EDITOR’S NOTE: For 25 years, Peninsula Daily News readers in Jefferson and Clallam counties have supported the “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund.
Today, we feature another in a series of articles on how the fund operates and who benefits from our readers’ generosity.
To donate online by credit card, click on https://secure.peninsuladailynews.com/homefund.
CARLSBORG — “I wish I could be one to give money like the people who have provided this money for my family,” said Natalie Wagner of the vouchers she received from the Peninsula Daily News’ Peninsula Home Fund.
Natalie, 24, and her husband, Justin, 28, both work.
He has two jobs, and she is putting in as many hours as her employer will allow.
The Wagners and their three young daughters — Angel, 8; Victoria, 4; and Savannah, 2 — live in an apartment in Carlsborg.
“I was on empty, and my mom gave me the last $5 in her wallet,” recalled Natalie of a day last September when she was trying to put together enough money to get her youngest daughter to the baby sitter’s in SunLand and then on to work.
When the parents of a family are barely making ends meet, sometimes an everyday task like putting gas in the car can seem insurmountable.
Justin leaves home at 5 a.m. for his job with a home construction company.
He then goes to various interior construction jobs after a brief stop at home in the evenings to spend time with his family. He usually returns home around 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.
Natalie works at a fast-food restaurant in Sequim, sometimes working 13 days in a stretch. Both parents are working their hardest to cover rent, utilities, food and other necessities.
“We’ve downsized a couple of times,” said Natalie.
Finances were not always this way. Justin had a better-paying job just a few years ago. The family was living comfortably in a six-bedroom house.
But then the job faltered. They had to give up the house and move into the Carlsborg apartment.
“When we first moved in, we paid a couple of months ahead of time,” said Natalie.
But in the following months, their finances grew tighter and tighter.
As school began this fall, Natalie realized that her girls had outgrown their school clothes — and she had no money to remedy the situation.
A teacher of Victoria’s took the initiative to contact OlyCAP — nonprofit Olympic Community Action Programs, the No. 1 emergency-care agency in Jefferson and Clallam counties — on the Wagner family’s behalf.
OlyCAP manages the Home Fund for the PDN, screens the applicants, carefully disburses the funds and provides life-changing counseling and services to those who need a “hand up, not a handout.”
The Wagners got a $75 voucher for Goodwill for each of their daughters to get $25 worth of clothes for school.
Natalie also received several vouchers for gas.
“I was so relieved,” she said. “It took off the burden of not being able to pick them up. Without it, I would have been stranded.”
She added:
“The thought behind the money for these vouchers, and just knowing how much the funding has helped me . . . I hope to be able to do this for someone someday.”
‘Hand up, not a handout’
The PDN’s Peninsula Home Fund — a safety net for local residents when there is nowhere else to turn — is seeking contributions for its annual holiday season fundraising campaign that runs from Thanksgiving through Dec. 31.
From Port Townsend to Forks, from Quilcene and Brinnon to Sequim and LaPush, the Home Fund is a “hand up, not a handout” for children, teens, families and the elderly to get through an emergency situation.
Money from the Home Fund is used for hot meals for seniors in Jefferson and Clallam counties; warm winter coats for kids; home repairs for a low-income family; needed prescription drugs; dental work; safe, drug-free temporary housing; eyeglasses — the list goes on and on.
Begun in 1989, the Home Fund is supported by Jefferson and Clallam residents.
Individuals, couples, families, businesses, churches, service organizations and school groups set a record for contributions in 2012: $268,137.
With heavy demand again this year, the carefully rationed fund is being depleted rapidly.
Since Jan. 1, the Home Fund has helped more than 3,000 individuals and households, many with children.
As we move into winter, the toughest period of the year, all of the money collected in 2012 is expected to be exhausted by Dec. 31.
No money is deducted by the Peninsula Daily News for administration fees or any other overhead.
Every penny goes to OlyCAP to help the most vulnerable members of our community, from infants to families to seniors.
Peninsula Home Fund not a welfare program.
Assistance, which usually averages less than $100, is also limited to one time in a 12-month period.
The average amount of help this year has been $69.86 per family.
But even though the dollar figures are small, the impact can be big, in huge, life-changing ways.
And, as needed, Peninsula Home Fund donations are also used in conjunction with money from churches, service clubs and other donors, enabling OlyCAP to stretch the value of the contribution.
The fund is not set up to hand out money passively.
