EDITOR’S NOTE: For 20 years, Peninsula Daily News readers in Jefferson and Clallam counties have supported the “hand up, not a handout”Peninsula Home Fund.
This is another in a series of articles on how the fund operates and who benefits from our readers’ generosity.
The next article will appear Wednesday.
FORKS — Keeping warm these bitter-cold nights?
When a disabled father of four didn’t have the money to buy wood for his family’s wood stove — their home’s only source of heat — he received help from the Peninsula Daily News’ “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund.
“I can’t even express how thankful we are,” says Alan Ladd, 53.
“Without the help we’d be freezing right now,” agrees his wife of 10 years, Chandra, 32.
It was a relief to both parents to learn their children — Juanita, 8, Alanis, 5, Natalee, 3, Mosiah, 1 ½ — would spend the season sleeping in a warm house.
The family’s only income is the $900 Social Security disability insurance Alan receives — and the money goes not only to support his family in Forks but also for him to care for their “adopted grandmother” in Port Angeles.
He received a voucher for the load of wood and other help through OlyCAP — Olympic Community Action Programs.
In addition to being the No. 1 emergency care agency in Jefferson and Clallam counties, nonprofit OlyCAP also screens the applicants for thePeninsula Home Fund and distributes the funds.
“Organizations like the PDN’s Home Fund and OlyCAP are a big blessing to this community,” says Alan.
Hepatitis C victim
The motto, “a friendly look, a kindly smile, one good act, and life’s worthwhile,” is one Alan strives to live by.
He and his wife recently joined a church, which, he says, has helped the two do better in working out life’s problems.
Twenty years ago, while working as a certified nursing assistant, he contracted hepatitis C, a serious liver disease that can lead to fatal complications such as cancer or liver failure.
The virus is spread through contact with infected blood.
At first he could live with the disease, but “then it turned aggressive, and now I’m at stage 3 of 4.”
He is currently on the drug interferon, which he hopes “will kill the virus so I can get back to work.”
Interferon’s side effects include nausea, fatigue and irritability.
“I get really tired and achy, and I never know how well my body will function from one day to the next,” he says.
“But the whole idea of taking interferon and putting up with those side effects is to get better so I can take care of my family — I want to get better for them.”
While fighting hepatitis C, Alan cares for Juanita Dobrowsky in Port Angeles, who he calls his “adopted mother.”
After she had heart surgery last August, Alan traveled from Forks three times a week to oversee her care at a Port Angeles nursing home.
The two became close in 1997 after he started working on the Dobrowsky’s family farm in Port Angeles.
With his kind manner and nursing home experience, Alan was asked to stay on the farm to help care for Juanita’s ailing mother, who has since past away.
When Juanita wanted to leave the nursing home and stay in her own home, she called on Alan to help — and he readily responded.
It’s not a paid position, Juanita herself is on a very limited income; rather, he does it out of love for the woman he fondly refers to as his mother, and his children call Grandma.
Until Juanita is able to live independently, either Chandra or Alan plan to continue to commute from Forks to stay with her 24/7.
The other parent stays home in Forks, where the older girls go to school.
“It’s a sacrifice, but she’s family and helping others is part of who we are,” says Chandra.
No deductions
From Thanksgiving 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 fundraising campaign.
From Port Townsend to Forks, from Quilcene and Brinnon to LaPush, it’s a “hand up, not a handout” — hot meals for seniors, warm winter coats for kids, home repairs for the low income, needed prescription drugs, dental work, safe, drug-free temporary housing . . .
The list goes on and on — from Jan. 1 through Dec. 8, the Home Fund has helped more than 1,860 households — a total of 3,527 individuals — in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
The Peninsula Home Fund is a unique, nonprofit program:
• No money, not one penny, is used for administration or other overhead.
Your entire donation goes — without any deductions — 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 it.
• Instances of help are designed to get an individual or family through the crisis — and back on the path to self-sufficiency.
That’s the “hand up, not a handout” focus of the fund.
Peninsula Home Fund case managers work with individuals or families as needed 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 new record for contributions in 2008 — $198,015.03.
With heavy demand this year, the carefully rationed fund is being rapidly depleted.
