The Next Door, Inc. has named Catherine Whalen as its 2014 Volunteer of the Year. Whalen has been on the Next Door’s Board of Directors since 1999, serving as Chair for the last three years. Whalen joined the Board after helping found Families First, a program of The Next Door that has helped hundreds of parents in Wasco County learn more effective parenting skills and keep their children safe, healthy and loved. Whalen works full-time for Mid-Columbia Medical Center. The Next Door is a local nonprofit that works to strengthen children and families and improve communities throughout the Gorge.