You are all invited to come to the newly renovated SW Commons Coffeehouse Bookstore (formerly known as the Island Coffeehouse).
In February 2010 the Coffeehouse Bookstore closed for partial renovation, as it became apparent that the kitchen floor was sinking. Upon further inspection it was discovered that the middle portion of the foundation was in dire need of repair, while at the same time most of the electrical and plumbing in the nearly 100 year old building needed to be brought up to standards.
This project has been a true community ‘barn raising’ event and after a 14 week hiatus the majority of the project has been completed and the café is now open. Deep gratitude for the countless hours spent by Jim and Jo Shelver, board members and project managers, who skillfully guided the project and to our principle contractor Greg Gilles and Architect Ross Chapin. Their work and the work of many community heroes have made it possible to have a place where the heartbeat of individuals come together to share in the journey of life.
I had a chance to speak with Gena Kraha the Program Director for SW Commons just this week
Gena says that “SW Commons fosters a vibrant community gathering place with a wide range of programs for children, youth, families and seniors. It is a true “commons” for local culture, community connections, and a catalyst for the local economy and community health.” She noted that this project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the community. “A heartfelt thank you to the community for stepping forward and contributing their time, talent and treasure to make this project a success, and we look forward to building a future of community with you. “
Baristas from left to right; Izzy Moreno, Caitlin Goldbaum and Ethan Berkley
Here is an excerpt from an essay written by Ian Marsanyi, a former volunteer, who is currently attending Columbia University. I think it does a great job of setting the tone for what SW Commons Coffeehouse Bookstore is all about.
“It is a warm room; cozy but open and inviting no matter how many people are around. In one corner a sofa, functional if not stylish, like the chair next to the fireplace, or the free sack lunches round the back.The hissing of a steam wand pierces through the air, a surprise to new-comers but nothing more than ambiance to regulars. As milk swirls so do ideas, opinions, and weekend itineraries of a thousand individuals, all united by this one place in many times.
Whether you like coffee or tea, it is a hub for interaction with community members both young and old, an outlet for inspiration and experimentation, and most importantly a way for me to give back to the island that has made me the person I am today.”
You can view a slideshow of a photo shoot that I did this past week by clicking on the photo above. You can view the slideshow in full screen by clicking the button in the lower right hand corner of the slideshow.
You can also read the post that we did on South Whidbey Commons by clicking here.
Good Cheer!
WISH – Whidbey Island Share a Home is a non-profit program for affordable housing created almost six ago by the Soroptimists of South Whidbey Island. WISH became an independent program one year later under the leadership of their founders. They have grown into an island wide program, serving the community for the last two years but have kept their roots in Freeland. The WISH office is housed at the Trinity Lutheran Church on Rt 525.
Their mission is to provide affordable housing alternatives on Whidbey Island. They utilize existing housing by helping bring together home providers, who want to share their homes, with home seekers looking for an affordable place to live. Home providers are willing to share space in their home in exchange for rent, services or a combination of both.
For older home owners, sharing means remaining independent in their own homes. No two home sharing arrangements are alike. They vary according to the personal needs, time and abilities of the people involved.
What is unique about this program is that they attempt to match the home provider and home seeker through a process. This is not like sharing a home through Craigslist or through the newspaper.
The process has the following steps:
1. The first step is to request an application.
2. WISH then will contact references and conduct a criminal background check.
3. There is an in-depth interview to understand your housing needs and personal interests.
4. Profile listings of all approved home providers and home seekers are made available.
5. WISH is a “self-match” program. You decide who you would like to meet. If both parties are in agreement, WISH provides contact information.
6. Once you have met, you both decide if you want to live together.
Why do people want to home-share?
People enter home sharing arrangements for many different reasons. Some people want help with housing expenses, while others are interested in companionship or security. Some home sharing matches involve the exchange of home services in place of part or all of the rent. These services can help older adults maintain their homes.
