This is a wonderful community – one that deserves a constant flow of gratitude. Today I’d like to say many thanks to United Way of San Juan County and everyone in the community who gives to United Way, both monetarily and by giving of their time! United Way has supported Hospice of San Juan reliably over the year, and is one of the very few sources of “no strings attached” funding for our operational expenses. We are a “virtual” business; we have no building to house our agency nor do we have employees that need to be paid since we are all-volunteer. However, we do have fixed operational costs such as voicemail, liability insurance, postage, photocopies and storage and repair of medical equipment that we lend to the community. Without United Way’s unrestricted grant money, we simply could not function.

Hospice of San Juan (www.hospiceofsanjuan.org) is a primary support service of those providing in-home care to persons who are homebound or at the end of life, benefitting those who live on San Juan Island at no cost to existing systems. Founded in 1984 by a small group of dedicated island nurses and caregivers, we received nonprofit status in 1985 and Federal 501(c)3 status in 1993. We currently work both independently and alongside Medicare-funded hospice services that come from Skagit County. United Way of San Juan County’s support helps us deliver our entirely volunteer-operated programs of caregiver respite, medical equipment lending, grief support, music and memory program, and training and education of volunteers and community caregivers. Many, many thanks to all of you who donate to United Way, and many thanks for your ongoing support of Hospice of San Juan!

Mariluz Villa

Manager of Hospice of San Juan