An Annual Sign of Positivity and Resilience
Whether you have kids back in school or not, September brings a shift on Orcas Island, with fewer visitors and lake days, and the opportunity to reconnect locally and plan for the cooler months ahead.
It’s hard to believe a year has passed since writing my first community email to you as the new Executive Director of OICF. It’s been a year filled with change, growth, and many wonderful new relationships. Amid the growing effects of federal funding cuts and policy changes that threaten important programs and the health of our community, I’ve witnessed people coming together again and again, forging strong bonds to ensure critical services continue, protect what we love about living here, and build resilience for the future. It’s inspiring to see and an honor to be a part of.
There’s been much to celebrate over the past year – the community gave more than ever during both of OICF’s GiveOrcas community fundraising campaigns, totaling more than $750K for 65 nonprofit programs. We have supported and cheered on the many achievements in the nonprofit community, from building purchases that will help sustain essential service providers, to funds mobilized to protect and advocate for our island’s most vulnerable and care for our aging population of elders. The community has invested in increased educational and recreational opportunities for all, access to healthcare resources, affordable housing, and more. It’s the work of hundreds of dedicated staff, volunteers, and incredibly generous, caring individuals who contribute throughout the year.
There are many more new initiatives to look forward to, and we need your help getting ideas off the ground. Please take 5-10 minutes to participate in our brief anonymous survey. Your responses will inform our strategic priorities and help us understand what community needs are most pressing to you, how the Foundation can better serve our island, and what programs and initiatives you’d like to see prioritized.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Lindsay
Survey Deadline: Wednesday, September 24
Lindsay Jennings
Executive Director
Orcas Island Community Foundation
lindsay@oicf.us
360.376.6423