Home sharing can help people of all ages through transitional periods such as a divorce, loss of a spouse, temporary unemployment, or educational pursuits. The rent will vary match to match. Rent is determined by the home-provider, and will depend on the type of services, if any, the home-seeker will provide.
Home seekers are looking for affordable housing on Whidbey Island. For those looking for a place to rent, sharing offers a better place to live for less.
Over eighty per cent of their clients are women and women with children. The vast majority are over 60 years old. They may be homeless or they may face the need to be placed in a care facility. Many potential home providers can’t safely remain in their homes alone or they face the threat of losing their homes due to finances. People can help each other and help to overcome these circumstances.
WISH made 53 matches in the past year, more than doubling the previous year but with less funding. Due to the economy their community outreach has been below expectations but the need continues to increase.
WISH works with the Rural Homeless population. These are not the street homeless that we see on the street corners in big city’s but the working poor and those on fixed incomes.
WISH strives to help everyone who comes to their door but the availability of affordable housing on the island does not come close. The vast majority of home seekers have an income that is 30% of the national poverty level. Many of these are also the same folks who use our wonderful food bank to make ends meet and put a wholesome healthy meal on the table.
There is no “”housing bank’ to shelter people on a cold wet night in January. Imagine sitting in a car at the Park and Ride trying to put your life in order and just wishing for a real home. We all know the need on this island. When people are hungry we all help to feed them; now please lets help them find a safe affordable place to live.
You can seek help by clicking on this link to WISH. Their website will answer your questions and give you an opportunity to help with a donation.
Good Cheer!
Good Cheer knew that South Whidbey had talent and it was on full display last weekend at our fund raising event “The Mother of All Talent Shows”. Once again Good Cheer is indebted to so many, more than we could ever individually list in this space. This was a concerted effort from everyone in the community pulling together to help people in need.
There is something about this community that engenders a certain warmth and a feeling of belonging. It was no more apparent than at this wonderful display of local talent; a definite “10”. The quality of the performances went way beyond everyone’s expectations. The beauty of the show was in the diversity of talent and the participation that came from young and not so young. When you combine talented performers and the first class theatre at South Whidbey High School it spelled success.
A young man by the name of JaNoah Spratt and a State Representative Norma Smith gave the show its wings and I’m sure that it will become an annual event.
Good Cheer has traditionally relied on Thrift Store sales and community monetary donations to support Food Bank operations, but because of increasing client numbers, the Board of Directors have asked the staff to add a fundraising component. The talent show proceeds were $5090 which was pleasantly $1890 over what Good Cheer staff had budgeted. We are so grateful and wish to extend a “BIG” thank you to everyone who played a part in our first annual talent show.
South Whidbey has a tradition of hosting talent shows and we will make sure that the tradition continues.
The highlight of the evening was when Representative Norma Smith, having made prior arrangements with Good Cheer, presented JaNoah with a flag that had flown over the state capital and a document acknowledging his exemplary service to our community. JaNoah was the driving force behind the talent show; he secured all the raffle donations, assisted with production, and was a performer as well. JaNoah continues to set an example that we call all look up to!
We have put together a slide show of the event; all you have to do is click on the above photo. You can view the slide show in full screen by clicking on the icon in the lower right corner of the slide show screen. The photos came from two of our volunteers who gave of their time to leave us with their photo memories. Thank you Hal Seligson and Corrine Bayley!
Together we are creating a hunger-free community!
Good Cheer!
Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund is charitable organization committed to helping the residents of South Whidbey with uncovered medical expenses.
As many of you know, we live in a special community. One that truly cares about helping those in need. It’s all about people helping people!
In 2009 Friends of Friends helped 235 South Whidbey residents with a total of $81,446 in medical bills. Since 1997 Friends of Friends has been a conduit for donations from the community, paying over $600,000 in medical and dental expenses. In the beginning, their founder, Lynn Willeford, took calls from her home. They now employ a part-time paid service coordinator to authorize services. In their years of existence; Friends of Friends have been a temporary safety net, helping hundreds of individuals.
