EDITOR’S NOTE — For 21 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.
The next article will appear Wednesday.
By Tim Hockett for Peninsula Daily News
PORT ANGELES — Jodi Hall is a self-employed, single mom with three teenagers at home.
It’s a big job just being a mom, but Jodi needs to work to sustain her family.
She does so by operating her own business as a massage therapist.
“For the last several years, I have worked out at Sol Duc Hot Springs,” she says.
“It’s seasonal, but it has been a good location. I work there from mid-March till the end of October.”
Her employment tends to be “feast or famine,” as she is fully engaged from the late spring through early fall but then faces a long winter with little employment.
“I do try to save for the winter, but the fact is, I just pick up occasional work in the winter and then borrow some to make it till the next season.
“Then, I pay it back and move forward.
“Because I am self-employed, I get no unemployment — no vacation or sick leave, either. It’s either work or we have no money.”
It’s 40 miles each way to Sol Duc from her home, but it takes about an hour to get there as she winds her way around Lake Crescent and onto the access road deep into Olympic National Park.
Transportation is critical to her livelihood and to her family’s financial stability.
Brakes failed
Last June, the brakes went out on her ’99 Dodge.
She faced a bill of more than $400.
“This was already the most difficult year I could remember,” she says, “and this wasn’t the only time the car had broken down; I needed help.”
Jodi explains that businesses like hers that provide a personal service tend to decline when the economy is strained.
People have fewer discretionary dollars to spend even on a haircut — much less a massage.
Also, fewer people have insurance coverage that pays for a massage.
“I’ve spoken with a lot of massage therapists, and they are scared,” she says.
“They just don’t have many clients.”
It was against this backdrop of the recession that her transportation to work failed her.
Screens applicants
She came to OlyCAP.
OlyCAP is nonprofit Olympic Community Action Programs, the No. 1 emergency care agency in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
It also screens the applicants for the Peninsula Daily News’ “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund and distributes the funds.
“I came in and saw Betty at OlyCAP and explained that I have work but just couldn’t get there,” Jodi recalls.
“She reassured me and told me about the Peninsula Home Fund.
“She was able to provide me with a portion of the cost of fixing my car.”
The generosity of the community through the Peninsula Home Fund provided Jodi with $150 toward the repair; she was able to cover the rest and was soon back at work.
But OlyCAP’s help didn’t stop there.
Jodi was also able to take advantage of another OlyCAP service — home weatherization.
“I have a home that was built in the ’40s, and it didn’t have an ounce of insulation in it,” she says.
“OlyCAP came and weatherized my home. It is now cozy, and our power bills are going down.
“The crew was so polite and respectful, and they didn’t seem to mind our asking a hundred questions.”
Jodi then reflects on her ongoing struggle.
“I really try hard to make ends meet.
“My stove went out this year, and we made do with an electric skillet and a Crock-Pot for three months.
“The stove repair just had to wait.”
Yet, she is still optimistic.
“I think the potential is still there for me to be self-sufficient, to have a good massage therapy business.
“It’s important for single moms to be independent and not have to rely on others.
“It is interesting that in my occupation, I help relieve stress — the kind of stress that can hurt you from being at a keyboard all day.
“In this economy, more and more people are stressed; I am hopeful that my business will actually grow.”
Then, Jodi says “thank you.”
“The Home Fund is one of the most important programs in our community because people are willing to donate locally, knowing their dollars will help their local neighbors.
“I just wanted to say thank you.”
The PDN’s 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.
So far this year, from Jan. 1 through last Friday, the Home Fund has helped more than 2,040 individuals and families in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
On that list is Jodi Hall.
No deductions
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 record for contributions in 2009 — $230,806.95.
With heavy demand this year, the carefully rationed fund is being rapidly depleted.
So far $199,000 had been spent. The last $30,000 of the money collected in 2009 is expected to be exhausted 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 (Port Angeles and Sequim) or 360-385-2571 (Jefferson County).
There’s also an OlyCAP office in Forks — 360-374-6193.