All the money collected in 2008 is expected to be spent 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 (Clallam County) or 360-385-2571 (Jefferson County).
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 for the Peninsula Home Fund 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. 11 — thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors likeAlan Ladd and his family:
•David and Barbara Allen, Forks — $200. In memory of Barney and Sylvia Murphy.
•Jack and Jan Forrest, Port Townsend — $25.
• Barbara Brittingham, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of the 95 transgendered/transsexual people murdered in 2009 just for being who they are.
•Nancy O’Gorman, Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Ann Brewer, who loved Christ.
•Jan McIlroy, Sequim — $100. In memory of Bill and Mike.
•J.D. and Sam McCraw, Port Townsend — $100. In memory of Frank Swartout.
•Andrea Alstrup, Sequim — $100. In memory of Kenneth Alstrup.
•Graysmarsh Farm, Inc., Sequim — $100.
• Bob and Ann Kennedy, Port Angeles — $100.
• Nancy McDonald, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Robert “Mac” McDonald.
•LaVonne and Bill Mueller, Sequim — $100.
• Bob and Joni Kennedy, Port Angeles — $100.
• David Marceau, Sequim — $25. In memory of Chris Marceau.
•Bob and Gisela Kavanaugh, Joyce — $100. In honor of America’s soldiers.
•Joyce and Jack Chiasson, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of the parents of Joyce Chaisson, Harold and Beatrice Crombie.
•Jack and Jan Tatom, Sequim — $100. In memory of Carol Munro.
•Bill and Carol Peet, Port Angeles — $100.
• Bruce and Gerri Ferguson, Port Angeles — $100.
• Renate B. Melvey, Sequim — $50.
• Karen and Joe Holtrop, Sequim — $100.
• Jim and Bev Cone, Sequim — $100.
• John Schuy, Sequim — $100. In memory of Berni.
• Sam and Martha Baker, Port Angeles — $300.
• Olympic Peninsula Doll Club, Sequim — $200.
• Ronald Reinhart, Quilcene — $150. In memory of Jane Reinhart.
•Larry and Nancy Lang, Port Angeles — $100.
• Mr. and Mrs. Ray C. Martell, Port Angeles — $25. In honor of Joe Abbott.
•Randy and Jane Priest, Sequim — $100.
• Walter and Edith Rowell Centennial, CO — $100. In honor of Ben and Donna Pacheco. A gift for Christmas for our Peninsula family.
•David and Linda Johnson, Sequim — $200. Remembering generous and loving parents.
•Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Sullivan, Walnut Creek, CA — $50.
• Mary and Gary Underwood, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Lacy Sturtevant.
•Barbara Edl and Paul Kalanick, Sequim — $200.
• Delores Hansen and Warren Sutherland, Port Townsend — $40. In memory of Kurt Hansen.
•Mary Louise Melly, Port Angeles — $100. In honor of Peninsula College EHS, Educare, ECE and FLE staff and teachers. Thanks for another wonderful year of working together caring for young children and families. You’re the best!
•Karl Martin, Port Angeles — $50.
• Yvonne Dillon and Daniel Zimm, Port Townsend — $100.
• Don Case, Port Townsend — $700.
• Stan and Sally Garlick, Port Angeles — $150. In honor of Lucile Wilcox.
•Randy and Holly Michulscheck, Port Angeles — $250. In memory of Fred Miehulscheck Sr.
•Randy and Holly Michulscheck, Port Angeles — $250. In memory of Lorene M. Parks.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
• John and Renee Jones, Sequim.
• Barbra Baker, Sequim. In honor of Cy Oden.
•Ruth and Richard Hazelton, Sequim.
• Mr. and Mrs. Williams Beal, Port Angeles.
• Joe and Fran Streva, Sequim.
• Barbara Erler and Mel Perricone, Sequim.
• Jim and Faith Haynes, Sequim.
• Richard and Lela Aksamit, Sequim.
• Beverly Stanley, Port Angeles.
• Bob and Audrey Kaplan, Port Angeles.
• Charles and Hazel Blake, Sequim.
• Tom and Evelyn Campbell, Sequim.
