Preparing for a resilient future

||| FROM LINDSAY JENNINGS for ORCAS ISLAND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION |||

As Orcas Islanders prepare for fall, shorter days, harvesting buckets upon buckets of apples, and unpredictable weather, many nonprofit organizations are launching fall programs and events, and are working to raise awareness and support for the needs of the community. 

Fall is a perfect time to get engaged, meet new people, and take part in shaping the future of the organizations you care about. If you’re considering joining a board, or you recently joined a board and want to refresh your board knowledge, we invite you to our Introduction to Board Service Workshop, on Wednesday, October 28, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Emmanuel Church’s Parish Hall. This free workshop covers basic board responsibilities, effective practices, and how to find the right board for you to serve on.

Yesterday, I joined more than 60 people at a fall convening of the San Juan County Community Health Network, who are working together to increase collaboration and address systemic community health issues across the county. Workgroups are tackling issues around care coordination, transportation, LGBTQ+ health access, insurance access, and behavioral health. At a time when public health resources and funding are strained, the network is positioned to support resiliency and use limited resources more effectively.

The Orcas Community Resource Center’s financial education program Orcas Money Smart, is now open for enrollment for its fall cohort. The program is designed to help community members build practical skills and confidence around budgeting, saving, credit, debt, and financial planning.

If you’ve driven down Enchanted Forest Road lately, you may have noticed the Pea Patch Community Campus site work continues (no, it’s not a swimming pool!) to prepare for 20 new OPAL affordable rental homes, and a new Food Bank building. The new facility consolidates what has long been scattered across multiple sites into one efficient home: receiving, storage, refrigeration, freezing, distribution, and an 800-square-foot commercial kitchen, all under one roof. That means less time and fuel spent shuttling food between locations, increasing efficiency, and food resiliency for islanders. You’ve got to see it to believe it.

Final Reminder: Applications for nonprofits to be included in the Holiday GiveOrcas campaign are open now through Wednesday, September 23. Learn more on our website.

The weather looks perfect this weekend for heading outside, and enjoying the many events happening. The newly re-paved runway at Orcas Island Airport will be open for “Paws, Pedals, and People” 9-11am on Sunday. The annual Family Tides Farm & Northwest Indian College Fall Festival is happening this Sunday, 11am – 4pm, with free fun, art and food for all. This will all be followed by the Orcas Center’s Roll Out at 4pm. Hope to see you out there!