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 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 Dec. 2 and Dec. 8 — thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors like Jodi Hall:
• Richard and Gayle Larson, Sequim — $50.
• Lynn and Jenifer Taylor, Port Townsend — $500.
• William and Nancy Irvine, Sequim and Santa Barbara, Calif. — $100.
• Naomi Marcus, Port Townsend — $200. In honor of the Marcus Family.
• Joanne Bailey, Port Townsend — $100. In memory of my husband, Carl Nyberg.
• Dave and Jenny Marceau, Sequim — $50.
• Curt and Lesa Oppelt, Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Laurel N. Oppelt.
• Norm and Anita Moran, Port Ludlow — $250. In honor of military service personnel.
• Gary and Linda Weightman, Port Angeles — $50.
• Jim and Laurine Drennan, Port Angeles — $100.
• Andy and Jeanne Jubb, Carlsborg — $100.
• Howard Gipson, Port Angeles — $100.
• Ray Weinmann, Port Angeles — $250
• Ann R. Thomas, Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Vicki Leach.
• Kathryn M. Monds, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Hal and Marion King.
• David and Lisa Bednarski, Snohomish — $200.
• Ron and Marilyn Carlson, Sequim — $50.
• Gene and Jean Spargo, Sequim — $100.
• Dianne and Sylvia Durrwachter, Port Angeles — $200. In memory of Ruth Durrwachter and Gladys Johnson.
• Margie A. Movius, Port Angeles — $35. In memory of Maxine A. Manhas.
• Margie A. Movius, Port Angeles — $113. In memory of my son, Paul J. Raber.
• Margie A. Movius, Port Angeles — $113. In honor of my daughter, Beverly J. Rice.
• Margie A. Movius, Port Angeles — $113. In memory of my nephew, Patrick W. (Pat) Rose.
• Margie A. Movius, Port Angeles — $113. In memory of Leroy E. Movius.
• Margie A. Movius, Port Angeles — $25. In honor of Phillip Downer, M.D., of Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle. Dr. Downer is one of only a few physicians in the Pacific Northwest who perform hip replacement surgery using the anterior approach. This new procedure offers patients quicker steps to recovery and makes small-incision surgery an option for more patients.
• Thomas Santos, Sequim — $60. In memory of Frank Godfrey.
• Brett and Susan Oemichen, Port Ludlow — $100.
• Dick and Fran Niichel, Scottsdale, Arizona — $400.
• Keith and Laurene Haugland, Port Angeles — $200.
• Jane and Randy Priest, Sequim — $100. In memory of Irma Priest, Gloria Eacrett.
• Janiell McLaughlin, Port Angeles — $25
• Riley and Ann Bigler, Sequim — $100.
• Lillian McVay, Sequim — $50.
• Kathryn J. Hofer, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Dale W. Hofer.
• Jan McIlroy, Sequim — $100. In memory of Bill McIlroy.
• Nick L. and Sandy Larson, Port Angeles — $400. In honor of 9-1-1 dispatchers and first responders — Ray Ellis Memorial Volunteer Ambulance Corps (Forks); Clallam and Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies; W.S.P. Troopers, Forks E.R. doctors and nurses. All Weather Heating’s Dave Birmingham.
• Jerry and Arlene Weed, Sequim — $100.
• Bernard and Mercedita Del Valle, Port Townsend — $150.
• Olympic Peninsula Doll Club, Sequim — $100.
• Theodore and Anna Rixon, Port Angeles — $25. In memory of Karen Ness.
• David C. Leaf, Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Christine Leaf.
• Sandra Louch, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Charles D. Louch.
• Dan and Esther Darrow, Port Ludlow — $275.
• Jim and Barbara Cammack, Port Angeles — $2,000.
• Gary and Lynn Anderson, Port Angeles — $100.
• Brad and Kathy Anderson, Sequim — $50. In honor of St. Vincent DePaul.
• Ron, June and Bruce Coleman, Sequim — $100.