• Fred and Carol Royce, Port Angeles.
• Arnold and Debbie Schouten, Port Angeles.
• Bob and Joanne Bird, Brinnon.
• Joe and Naomi Denhart, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents and our friends Dusty Westall, Neil Jervis and Larry Choate.
•Lucille Caughron, Sequim. In memory of Leonard Caughron.
•Bradley and Kathy Anderson, Port Angeles.
• Willard and Paula Baker, Sequim.
• Randi and Heather Hansen, Port Angeles. In memory of Phyllis Arndt.
•Al and Barbara Deese, Port Angeles. In honor of Ann Holke.
•Nancy Wilcox, Port Angeles. In memory of Ronald R. Farrington. I miss you so much. You were always there for me and for this I will be forever grateful. Thank you for the wonderful memories.
• Nancy, Angie, Eric and Ronald Hansen, Port Angeles. In memory of Cliff and Cliffy Hansen. You are always in our thoughts. We love and miss you more than any words can ever say.
•John, Sue and Jenna Huston and Steve Eikum, Port Angeles. In memory of Tom Duval.
•John, Sue and Jenna Huston and Steve Eikum, Port Angeles. In memory of Tom Duval.
•Lee and Irene Wyman, Port Angeles.
• Sandra and David Marsh, Sequim.
• Robert and Marinette Howard, Sequim. In honor of Ellen and Jo.
•Joel and Nancy Magisos, Sequim.
• Chuck and Marian McGilvra, Port Angeles. In memory of Jean Snyder.
•Kathleen Young, Port Townsend.
• Pam Catlin, Port Angeles. In honor of The Party Girls.
•Steve and Weezie Conner, Port Townsend.
• Jack and Sue Spears, Port Angeles.
• Maura and Roger Oakes, Port Angeles. In memory of Roberta and Merrill Oakes.
•Deb and Tom Cox, Sequim.
• Ella Sandvig, Port Townsend.
• Jill Blake, Sequim.
• Linda Anderson, Sequim.
• Nydia Levick, Sequim.
• Fred and Alta Wilson, Port Angeles.
• Ed Chadd, Port Angeles.
• William and Sharon Bugg, Sequim.
• Paul and Pam Cunningham, Port Angeles.
• Judy Munro, Port Angeles. In loving memory of my parents, Tom and Sally Munro.
•Lorraine Schouten, Port Angeles. In memory of Riley Blake.
•Rich and Claudia Fox, Sequim. In memory of Dan Holmquist.
•Ronald, June and Bruce Coleman, Sequim. In honor of all who need assistance.
•Peter and Karen Bulkeley, Sequim.
• Dave and Kath Gronning, Port Angeles. In honor of “The Eighties” and Finley.
•Dave and Kath Gronning, Port Angeles. In memory of Kathy, Agnes, Randy and Stan.
•Barry and Ellen Lerich, Nordland.
• Joanna L. Baker, Port Angeles. In memory of Harrison Baker Jr.
•David and Cynthia Martin, Sequim.
• Bill and Sandy Bloor, Port Angeles.
• N. J. Hafner, Port Townsend. In memory of Kenneth.
•Bill and Millie Lawson, Sequim.
• Sue and C.V. Tondreau, Sequim.
• Gene and Lois Brown, Sequim. In memory of Greg Brown.
•Candace and Mike Shale, Sequim.
• Olympic Electric Co., Inc., Port Angeles. In honor of Henry and Jane Burkhardt.
•Daphne Raymond, Port Angeles. In memory of Leo and Brian Raymond.
•George and Shirley Williams, Port Townsend. In honor of Keith and Manine.
•Kathy Grissom, Port Angeles.
• Charles and Corrine Horton, Sequim. In memory of our parents.
•Bob and Sue Erzen, Sequim.
• Alice B. Watkins, Port Angeles.
• Hazel Vail, Port Angeles. In memory of Carol Chapman.
•Mary and Guy Brum, San Diego, Calif.
• Everwarm Hearth and Home, Port Angeles.
• John and Rosemary Forster, Port Angeles.