The Home Fund staff’s most important goal is to get the individual or family through a crisis.
Whenever possible, case managers work with each individual or family to develop a plan to become financially stable — and avoid a recurrence of the emergency that prompted aid from the fund.
The goal again: “a hand up, not a handout.”
All contributions are fully IRS tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law for the year in which a check is written.
Your personal information also is kept confidential.
The PDN does not rent, sell, give or otherwise share your address or other information with anyone or make any other use of it.
Applying for a grant
To apply for a Peninsula Home Fund grant, contact one of the three OlyCAP offices:
■ OlyCAP’s Port Angeles office is at 228 W. First St., Suite J (Armory Square Mall); 360-452-4726. For Port Angeles- and Sequim-area residents.
■ Its Port Townsend office is at 823 Commerce Loop; 360-385-2571. For Jefferson County residents.
■ The Forks office is at 421 Fifth Ave.; 360-374-6193. For West End residents.
Leave a message in the voice mail box at any of the three numbers, and a Home Fund caseworker will phone you back.
OlyCAP’s website: www.olycap.org.
Email: action@olycap.org.
Geoff Crump, OlyCAP’s executive director, oversees disbursements from the Peninsula Home Fund. He can be reached at 360-385-2571 or by emailing gcrump@olypen.com.
If you have any questions about the fund, phone John Brewer, PDN editor and publisher, at 360-417-3500.
Or email jbrewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
Contributions so far
The Peninsula Daily News publishes the donation coupon and information about the fund every Sunday and Wednesday during the fundraising campaign.
While most of the money is raised between Thanksgiving and Dec. 31, the fund itself never closes.
Donations of any amount are always welcome.
Below is a list of donors whose contributions were processed between Dec. 5 and Dec. 11.
Thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors like Natalie and Justin Wagner and their three daughters:
■ Larry Barnes, Sequim — $75. In honor of Susan Molin.
■ Gerri Ferguson, Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Becky Jewell.
■ Myra Ward, Sequim — $100.
■ Steve and Philomena Brown, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sarah Garling, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Bradford E. Dawes.
■ Ann Thomas, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Vern and Vida Bessey, Port Townsend — $100. In honor of our moms and dads.
■ Jeanne and John Skow, Port Angeles — $1,000.
■ Millie Lyon, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Stanley and Janine Moore, Forks — $50.
■ LaVonne and Bill Mueller, Sequim — $100.
■ Robert Swegle and Sara Lee O’Connor, Port Angeles — $200. In honor of Michael O’Connor.
■ Dorothy Munkeby, Port Angeles — $20. In memory of Jan Ljubich and Milton D. Hunt.
■ Fred and Georgine L. Sullivan, Walnut Creek, Calif. — $100. Thank you for all you do.
■ Magot Levitan, Sequim — $100.
■ Pat Perry Nix, Sequim — $100.
■ Howard Gipson, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Paul S. Hanway, Sequim — $100.
■ Mary R. Thayne, Sequim — $25.
■ William and Jeanne Manzer, Sequim — $200.
■ Kathryn Hofer, Port Angeles — $200. In memory of Dale Hofer.
■ Karen and Steve Hanan, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Joe and Dee Blanchard, Sequim — $200.
■ Carol Lee and Robin Moses, Sequim — $400.
■ Barbara Brittingham, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of my sister, Joan Favre.
■ Laurine and Jim Drennan, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Steven A. McCreary, Port Townsend — $100.
■ Dick and Fran Niichel, Scottsdale, Ariz. — $500.
■ Sons of Norway No. 37 Building Association, Port Angeles — $100.
■ Earl and Becky Archer, Sequim — $100.
■ John and Sue Miles, Port Angeles — $200. In honor of Walter.
■ Shirley Van Riper, Sequim — $150.
■ Walter and Edith Rowell, Centennial, Colo. — $100. In honor of Ben and Donna Pacheco.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
■ Barbara Schroeter, Port Angeles. In memory of Arthur Dondlinger and Larry Dondlinger.
■ Bruce and Genni Ferguson, Port Angeles. In memory of Max DeLa Cruz.
■ Patti and Mike Brandt, Sequim.
■ Patricia Y. Vautier, Port Angeles. In memory of Dan Vautier.
■ Don and Geri Zanon, Port Angeles. In memory of Bob Helander.
■ Bob Walthers and Nancy Johnson, Port Townsend.
