Washington Community Alliance for Self-Help (Washington CASH) has been awarded a grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services for Community Economic Development. This grant of $495,000 over a three year period, will fund the Business Improvements and Growth through Learning, Earning and Asset Program (BIG LEAP), which will provide comprehensive economic development activities designed to address the economic needs of low-income individuals, families and distressed communities.

Also, Washington CASH welcomed Wendy Ceccherelli, Celia Weisman, Erica Mills and Jena Layton to its staff.

Ceccherelli steps in, as it’s interim executive director, replacing Kathy Gilman who will be staying on as senior program consultant.

Weisman, a long time supporter of Washington CASH, has been working as the senior development consultant since July 2003.

Mills has moved into the top role of board chair and Layton is the newest board member.