Thankful for Orcas Community Resource Center

— by Sally Buchanan —

The Orcas Island community has so many resources to be thankful for this Thanksgiving month. Highlighting the OCRC, Orcas Community Resource Center, seems especially appropriate.

This non-profit organization has been active on the Island for many years as Orcas Family Connections helping families requiring assistance or information. Recently it has expanded its mission and its outreach to include the whole Orcas Community, individuals as well as families. Its mission statement says “Our mission is to ensure that all Orcas Islanders have access to services and support for their well-being.” The Center is funded by a number of sources including local donors, county and state funds and grant support from the Orcas Island Community Foundation. Guided by a strong board and a number of competent staff and volunteers OCRC “works closely with other island nonprofits, government agencies, social service providers and educators….to design and provide services to meet.…needs and fill the gaps in the island’s safety net of services.”

Have a question or need explanations or help? “Ask Orcas,” a service at OCRC, can answer many questions by phone 360-376-7676 or online at “askorcas.org” Puzzled by which organizations off-island might help or how to fill out applications? The staff at OCRC (360-376-3184) can make appointments to meet with Islanders, to suggest solutions, or to untangle the mysteries of an application process. The list of services available from and through OCRC is astonishing and includes the following:
– Transportation concerns – Housing and Utility Support
– Department of Social and Health Services – Education including SafeCare and
– Medical including In-person Assistance, Kindergarten Transition
Community Wellness, Dental – Clothing and Household Items
– Annual Coordination and Distribution – Food Bank Delivery

Erin O’Dell, Executive Director, and her fine staff Jana Webb, Dorothy Osborn, Alison Sanders and Nicole Hill are truly happy to work with any Islander to help solve problems. The volunteers at “AskOrcas,” Dave Johnson, Barbara Ehrmantraut and Norene Neely and those providing office assistance, Barbara Ehrmentraut and Coleen O’Brien help make OCRC an active, friendly and effective community support team.

Even Oly, office dog, contributes to the team effort. It is reported by Himself that he is very good with homework!

There are many examples of the help provided this past year by OCRC including:
– assisting a homeless man find health insurance and a tent kit
– assisting homeless find safe shelter and medical insurance
– helping a homeless teen with no fixed nightly sleeping space
– identifying affordable health insurance for a number of families and seniors
– providing rental assistance for working and/or disabled families and singles
– providing ferry tickets so medical appointments and treatments can be made off-island
– delivering food from the food bank to families/individuals who cannot get to the bank in person
– helping a single Mom raising 4 children to work toward job qualifications and goals while also working toward stable housing
– making appointments with the quarterly dental van for those requiring care
– providing appliances like hot water heaters and with weatherization for families and seniors in need
– providing an inhaler and medical care for an asthmatic child
– working with families over months or several years to break the cycle of generational
poverty

OCRC is an amazing community asset. They welcome volunteers and encourage those in need to call or come in at 423 Prune Alley for an appointment. Donations, ferry tickets and volunteers are always welcome. The Orcas community can assist by watching out for those who might be in distress and encouraging them to visit OCFC. This ensures that the Center can help those who need it the most.

Community thanks to OCRC for all the work, assistance, help, encouragement, long hours, explanations and loving care you provide. You all are awesome.