Friends of Friends is part of the HELP Network that is focused on improving the quality of life for those who live in our community.
Friends of Friends has to set dollar limits on how much they can help any one individual over the course of a year in order to meet the needs of as many people as possible. They cannot reimburse individuals for bills already paid nor make any direct payments to individuals. They pay only providers of medical services such as health professionals, hospitals, labs, or pharmacies, and to the ferry system for medically necessary travel.
Friends of Friends helps with dental needs only in situations with medical implications, and covers only those complementary or alternative medical therapies with a proven record of efficacy when used for a specific medical condition.
You should know that Friends of Friends volunteers are not caseworkers, they can not give medical advice, nor can they make medical referrals.
They can help you with prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, visits to health professionals, medical equipment or supplies, hospital and lab fees or transportation to treatment on the mainland.
Examples of ways Friends of Friends have helped:
* Prescription medication for a senior citizen diagnosed with diabetes
* Co-pay on doctor visits for a child with multiple disabilities
* Mammogram and ultrasound tests for a single working mom unable to afford health insurance
* Ferry tickets and gas vouchers for someone needing on-going treatment several days a week at a mainland hospital
* Acupuncture treatment for a woman with chronic pain
* Rental of a knee scooter
The success of any charitable organization is predicated on the thoughtful donations made by it’s supporters. It is about having compassion for others. Those who take action by showing this compassion set in place an inspiration for others to follow; from a few come many!
Donations and Support can also be event driven. Friends of Friends has an annual event that we all know as the Mr. South Whidbey Island Pageant. Here a handful of South Whidbey’s finest compete for the title during an evening filled with humor and shenanigans.
The contestants and crowd alike gather each year to support this local event, which provides crucial resources for the Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund.
Looks like great fun and for a great cause! Once again the event will be held at Freeland Hall on October 2nd; so mark your calendars!
Next Event
You won’t want to miss the Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale. This is a special event with individuals donating plants right from their own gardens. You can expect to find many unique and unusual items for sale! What a great way to freshen your gardens and support Friends of Friends at the same time.
Maxwelton Valley Gardens is also donating some shade loving plants; many thanks to them.
Annual Mother’s Day Plant Sale
South Whidbey Tilth, Bayview
The Saturday before Mother’s Day
May 8, 10-2 pm.
If you would like to make a donation here is a link .
Friends of Friends supports those in need on South Whidbey with the following Zip Codes: 98236, 98260, 98249, and 98253.
If you live in the Coupeville area, a similar grassroots organization was formed in 2006 to serve people in your area. Please contact Small Miracles , PO Box 912, Coupeville, WA 98239. (360) 672-5651.
If you need help with medical expenses in the South Whidbey area:
You can call their message line at (360) 221-4535
Send an e-mail to info@fofmedicalsupportfund.org
Write them at:
Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund
PO Box 812
Langley, WA 98260
However you contact Friends of Friends, please provide your name and address, and a phone number where they can reach you. You should hear from them within 24 hours.
People Helping People doesn’t get any better!
Good Cheer!
The South Whidbey Commons grew out of a 1998 Family/Youth Summit. A shared vision and plan for an increasingly healthy and connected South Whidbey community was put forth. It is a vision that has taken roots in our community.
Caitlin Golbaum, an Americorp volunteer, comments on the community, the Island Coffeehouse and Books and the South Whidbey Commons were really on target.
“In my short six months here as an AmeriCorps member, I have been consistently impressed by the way this community cares for its own. There are several incredible non-profit organizations in the community that work tirelessly to ensure that basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter are available to everyone. However, there is a fourth fundamental need that often gets overlooked: the need to build relationships with other people. The South Whidbey Commons is a non-profit that is dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable place where members of the community of all ages can build connections.”
