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 Home Fund operates and who benefits from our readers’ generosity.
The next article will appear Wednesday.
By Tim Hockett
For Peninsula Daily News
PORT ANGELES — Despite serious setbacks, Tom Parker says life has been good to him.
And living in Port Angeles, he adds, is like frosting on the cake.
“I’ve had a great life, and I’ve been able to travel around the world twice on my own dime.
“And now look where I live!”
He points to little Peabody Creek that runs right beside his home.
He is so enthusiastic about his life here that he’d be well-suited as a spokesman for the local Chamber of Commerce.
But Tom has had his share of hardships.
“I was raised on a working farm, and my folks had a grocery store,” he says.
“I grew up working hard. I retired the first time in 1977 in the wake of the Alaska pipeline boom.
“And life was great — until my first wife became ill and eventually died of cancer in 1989.”
Tom remarried, and life was moving along again when, just two years later, he and his wife were in a terrible auto accident.
“We were broadsided by a dump truck,” he says.
“Both my feet were crushed and broken all up.
“My wife was even more seriously injured, and I found myself needing to quickly overcome my situation to care for her.”
Intense pain
But she later died, and, while dealing with that loss, Tom was found to have suffered considerable untreated nerve damage from the accident.
“I had put myself on the back burner to care for her — the pain I was experiencing just to stand up was getting worse and worse,” he recalls.
“It was like I was being shot in my feet every time I tried to walk, tried to stand up or tried to take a shower.”
Part of Tom’s plan for retirement was to have a fifth-wheel trailer where he could live and also be mobile as well as self-contained.
“I thought, with my set of skills, I could be a caretaker of property and be able to bring my home along with me,” he says.
“But finally, my inability to walk just made me decide to retire.”
Tom applied for and received disability from Social Security.
As his mobility decreased and his pain increased, Tom found himself needing more pain medications, which, he readily acknowledges, was not a good thing.
There were days when he was in constant pain.
He knew he needed a solution that could get him off his feet.
A mobile wheelchair
That solution was a mobile wheelchair.
“When I discovered I could get a mobile wheelchair, I was really excited.
“But then I was faced with another problem: How would I get in and out of my fifth-wheel?”
Tom didn’t live in a regular home — or even a regular mobile home.
Tom called OlyCAP, and that’s when the community’s network began to go to work for him.
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.
Sherry Wabaunsee, the OlyCAP receptionist, took Tom’s call, and when she heard about his mobility limitations, asked Betty Barnard, one of OlyCAP’s emergency services volunteers, to make a home visit.
“Betty was fantastic,” Tom recalls.
“She came with a young man and interviewed me and began to work on the resources necessary for getting me a wheelchair ramp designed specifically for my trailer.”
Betty was able to access funds from the Peninsula Home Fund and from a few other resources to help pay for the building materials.
Volunteers from the local Lions Club came to Tom’s place and worked out a design for a double-back ramp that wouldn’t take up too much space.
“It’s all up to code and works great,” says Tom.
Tom was so enthusiastic about the addition to his home that one of his first trips out in his new chair was to the Peninsula Daily News, where he submitted a “Rave” for the Sunday paper about how great he was treated by OlyCAP.
“All I can say is ‘I’m free!'”
It is with those words that Tom Parker extends his thanks to a generous community that made his life great again.
The story doesn’t end there.
Tom now reports that because the chair takes the strain out of his having to take steps, he doesn’t need pain medication except on rare occasions.
“I’m back to having a great life,” he says.
“Look at the beautiful place where I live!”
The PDN’s Peninsula Home Fund provides a unique lifeline on the North Olympic Peninsula.
No administrative deductions
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.
From Jan. 1 through Nov. 23 this year, the Home Fund had helped more than 1,800 families — about 180 households every month plus individuals like Tom Parker — in Jefferson and Clallam counties.
From Thanksgiving through Dec. 31, the PDN’s Peninsula Home Fund — a safety net for local residents 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” 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.
• 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.
