EDITOR’S NOTE: For 20 years, Peninsula Daily News readers in Jefferson and Clallam counties have supported the “hand up, not a handout”Peninsula Home Fund.
This is another in a series of articles on how the fund operates and who benefits from our readers’ generosity.
The next article will appear Wednesday.
By Tim Hockett
For Peninsula Daily News
PORT HADLOCK — It’s an ongoing dilemma in our society.
What should we do when families, for whatever reason, cannot raise their own children?
Most of us immediately think of foster care.
Others know well that another avenue of care is very common — grandparents raising a “second” family.
Indeed, current U.S. Census estimates are that more than 6 million children in America are being raised by their grandparents.
All of us have known families that have needed to rely on “grandma and grandpa” to help watch or even raise the kids.
For some, the responsibility weighs heavily.
Such is the case with Nancy Papasodora, a hard-working grandmother determined to raise her grandkids in a loving, safe environment.
She is currently raising four grandchildren — but to take the last one she had to do something contrary to logic.
She had to give up a job.
Ranging in age from 21 months to 7 years, the kids are thriving as their grandmother loves each one and pieces together what she can to make ends meet.
“I honestly don’t know what I would have done without the support of this community and OlyCAP [Olympic Community Action Programs],” says Nancy, who was living alone before an unavoidable family situation sent the children to her.
“I had to give up a job and actually enter the welfare system so that I could get to the place where I could pay rent and buy food.
“I felt like I had to hit rock bottom before I could find a way up.”
A number of issues can result in grandparents raising grandchildren — illness, economic hardship, divorce, domestic violence, substance abuse, even incarceration.
Without wanting to discuss the specifics of why her daughter could not raise her own children, Nancy tells how difficult it was to turn to others for help as she stepped in to raise her grandchildren.
“I wasn’t finding much help from the government,” she says.
“I just couldn’t keep my job and watch several small children at the same time.”
With only the oldest in school, she had to arrange for two to enter preschool and one to enter Early Head Start so that she could be free to pursue any kind of job.
Once in that system, Nancy began to regain hope.
She accepted a job-training assignment as a community jobs worker and was assigned to OlyCAP’s Thrift Shoppe in Port Hadlock.
“I had scraped and borrowed to get by and that’s when OlyCAP really saved me,” she recalls.
“I found at OlyCAP that I could be helped a number of ways.”
Through a number of wrap-around supports from the Community Jobs program and from OlyCAP, she began to get her financial footing.
One of those supports was the Peninsula Home Fund.
In addition to being the No. 1 emergency care agency in Jefferson and Clallam counties, nonprofit OlyCAP also screens the applicants for the Peninsula Daily News’ “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund and distributes the funds.
“I needed gas money to make it to work and needed some help with the kids’ school clothes — I was able to get that assistance from the Home Fund,” Nancy says.
Nancy got less than $100 from the fund.
But it made all the difference.
She is effusive in her gratitude.
“At the thrift shop, I worked with wonderful people who helped me with some of my skills and provided a nurturing work environment,” she said.
“Everyone pitched in to find ways to support me. I didn’t even know about the Peninsula Home Fund.”
Now working as a home care aide 30 hours per week, she still struggles but has a routine down — “we are safe and get by day-to-day.”
Then she offers this assurance and appeal:
“I just do the best I can and love them every day.
“Please tell this community thank you for all the help they’ve provided; there are many others like me out there.”
Fund a lifeline
Through the generosity of your donations to the Peninsula Home Fund, Nancy has been given a hand up and the community has been made a little stronger.
Peninsula Home Fund provides a unique lifeline on the North Olympic Peninsula.
All the money collected for the Home Fund goes — without any deductions — for hot meals for seniors, warm winter coats for kids, home repairs for the low income, needed eyeglasses and prescription drugs, dental work, safe, drug-free temporary housing . . . the list goes on and on.
From Jan. 1 through today, the Home Fund had helped more than 1,785 families — more than 3,500 individuals — in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
On that list is Nancy Papasodora and her four grandchildren.
No deductions — a ‘hand-up’
From Thanksgiving through Dec. 31, the PDN’s Peninsula Home Fund — a safety net for residents in Jefferson and Clallam counties when there is nowhere else to turn — is seeking contributions for its annual holiday season fund-raising campaign.
From Port Townsend to Forks, from Quilcene and Brinnon to LaPush, it’s a “hand up, not a handout” for children, teens, families and the elderly.
• No money is deducted for administration or other overhead.
Your entire donation — 100 percent, every penny — goes to help those who are facing times of crisis.
• All contributions are fully IRS tax-deductible.
• Your personal information is kept confidential.
Peninsula Daily News does not rent, sell, give or otherwise share your address or other information with anyone, or make any other use of the information.
• Instances of help are designed to get an individual or family through the crisis — and every effort is made to put them back on the path to self-sufficiency.
That’s the “hand up, not a handout” focus of the fund.
In many instances, Peninsula Home Fund case managers at OlyCAP work with individuals or families to develop a plan to become financially stable — and avoid a recurrence of the emergency that prompted aid from the fund.
