Ask Orcas Set to Launch!

— from Hilary Canty —

Have you ever wondered where you or a friend can go for help with medical or mental health concerns? Or where to go to sign up for Food Stamps? Or how to fill out a disability claim? Sometimes, when we need help the most, it is hard to know where to turn.

Call Ask Orcas- 376-7676- to connect to a volunteer advocate to help Orcas Islanders navigate the programs serving the Orcas community.

Ask Orcas is a new collaborative program staffed by a team of skilled volunteers, trained to navigate available programs and services available on Orcas and surrounding areas. Volunteers will be available in person to assist with identifying opportunities, completing applications, and making connections to needed supports.

Starting on October 1st, Ask Orcas will be at the Orcas Public Library on Sundays from Noon-3 pm, at the Community Church on Tuesdays from 11-3, and at the Senior Center on Fridays from 11-3. There is no fee for service, no income qualification, and all client information is confidential.

Ask Orcas is a 6 month pilot program of the Orcas Island Community Foundation (OICF), developed in response to the results from our last community needs assessment; specifically, that a key barrier to getting needed supports was not knowing who to ask for help. With over 100 nonprofits and faith based organizations providing services, it is challenging at times to know who to turn to for a specific issue, or how to navigate between different services needed to address a larger issue. Ask Orcas will help steer people in the right direction. It will also help OICF, and the community at large, learn what the most pressing needs are for community members and where gaps and overlaps in available services exist.

For more information or to contact a volunteer, call 376-7676.