All the money collected in 2009 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 to the Home Fund
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 fundraising 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 Thanksgiving and Dec. 1 — thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors like Tom Parker:
• Kerry and Marilyn Perkins, Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Eva Wilson.
• Quail Hollow Psychotherapy, PLLC, Sequim — $100.
• Vi Embree, Port Angeles — $100.
• DixieLee and Stan Sayles, Port Townsend — $100.
• Drs. Joseph L. and Judy M. Price, Sequim — $100.
• Daphne Raymond, Port Angeles — $50. In memory of Leo and Brian Raymond and Neil Jervis.
• Dolores Mangano, Port Angeles — $25.
• Jack and Jan Forrest, Port Townsend — $100.
• Leila Roberts, Port Angeles — $25.
• David and Barbara Allen, Forks — $200. In memory of Barney and Sylvia Murphy.
• Bob and Leola Reeve, Sequim — $100. Merry Christmas!
• Philomena and Steven Brown, Port Angeles — $100.
• Sam and Martha Baker, Port Angeles — $300.
• Carmela Richardson, Port Angeles — $20. In memory of Elwood Richardson.
• Agnes R. Hansen, Forks — $10. In memory of my husband, Larry Hansen.
• Yvonne Dillion and Daniel Zimm, Port Townsend — $100.
• John and Debra Gall, Sequim — $25.
• Janine Moore, Forks — $25.
• George H. Bergner, Sequim — $100. In memory of Margaret Grijalva.
• Julian and Maureen McCabe, Port Angeles — $25. In honor of our six grandkids.
• Denzel and Lisa Schoenfeldt, Port Angeles — $100.
• Tim Swegle, Port Angeles — $200. In honor of Dorothy Swegle.
• Dennis and Diane Isaac, Sequim — $30.
• Carol Simon and Paul Willems, Port Townsend — $100.
• Chris Gutmacher and Andy Stevenson, Port Angeles — $100.
• Al and Mary Alice Ruhmann, Port Townsend — $100.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
• Lucy E. Willis, Sequim.
• James and Rachael Graham, Port Angeles.
• Charles Brown, Port Angeles.
• Robert Zech, Port Angeles.
• Peggy Newlin, Port Angeles.
• Norman Gallacci, Lacey. In memory of members of Gallacci and Morris families deceased, especially this year, Charlie Gallacci and Stanley Morris. Also deceased members of PAHS Class of 1957. Peace . . . and thanks . . . for the memories! Norman.
• James and Marianne Ude, Port Angeles.
• Fran and Keith Wollen, Port Angeles.
• Ellen and Ted Tsoneff, Port Angeles.
• Dick and Dottie Foster, Port Angeles.
• Dave Dau, Port Angeles. In honor of the working poor.
• Ruth M. Lindberg, Port Angeles. In memory of Marvin J. Lindberg.
• Kathleen Balducci and family, Port Angeles. In memory of Bal and so many loved ones.
• John and Rosemary Forster, Port Angeles.
• David Miller, Port Angeles.
• W.Neal and Kathyrn Fridley, Port Angeles. For Harley.
• Chuck and Sarah Whelchel, Sequim.
• Joyce and Vince Zodiaco Nordland, In memory of Douglas and Ruth Bennett. You are both fondly remembered by your friends on Marrowstone Island. You were heroic to the end. Rest in peace.
• Irma Stennes, Port Angeles. In memory of my daughter, Denise Fletcher.
• Darryl Huddleston, Sequim. In memory of Connie.
• Laura J. Horrocks, Port Angeles. In memory of Garrett Horrocks.
• Robert and Ruth Worley, Port Angeles.
• Bob and Audrey Kaplan, Port Angeles.
• Homer and Karla Muto, Port Angeles.
• Linda Whitehouse, Port Angeles. In memory of William A. Whitehouse.
• Betty J. Abbott, Port Angeles. In memory of Bernie Guy and Lori.
• Voneda Stiewe, Chimacum. In memory of my grandson, Rob.