• Helen Kushman, Port Angeles. In memory of Randy Kushman, Parents Hilman and Lillian Aal. To honor daughter and son-in-law Kath and Dave Gronning for all their thoughtfulness.
•Sharon B. Hollatz, Port Angeles. In honor of my parents Joe and Belle.
•Jean and E.C. Gockerell, Sequim.
• John and Nancy Jost, Sequim.
• Bill and Joan Riedel, Sekiu. In memory of Riedel family.
•Mr. and Mrs. Michael Moore, Sequim.
• Donald Naddy, Port Angeles. In memory of Eleanor Naddy.
•Peninsula College Education Staff: Susan, Ginny, Sandra, Angela, Anna, Pam, Mary Lou, Diane, Crisie, Port Angeles.
• Violet Grall, Port Angeles. In memory of my 3 brothers — Emery, Sherman, Harold — and sister Gloria. I still miss you.
•Steve and Linda Bailey, Carlsborg.
• Leland and Cheryl Coulter, Sequim.
• Jackie M. Herring, Sequim.
• Gene and Jean Spargo, Sequim.
• George and Bertha Norris, Port Angeles. In memory of our son Steven and daughter Patricia.
•Ingrid Lehrer, Sequim.
• Dorothy C. Melly, Port Angeles.
• James and Mary Jane Moore, Sequim. In honor of brothers and sisters.
•Dan and Patricia Nellis, Sequim.
• Grant and Patsy Simpson, Sequim.
• Bill and Beth VerSteeg, Sequim. In honor of our Fallen Four.
• Dennis and Diane Isaac, Sequim.
• Pat Bartlett and Margaret Lawrence, Port Angeles.
• Brett and Susan Oemichen, Port Ludlow.
• Steve and Gloria Ricketts, Port Hadlock.
• Robert and Sheila Becker, Port Angeles.
• Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In memory of Lucy Ordona. As always, I miss you and your wit and wisdom. You were a special lady.
•Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In memory of Todd MdGarvie. You are always missed. Your memory lives on in your beautiful children.
•Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In memory of Mary Wyman and Theodin Nelson. Your combined loss has left a huge void in this community. Your memories are treasured.
•Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In memory of Hana Cannon. I miss your smile, your sense of humor and your way with words..
•Ann Chang, Port Angeles. In honor of my family. Thank you all for just being you. You are the best.
•Donald and Barbara Reidel, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents, Max and Sylvia Reidel and Arthur and Armada Dixon.
•Chris and Joan Antolock, Port Angeles. In honor of B. Ralston.
• Chris and Joan Antolock, Port Angeles. In memory of Ernest and Agda Johnson.
• Bill and Sharon Alton, Port Angeles.
• John and Patricia Cleall, Port Angeles.
• Larry and Lynn Gosser, Port Angeles.
• Larry and Kathie Karst, Port Angeles.
• Lois and John Silver, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents.
•Ron and Marjorie Dotson, Port Angeles.
• Edna and James Kridler, Sequim.
•James H. Symes, Sequim.
• Dana and Sally Dolloff, Jacksonville, FL.
• The Toggery, Port Angeles.
• Dr. Edward J. Zoble, Port Angeles.
• Larry and Marilynn Elliott, Sequim.
• Ruth and Robert Worley, Port Angeles.
• Sara Harvey, Port Angeles. In memory of George Harvey.
•Diane Kaufman and Jim Walters, Port Angeles.
• Grace Wanrow, Sequim. In memory of Michael Wanrow.
•Bob’s Electric, Port Angeles.
• Sharon and Bob Gavin, Port Angeles.
• David and Mary Hostvedt, Port Angeles.
• R. Kane, Port Angeles. In honor of Midge Bader.
•April Kilgore and Monroe Stringham, Port Angeles.
• Bob and Mary Brodhun, Port Angeles.
• Riley and Ann Bigler, Sequim.
• Mike and Prue Nathan, Port Angeles.
• Richard and Sally Ruud, Port Angeles. In memory of Joan Gould.
•Pam and John Clise, Port Townsend. Thank you all!
•Lorna J. Wells, Port Angeles.
• Kathleen Melton, Port Angeles. In memory of Joseph Melton.
