EDITOR’S NOTE: This is another in a series of articles on the Peninsula Daily News Peninsula Home Fund. Please click on the “Peninsula Home Fund” button at left to print an online coupon to accompany your donation.
PORT TOWNSEND — Jina Johnson’s life represents many of the families on the North Olympic Peninsula that have received help from the Peninsula Daily News’ “hand up, not a handout” Peninsula Home Fund.
Born and raised in Port Angeles, she now resides with her 9-year-old son in Port Townsend.
Johnson, 30, has been unemployed since July of this year and has been trying to subsist on $379 per month of child support.
“When I lost my job,” she explains, “I had to use all of my resources just to pay bills.
“If it were not for my father, I would be homeless.”
Johnson, through a complex series of circumstances was not even able to draw unemployment.
She contacted churches and got some financial assistance and used local resources like the Port Townsend Food Bank.
She has managed to stay off of welfare but does get some food assistance and medical coverage for her son.
She went to the Port Townsend office of Olympic Community Action Programs — OlyCAP — and saw Client Services Specialist Patty Cuddeback.
“She was a big help to me,” Johnson said.
“She not only helped me from the Home Fund, but she was able to advise me of other resources of help I need until I can get back to work.
“Getting back to work is my immediate goal now.”
Safety net
OlyCAP, the No. 1 emergency care agency on the North Olympic Peninsula, screens applicants and manages the Peninsula Home Fund for the PDN.
Its case managers work with each individual or family to develop a plan to become financially stable — and avoid a recurrence of the emergency that prompted aid from the fund.
All 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.
The Home Fund is unique and nonprofit — a safety net for residents in Clallam and Jefferson counties to get them through emergency situations when there is nowhere else to turn.
The fund was established by North Olympic Peninsula residents digging deep into their hearts and wallets to help their neighbors get through an emergency situation.
Every penny, every dollar, donated goes — without any deductions for administration or overhead — to making life better for children, teens, families and the elderly from Port Townsend to Forks, from Quilcene and Brinnon to LaPush.
The fund is used 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.
Supplies, utility help
In addition to tapping the Peninsula Home Fund, the other resources from OlyCAP included school supplies for Alex, energy assistance for utility bills and hope for a federal rent subsidy.
“The way that Patty helped Jina Johnson and her son is typical,” says Rita Houston, OlyCAP director of Community Support Services.
“Often people come in seeking a small solution to a particular symptom in their life, only to find that we can not only provide some help from the Home Fund, but we can help from other resources as well.”
Johnson’s hope for a two-year rent subsidy is not yet a reality.
She is on a waiting list.
Nor is her quest for a job.
She has clerical skills and has hopes of returning to a pharmacy technician position for which she has been trained and certified.
Until then, she will try to make ends meet — and weather this tough winter in her life.
Yet she still has a word of encouragement:
“I would like to tell the community to keep helping others as much as you can afford.
“Even as poor as I am, there is still someone out there with greater needs.”
No deductions, tax deductible
From Thanksgiving through Dec. 31, the PDN’s Peninsula Home Fund is seeking contributions for its annual holiday season fund-raising campaign.
* All contributions are fully IRS tax-deductible.
* No money is deducted for administration or other overhead.
* 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.
Begun in 1989, the Peninsula Home Fund is supported entirely by Jefferson and Clallam residents.
Individuals, couples, businesses and school groups set a new record for contributions in 2004 — $108,514.54.
All of that money is expected to be spent by Dec. 31.
As of early December the fund had helped more than 1,400 individuals and families.
* Peninsula Home Fund contributions are often used in conjunction with money from churches, service clubs and other donors, enabling OlyCAP to stretch the value of the contribution.
* Money is usually distributed in small amounts, usually up to $100.
* Assistance is limited to one time in a 12-month period.
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.
How to donate
A gift of any size is welcome.
The Peninsula Home Fund has never been a campaign of heavy hitters.
If you can contribute only a few dollars, please don’t hesitate because you think it won’t make a difference.
Every gift makes a difference, regardless of its size.
To donate, write a check to “Peninsula Home Fund” and attach it to the coupon generated by clicking on the “Peninsula Home Fund” button at left and printing out the form.
Mail both items to Peninsula Home Fund, Peninsula Daily News, P.O. Box 1330, Port Angeles 98362.
Or drop them at the newspaper’s offices in Port Townsend, Sequim or Port Angeles (addresses are on page A2 of the PDN).
Again, all contributions are fully IRS tax-deductible.
You will receive a written thank you and acknowledgment of your contribution.
Peninsula Daily News publishes stories every Wednesday and Sunday during the fundraising campaign listing contributors and reporting on how the fund works.
New contributions
The following are contributions received between Dec. 10 and Dec. 16 — thank you very much for making a difference in the lives — and futures — of your neighbors:
* William and Karen Houghton, Sequim — $250. In honor of Al and Elinore Gates.
