United Way keeps the community going….

The community gives, so that we all can receive…

The broad range of things the United Way helps support on all the islands is simply amazing, and this year’s budget of $91K is going a long way. (Here’s the website, so you can get YOUR donation in!) Here’s the report from the United Way’s executive director, Eli Gull:

In January, 2013, United Way of San Juan County awarded more than $91,000 to 20 non-profit agencies in the county. The grants support 28 programs on Orcas, Lopez and San Juan islands.

According to Candace Bodenhamer, Treasurer, “We were able to fund 63% of all grant requests received from non-profit agencies countywide.  Although last year we were able to fund 70% of requests received, there were almost half again more applicants this year than last. We were able to fully fund Orcas PIP, Friday Harbor Elementary School PIP, Head Start PIP, Orcas Family Connections Resource Center, San Juan Island Family Resource Center Family Support, Preschool to Kindergarten Transitions, and Orcas Island Senior Center’s Hearts and Hands Program this year.”

Our 2013 supported programs and agencies are:

In addition to the funds granted through the allocation process, a total of almost $8,500 in designated contributions was distributed to these and 8 other non-profit agencies.

“The needs of our community are accelerating,” said Bill Morrissey, Board President. “At a time of dwindling public resources, our support to programs serving children, families and seniors in our community has never been more important.”

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