The HELP Network, which South Whidbey Commons is a member, is truly unique. There is something special about our community and I do think that it is that small town atmosphere that makes it easier to know each other. Having programs that accentuate that belief in sharing and building connections is a way to ensure that we all feel like we are a part of the community.
South Whidbey Commons offers a wide variety of programs that serve as opportunities for interaction with the community. Their free PlayScape program allows children age birth through kindergarten to play together, while caregivers can visit and share experiences.
The Island Coffeehouse and Books is a welcoming communal space and also serves as a training facility for volunteer youth baristas who go out in the community with outstanding customer service and business skills. Every Friday night at 7pm, the coffeehouse offers free music performances where local and national musicians can connect with an audience in an intimate setting.
The Board knew that their facility had structural problems when it was initially purchased. A sinking foundation was the main issue. Work began on February 1st to correct the problem and to begin the remodeling of the facility. It is expected to be completed during the month of April. While it doesn’t appear that much is going on outside; most of the interior of the facility will be new!
Having a free space where people of all ages can engage in conversation and build relationships is vital to a healthy community.
If you want to learn more about the construction progress you can click on the above photo. The Island Coffeehouse and Books blog was started in September of last year and it is full of information. Blogs are all about having a conversation with the community and they have done a great job!
We have our homes and schools or work; the Third Place is the Island Coffeehouse and Books. You can click on the above photo to view a video on South Whidbey Commons.
This from Rosie’s post on The Third Place:
“I’ve heard it said that we all have three places. Our home, our work and a third place we gather for community, friendly discourse and nourishment of all kinds. It’s tricky for me, since this is where I work, but it is often where I find myself, even when I am not working. I am comfortable here. I am nourished here, literally and figuratively. In a world fraught with so many unhappy, isolating things, it is a comfort to find a place where one feels safe. Where there is a sense of belonging.”
Sound like family? You bet it is!!
If you want to make a donation to South Whidbey Commons here is the link.
For more than a century, Big Brothers Big Sisters has helped children reach their potential through professionally supported relationships with proven results.
In 1904, a young New York City court clerk named Ernest Coulter was seeing more and more boys come through his courtroom. He recognized that caring adults could help many of these kids stay out of trouble, and set out to find volunteers. That marked the beginning of the Big Brothers movement. By 1916, Big Brothers had spread to 96 cities across the country.
Around the same time, the members of a group called Ladies of Charity were befriending girls who had come through the New York Children’s Court. That group would later become Big Sisters International.
Both groups continued to work independently until 1977, when Big Brothers of America and Big Sisters International joined forced and became Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.
Today, Big Brothers Big Sisters remains true to the vision of bringing caring mentors into the lives of children. Big Brothers Big Sisters currently operates in all 50 states and in 35 countries around the world. That’s what you call momentum; programs that work sustain themselves!
Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children in one-to-one relationships based on friendship. Matched with caring volunteers, children gain new experiences while having fun. The agency is always seeking volunteers who possess high standards, are stable, honest and live with integrity in their lives. We assist children of every ethnic, racial, national, cultural and religious group in Island County who may need additional positive role models to further enrich their lives.
As a preventive program, the goal of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to reinforce positive attributes in children helping them to become confident, caring and competent adults within their communities. A strengthened sense of self worth at home, in school and in the community are often results. Children who have an older special friend tend to be less likely to be swayed by peer pressure, perform better academically and have a more even-tempered attitude. It is through this special friendship that our kids stay great!
Children ages 6-14 who are willing and anxious to build a positive caring friendship. Volunteers age 19 or older – individuals who are willing and able to be a child’s friend can become “Bigs” in community matches. High school volunteers can become “Bigs” for younger students in the school-based program.
If you are interested in enrolling a child in the program here is the link.
Big Brothers Big Sisters matches children (“Littles”) ages 6 through 18 with volunteer mentors (“Bigs”) in professionally supported relationships (“Matches”). Matches meet two to four times per month for at least 12 months in one of our programs.
