Submitted by: United Way of Whatcom County
Over 30 non-profit leaders convened at the Whatcom Center for Philanthropy where United Way of Whatcom County President/CEO Peter Theisen announced new grant awardees. After a competitive grant round in which United Way was seeking partners to live united against financial instability in Whatcom County, 11 local non-profit programs were selected for new one-year grants. This is in addition to 23 programs who are in the midst of previously awarded three-year grants.
“We utilized support from our board and over 35 community volunteers to thoroughly evaluate the programs applying for funding this year. We’re excited to welcome two programs new to United Way that will increase our investment in vocational supports and parenting supports, providing us greater opportunities to create economic mobility and to break the cycle of poverty in our local communities,” said Theisen.
Goodwill’s local Job Training Education Center and Adult Basic Education Program is one of these new partners. They serve over 750 students per year and offer support with job searching, the application and interview process, adult basic education classes and job training courses for both hard skills and soft skills.
“Our community needs job training and education now more than ever. The economy is rapidly changing and many people are being left behind. Individuals with barriers to success – such as lack of English proficiency, computer skills, basic skills or a high school diploma – may find it difficult to find or keep a job,” said Sara O’Connor, Goodwill Regional Director of Job Training and Education Centers. “With United Way of Whatcom County’s support, we’ll be able to better prepare Whatcom County residents for employment and further education so they can get on a path to moving out of poverty.”
United Way’s model fosters collaboration across a diverse mix of non-profits in our community. Funded partners participate regularly in events that create connections within the human services field.
“Our partnerships with non-profits add value above and beyond the direct funding,” stated Theisen. “Our network of partners have achieved much more by working together than we ever could independently.”
“The Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center is thrilled to partner with United Way; it represents an unparalleled opportunity to work in concert with other service providers to break the cycle of poverty in Whatcom County, while at the same time increasing awareness of and access to our broad array of services for those in need,” said Moonwater, Executive Director of WDRC, who will be receiving a grant for their Parenting Support Program from United Way for the first time this year.
United Way of Whatcom County is looking at financial instability from multiple angles. In addition to a focus on economic mobility and breaking the cycle of poverty, a portion of their new one-year grants are going to programs providing basic needs – such as food and housing. Altogether, United Way partners are expected to serve over 50,000 individuals in Whatcom County this year.
Total Community Impact Grants for the 2018-2019 fiscal year amount to $852,737, with an additional $173,935 anticipated in donor designations to specific non-profits. These investments in our local community are made possible through the companies and individuals who support United Way of Whatcom County’s annual giving campaign. The workplace giving model made popular by United Way and introduced to Whatcom County over 50 years ago is still responsible for the success of many non-profits who are made more efficient through the support offered by United Way.
Over 100 businesses host United Way workplace campaigns each year. The top five largest workplace campaigns contributing to the grants awarded this year are: 1.) BP Cherry Point Refinery; 2.) Whatcom Educational Credit Union; 3.) Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery; 4.) PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center; and 5.) Samson Rope.
“They’re our champions. We couldn’t do it without their display of corporate social responsibility and the generosity of their employees,” said Theisen.
To learn more about United Way of Whatcom County and how you can give, advocate or volunteer, visit UnitedWayWhatcom.org.
