer; it simply helps us reach out when there is a good match between your interests and our goals.