United Way targets assistance programs for financially challenged families, elderly, disabled, in 2015

A total of 31 programs will share $108,156 in United Way grants this year. Those programs, which include Hospice of San Juan, Orcas Island's Hearts and Hands, and Hamlet House and KLOI Community Radio on Lopez, provide services that often prove critical for the well-being of children, families, the elderly and disabled island residents.

March 1, 2015 3:43 pm

The Family Resources Centers on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan islands, as well as elementary school Primary Intervention Program on all three islands, are among the many recipients of the financial support generated by United Way of San Juan County for 2015.

A total of 31 programs in various locations across the county will together share $108,156 in funding distributed by the United Way this year. Those programs, which include Hospice of San Juan, Orcas Island’s Hearts and Hands, and Hamlet House and KLOI Community Radio on Lopez, provide services that often prove critical for the well-being of children, families, the elderly and disabled island residents.

As part of its 2014 campaign, United Way raised $93,741 through donation by individuals and businesses, and via workplace giving programs and matching gifts by lcoal merchants and businesses.

In addition, the Medina Foundation earmarked a $5,000 donation to help fund the PIP programs of the local elementary schools and individual donors designated $9,415 for local non-profits of their choice.

Founded in 1995 and managed by volunteer board of directors and part-time director, United Way of San Juan County is supported almost exclusively by local donors and 98 percent of the funding it raises remains in San Juan County.

This year’s grants and recipients reflect four focus areas: support for family resource center programs, early childhood education, prevention programs for school-aged children and support for programs serving the elderly and disabled.

This year, United Way was able to fund 79 percent of grants requested, on average.

In addition to the family resource centers and PIP programs, recipients of 2015 United Way grants and donations include Orcas Island Island Children’s House and Orcas Montessori, Lopez Children’s Center, San Juan Island Shuttle Service and Senior Nutrition, San Juan Island Prevention Coalition and the San Juan EMT Every 15 Minutes program.

For more about United Way of San Juan County and a complete list of 2015 recipients, visit www.unitedway-sanjuancounty.org