We would like to thank the United Way of San Juan County, its Community Safety Net Fund, and all the people who give to United Way for supporting The Funhouse Commons’ Afterschool Program this year.

Our Afterschool Program serves elementary through middle school children and their families living on Orcas Island, meeting a community need for youth programming that is educational, engaging, and affordable, and that takes place in a safe and nurturing environment after school, during parents’ working hours. National research has proven that high-quality afterschool programs strongly support youth in developing pro-social behavior with peers and adults, gains in self-efficacy and academic achievement, and reducing risky behavior.

The United Way contribution is enabling us to hire young adult staff and to provide them with job training opportunities, such as how to serve as supportive adult mentors to the Afterschool program participants. Thanks to United Way, we have caring young adult staff engaged with the children, which increases the desirability of the program for parents as well as increases the positive outcomes for our island youth, ultimately benefitting our entire community.

Please support United Way for all it does for The Funhouse Commons and San Juan County.

Krista Bouchey

The Funhouse Commons