■ Norman Melos, Sequim.
■ Mel and Vicci Rudin, Port Angeles.
■ 7 Cedars Casino, Sequim. We at the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe and the 7 Cedars Casino resort properties (including the Longhouse Market and the Cedars at Dungeness Golf Course) have been blessed with much success.
We want to also recognize that this support also comes from our other businesses, i.e., Jamestown Excavating, JKT Development Co., the Jamestown Family Health and Dental Clinics, and our Northwest Native Expressions Gallery.
We believe that as S’Klallam people, we are culturally known for our strength and generosity.
It is in the nature, character and culture of the Jamestown people to give to those in need whether they are of S’Klallam ancestry or from the neighboring non-Native community.
In this cooperative spirit, we humbly submit this donation to your organization to assist in your efforts to serve those in need.
We very much appreciate the service you provide to the community during the holiday season and throughout the year.
We wish to you and all who support your cause a very merry Christmas and happy New Year!
— W. Ron Allen, tribal chairman/chief executive officer, Jamestown S’Klallam tribe
— Jerry R. Allen, chief executive officer, 7 Cedars Casino
■ James and Celia Read, Port Angeles.
■ Susan Rose, Port Angeles. In honor of Maxine Clark.
■ Hazel Gershowitz, Port Angeles.
■ William H. Cunningham, Port Angeles. In honor of Valerie.
■ Don Mason, Port Angeles. In memory of Pat Mason.
■ Jean Tyson, Port Angeles.
■ Paul and Bobbie Ryan, Sequim. In memory of Pat and Cliff Lunneborg.
■ Ron and Sandy Casscles, Sequim.
■ Mietta M. Young, Sequim.
■ Jacqueline Davis, Sequim. In memory of Ron R. Davis.
■ John and Kim McBride, Sequim.
■ Ella M. Sandvig, Port Townsend.
■ Kristin Ecklund, Sequim. In honor of Ray Strazdin. In appreciation for the caring leadership and stewardship of Emerald Highlands CERT’s founding president. — Kris and Stew
■ Dave and Kath Gronning, Port Angeles. In honor of the one eighty and the one ninety.
■ Dave and Kath Gronning, Port Angeles. In memory of Kathy, Agnes, Randy, Stan and Mimi, and Rae.
■ Riley and Ann Bigler, Sequim.
■ Michael Nathan, Port Angeles.
■ Frank and Ruth Welch, Port Angeles.
■ Betty M. Gray, Port Angeles. In memory of Don Gray.
■ Van Maxwell and Rennie Shannon, Port Angeles.
■ Don Claussen and Pat Beltz, Sequim.
■ Mary E. Reid, Port Angeles.
■ Gary and Lynn Anderson, Sequim.
■ Ray and Jan Morgan, Port Angeles.
■ Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In appreciation of my family and friends who assisted in my recovery from surgery. You are all shining stars.
■ Lee and Irene Wyman, Port Angeles. In memory of Pat Higdon.
■ Lee and Irene Wyman, Port Angeles. In memory of Uncle Howard Page.
■ Donald G. Schreiner, Sequim. In memory of Gwen R. Schreiner.
■ Hazel Blake, Sequim. In memory of Charles Blake.
■ Lee D. Shames, Port Angeles. In memory of Marlene Kling.
■ Harry and Rosemarie Downing, Port Townsend.
■ Don and Faith Knowles, Sequim.
■ Ellen and Barry Lerich, Nordland
■ Phil Edin and Margie Huetter, Port Angeles.
■ Nada J. Johnson, Port Angeles.
■ Brad and Kathy Anderson, Port Angeles. In honor of Barbara Townsend
■ Anna Bush, Sequim.
■ Erica C. Schreiber, Sequim. In honor of Dr. Joe B. Corn and his staff:
I am very fortunate to have Dr. Corn and his staff taking care of my medical needs. They are always available when I need them, and I get excellent care.
■ Cornelia Schadler, Sequim. In honor of Lee G. Squier.
■ Cornelia Schadler, Sequim. In memory of Janet W. Squier.
■ Anna Rixon, Port Angeles. In memory of Tom Rixon.
■ Olympic Electric Co. Inc., Port Angeles. In memory of Henry and Jane Burkhardt.
■ Dan and Vicki Pierson, Port Angeles.
■ Linda Anderson, Sequim.
■ Olympic Springs, Carlsborg.