• Chris Minard, Carlsborg. In honor of family and friends.
• Lucille Caughron, Sequim. In honor of Leonard.
• John and Mary Wegmann, Port Angeles. In memory of Bob Boardman.
• Velma Heinle, Port Angeles. In memory of Steve Harsh, my wonderful loving grandson. Grandma.
• Jack and Sue Spears. Port Angeles.
• Rosemary Cockrill, Port Angeles. Blessings to family, friends and neighbors.
• Richard and Ruth Hazelton, Sequim.
• Charles and Marilyn Whidden, Port Angeles.
• Chris and Joan Antolock, Port Angeles. In memory of Gramps Ralston.
• Dale and Jo Bruntz, Port Angeles.
• Glenn Greenleaf, Sequim.
• Ken and Charlotte Patterson, Port Angeles. In this joyous season of hope, no one should be without.
• David and Susan Koehler, Sequim. In memory of Doug and Lillian Babcock.
• Pat Johnson, Sequim.
• Dorothy DeLand, Port Angeles. In honor of Robert DeLand.
• Weezie Jenkins and Steve Conner, Port Townsend. In memory of Charleen Jenkins.
• Donald and June Hall, Sequim.
• Gwen Lovett, Port Townsend.
• Tom and Judie Sharpe, Port Angeles.
• John and Nancy Jost, Sequim.
• M. L. Mansfield, Sequim.
• Inge Magrs, Sequim. In memory of Bill Magrs.
• Mary K. Otto, Port Angeles. In memory of Si Otto.
• Eldora Pederson, Port Angeles.
• Ingrid Lehrer, Sequim.
• David and Ann Salmon, Sequim.
• James R. and Helen S. Karr, Sequim.
• Judy Munro, Port Angeles. In loving memory of my parents, Tom and Sally Munro.
• Marilyn Bruning, Sequim. In loving memory of Fritz and Andy.
• Everett and Jean Tozier, Port Angeles.
• William L. Plumley and Mark O. Downing, Forks
• Linda Anderson, Sequim.
• Wallace L. Avery Sequim.
• Dr. and Mrs. Edward A. Hopfner, Port Angeles.
• Bruce and Gerri Ferguson, Port Angeles. In honor of my parents: Robert and Charlotte Ferguson.
• Levetta Frymire, Port Angeles. In honor of Harry Frymire, a veteran, and all veterans.
• Robert A. Massey, Sequim. In memory of Margaret Massey.
• Brenda McMillan, Port Townsend. In honor of Gary Novak.
• Hazel Gershowitz, Port Angeles.
• Robert Rankin, Sequim.
• Michael Pruden, Port Townsend.
• Jim and Bev Cone, Sequim.
• Rita Marston, Port Angeles. In memory of Don Marston.
• Jock and Sonchen Patton, Port Hadlock.
• Russell and Sandra Hesselman, Port Angeles. In memory of Scott, beloved son.
• Kathe Smith, Port Angeles. In memory of Kris Fairbanks.
• John and Laurie Nutting, Port Angeles.
• Vernon Cooper, Sequim.
• Nada Johnson, Port Angeles.
• A.L. and Beth McGuffin Sequim.
• Barbara Gase, Port Angeles.
• Joyce Blankenship, Port Angeles.
• Mary Robinson, Port Angeles. In memory of A.V. Robinson.
• Beverly Smola, Sequim. In honor of Eugene.
• Sandra and David Marsh, Sequim.
• Sandy Ruddell, Port Angeles. In memory of Mac Ruddell.
• Anna and Paul Chasman, Port Angeles. In memory of Bob Boardman.
• Charlotte Petersen, Port Angeles.
• Colette Shoeman, Port Angeles. In memory of Roy Shoeman.
• Kathleen Chapman, Port Angeles. In memory of Jack B. Chapman.
• Larry and Lynn Gosser, Port Angeles.
• Dick and Vicki Van Calcar, Port Angeles.
• Mike and Marlene McMillen, Port Angeles. In loving memory of our son: Keith Michael.