Spent by Dec. 31
• Begun in 1989, the fund is supported entirely by Jefferson and Clallam residents.
Individuals, couples, businesses, churches, service organizations and school groups set a new record for contributions in 2008 — $198,015.03.
With heavy demand this year, the carefully rationed fund is being rapidly depleted.
All the money collected in 2008 is expected to be spent before Dec. 31.
• Peninsula Home Fund contributions are often used in conjunction with money from other agencies, enabling OlyCAP to stretch the value of the contribution.
• Money is usually distributed in small amounts, usually up to $150.
• Assistance is limited to one time in a 12-month period.
Applying for a grant
To apply for a grant from the fund, phone OlyCAP at 360-452-4726 (Clallam County) or 360-385-2571 (Jefferson County).
If you have any questions about the fund, contact John Brewer, Peninsula Daily News editor and publisher, at 360-417-3500.
Or e-mail him at john.brewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
Peninsula Daily News publishes stories every Sunday and Wednesday during the fund-raising campaign listing contributors and reporting on how the fund works.
Contributions so far
While most of the money for the Peninsula Home Fund is raised between Thanksgiving and Dec. 31, the fund itself never closes.
Donations of any amount are always welcome.
Here is a list of donors whose contributions were received between Thanksgiving and Dec. 1 — thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors likeNancy Papasodora and her grandchildren:
• James W. Quinn, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Mary Quinn.
• Howard Gipson, Port Angeles — $100.
• Weldon and Joan Sharp, Sequim — $100.
• Max and Betty Paulk, Sequim — $500.
• Xi Iota Beta Sigma Phi, Port Angeles — $150.
• Thomas Santos, Sequim — $50. In honor of Ruth Godfrey.
• Karen and Ron Bednarski, Port Townsend — $100.
• Don and Peggy Whitmire, Sequim — $150. In memory of Ellis R. Clapp.
• Theresa Webster, Sequim — $50.
• Janine Moore, Forks — $25.
• Joan and Richard Sargent, Port Angeles — $20. In memory of daughter Paula Sargent.
• Emerald State Environmental, LLC/Brian Economy, owner; Port Angeles — $250.
• Carlene Brown, Sequim — $100. In memory of Ron Brown.
• Bonnie Robb, Lake Oswego, Ore. — $250. In honor of my Amazing Family.
• Quail Hollow Psychotherapy, Sequim — $100.
• Drs. Joseph and Judy Price, Sequim — $100.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
• Fred and Ann Weinmann, Port Townsend.
• Marilyn Brunins, Sequim.
• Ben and Kay Lonn, Forks.
• Ron and Sandy Casscles, Sequim.
• Janis Burger, Port Angeles.
• Richard L. Hempel, Sequim. In honor of Carolyn Hempel.
• Bernice Swanson, Sequim.
• Joyce and Vince Zodiaco, Nordland.
• Jim and Marci Thomsen, Port Angeles. In memory of Les and Lucille Puffer.
• Al and JoAnn Hamilton, Port Angeles. In memory of Dick and Gloria Timm.
• Keith and Fran Wollen, Port Angeles.
• Hazel Gershowitz, Port Angeles.
• Roger and Dianne Ludeman, Port Angeles.
• Roland and Vivian Raymond, Port Townsend.
• Kathleen Chapman, Port Angeles.
• Dorothea B. Coe, Port Angeles. In memory of H.E. Coe.
• Dale and Nathalia Doran, Port Angeles.
• Ed and Carol Fjerstad, Sequim. In memory of Burnie Fjerstad and Mary C. Nosko.
• Mary Howell, Forks.
• Judith A. Lindberg, Port Angeles. In memory of Marvin J. Lindberg. My Dad. My Hero.
• Homer and Karla Muto, Port Angeles.
• Helen Aastrom, Port Angeles. In memory of Eleanor Naddy.
• Ginge and Dale Nichols, Carlsborg. In memory of our parents.
• Shirley and Mike Berg, Sequim.
• Paul and Bobbie Ryan, Sequim. In memory of sister Pat
• Dorothea Morgan, Port Angeles. Peninsula Home Fund, the perfect, true Christmas idea!
• Phyllis and Dale W. Luther, Port Angeles.
• Carol Clark, Port Angeles.
• Dick and Dottie Foster, Port Angeles.
• Laura J. Horrocks, Port Angeles.
• Dale Cushman, Port Angeles.
• Jack Munro, Sequim.
• Leila Roberts, Port Angeles. In honor of Dan Roberts Sr.
• Ruth M. Lindberg, Port Angeles. In memory of Marvin J. Lindberg.
• Inge Magrs, Sequim. In memory of Bill Magrs.
• Charlotte Petersen, Port Angeles.
• Donald and June Hall, Sequim.
• Eleanor Thornton, Forks.
• Bob and Carol Philpott, Port Angeles.
• Nancy Oman, Port Angeles. In memory of Hank and Jane Burkhardt.
• Agnes R. Hansen, Forks. In memory of Larry and Scott.
• Monica Mansfield, Sequim.
• Yvette N. Polizzi, Sequim.
• Jean Coplin, Port Angeles. In memory of William Coplin.
