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.
SEQUIM — Imagine the excruciating pain from an abscessed tooth and not having the money to go to a dentist.
Richard “Dick” Snyder was tormented by his pain until he got assistance through a gracious dentist and the Peninsula Daily News’ Peninsula Home Fund.
A retired self-employed accountant who moved to Sequim 16 years ago from California, Snyder has Medicaid, — but the public health program doesn’t cover dental work.
Racked by throbbing pain that was growing worse, he sought help at the Oral Health Center operated by OlyCAP — Olympic Community Action Programs, the No. 1 emergency care agency on the North Olympic Peninsula — located inside The Armory on First Street in downtown Port Angeles.
In addition to OlyCAP’s wide array of community services, it manages the Peninsula Daily News’ “hand up, not a handout”Peninsula Home Fund, screening applicants and disburses he funds.
But at the clinic, Dick was told he needed an oral surgeon to remove the tooth.
The clinic, which offers general dental care for those with low income and no insurance, isn’t equipped for specialized dental work.
Happily, Dick was able to obtain a voucher from the Peninsula Home Fund to help pay for oral surgery through a specialist in Sequim.
“They do a terrific job at the Armory, just top-notch,” says Dick of the dental clinic.
“But they couldn’t pull my tooth. I’m so glad OlyCAP and the Home Fund got me help through an outside dentist.”
Cancer surgery
His battles haven’t ended with treatment of his abscessed tooth.
Dick, 79, recently underwent his second surgery in recent years for cancer,.
In addition, his wife of 54 years, Joann, is currently undergoing cancer treatment at Olympic Medical Cancer Center in Sequim.
“I’m so grateful for the help; without it, I’d still be suffering,”
“Medical bills can just kill you.”
He pauses.
“Things are tough now — used to be great, but now they’re tough,” he says.
No deductions — a ‘hand-up’
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. 18, “we have served 1,921 families, comprising about 3,643 individuals” — in Jefferson and Clallam counties, said Ken Dane, OlyCAP’s development director in Port Townsend.
The Peninsula Home Fund is a unique, nonprofit program:
• No money, not one penny, is used for administration or other overhead.
All costs are absorbed by the PDN and OlyCAP.
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 depleted rapidly.
All the money collected in 2008 is expected to be spent before Dec. 31.
“We fully expect to spend out the 2009 fund by the end of the year,” said Dane.
• 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 processed between Dec. 18 and Dec. 22 — thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors like Dick Snyder and more than 3,640 other Peninsula residents.
•Joy McQueen, Sequim — $100.
•Steve and Lucy Nordwell, Port Angeles — $100.
•Andrew F. and Jeanne B. Jubb, Carlsborg — $100.
•Sandra J. Louch, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Charles D. Louch.
•Sons of Norway, Port Angeles — $100.
•Darlene Schanfald, Sequim — $100.
•Chris Duff, Port Angeles — $100.
•Eleanor and Andy Geiger, Port Angeles — $250.
•Potpourri Doll Club, Port Angeles — $50.
•Olympic National Park Employees’ Association, Port Angeles — $200.
•Brian and Diane Hammer, Sequim — $100.
•Elizabeth J. Burritt, Port Angeles — $25. In honor of the many area residents who reside in our local retirement communities; it takes courage and much strength to deal with the many challenges and trials this particular lifestyle represents. Being inundated with “corporate rules and regulations” can be quite challenging!!
•Steve and Philomena Brown, Port Angeles — $100.
•Edith Snelgrove, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of David.
•Patricia Gilbert, Port Angeles — $100. In memory of Dottie Jensen and Virginia Gilbert.
•Karen and Steve Hanan, Port Angeles — $100.
•Betty Robinson, Sequim — $150. In honor of my caregivers.
•Heien Family, Sequim — $110. In memory of Rita and Irene.
•United Methodist Women Community Mission, Port Angeles — $250.
•7 Cedars Casino, Sequim — $5,000.
•Diamond Divide Ranch Inc., Port Angeles — $200. In memory of Dennis M. Shore.
•Olympic Medical Home Health, Port Angeles — $500. From the staff at Olympic Medical Home Health. In honor and memory of all our patients.