You can donate in support of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Island County by clicking here.
If you click on the above photo there is a video about their Mentoring Program:)
Events like these are a great way to get involved.
Remember there are a lot of organizations on South Whidbey Island that provide support to the community. You can find out more be clicking on The HELP Network of South Whidbey Island.
This is the first in a series about the HELP Network of South Whidbey Island. We have an amazing community support system here on Whidbey and there are a number of resources available to those in need.
One of the members of the HELP Network is the Readiness to Learn Foundation.
The Readiness to Learn Foundation provides coordinated services for children and families in Island County and the Stanwood Area. Their mission is to promote student success by facilitating the combined efforts of schools, families, and communities to address the needs of the whole child.
Programs include family support advocacy for children who are struggling with academic or behavior problems and comprehensive services for homeless children and families. Low-income students are provided direct support through a Back to School project each fall and through a Holiday House gift drive each winter. Parent Education classes are offered in a variety of topics and monthly support groups are held for single moms, relatives as caregivers, and for parents who have children with special needs.
Readiness To Learn Family and Student Advocates are available in all 4 districts of Island County, Coupeville, Oak Harbor, South Whidbey, and Stanwood-Camano.
Coupeville Elementary – 6 South Main Street, Coupeville, WA 98239
(360) 678-4551 x 236 email: vrogers@coupeville.k12.wa.us
Crescent Harbor Elementary – 330 E. Crescent Harbor Rd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277
(360) 279-5072
Eldger Bay Elementary School – 1810 Elger Bay Rd, Camano Island, WA 98282
(360) 629-1377
The South Whidbey Family Resource Center is located on the SW Primary School Campus, on 5476 S. Maxwelton Rd., Langley, WA 98260
(360) 221-6808 x 4620
Parent Classes are funded through a generous grant made by the Northwest Children’s Fund. The Northwest Children’s Fund just celebrated their 25th Anniversary Year; you can view a video about the Fund by clicking on the above photo.
Current Parenting Workshop:
Parenting with a Plan
March 9th – March 23rd
Three Parenting Workshops geared for parents who have children ages 2-8 which include: Power Struggles At Home, Problem Solving 101, and Helping Children Resolve Social Conflicts.
Workshops are scheduled to begin Tuesdays, March 9, 16, and 23.
A complimentary, light dinner will be offered at 5:30 in the Family Resource Center and childcare is provided upon request. Class time will be 6:00-8:00 pm. For more information and to RSVP for childcare please call 221-6808 x 4602.
This class is facilitated by Polly Zahn Schmitt, a former director of the South Whidbey Children’s Center and brings with her early childhood development expertise.
Support Groups
The South Whidbey Family Resource Center currently offers three support groups:
The Relatives As Parents Program (RAPP), The Single Mom’s Group, and The Parents of Children with Special Needs Group.
Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP):
This informal group focuses on the unique situation of raising children of relatives. The group meets once a month in a relaxed atmosphere to share resources and support, laughter and tears, and to make connections outside the group to continue that support. The group is provided with information about resources available through the Department of Social and Human Services and other community opportunities. Light snacks and childcare are provided. For more information or to sign up please call Marilynn Norby at 221-6808 x 4602.
Single Mom’s Support Group:
This supportive group is for single moms and moms who feel single!
The group meets monthly in the comfortable environment of the Family Resource Center to share parenting joys and challenges. It’s a time where moms can bring their questions and ideas and feel the support of those who are encountering the same day to day issues. Dinner and childcare is provided free of charge. For more information and to RSVP for childcare please call 221-6808 x 4602.
Parents of Children with Special Needs:
This group welcomes any parent or caregiver who is raising a child with special needs. Share life’s ups and downs in this supportive environment and make connections outside the group to continue that support. The group meets once a month in the Family Resource Center. Childcare is provided. For more information and to RSVP for childcare please call 221-6808 x 4602.
Recent Comments