United Way of San Juan County has announce that despite a challenging economic environment, grants totaling $115,000 have been awarded to exclusively local programs.

“We are exceedingly grateful for the trust and generous support of the community,” said Executive Director Bonnie Gilmore.

“Our donors are important partners in our efforts to provide services to hundreds of island residents who participate in United Way supported programs.”

This year grants have been given to 29 programs that create significant, long-term results for seniors, children, families and at-risk adults. United Way’s goals and priorities are building healthy and resilient children and families, ensuring everyone has a healthy living environment, creating systems that increase physical and mental well-being, promoting safety, and preventing violence and abuse. The following programs have received grants for 2009, working as professional partners with United Way to meet these goals.

4-H Youth Development, Compass Health Chemical Dependency and Mental Health programs, Friday Harbor Elementary Pre-school to Kindergarten Transitions, After School Study, and Primary Intervention, Girl Scouts of Western Washington, Lopez Children’s Center PAL, Lopez Island Family Resource Center (LIFRC), LIFRC Kids Summer Workshops, Lopez Fresh, mentor program, Primary Intervention, and rental assistance, OPAL Rental Assistance Program, Orcas Elementary Primary Intervention, Orcas Family Health Center Well Child Clinics, Orcas Funhouse mentoring program, Orcas Island School District Readiness to Learn, Orcas Montessori tuition assistance, Orcas Prevention Partnership, San Juan Family Resource Center Prenatal to Four, San Juan Head Start Primary Intervention, San Juan Island EMS – Every 15 Minutes program, San Juan Island Family Resource Center Readiness to Learn and rental assistance, San Juan Island Prevention Coalition, and San Juan Senior Center Friends and Neighbors program.