Phone: 360-376-3184 Text: 360-230-8429
Phone: 360-376-3184 Text: 360-230-8429
The onset of the new year brings a valuable new program to the Orcas Community Resource Center. Thanks to a generous grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, we are excited to introduce our Diaper Bank program. Families meeting eligibility criteria and having children under the age of 3 can now apply to receive diapers, wip
The onset of the new year brings a valuable new program to the Orcas Community Resource Center. Thanks to a generous grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce, we are excited to introduce our Diaper Bank program. Families meeting eligibility criteria and having children under the age of 3 can now apply to receive diapers, wipes and ointment without incurring any costs.
Diaper needs are a growing problem in our country. According to new data from The NDBN Diaper Check 2023: Diaper Insecurity among U.S. Children and Families, 1 in 2 families in the United States cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infant or child clean, dry, and healthy. These infants and toddlers are more prone to uncomfortable rashes and urinary tract infections, resulting in increased visits to the doctor.
In addition, roughly 3 in 5 parents are forced to skip work or school at times due to financial constraints preventing them from providing the necessary diapers for their babies in childcare. Ensuring access to clean diapers emerges as an essential requirement for every baby and toddler.
Through the Resource Center’s Diaper Bank program, families are eligible to receive an allotment of diapers and wipes per month. Families in need can apply through the link below by the 20th of each month to pick up diapers during business hours after the 1st of the following month.
Nationwide, studies have found that diaper need is a significant contributor to postpartum depression. 1 out of 3 parents cut back on basic essentials to afford diapers for their children. Babies will use an estimated 6,000 diapers during their first 2 years of life. Families expressing a need for diapers represent a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Considering babies 2-4 months old can use up to 1o diapers a day and babies 12 months and up can use around 210 diapers a month - that adds up!
The Resource Center’s Diaper Bank program is one more step in our mission to foster a healthy community by connecting Orcas Islanders with the services needed to thrive and achieve equitable well-being. We’re here to help! The little actions of many have a ripple effect when we work together. Help us spread the word!
Spring sports season is here and registration is now open for track & field, baseball, softball, and golf. The rewards of youth sports extend beyond the field! Participation can lead to immediate and long-term benefits for youth, families, and communities. As the National Council of Youth Sports notes, “Youth sports is a proven strategy t
Spring sports season is here and registration is now open for track & field, baseball, softball, and golf. The rewards of youth sports extend beyond the field! Participation can lead to immediate and long-term benefits for youth, families, and communities. As the National Council of Youth Sports notes, “Youth sports is a proven strategy to provide needed physical, social, emotional and leadership outcomes.”
Nearly two-thirds of parents say youth sports pose a financial hardship on their family. The Orcas Community Resource Center and the OI Booster Club aim to remove that barrier for our island athletes. Partnering together, we provide support for families who need help to cover school athletic expenses such as shoes, gear, and special equipment through the Athletic Assistance Fund.
Using sports to build community and promote healthy living is highly beneficial on multiple levels. Sports have the power to bring people together, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants and spectators alike. Expanding opportunities for youth to play sports protects and improves mental health while teaching important life skills.
If sports-related expenses are a stretch for your family, please consider applying through the link below and a staff member from the Resource Center will contact you. Households will need to reapply for athletic assistance each season. Additionally, recipients of Free & Reduced lunch are eligible to have sports registration fees waived.
Don’t let costs of fees or equipment be a barrier! Whether you are an experienced player or just starting out, seize this opportunity to embark on a journey of skill development, teamwork and unforgettable moments!
Did you know Washington workers may be eligible for up to $1255 back with the new Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)? This is a relatively new credit and available to applicants who have lived in Washington a minimum of 183 days, are at least 25 and under 65 years of age, OR have a qualifying child in 2023.
Applicants must have filed a 20
Did you know Washington workers may be eligible for up to $1255 back with the new Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC)? This is a relatively new credit and available to applicants who have lived in Washington a minimum of 183 days, are at least 25 and under 65 years of age, OR have a qualifying child in 2023.
Applicants must have filed a 2023 federal tax return with a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Want to file your taxes for free online? Check out Direct File, a new tool from the IRS, at directfile.irs.gov. Another option allowing taxpayers to file for no cost on their own or with a virtual tax preparer can be found at myfreetaxes.com.
Tax season can bring an important boost of extra cash for low to moderate income families through credits like the WFTC and the Earned Income Tax Credit. Combined, these two tax credits put an average of $2,926 back into the pockets of households with lower incomes each year. That is a total of $895 million in Washington! Still, last year, fewer than half of estimated eligible households applied.
Online applications are open now! Did you miss applying for the credit last year? Don’t worry - you’ll be able to submit an application for 2022.
For more information or to see if you qualify, visit WFTC.wa.gov or call 360-763-7300. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish. or call 360-763-7300. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.
April is National Financial Literacy Month and the Resource Center is excited to share that our Orcas Money Smart financial literacy program is nearing completion of its second year. Throughout this nine month program, volunteer mentors teach participants the basics of budgeting, savings, banking, housing decisions, debt, credit, disaster
April is National Financial Literacy Month and the Resource Center is excited to share that our Orcas Money Smart financial literacy program is nearing completion of its second year. Throughout this nine month program, volunteer mentors teach participants the basics of budgeting, savings, banking, housing decisions, debt, credit, disaster preparedness & more.
In addition to group classes, each participant also meets with a mentor to enhance the learning process and assist with setting and achieving SMART goals. The “SMART” in SMART goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. This approach helps to set clear timelines and track progress. Participants also have the opportunity to earn as they learn by successfully attending training, mentor meetings & working to complete goals.