■ Bob and Audrey Kaplan, Port Angeles.
■ Doug McClary, Sequim. In memory of Hoot, my deceased 16-year-old Scottie.
■ Rita Marston, Port Angeles. In memory of Don Marston.
■ William R. Parke, Chapel Hill, N.C. In memory of Earl and Bernice Parke.
■ William R. Parke, Chapel Hill, N.C. In memory of Bob and Peggy Reith.
■ Cliff and Isabell Forward, Port Townsend.
■ Carol Ahrens, Sequim. In memory of Kaye Rotte.
■ Kathleen Melton, Port Angeles. In memory of Joseph Melton.
■ Ronald and Robin Sidwell, Port Angeles.
■ Beverly Stanley, Port Angeles.
■ Mike and Marlene McMillen, Port Angeles. In memory of our son, Keith McMillen.
■ Tom and Sandi Shields, Sequim.
■ Janiell McLaughlin, Port Angeles.
■ Joyce and Bill Brown, Port Townsend.
■ Betsy R. Schultz, Port Angeles.
■ D. Huddleston, Sequim.
■ Margaret Edris, Port Angeles. In memory of Monica Sanford.
■ David and Marcia Chance, Port Angeles.
■ James and Joanne Hallett, Port Angeles.
■ Gary and Geri Braun, Port Angeles.
■ May Y. Carrell, Port Angeles.
■ Suzette and Charles Williams, Port Angeles.
■ Jerry Macomber, Sequim. In memory of Ben Niese.
■ Hazel Vail, Port Angeles. In memory of Ken Vail.
■ Karen Pate, Port Townsend.
■ Don and Barbara Smith, Port Townsend.
■ Rich and Claudia Fox, Sequim. In memory of Will Berger.
■ Claudia and Rich Fox, Sequim. In memory of Danny Holmquist.
■ Oke Lindh, Port Hadlock.
■ Ed and Carol Fjerstad, Sequim. In memory of Burnie Fjerstad and Mary Nosko.
■ Merrill Jefferson, Sequim. In memory of Bee Jefferson.
■ Helen and Richard McCammon, Sequim.
■ Don Fleisher, Sequim.
■ Jim Stendebach and Dan King, Port Angeles.
■ Pamela Westlake Mirrer, Sequim. In memory of Gordon and Connie Westlake.
■ Bud Critchfield, Sequim.
■ Bob and Jackie Partridge, Port Angeles. In memory of all our loved ones.
■ Dick and Connie Thorson, Port Angeles.
■ Gerald and Charlotte Pierce, Sequim.
■ Reed Finfrock, Sequim. In memory of Larry Phillips, Vietnam vet.
■ Barbara Vanderwerf, Sequim.
■ Fran and Joe Streva, Sequim.
■ Dr. Roger Eichman, Nordland.
■ Clare Hollingsworth, Port Angeles.
■ Kathy and Jim Wesley, Port Angeles.
■ Bob Coates, Port Angeles. In memory of Mom and Dad.
■ Phil and Marian Meany, Port Townsend.
■ Harriet and Ralph Angulo, Port Angeles.
■ Mark and Patricia Lewis, Sequim.
■ Dave and Kath Kushman Gronning, Port Angeles. In honor of the caring staff of St. Andrew’s Place.
■ G.E.C. Investments, Sequim.
■ Daniel and Barbara Hart, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents.
■ Yvette Cline, Port Angeles. In honor of Peninsula College Educare staff.
■ Lucy and James Kittrick, Port Angeles.
■ Colleen Ostrye, Port Angeles. In memory of Dale Hickson.
■ Randy and Kim Lemon, Port Angeles. In loving memory of Danny Holmquist.
■ Dennis and Diane Isaac, Sequim.
■ Nick and Sandy Larson, Port Angeles. In memory of Fred and Bob Michalscheck.
■ Roger Lien, Beaver. In memory of Joan Lien.
■ Katherine Hennessey, Port Angeles.
■ Michael and Freda Tallmadge, Port Angeles. In memory of Henry D. Tallmadge.
■ Emogene Herb, Sequim. In memory of Jay and Randy Herb.
■ Betty Abbott, Port Angeles. In memory of family and friends.
■ Margaret S. Savory, Port Angeles. In memory of Ernest Savory.
■ Lori Hendrickson, Port Angeles. In memory of Jim Hendrickson.
