On behalf of Orcas Family Connections we would like to say a tremendous thank you to the High School Senior Class, the Orcas Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender( LGBT) and the Olga Symphony for the generous grants to the Orcas Family Connections through the Orcas Island Community Foundation’s Annual Granting Process.

The philanthropic opportunity provided to the high school students is a process that makes them look closely at their community, work through diverse and strong opinions as a group and experience the intense joy of giving. I am sure those experiences will stay with them and shape them in the future.

As Partners in Philanthropy, the LGBT and Olga Symphony funding will help us continue to serve the families of Orcas Island through the tireless work of our family advocate, Erin O’Dell and our Board.

Orcas Family Connections is Orcas Island’s Family Resource Center. We are a group of volunteers (and one employee), all of whom are genuinely passionate about serving Orcas families in need. OFC provides support services for families, parenting classes, a literacy outreach program, makes food bank and clothing deliveries, connects families with resources and services on the island, and helps families connect to state and federal agencies. Our services are presently expanding to include the distribution of medical transportation vouchers, assistance with food stamp applications and in the near future we will be able to assist the uninsured and underinsured to connect with mental health services.

If you also have a passion for supporting families, we invite you to our next board meeting to see who we are and what we do: Tuesday, Aug. 24, please call for details. Ethna Flanagan 370-0593 or Erin O’Dell 376-2027.

Once again we are thankful for the generosity of our islands youth and our fellow community members!

Jana Albright

Teresa Chocano

Ethna Flanagan

Liz Hance

Sage MacLeod

Eliza Morris

Erin O’ Dell

Amber Paulsen

Tess White

Orcas Family Connections/Orcas FRC