The following was submitted by the Orcas Island Community Foundation.

The Orcas Island Community Foundation is beginning new work on needs assessment for the island based on a report from the OICF Needs Assessment Task Force, completed in December 2013.  This update follows the 2011 Needs Assessment Report, and was the result of six months’ discussion of issues from divergent perspectives, stated Task Force Chairwoman Diane Berreth.

“The challenge was bringing together such diverse community members, each with their own ideas and areas of expertise, and forging a common vision,” said Member Sally Buchanan.

The new report views the foundation as a positive change agent that can provide data about islanders’ needs for all to use.  It sees the foundation as taking on an active role in addressing needs and building community capacity.  To realize this vision for the future, the report recommends:

• An ongoing OICF needs assessment committee;

• Support for temporary community working groups focused on needs in each sector;

• Finding partners to work with OICF for future needs assessments;

• Facilitating an information Hub for islanders to share vital information about needs and resources.

The Task Force also recommends that the OICF begin this work with a focus on assessing mental health and addiction issues.

The hard working members of the Needs Assessment Task Force were Diane Berreth, Chair, Sally Buchanan, Lisa Byers, Jim Connell, Steve Garrison, Aaimee Johnson, Steve Jung, Audra Query Lawlor, Nancy O’Brien, Donna Gerardi Riordan, Susan Singleton, Dick Staub, Norm Zimlich and Hilary Canty.

For a copy of the 2013 assessment report and the 2011 assessment report go to www.oicf.us, or call 376-6423.