• Dr. Roger Eichman, Nordland.
• Bill and Linda Rhodes, Port Angeles.
• Dr. and Mrs. Edward A. Hopfner, Port Angeles.
• Dixielee and Stan Sayles, Port Townsend. In memory of Sandy Wiest and Michael Sayles.
• Jean Lodeen, Port Angeles. In memory of Erven Lodeen.
• R. Bumgarner, Sequim.
• Paula Cunningham, Port Angeles. In loving memory of my mother, Elizabeth Cunningham.
• Carolyn Muller, Port Angeles. In loving memory of Willard Muller.
• Mark D. McCormick. Sequim. In honor of my loving parents, Trudy and Jim McCormick.
• Lanna and Edward Hammer, Port Angeles. In memory of Rosa Hammer.
• Marolyn and Herb Russell, Port Angeles. In memory of Willard Muller.
• Ken and Charlotte Patterson, Port Angeles.
• Chuck and Jacque Paye, Sequim.
• Jim and Linda deBord, Port Angeles.
• Just Dolls of Washington, Port Angeles.
• PAHS Class of 1954, Port Angeles.
• Wallace L. Avery, Sequim.
• Bob and Leola Reeve, Sequim.
• Rex and Olga Wilson, Port Angeles. In memory of Henry Acevedo.
• Ellen and Ted Tsoneff, Port Angeles. In memory of Jane Rowan.
• Ralph Lochridge and Dr. Kathy Van Griffen, Irvine, Calif.
• Jim and Dona Cloud, Port Angeles. In honor of family and friends.
• Betty J. Abbott, Port Angeles. In memory of my supportive family.
• Don and Carole Tipton, Sequim.
• Gary and Karen Kettel, Port Angeles. In memory of Martin and Amelia Kettel and Carl and Irene Haffurd.
• Tony and Daryl Masi, Port Angeles.
• Violet L. Embree, Port Angeles. In memory of parents.
• Ed Curington, Sequim.
• Jon and Elizabeth Valentine, Sequim.
• Ray and Jane Erickson, Port Townsend.
• Douglas McClary, Sequim. In memory of my parents — Jack and Mardelle McClary.
• Richard and Karen Grennan, Sequim. In memory of both our dads.
• Mr. and Mrs. T.R. Santos, Sequim.
• Carol Lee and Robin Moses, Carlsborg.
• Bob and Berit Cole, Sequim.
• David and Ann Salmon, Sequim. In memory of Ralph Leon and Ethel Salmon.
• Pat Vautier, Port Angeles. In memory of Dan Vautier.
• Nada Johnson, Port Angeles.
• Kathleen Balducci and family, Port Angeles. In memory of Bal and so many loved ones.
• Marjorie Faires, Port Angeles.
• Sarah Hile, Sequim.
• Don and Betty Gray, Port Angeles. In honor of our children, grand and great.
• Rita Marston, Port Angeles. In loving memory of Don Marston.
• June L. Matriotti, Sequim. In memory of Jo Matriotti Jennings.
• Gary and Geri Braun, Port Angeles.
• Betty M. Udd, Sequim.
• Kerry and Marilyn Perkins, Port Angeles. In memory of Eva Wilson.
• Kerry and Marilyn Perkins, Port Angeles. In memory of our families.
• James McPherson, Port Angeles.
• Doug and Trudy Rittenhouse, Port Angeles.
• Nancy H. Toepke, Port Angeles.
• Louise Carson, Port Angeles.
• Pat Schoen and Connie Engvall, Sequim.
• Russ and Sandra Hesselman, Port Angeles. In memory of Scott Hesselman.
• Pat and Jim Bias, Sequim. In memory of Herb Quinn.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
• Sequim — $50. In memory of Doug and Lillian Bacock.
nSequim — $100.
• Sequim — $200.
• Sequim — $125.
• Sequim — $50.
• Sequim — $50.
• No city listed — $20. In honor of Cheapskate Cards.
• Sequim — $100. In memory of Marge Scharschmidt.
• Port Angeles — $400.
• Sequim — $50.
• Port Townsend — $100. In memory of my husband.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $500.
• Port Ludlow — $100.
• Brinnon — $50.
• Sequim — $1,000.
• Sequim — $20.
• Port Ludlow — $50. In memory of our moms.
• Port Angeles — $20. In honor of Capt. Ryan Ashley, USMC, currently serving in Afghanistan.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $35.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Townsend — $50.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Townsend — $30.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $250.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $75.
• Sequim — $50.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Townsend — $100. In honor of Jerry Thorsen.
• Port Ludlow — $200.
• Sequim — $20.
• Port Angeles — $50. In memory of my daughter Diane.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Mathilda Thompson.
• Port Townsend — $50.
• Undisclosed — $100.
• Sequim — $500.
• Sekiu — $500.
•————-
HANDWRITING CAN BE hard to decipher at times.
Please report any errors in this list to John Brewer, 360-417-3500 (there’s voice mail if he’s away) — or e-mail him at john.brewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
We’ll rerun the listing correctly.
Our sincerest appreciation again to our donors.