The Hidden Needs of South and Central Whidbey is the focus of the 9:30 a.m. Adult Forum at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland on Sunday, Sept. 19.

Representatives from the Good Cheer Food Bank, The South Whidbey Family Resource Center, Ryan’s House, and Gifts from the Heart Food Bank in Greenbank and Coupeville will speak about social service needs in area communities.

Whidbey Island is known for its lovely vacation homes and as a travel destination, but the continuing recession has pushed more families into need. The public is invited to attend the hour-long forum being held in the church’s Fireside Room.

I’ve been asked to share some thoughts about our program at Good Cheer and how the economy is impacting us. The following are some questions that I may address at the Trinity Adult Forum. I wanted to post this in case you were not able to attend the forum.

Are community needs, growing or declining, or holding even this year?

They are growing; in 2009 the average number of families served a month was 668 and  in 2010 it is 770 a 14% increase.  The number of visits to the food bank per month in 2009 was 1056 in 2010 it is 1294.

How do South and Central Whidbey social service agencies work together?

The non-profits of South Whidbey have formed the HELP Network (past posts this one included just scroll down) , where we meet quarterly to share and update each other.  Good Cheer works very closely with Helping Hand, The Family Resource Center, and CADA in helping them meet their client’s needs in which our Thrift Stores can help.

What are the growing populations or situations that you serve?

The fastest growing population using the Food Bank this year is our Senior population.

What negative attitudes or remarks do you find yourself trying to dispel?

That people use the Food Bank when they really aren’t in need.

How do you measure success?

Personally, when I hear a story where we have helped someone and they tell us because we provided food not judgment they have been able to maintain their dignity (click here). We  also have the numbers to show that what we are doing is working (click here).

How are you funded?  How has your funding been affected by the recession?

Thrift Store Sales = 69%

Monetary Donations = 26%

Fundraising = 3%

Grants = 2 %

Monetary Donations in the beginning of the year were below budget but the matching program initiated by Whidbey Island Bank was a huge success; we are blessed to have such support.

What gives you the most hope?  Or what is your greatest reward for the work you do?

Knowing that we have impacted lives in a very significant way. The fact that we give people a chance to feel better about themselves when life is tough.

How do you combat “compassion fatigue” or recharge your emotional/spiritual/physical batteries?

Walking, praying, and being with the ones I love…..

If you could ask for one thing for your organization, from area churches, what would it be?

For them to continue the wonderful support that they have provided for as long as I can remember.

What resource(s) have been most helpful to you in your position as a leader of your organization?

VOLUNTEERS, donations to our Thrift Stores, shoppers of our Thrift Stores, monetary donors, the collaboration of the HELP Network, and the support of the COMMUNITY.

Good Cheer!