• Marolyn and Herb Russell, Port Angeles. In memory of Willard C. Muller.
• Jerry Macomber, Sequim. In memory of Bob Macomber.
• Joe and Naomi Denhart, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents and our friend Bob Kennedy.
• Jean Brown, Sequim.
• K. M. Reed, Port Townsend. In memory of Gerald Thorsen.
• Carolyn B. Muller, Port Angeles. In memory of Willard C. Muller.
• Paul and Anne Weisel, Sequim.
• Pam and John Clise, Port Townsend.
• Al and Jane Bloomquist, Port Angeles. In memory of Al and Anna Bloomquist.
• Dale and Nathalia Doran, Port Angeles. In honor of friends and family.
• Charles and Barbara Blum, Sequim.
• Gary and Geri Braun, Port Angeles.
• Roger and Jean Campbell, Sequim.
• Ed and Carol Fjerstad, Sequim. In honor of Burnie Fjerstad and Mary Nosko.
• Don and Betty Gray, Port Angeles. In honor of our children, grandchildren and greats.
• Craig and Susan Fahrenholtz, Port Angeles.
• Bucholz and Bullinger, Sequim.
• Al and JoAnn Hamilton, Port Angeles. In memory of Dick and Gloria Timm.
• Franny Koski, Port Angeles. In memory of Rod and Helen MacKenzie.
• Violet Grall, Port Angeles. In memory of Alvin Grall.
• Ron Little, Sequim. In honor of Betty Little.
• Maura and Roger Oakes, Port Angeles.
• Richard and Jeanine Moore, Sequim. In gratitude for God’s faithfulness to his children and the blessing of his son Jesus Christ.
• Fran and Joe Streva, Sequim.
• Gerald and Charlotte Pierce, Sequim.
• Bill and Dorothy Caldwell, Sequim.
• Richard and Etta MacDonald, Port Ludlow. In memory of Patricia Bascue
• Ron and Judy Priest, Sequim.
• Mel and Vicci Rudin, Port Angeles.
• Marjorie Faires, Port Angeles.
• Gunther and Lee Dohse, Chimacum
• Jill Blake, Sequim.
• Carol Lee and Robin Moses, Carlsborg
• Bernice Swanson, Sequim.
• Dorothea Morgan, Port Angeles.
• Dona and Jim Cloud, Port Angeles.
• Gary and Dianne Salyer, Sequim.
• Barbara Baker, Sequim. In memory of Cy.
• Rudolph Meyer, Port Angeles.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Cedar Falls, Iowa — $100. In memory of Donald Wildman.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Townsend — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $50.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Sequim — $200. In honor of Bill Babcock.
• Sequim — $150.
• Sequim — $35.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Port Townsend — $100.
• Sequim — $100. In honor of the needy.
• Port Angeles — $50.
• Sequim — $25.
• Sequim — $10. In memory of Priscilla Roesler.
• Port Angeles — $400. In memory of Bal and Jack.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Townsend — $100. In memory of my husband.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Townsend — $25.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $25.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $200.
• Sequim — $150.
• Sequim — $25.
• Port Angeles — $10.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $150. In memory of Larry, Gary and Jerry.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $20.
• Sequim — $25.
• Port Townsend — $100.
• Sequim — $200.
• Sequim — $500.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $60.
• Sequim — $200.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $50.
• Sequim — $10.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Sequim — $100.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Port Angeles — $100.
• Sequim — $50.
• Sequim — $100.
• Sequim — $25.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Port Townsend — $100.
• Mino City, Japan — $100.
• Port Angeles — $46.
• Port Angeles — $30. In memory of James Nickolaus.
• Sequim — $75.
• Sequim — $25.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Port Ludlow — $200.
• Port Townsend — $100. In honor of Charlie and Marti Hetrick.
• Port Angeles — $25.
• Sequim — $50.
• Port Angeles — $200.
• Nordland — $50. In memory of David Bodkin.
• Port Angeles — $100.
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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.