• Bill and Beverlee Benbow, Sequim — $100.
• Zeller Westabrook, Port Angeles, — $25. In honor of James, “Jim” and Billie Roddick with memories of good friends and happy times.
• Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe and 7 Cedars Casino, Sequim — $5,000. 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 comes from our other businesses, i.e. Jamestown Excavating, JKT Development Co., Jamestown Health & Medical Supply, the Jamestown Medical Clinic 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!
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
• Ray and Lu Lovely, Port Angeles.
• Jack and Peg Rinker, Sequim.
• Dan and Patricia Nellis, Sequim. In memory of Connie G.
• Del and Kris Cadwallader, Port Angeles. In honor of our son, Erik Slater, in Iraq, and our military people. In memory of “Badger.”
• Donna and Marvin Litzau, Sequim.
• Donald and Barbara Reidel, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents Arthur and Armada Dixon and Max and Sylvia Reidel.
• Vicki Pierson, Port Angeles.
• Dick and Connie Thorson, Port Angeles.
• Sharon Hollatz, Port Angeles.
• Richard and Bonnie Stapleton, Sequim.
• Donna Baldwin, Port Angeles.
• Hannah Russell, Port Townsend. In honor of Brenda McMillan.
• Jennifer Sprague, Port Angeles. In memory of my son Clinton William Sprague.
• Don Wilson, Port Townsend.
• Sue Priddy and Allen Herlyck, Port Townsend.
• Robert and Sheila Becker, Port Angeles.
• Richard E. Rian, Port Angeles.
• Dave and Casey Murphy, Sequim.
• June Matriotti, Sequim. In memory of Jack and Betty Ryser, Percy and Josephine Matriotti.
• Lois and Gene Brown, Sequim. In memory of Greg Brown.
• Allen and Sharon Brannin, Port Angeles.
• Heather Peters, Chimacum. In memory of Jack Phillips — Grampy, you may have been gone from us for 10 years, but you live forever in our hearts. Your memory is a joy and a comfort always.
• Heather Peters, Chimacum. In memory of Ellsworth “Pete” Peters — For Grandpa, who is missed by family, friends and community this Christmas. We hold your memory in our hearts, and give thanks for your time among us.
• Larry and Darla Kalsbeek, Sequim. In memory of Kim Kalsbeek.
• Barbara Erler and Mel Perricone, Sequim.
• Janis Burger, Port Angeles.
• Lois and John Silver, Port Angeles. In memory of Susan Selig.
• Linda Westby, Sequim.
• Bob and Sue Erzen, Sequim.
• Sally C. Casad, Quilcene. In memory of Alex Hyatt.
• Penny Burdick, Sequim. In memory of Bobbie Dante.
• Jean and Al Slaight, Sequim.
• Marie Botnen, Sequim. In memory of Nadene Botnen.
• Jay and Lisa Divelbiss, Port Angeles. In memory of our fathers — Lloyd W. Divelbiss Sr. and Dan Vautier.
• Susan Chadd, Port Angeles. In honor of Bob Boardman.
• Rose Crumb, Port Angeles. In memory of Red Crumb.
• Charlie Byrd, Sequim. In memory of Karen Byrd.
• Ann Waldron and Enza McCormick, Sequim.
• Viki Kocha, Sequim.
• Gordon C. and Ruth Thomson, Port Angeles. In memory of Maxine Manhas.
• Jerry Kochanek, Port Angeles. In memory of John Kochanek.
• Donald Naddy, Port Angeles. In memory of Eleanor Naddy.
• Bill and Virginia Kinney, Sequim. In memory of Tom and Margaret Bryan.
• Dr. Roger Elchman, Nordland.
• Layton and Marsha Carr, Sequim.
• Pat Flood, M.S. LAC, Olympic Acupuncture, Port Angeles.
• Lorraine Schouten, Port Angeles. In memory of the Baker Family.
• Sue and C.V. Tondreau, Sequim.
• Robin and Gabe Ornelas, Port Townsend.