* Karen and Jim Meuir, Port Angeles — $50.
* Van Riper Family, Sekiu and Sequim — $250.
* Jean Ernst, Sequim — $400. In honor of the Mike Dunham Family.
* North Peninsula Building Association, Port Angeles — $1,000. It is with a great deal of pleasure to present, on behalf of the members of North Peninsula Building Association, the enclosed check in the amount of $1,000 to the PDN’s Home Fund.
We are making this donation in the memory of Mike Haley. Mike is the son of Gary and Sandy Haley in Sequim. Gary served as president for North Peninsula Building Association in 2003 and 2004.
Throughout the year members have generously given to the Community Support Fund through door prize offerings at our monthly dinner meetings and via the silent auction held during our Holiday Gala. Members donate the items for the events and then members as well as guests enjoy the bounty of their giving.
In the same spirit of giving at our meetings, it is our hope that this gift will be used to lend a hand up to people in need. The good works of the Home Fund is known throughout the community, and we sincerely appreciate all that you have done and continue to do.
Our blessings to you and to the lives of those who you touch during this time of the year and throughout the New Year.
* Superior Court Staff, Port Angeles — $270. In honor of Sam Little.
* Mimi and Bill Tiderman, Port Angeles — $100. In honor (a Christmas gift!) of Cal and Lu Mogck who care so deeply about and continuously serve this community.
* Bob’s Electric, Port Angeles — $300.
* Jack and Jan Forrest, Port Townsend — $25.
* Flora M. Marcus, Sequim — $100.
* Bill and Carol Peet, Port Angeles — $100.
* Dr. and Mrs. E.C. Schreiber, Sequim — $50.
* Green Crow Employees Foundation, Port Angeles — $2,500.
* Andy and Jeanne Jubb, Carlsborg — $100.
* Weldon and Joan Sharp, Sequim — $100.
* Donald and Nancy Morton, Port Ludlow — $100.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested that the amount of their donation be kept private):
* Barbara Hughes, Sequim. In memory of Harry Hughes.
* Ed Chadd, Port Angeles. In memory of Bob Vail.
* Richard and Ruth Hazelton, Sequim. In memory of Betty Jane Kranz Sinclair.
* Elisabeth Hegyi, Port Angeles. In memory of Jozsef Hegyi.
* Verna Partridge, Port Angeles. In memory of John Partridge.
* Jerry and Suzanne Strawn, Sequim. In memory of Joe and Maxine Moynihan.
* Josephine Soltis, Sequim. In memory of Linda Henricksen, deceased daughter.
* Anna Clawson, Port Angeles. In memory of Bob Clawson.
* Marilyn Bosckis, Sequim. In memory of my husband Rae.
* Larry and Elaine Gallafent, Sequim. In memory of Barney Gallafent.
* Del and Kris Cadwallader, Port Angeles. In honor of our son, Erik Slater, and all troops spending their holidays in Iraq. Thank you all.
* Kerry and Marilyn Perkins, Port Angeles. In memory of Eva Wilson.
* The Burling Family, Sequim. In memory of our Dad and Grandfather, James Lombardo, known and loved for his warm and giving spirit.
* Frances I. Chavis, Port Angeles. In memory of Anna and Pauline Smith.
* Mountain Top Construction, Sequim. In honor of veterans.
* Tommy and Cleone White, Port Angeles. In memory of our parents and our son.
* Linda Button, Port Angeles. In honor of Primrose Bredl.
* Monty and Gerry Crouch, Sequim. In memory of our parents.
* Kathleen Melton, Port Angeles. In memory of Joseph Melton.
* Mary James, Port Angeles. In memory of my parents Donald and Janet and Grama Louise.
* The Don Gray Family, Port Angeles. In memory of Chuck and Mary Beutler. Love, The Don Gray Family.
* Aldergrove Poker Guys, Port Angeles. In memory of Gordon Edwards.
* Pony Express 4-H Club, Port Angeles. In memory of Matt Edwards.
* Manon, Jeff and Suzanne Heistand, Port Angeles. In memory of Norma LaRue.
* Midge Bader, Port Angeles. In honor of my nieces: Anne, Cheri and Susan, with love and hugs.
* Violet Grall, Port Angeles. In memory of Alvin Grall.
* Doris R. Walls, Port Angeles. In memory of my beloved husband Don.
* Pat Norton, Port Angeles. In memory of Clara Ruthenbeck.
* Marcia McCrorie, Sequim. In memory of Bill McCrorie.
* Riley and Ann Bigler, Sequim. In memory of Fred and Katy Paulsen.
* Senior Center Exercise Class, Port Angeles. In memory of Judy Morgan.
* Don, Peggy and Beth Whitmire, Sequim. In memory of Carol Anne Dodge.
* Kathleen McClurken, Port Angeles. In memory of Coach Chuck.
* Joan G. Walker, Sequim. In memory of Leonard Walker.