• R. and D. Croteau, Port Angeles.
• Fay and Argyle Baukol, Sequim. In memory of Ken Baukol
•Margaret Levitan, Sequim. In memory of Seymour (Sy) Levitan, M.D. — always with us in our hearts and minds. Gone but not forgotten.
•Gale and Shelley Peterson, Port Townsend. In memory of Sally Garcea.
•Marilyn Bruning, Sequim. In honor of Fritz Bruning.
•Wayne Favre and Christina Hellurch, Nordland. In honor of Art and Julie.
•William and Jean Rucker, Sequim.
• Donald and Colleen Daley, Port Angeles. In memory of Russell Ryckman. 12-16-57 — 10-30-99. Gone but not forgotten.
•Gary and Dianne Salyer, Sequim.
•Doris L. Cromwell, Sequim. In memory of Mark Cromwell.
• Rose Crumb, Port Angeles. In memory of “Red” Crumb.
•Larry and Darla Kalsbeek, Sequim. In memory of Kim Kalsbeek.
•David and Marion Harrison, Sequim.
• Voneda Stiewe, Chimacum. In memory of Grandson Rob Larsen.
•Marlynn Langford, Port Angeles. In memory of Calvin Langford.
•Nancy and Ed Grier, Port Angeles.
• M. Bader, Port Angeles. In honor of no sand!
•Dixie Romadka, Port Townsend.
• Bill and Beverlee Benbow, Sequim.
• Jane Glass, Sequim.
• Polly and Ray Gilkeson, Sequim.
• Hazel Staudenraus, Port Angeles.
• Mrs. E. W. Richardson, Port Angeles. In memory of Elwood Richardson.
•Lillian McVay, Sequim.
• Monte Rivett, Port Angeles. In honor of June Rivett.
•Dianna Cross, Port Angeles. In memory of E.R. Cross.
•Frank Meek, Sequim.
• Mt. View Rebekah Lodge, No. 34, Port Angeles.
• Carolyn Ramey, Port Townsend.
• Glee Hubbard, Port Ludlow. In memory of Jessica Phelps.
•Mrs. E. A. Hixson, Port Angeles. In memory of Ed Hixson.
•Dianna Cross, Port Angeles. In memory of Candy Piccolotti.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
•Chicago, Ill. — $20.
•(Anonymous) family trust, Sequim — $100.
• Quilcene — $15. In memory of Pat Casad.
•Sequim — $200.
• Sequim — $250.
• Port Angeles — $150. In honor of Valerie.
• Sequim — $100. In memory of my husband.
•Carlsborg — $50.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Port Angeles — $10.
• Sequim — $40.
• Sequim — $10.
• Sequim — $100. In memory of Roger and Arline.
•Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $100. In honor of Grandpa Jack, from his five grandchildren.
• Port Townsend — $200.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $150. In honor of E. Patterson and T. Ebert.
• Port Townsend — $150.
• Port Ludlow — $30.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $125. In memory of Jack Partridge.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Sequim — $1,000.
• Chimacum — $100.
• Port Angeles — $45.
• Carlsborg — $100.
• Port Angeles — $10.
• Sequim — $25.
• Forks — $150. In memory of Kris Fairbanks.
•Carlsborg — $50.
• Sequim — $500.
• Sequim — $300.
• Carlsborg — $25.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $125.
• Sequim — $25.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $25. In memory of family and friends.
•Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $500.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Ludlow — $200.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Sequim — $50.
• Anonymous — $80. In memory of Tom Duvall.
•Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Sequim — $500.
• Sequim — $35.
• Carlsborg — $25.
• Sequim — $50.
• Port Townsend — $200.
• Nordland — $20.
• Port Angeles — $20.
• Sequim — $200.
• Port Angeles — $400.
• Port Angeles — $30.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Port Angeles — $500.
• Port Ludlow — $20.
• Sequim — $150.
• Port Hadlock — $100. In honor of Chris.
• Sequim — $650.
• Sequim — $100. In memory of our parents.
• Port Hadlock — $250.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Sequim — $25.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $500.
• Port Townsend– $100. In memory of Dr. Nancy Baden.
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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.