• Lorna J. Wells, Port Angeles.
• Tom and Evelyn Campbell, Sequim.
• D.M. Dodge, Sequim.
• Fred and Alta Wilson, Port Angeles.
• Shirley J. Hensley, Sequim.
• Joan and Bill Riedel, Sekiu. In honor of the Riedel Family.
• Mr. and Mrs. Williams Beal, Port Angeles.
• John and Joyce Engel, Port Townsend.
• James Sanderson, Carlsborg.
• Charles and Hazel Blake, Sequim.
• Alice B. Watkins, Port Angeles.
• Ned Luce, Port Ludlow.
• Alice Duffy, Port Townsend. In memory of Margery Martin.
• Brad and Nancy Anseth, Sequim.
• Erica C. Schreiber, Sequim. In honor of, and with thanks to, our wonderful caring medical groups here in our area.
• Pat Vautier, Port Angeles.
• Chuck and Marian McGilvra, Port Angeles. In memory of Jean Snyder.
• Francis Haigh, Port Townsend.
• Gene and Ann Trelstad, Port Angeles.
• Bill and Sharon Alton, Port Angeles.
• Doris L. Cromwell, Sequim.
• Barbara Vanderwerf, Sequim.
• Mount Pleasant Homemakers, Port Angeles.
• Bill and Carol Peet, Port Angeles.
• Mary and Gary Underwood, Port Angeles. In memory of Lacy Sturtevant.
• Al and Barbara Deese, Port Angeles. In honor of Ann Holke.
• Phil and Kathy Giuntoli, Seattle. In memory of Larry Page, a good friend and neighbor to everyone.
• Wes and Puri Heacock, Port Angeles.
• Gwyneth Hixson, Port Angeles. In memory of Ed Hixson.
• Barbara K. Miller, Port Angeles.
• Gary and Jan Holmquist, Port Angeles. In loving memory of Danny Holmquist.
• Weldon and Joan Sharp, Sequim.
• Denise E. Clarke MSEd, DMD, Port Angeles.
• Peter A. Horvitz, Kirkland.
• Ed McNulty, Sequim. In memory of Lois McNulty.
• Six Grandchildren, Port Angeles. In memory of Grampa Jack.
• Mary Ann Shaffer, Port Townsend. In memory of Sally Loken.
• Richard and Barbara Jepson, Sequim.
• Douglas and Kathleen Madsen, Port Angeles.
• James and Celia Read, Port Angeles.
• Elizabeth R. Myers, Sequim.
• Dave and Roberta Louden, Port Angeles. In honor of our wonderful mail carrier, Maureen, on Mount Pleasant Road.
• Mary Howell, Forks.
• Norseens, Sequim.
• Gail Kramer and Mike Repko, Sequim.
• Peter and Karen Bulkeley, Sequim.
• Blue Heron Wellness Center, Port Angeles.
• Lee Raymond, Sequim. In memory of Oda Dammeier.
• Pat and Jim Bias, Sequim.
• Len and Emily Mandelbaum, Port Townsend. In memory of Julia Owens.
• Daniel and Barbara Hart, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents.
• Peter and Darlene Granlund, Port Angeles.
• Joe and Karen Holtrop, Sequim.
• Mark and Pat Lewis, Sequim. In memory of Annette Kuss.
• Terry and Phyllis McMahon, Sequim.
• Nydia Levick, Sequim.
• Bob and Joanne Bird, Brinnon.
• Vera M. Klock, Sekiu. In honor of Edith Coburn.
• Steve and Sandy Munger, Port Angeles.
• David and Marcia Chance, Port Angeles.
• Lillian Green, Port Angeles. In honor of Don and Betty.
• Carolynn Moody, Port Townsend.
• Raymond C. and Janet A. Morgan, Port Angeles.
• Fred and Georgine Sullivan, Port Angeles.
• Jane Radich, Port Angeles. In honor of Mad Hatters.
• Arthur Judd and Family, Port Angeles. In memory of Berniece Judd.
