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Last week, I found out we had a big leak in the water line buried in our office building’s foundation, with no easy fix. Contractors, excavation crews, and plumbers mobilized quickly to trench a new water line. Despite the cost and disruption it’s caused, I’m incredibly grateful for our close community that pulls together and helps each other out when unexpected challenges arise.
As the government shutdown continues, we are communicating with partners to mobilize resources and coordinate how we can help as federal funding for critical programs like WIC and SNAP are threatened. One thing you can always expect on Orcas Island: our strong relationships, generous culture, and determination to help those in need fuel collaborative solutions to challenges.
The most immediate action you can take to help build resiliency and ensure basic needs are met for all islanders is to donate to the Orcas Island Food Bank and Orcas Community Resource Center, or another organization that is close to your heart. Also, please remember to vote in the upcoming general election; ballots are due on November 4.
OICF has a long tradition of connecting resources to needs on Orcas Island, 30 years in fact! We are pleased to share our 2023-2024 Impact Report, highlighting the evolution of the Foundation over the years, reporting our progress in 2023 and 2024, and celebrating how our community has come together to lift one another up over the years.
I’d also like to shine a spotlight on the recipients of our inaugural Leadership, Excellence, Advancement, and Development (LEAD) Grants. We are thrilled to support staff and volunteers of the following organizations with nearly $50,000 in total grants awarded to promote effectiveness and strengthen their capacity to navigate the unexpected: |