•Tri-Area Garden Club, Port Townsend — $367.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
•Jim and Jan Kirschner, Port Angeles. In memory of Erv Lodeen.
•Dorothy Munkeby, Port Angeles. In memory of parents Julia and Albert Haller.
•Bette Kerrigan, Port Angeles.
IN MEMORY OF . . .
My loving brother, Jim Beasler. I miss you very much. Always in my heart and thoughts.
Leone Sands. Always my friend, never forgotten.
Anne (Grammie) Sistek.
Jane (Janie Dear) Sparhawk.
IN HONOR OF MY FAMILY . . .
My mom, Betsy Jacobs. At 91, I’m glad to still have you.
My son, Master Sgt. Jason Kerrigan, daughter-in-law Heather Kerrigan.
My grandson R. Josten Kerrigan, A SUPER GREAT KID.
Darcy and Linda Beasler.
The McFarlands, Kathy Kaye, Travis and our sailor boy Josh McFarland.
Joe McFarland and special, dear friend, Bob Haugstad.
IN HONOR OF . . .
Friday lunch bunch. We’ve met each week for lunch for over 20 years, Verna, Norma, Darlene and Bette.
IN HONOR OF DEAR FRIENDS . . .
Georgia Reynolds, Marilyn Eaton, Rick and Karen Sistek, Jerry and Louise Sampont, Glenn and Lee Miller, Dan and Judy Berson, Betty Austin.
•Gwen Lovett, Port Townsend.
•Lucille M. Peet, Port Angeles.
•Jodi O’Neill, Port Angeles. In memory of F. M. O’Neill.
•Marie Eikum, Port Angeles. In loving memory of my brother, Tom Duval.
•Mel and Vicci Rudin, Port Angeles.
•May Y. Carrell, Port Angeles.
•Deborah Willis, Port Angeles. In memory of Mom, Dad and Derek.
•Randy, Kim, Christopher and Courtney Lemon, Port Angeles. In loving memory of Danny Holmquist.
•Ann and Bruce Candioto, Port Townsend. In memory of our parents.
•Mr. and Mrs. Jerry L. Conover, Port Ludlow.
•Eldora Pederson, Port Angeles.
•Joe and Cheryl Winney, Port Angeles.
•Douglas Atterbury, Port Angeles. In memory of Michael O’Connor.
•Eugene and Lois Larsen, Port Angeles. In memory of Pauline Volkmann.
•Zoe Bayton, Port Angeles. In memory of Ron Bayton.
•Bill and Kathie Hennessey, Port Angeles.
•Phyllis Sprinkle, Port Angeles. In honor of our children.
•Judy and Richard Owen, Port Angeles. To honor the Quilting ladies: Phyllis, Nita and Margaret . . . your generosity keeps our community’s children warm; and Venture Jet-Set, I’m proud to be a Venturist!
•Victor Jr. and Mimi DeLeon, Port Angeles. In honor of Peninsula Bottling Family.
•Victor Jr. and Mimi DeLeon, Port Angeles. In honor of the DeLeon aunts and uncles. We love you! Have a very Merry Christmas and a new year filled with health and joy.
•Glen and LaVeta Edmonson, Carlsborg.
•John and Katherine Fletcher, Quilcene. In memory of Edith W. Swanson.
•Eduardo and Roberta Galvan, Sequim.
•Eduardo and Roberta Galvan, Sequim. In honor of Ted and Janet Dewing.
•Carolyn Gill, Sequim. In honor of Kathleen and Michael Smith and Barbara and Jim Money.
•David and Diane Horton, Port Angeles. In memory of Molly.
•Dave and Sally Elllefson, Port Angeles.
•Walter Classman, Sequim.
•John Austin, Port Ludlow.
•Mr. and Mrs. Peter Horvitz, Kirkland.
•Cliff Schadler, Sequim. In honor of Elizabeth Price.
•Cliff Schadler, Sequim. In honor of Lee and Janet Squier.
•Freia Palmer, Port Angeles.
•Dorothea Morgan, Port Angeles. Happy Christmas to all Donors to the Fund.
•George and Corlyss Hamlin, Port Angeles.