* Lois Parda, Port Angeles.
* Sandy and Jim Reed, Carlsborg.
* Dick and Karen Brown, Port Angeles.
* May Carrell, Port Angeles.
* Mitzi Taylor, Port Townsend.
* Larry and Lynn Gosser, Port Angeles.
* Robert and Hayes Wasilewski, Port Angeles.
* Donald Naddy, Port Angeles.
* Phyllis and Harry Ament, Port Angeles.
* Fred and Georgine Sullivan, Port Angeles.
* Monica Mansfield, Sequim.
* Angelo and Brenda Spandrio, Sequim.
* Don Burns and Ann Holke, Port Angeles.
* Carol Simon and Paul Willems, Port Townsend.
* Ed and Marcia Beggs, Sequim.
* Jack and Linda Anderson, Sequim.
* Jack and Janet Real, Sequim.
* Stanley and Mary Lou Johann, Sequim.
* William A. Lawson, Sequim.
* Ronald, June and Bruce Coleman, Sequim.
* Kathryn Spilker, Sequim.
* Hoch Construction, Inc. Port Angeles.
* Bill and Beth VerSteeg, Sequim.
* Nydia Levick, Sequim.
* Alene Wilson, Sequim.
* Bill and Bonnie Dyrness, Sequim.
* Betty J. Sleeper, Port Angeles.
* Tony and Daryl Masi, Port Angeles.
* Muriel Faunce, Port Angeles.
* Richard and Sally Ruud, Port Angeles.
* Karen Winther, Port Angeles.
* Donald and Barbara Reidel, Port Angeles.
* Marilyn and Don Grow, Chimacum.
* Leighton D. Clark, Port Angeles.
* Roy and Mary Gotham, Port Angeles.
* Charles and Jane Kopriva, Port Townsend.
* Dick and Connie Thorson, Port Angeles.
* Candace and Mike Shale, Sequim.
* Tom and Marcy French, Port Angeles.
* June German, Port Angeles.
* Mountain View Rebekah #34, Port Angeles.
Many thanks also to these donors (who requested anonymity):
* (Homeless) — $5.
* Port Ludlow — $75. In memory of Mary Martin.
* Port Angeles — $25. In honor of Joan Warren, Olympic Medical Home Health nurse, whose laughter and energy are freely given and so much appreciated.
* Port Angeles — $25. In honor of Joan Miller, Olympic Medical Home Health nurse, whose love and dedication to patients and co-workers shine from her heart.
* Sequim — $100. In honor of Don LaGuardia.
* Port Townsend — $100. In honor of Keith and Manine.
* Sequim — $400. In memory of Michael Haley.
* Sequim — $25. In memory of Agnes.
* Sequim — $20. A Christmas gift in honor of Robert Metz.
* Port Angeles — $51. In memory of Romaine, who could have used some help but was too proud to ask.
* Neah Bay — $150. In memory of Deanna deMontalvo.
* Port Angeles — $250. In memory of Jack McNitt.
* Port Angeles — $50. In memory of my wife Evelyn.
* Sequim — $100. In memory of Greg Brown.
* Port Angeles — $50. In honor of moms and dads.
* Carlsborg — $100.
* Port Townsend — $20.
* Port Angeles — $50.
* Port Angeles — $40.
* Port Ludlow — $25.
* Sequim — $100.
* Port Angeles — $25.
* Sequim — $100.
* Port Townsend — $300.
* Sequim — $25.
* Carlsborg — $1,000.
* Port Angeles — $25.
* Sequim — $25.
* Port Ludlow — $300.
* Port Townsend — $50.
* Port Hadlock — $100.
* Sequim — $500.
* Port Angeles — $25.
* Port Angeles — $25.
* Sequim — $100.
* Sequim — $50.
* Port Ludlow — $100.
* Port Angeles — $40.
* Port Angeles — $50.
* Sequim — $200.
* Port Townsend — $150.
* Sequim — $100.
* Sequim — $50.
* Port Ludlow — $50.
* Port Angeles — $200.
* Port Townsend — $200.
* Sequim — $20.
* Port Ludlow — $100.
* Port Angeles — $500.
* Sequim — $350.
* Port Angeles — $50.
* Sequim — $100.
* Port Townsend — $100.
* Sequim — $100.
* Port Angeles — $25.
* Port Angeles — $50.
* Port Angeles — $100.
* Sequim — $200.
* Forks — $25.
* Sequim — $200.
* Port Angeles — $100.
* Port Angeles — $50.
* Port Angeles — $25.
* Port Angeles — $500.
* Sequim — $75.
* Port Angeles — $100.
* Port Townsend — $10.
* Sequim — $25.
* Sequim –$50.
* Sequim — $25.
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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 is away) — or e-mail him at john.brewer@peninsuladailynews.com.
We’ll rerun the listing correctly.
Our sincerest appreciation again to our donors.