• Jack and Marianne Duvo, Sequim.
• Haguewood Family, Port Angeles.
• Edith Snelgrove, Port Angeles. In memory of David and Martha Pitts.
• Richard and Sally Ruud, Port Angeles. In memory of Polly Polhamus.
• Mark and Patty Hannah, Port Angeles.
• Fred and Carol Royce, Port Angeles.
• Marvin and Carolyn Morillo, Port Angeles.
• Kent and Rosemary Brauninger, Port Angeles.
• Ann Weinmann, Port Townsend.
• Dart and Margie Whitmore, Sequim. In honor of our children.
• Michael and Lydia Stanhope, Sequim.
• D.J. Lodeen, Port Angeles. In memory of O. Erven Lodeen.
• Bob and Berit Cole, Sequim.
• James and Lucy Kittrick, Port Angeles.
• M. Ralph and Harriet Angulo, Port Angeles.
• Hazel Staudenraus, Port Angeles.
• Helga and Cliff Johnson, Port Angeles.
• Larry and Nancy Lang, Port Angeles.
• Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In memory of Fred and Lucy Ordona — At last you are together again. I miss you a lot and think of you often. Hold it all in the road. Love you.
• Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In memory of Todd McGarvie — You are missed by many. You are thought of often. Your children are wonderful and beautiful and a great legacy.
• Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In honor of Terry Cameron — You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Your strength and attitude are amazing. Keep up the fight. Love you.
• Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In honor of my family — Thank you for all the support and for being such a wonderful group of people. You are the best. Love you.
• Sarah Hile, Sequim.
• David and Loretta Bryant, Sequim.
• Claudia and Rich Fox, Sequim. In memory of Dan Holmquist.
• Larry and Marilynn Elliott, Sequim.
• Galen and Shelley Peterson, Port Townsend. In honor of Sally Garcea.
• Kay Young, Port Townsend.
• Joan Gloor, Port Angeles.
• Merry Van Deusen, Port Angeles. In memory of George Van Deusen.
• Kathy Sculley, Port Angeles.
• Richard and Karen Grennan, Sequim. In memory of Mimi and Papa.
• Richard and Tuttie Peetz, Sequim.
• Bill and Barb Pearl, Port Angeles.
• Olympic Springs Inc., Carlsborg.
• Judith A Lindberg, Port Angeles. In memory of my dad, my hero, Marvin J. Lindberg.
• Rod and Ginger Melville, Port Angeles.
• Rich and Suzanne Orr, Port Angeles.
• Joanne and Jack R. Highlander, Sequim.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
• Port Townsend — $25. In memory of Smoki and Mary Kay.
• Sequim — $200.
• Sequim — $25.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $200.
• Port Angeles — $500.
• Port Angeles — 50.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Chapel Hill, North Carolina — $100. In memory of Earl and Bernice Parke.
• Chapel Hill North Carolina– $100. In memory of Bob and Peggy Reith.
• Sequim — $25.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100. In honor of Frances Burns.
• Sequim — $20.
• Port Townsend — $50.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• No city given — $10.
• Sequim — $1,000.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Sequim — $50.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Hadlock — $100.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Sequim — $400.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $150. In memory of Meghan and Zachary.
• Port Angeles — $150. In honor of my parents.
• Sequim — $50.
• Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Diane Parker.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Port Townsend — $100. In memory of Deryl Johnson.
• Sequim — $50.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• No city given — $50.
• Sequim — $103. In memory of Carl Wicklund.
• Sequim — $102. In memory of Jessie Doyle.
• Sequim — $101. In memory of Marita (Rita) Bancroft.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $500.
• Port Townsend — $25.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $30.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $20.
• Sequim — $20.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Ludlow — $500.
• Carlsborg — $100.
• Sequim — $500.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Ludlow — $100.
• Port Hadlock — $100.
• Lynnwood — $500.
• Bellevue — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $30. In memory of my loving husband, Bill.
• Sequim — $100. In memory of our parents.
• Nordland — $25.
_________
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.