•Dick and Connie Thorson, Port Angeles.
•Dick and Vicki VanCalcar, Port Angeles.
•Gary and Ann Colley, Port Angeles.
•Don and Andi Taylor, Sequim.
•Jack and Sandra Crook, Port Angeles.
•Daniel and Barbara Hart, Port Angeles. In memory of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Hart and Mr. and Mrs. G. Belcher, our parents.
•Gene and Norma Turner, Port Angeles. In memory of Dave Brewer.
•Barbara Hughes, Sequim.
•Gisela Taber, Sequim. In memory of Gerald Wilkins.
•Paul and Betty Cornaby, Port Angeles.
•Joelene Wittenborn, Forks.
•Elisabeth E. Johnson, Port Angeles.
•Ren and Barbara Garypie, Livington, Texas.
•Carlyn Kaiser Stark, Port Townsend.
•Gary and Lynn Anderson, Sequim.
•John and Anne Polich, Sequim.
•Phil Edin and Margie Huetter, Port Angeles.
•Jim and Linda Aldrich, Sequim. In memory of Edith Aldrich.
•Joe and Dee Blanchard, Sequim.
•Don and Vicki Hinrichsen, Port Angeles.
•David and Jeanne Oldenkamp, Port Angeles.
•Jean Tyson, Port Angeles.
•Patsy Busby, Port Angeles. In memory of Wes Gooding.
•Frank and Karen Jahns, Port Angeles.
•Renee Castleberry and friends, Port Angeles. In memory of Anne Holke and Don Burns.
•Renee Castleberry and family, Port Angeles. In memory of Mary Nichols “Baba” and in honor of family.
•Joe and Sue Twogood, Port Angeles.
•John and Diana Anderson, Sequim.
•Dale and Judy Burke, Sequim.
•Paul and Mara Mowery, Port Angeles. In memory of Gerry Mowery.
•Jack and Phyllis Little, Sequim.
•Mark and Patty Hannah, Port Angeles.
•Mike and Marlene McMillen, Port Angeles. In memory of our son Keith M.
•Chuck and Shirley Lehman, Sequim. In memory of Mike Kottler.
•Verna Rogers, Port Angeles.
•Lucy E. Willis, Sequim.
•Jay’s Laminate Specialties, Port Angeles.
•Jackie Searight, Brinnon.
•Kevin and Sue Ryan, Port Ludlow.
•Dave Dau, Port Angeles. In honor of the working poor.
•Barb and Mack Boelling, Port Townsend. In memory of Norma Davidson.
•Jack and Janet Real, Sequim.
•Irma Schneider, Port Angeles. In honor of Carol and Dan Di Guilio.
•Rita and Tom Thatcher, Sequim. In honor and memory of our heros on flight 93 of 9-11-01, especially Todd Beamer, Mark Bingham, Tom Burnett and Jeremy Glick.
•John Bodger and Selden McKee, Port Townsend.
•Connie Kinyon and Steve Torgesen, Sequim.
•Judie Sharpe, Port Angeles.
•Stanley and Mary Lou Johann, Sequim.
•Jeff and Diane Ralston, Port Angeles.
•Ron Hayes and Melinda Bryden, Port Townsend. In memory of Capt. Robert S. Hayes.
•Richard Serkes and Theresa Killgore, Port Angeles.
•Jay and Alicia Crawford, Sequim.
• Pacfic Mist Books, Sequim.
•Gary and Jeanne Johnson, Port Angeles.
•Emery and Lila Winters, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents, Maxine Willis and Emery and Nancy Winters.
•Monty and Gerry Crouch, Carlsborg. In memory of our parents.
•Mark Schrader, Port Angeles.
•John and Darlene Mjoen, Port Ludlow.
•Janet and Leo Dodge, Port Angeles.
•Paul and Donna Downes, Port Angeles.
•Danna Owens, Port Townsend. In memory of Rose Reisman
•Jack Dunham, Sequim. In memory of Molli Dunham.
•Mr. and Mrs. Andrew, Port Angeles. In memory of Cleta Andrew and Ed Tucker.
•John and Kim McBride, Sequim. In loving memory of Anthony and Anna Godde.
