United Way of San Juan County is disbursing $108,156 in funds for the year 2015. Thirty-one programs are funded on Orcas, Lopez and San Juan Islands. These programs provide vital services for children, families, elderly and disabled residents specifically within San Juan County.

The 2014 campaign raised $93,741 through individual and business donations, workplace giving programs and business’ matching gifts. In addition, a grant from the Medina Foundation of $5,000 was designated to four primary intervention programs on Orcas, Lopez and San Juan Islands and helped United Way fully fund these programs. In addition, individual donors designated $9,415 in funds to non-profits of their own choice. United Way grants this year reflect four focus areas:

Family Resource Centers on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan provide support services to island families. They also do a lot more. At the San Juan Island Family Resource Center, mentor, head start PIP, readiness to learn and preschool transitions programs help children and families with mutual support and school preparation. Lopez Family Resource Center also has mentor, preschool PIP and kids summer workshops programs as well as a fresh food program for those in need. The Orcas Family Resource Center also offers transportation services and parent education. Early Childhood Education funding to Lopez Children’s Center, Kaleidoscope, Orcas Island Children’s House and Orcas Montessori helps working families afford preschool.

Prevention programs for elementary and school-aged children help kids develop life skills, make good choices and do better in school. These include FHES PIP and After School Study Club, FHMS After School Study Club, SJI Prevention Coalition, San Juan County 4H, San Juan Island EMT Every 15 Minutes program, Orcas PIP, the Funhouse on Orcas, and Lopez Island Conservation Corps Youth Crew.

Services for older and disabled adults and others in the community include San Juan Senior Nutrition, San Juan Island Shuttle Service, Hospice of San Juan, Hearts and Hands on Orcas, KLOI Community Radio, Hamlet House on Lopez and WVS Integrated Communities for the developmentally disabled.

United Way is run by a local volunteer board and part-time director, supported by almost exclusively local donors, and 98 percent of funds stay within San Juan County. This year United Way was able to fund, on average, 79 percent of grant requests. Learn more at www.unitedway-sanjuancounty.org.