Surveying our current Orcas Money Smart participants, all reported that they have become more financially knowledgeable and 90% of participants mentioned they feel better equipped to manage their own finances. One participant expressed, “Thank you SO much for hosting this opportunity for our island community!”
The Resource Center also recently took time to dive a little deeper with some questions for our Orcas Money Smart volunteer mentors about their involvement in the program. Nick Johns shared, “I wanted to become a mentor for the program because I believe that money skills have positive ripple effects for our local economy. Our program participants will be able to share their knowledge and success with their family, friends, and fellows.”
Volunteer mentor Brett Lensing, mentioned he felt “fortunate to be a part of an engaged group of class participants working to set goals and activities in line with their financial success. It's been a privilege to support Orcas Money Smart as a volunteer mentor and be part of the program.”
Orcas Money Smart class starts annually each fall. We are actively seeking both participants and mentors. If you would like to participate in this incredible learning opportunity, email info@orcascrc.org.
Continuing a fifteen-year tradition, the Orcas Community Resource Center joyfully hosted Orcas' annual Kindergarten Transition event, honoring children as they prepare to embark on their kindergarten journey this fall. Regardless of which school they will attend, all kinder aged children were invited to attend the fun-filled evening.
Surr
Continuing a fifteen-year tradition, the Orcas Community Resource Center joyfully hosted Orcas' annual Kindergarten Transition event, honoring children as they prepare to embark on their kindergarten journey this fall. Regardless of which school they will attend, all kinder aged children were invited to attend the fun-filled evening.
Surrounded by familiar faces and new friends, families participated in learning stations designed to focus on reading, math, art, writing, fine and gross motor skills and more. Preschool and kindergarten teachers enthusiastically facilitated activities, empowering families to grasp educational concepts to practice at home.
“Thanks for a wonderful event! My timid daughter came home buzzing with excitement for kindergarten in the fall.”
The memorable occasion took place at the inviting Parish Hall and Labyrinth, where the Orcas Island Library warmly greeted attendees offering them the opportunity to sign up for their very own library card. Soon-to-be kindergarteners left with plenty of smiles and backpacks brimming with supplies to support skill-building over the summer months. Additionally, each child was presented with a Darvill’s gift voucher to expand their personal library with new books.
To complete the experience, guests were treated to a delicious taco dinner prepared by Johanna’s Salvadorian Catering. This valuable opportunity to ease students’ up-and-coming transition is a no-cost annual event sponsored by the Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP), Orcas Community Resource Center and a generous local donor.
June is Great Outdoors Month, a time to celebrate the beauty and wonder of nature, explore the great outdoors, and appreciate the natural world around us.
Whether it's hiking in a national park, camping under the stars, fishing in a serene lake, or simply enjoying a picnic in a local park, Great Outdoors Month offers endless opportunitie
June is Great Outdoors Month, a time to celebrate the beauty and wonder of nature, explore the great outdoors, and appreciate the natural world around us.
Whether it's hiking in a national park, camping under the stars, fishing in a serene lake, or simply enjoying a picnic in a local park, Great Outdoors Month offers endless opportunities to connect with nature. It’s also a time to reflect on the importance of environmental stewardship and take steps to preserve our natural landscapes for future generations.
Engaging in outdoor activities not only provides physical health benefits but also boosts mental well-being by reducing stress and enhancing mood. It's a chance to unplug from the digital world, breathe in fresh air, and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Let's embrace the spirit of adventure! Join us on June 30th for a “Walking Together for Our Health” community wellness event at Cascade Lake in Moran State Park. The walk around Cascade Lake Trail is just under 3 miles of gentle ups and downs along with occasional harder inclines.
Blood pressure checks, snacks, drawings and prizes will be available for participants. Organized by the Resource Center’s LatinX Advisory Group, the event is 2-5pm and free for all ages with no registration required.
Oral health is crucial for overall well-being, extending far beyond a bright smile. Maintaining good oral hygiene prevents common dental issues such as cavities and gum disease, which can significantly impact daily life. Furthermore, oral health is closely linked to systemic health; conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory
Oral health is crucial for overall well-being, extending far beyond a bright smile. Maintaining good oral hygiene prevents common dental issues such as cavities and gum disease, which can significantly impact daily life. Furthermore, oral health is closely linked to systemic health; conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections have been associated with poor oral hygiene. Access to dental care can have far-reaching benefits for individuals and communities as a whole.
Community dental clinics are vital for ensuring equitable availability of oral healthcare, particularly in underserved areas. After logistics prevented the Medical Teams International dental van from continuing to operate on Orcas Island, establishing an alternative became imperative.
The formation of the new Community Dental Clinic was a collaborative effort involving several key organizations; Orcas Community Resource Center, Orcas Health Care District, Orcas Island Community Foundation, and San Juan County. The Community Dental Clinic promotes oral health and well-being by serving islanders on Medicaid or without dental insurance who cannot afford dental care.
Since its first day of operation on May 10th, 2024, the clinic has served 34 people and has approximately 200 on the waiting list. Many thanks to Marsha Waunch for her VIP volunteer work, the Orcas Island Fire Department for temporarily hosting the clinic (a more permanent location is being sought out for the fall), and the clinic dentist, Dr. Jessica Dubek, who brings her staff from Bellingham under the non profit DentALL.
Upcoming dates for Orcas Island (*denotes bilingual clinics):
August: 16, 17*, 30, 31
September: 13, 27, 28
October: 4, 5, 25, 26*
Ultimately, community dental clinics help bridge the gap in healthcare disparities, promoting healthier communities and improving quality of life for islanders. Interested individuals must submit an application at docs.sanjuanco.com/Forms/DentalProgram.
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