■ Ron Spring, Sequim.
■ Barbara K. Miller, Port Angeles. In memory of David and Beth Row.
■ Bob’s Electric Inc., Port Angeles.
■ Bruce and Judy Pape, Port Angeles.
■ Bill and Bonnie Dyrness, Sequim.
■ Heather Peters, Chimacum. In memory of Ellsworth (Pete) Peters:
In honor of Grandpa, who dedicated himself to his country and community, with thanks for your service, your faith and your good works.
■ Heather Peters, Chimacum. In memory of Jack Phillips:
For my Grampy, the quiet, steady heartbeat of our family for so many years. We treasure every memory, and your shining example guides us still.
■ Bill and Sharon Alton, Port Angeles.
■ James and Dorothy Clawson, Port Ludlow. In honor of military personnel.
■ Bob and Berit Cole, Sequim.
■ Richard and Carol Norseen, Sequim.
■ Chuck and Marian McGilvra, Port Angeles. In memory of Jim and Marianne Stites.
■ Verna Partridge, Port Angeles. In honor of John Partridge.
■ Wes and Puri Heacock, Port Angeles.
■ Jack and Janet Real, Sequim. In memory of Diane Cuoio.
■ Julian and Maureen McCabe, Port Angeles.
■ June L. Matriotti, Sequim.
■ Don Wilson, Port Townsend.
■ Steve and Linda Bailey, Carlsborg.
■ E.C. and Jean Gockerell, Sequim. In memory of Carl Gockerell.
■ Scott Younkin and Gail Hebrank, Port Angeles.
■ Bill and Joan Riedel, Sekiu. In memory of the Joe and Eva Riedel family.
■ April Kilgore and Monroe Stringham, Port Angeles.
■ John and Renee Jones, Sequim.
■ Danny and Debbie Donahue, Palm Springs, Calif. In memory of our sister, Darcie Donahue Gasche.
■ Carol and Dan Donahue, Joyce. In memory of our daughter, Darcie Donahue Gasche.
■ Mandee and Kaydee Manes, Joyce. In memory our mother, Darcie Donahue Gasche.
■ Bob A. Massey, Sequim. In memory of my wife, Margaret Massey.
■ Ron and Kathi Larsen, Sequim. In memory of our moms, Theresa Larsen and Barbara King.
■ Norma Wiggins, Port Angeles. In memory of Dora and Tony Anton.
■ Larry and Nancy Lang, Port Angeles.
■ Jerry and Judy Mann, Sequim.
■ John and Mary Wegmann, Port Angeles.
■ Deanne Lachner and Perry Lachner, McKinney, Texas. In honor of Alan and Michaelle Barnard:
This donation represents our Christmas gift this year to the people of Port Angeles. Inspired by my father, Alan Barnard.
■ Donald Thompson, Port Angeles. In memory of Irene Hurely.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $20.
■ Shreveport, La. — $10,000
■ Port Townsend — $50.
■ Sequim — $50. In honor of Barbara.
■ Port Angeles — $300.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Townsend — $25.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $750.
■ Sequim — $500.
■ Port Angeles — $150.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $20.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $20.
■ Port Townsend — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $250. In memory of Marian Fisken Byse.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $500. In memory of our son, Mark.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Port Townsend — $25. Thank you!
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $250.
■ Sequim — $50.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Sequim — $100. In memory of our parents.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $200. In memory of Rae Burdick.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $25.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Ludlow — $100.
■ Port Ludlow — $500.
■ Port Angeles — $20.
■ Sequim — $200.
■ Port Angeles — $500.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Sequim — $25.
■ Sequim — $250.
■ Port Angeles — $400.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $75.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $30.
■ Port Townsend — $200.
■ Port Townsend — $100. In memory of Gerald Thorsen.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $100.
■ Port Angeles — $500.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Port Townsend — $50.
■ Port Townsend — $25. In memory of Rose.
■ Sequim — $100.
■ Sequim — $100. In memory of Don Saylor, who left us with memories of his laughter.
■ Sequim — $60.
■ Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Angelo and James Prodoti. And the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
■ Port Angeles — $25. In memory of Cheryl Mayer.
■ Port Angeles — $30.
■ Port Angeles — $50.
■ Port Townsend — $300.
■ Sequim — $100.
_________
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 email him at jbrewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
We’ll rerun the listing correctly.
Our sincerest appreciation again to our donors.