•Ellen Gage, Port Angeles.
•Florence E. Calzacorta, Sequim. In honor of Don Verstrate.
•Dan and Rita Addison, Port Angeles. In memory of George Addison.
•Beverly G. Welch, Sequim.
•Mary M. Blackwood, Port Angeles. The PDN Home Fund “defines good.” Thanks for helping us remember good.
•Rod and Liz Heisler, Port Angeles.
•Pat and Patti Fogard, Sequim.
•Phyllis Bentley, Sequim.
•Gary and Carol Zellmer, Sequim.
•Leonard and Carmen Wiley, Port Angeles. In memory of Barb Williams.
•Chrystina S. Westcott, Port Angeles.
•Kathryn Hofer, Port Angeles. In memory of Dale Hofer.
•Nye Nelson, Sequim.
•Fred and Nancy Bedford, Sequim.
•Jon Purnell and Sherrie Rogers, Port Angeles.
•Lois Barner, Port Angeles.
•Layton and Marsha Carr, Sequim.
•Donna and Eric Miner, Sequim. To honor all single-parent dads.
•Merrill Jefferson, Sequim. In memory of Berniece Jefferson.
•Finch Family, Sequim. In memory of Ellen Binns.
•Randy and Cindy Mesenbrink, Forks.
•Gretchen Dabel, Orinda, Calif.
•Joanne Hughes, Port Angeles.
•Cindy Johnson, Port Angeles.
•Velma Trosin, Sequim. In memory of Trish Trosin.
•Mary Weidner, Port Townsend.
•Patti and Mike Brandt, Sequim. In memory of Mildred Brame.
•Jim and Deb Lindgren, Sequim.
•Terry Gross, Sequim. In memory of Jack Gross.
•Margaret Wallace, Sequim.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
•Sequim — $100. In memory of sister.
•Port Angeles — $50.
•Forks — $100. In memory of Kristine Fairbanks.
•Sequim — $100.
•Port Angeles — $500.
•Port Angeles — $25.
•Sequim — $25.
•Sequim — $300.
•Sequim — $35.
•Port Angeles — $25.
•Port Angeles — $200. In memory of my mom and uncle, generosity personified: Dolores Masullo and Michael A. Masullo.
•Sequim — $20.
•Sequim — $250.
•Port Angeles — $1,000.
•Port Angeles — $500.
•Sequim — $100.
•Port Townsend — $100.
•Port Angeles — $100.
•Port Angeles — $30.
•Sequim — $500.
•Port Angeles — $250.
•Quilcene — $50.
•Sequim — $75.
•Port Angeles — $100.
•Port Angeles — $50.
•Port Angeles — $100.
•Port Angeles — $100.
•Port Townsend — $100.
•Port Angeles — $50.
•Sequim — $100.
•Port Townsend — $100. In memory of Deryl Johnson.
•Sequim — $200.
•Sequim — $150. In memory of Patricia Sugiura.
•Port Angeles — $100.
•Port Angeles — $100.
•Port Angeles — $25. In memory of Ruth and Merle Westmoreland.
•Port Angeles — $250. In the name of Christ.
•Sequim — $100.
•Sequim — $200.
•Port Angeles — $100.
•Port Angeles — $50.
•Port Townsend — $100. To honor anyone in Port Townsend.
•Port Angeles — $100.
•Port Angeles — $113. In memory and honor of Paul J. Raber and Beverly Raber Rice. “Gone but not forgotten.”
•Port Angeles — $50. In honor of family members instead of gifts.
•Port Angeles — $50. Olympic Peninsula has given us trees, water, flora and fauna, which enables us one and all with great scenery and food to soothe our souls.
•Sequim — $50.
•Port Angeles — $50. In honor of Nancy Logan.
•Port Angeles — $50.
•Port Angeles — $150. In honor of Betty Robinson.
•Port Angeles — $100.
•Sequim — $25.
•Port Angeles — $200.
•Port Angeles — $50.
•Chimacum — $40.
•Port Angeles — $20.
•Nordland — $100. In honor of John Mueller.
•Port Hadlock — $100.
•Port Townsend — $100. ————-
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.
