Building Skills, Building Futures: Supporting Trades & Tech with the EDC

At United Way of San Juan County, we know that a thriving community starts with opportunity—and that opportunity often begins with access to education, training, and the tools needed to build a strong future. That’s why we’re proud to support the Economic Development Council of San Juan County and their impactful work through the Trades and Tech Initiatives.

In a recent message of thanks, the EDC shared:

“We wish to thank the United Way of San Juan County for their continued support of our Trades and Tech Initiatives. It is the generosity of our community that makes our programming possible!”

Their words speak to what we value most: community-driven solutions that create lasting change.

Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow

The EDC’s Trades Training Initiative helps residents gain real-world, hands-on experience in high-demand skilled trades such as:

• Construction

• Electrical work

• Plumbing

• Marine systems

• Welding

• Automotive repair

Through partnerships with local businesses and training providers, this program equips islanders with the practical skills they need to enter and succeed in the workforce—often in careers that are vital to our local economy.

The EDC’s Tech Training Initiative complements this work by offering accessible technology education in areas such as:

• Computer literacy

• Digital tools for small businesses

• Coding and technical certifications

• Remote work readiness

With the rapid growth of digital work opportunities, these programs help ensure that island residents can compete, connect, and contribute in the modern economy—without having to leave the islands they call home.

Why This Work Matters

For many in San Juan County, barriers like distance, affordability, and access to training can stand between them and a sustainable career. The EDC’s programs close that gap—providing free or low-cost pathways into living-wage jobs and meaningful work.

By supporting these initiatives, United Way is investing in:

• Economic resilience for families and individuals

• Workforce development tailored to our island communities

• A future where everyone has a chance to succeed—regardless of background

This isn’t just about job training. It’s about empowerment, stability, and equity.

A Community Effort

We’re honored to play a role in supporting the EDC’s vision, and we’re grateful for the local partners, instructors, and businesses who help bring these programs to life.

Together, we’re helping ensure that islanders—young adults, career changers, and lifelong learners alike—can access the skills they need to build a better future for themselves, their families, and our wider community.

Supporting Stronger Communities on Lopez Island: A Thank You to LIFRC

At United Way of San Juan County, we believe that vibrant communities are built through deep-rooted partnerships and shared purpose. One of our most valued collaborators in this work is the Lopez Island Family Resource Center (LIFRC)—a trusted hub for families and individuals seeking support, connection, and care.

We’re grateful to LIFRC not only for the essential services they provide, but also for the compassion and commitment with which they serve the Lopez Island community. Their recent message of thanks reminds us why this partnership matters so deeply.

“We’re grateful to United Way for their generous support of the Lopez Island Family Resource Center. Their partnership helps us continue providing vital programs and services that strengthen and uplift our Lopez community!”

Making a Lasting Impact, Together

From emergency assistance and family support to youth enrichment and senior services, the Lopez Island Family Resource Center helps ensure that islanders of all ages have access to the tools they need to thrive.

With support from United Way of San Juan County, LIFRC is able to:

• Respond quickly to families in crisis

• Provide ongoing educational and wellness programs

• Support community health, equity, and resilience

• Ensure that no one on Lopez Island falls through the cracks

This kind of work doesn’t happen in isolation—it takes trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to showing up for one another.

A Partnership Rooted in Local Care

Our funding model at United Way is grounded in local solutions for local needs. We invest in organizations like LIFRC because we know that they are embedded in the fabric of the community—able to listen, adapt, and respond with empathy and expertise.

We are proud to play a role in sustaining this important work, and we thank the team at LIFRC for their leadership, heart, and tireless dedication.

Looking Ahead

As our island communities continue to navigate change and challenge, partnerships like this give us hope. They demonstrate the power of working together toward a common vision: a San Juan County where all people have the opportunity to live healthy, connected, and meaningful lives.

Partnering to Feed Our Community: Supporting the Food Access Program on Orcas Island

At United Way of San Juan County, we believe that no one should go hungry—regardless of their housing situation or access to a kitchen. That’s why we are proud to support the Orcas Family Resource Center and their dedicated work through the Food Access Program.

This important program serves easy-to-prepare hot meals and nutritious snacks to islanders who lack adequate cooking facilities. Whether someone is living without a full kitchen, experiencing housing insecurity, or facing other barriers to meal preparation, this program helps ensure they still have access to warm, nourishing food they can rely on.

Why This Matters

Across the islands, food insecurity takes many forms. It’s not always about whether someone can afford groceries—it’s often about whether they can safely and consistently prepare meals. The Food Access Program meets people with practical solutions and dignity, making sure our neighbors aren’t left out because of the circumstances they face.

These meals are more than sustenance—they’re a sign that our community cares.

A Strong Partnership for Local Impact

The team at Orcas Family Resource Center works every day to connect people with the support they need, and we are honored to help make that work possible.

With United Way’s funding, the Resource Center can continue:

• Providing hot meals and snacks for people without kitchens

• Expanding food access to hard-to-reach or vulnerable populations

• Reducing hunger in ways that are practical, respectful, and responsive

Gratitude for the Work Ahead

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff and volunteers at Orcas Family Resource Center for showing up for our community every day. It’s partnerships like these that bring our mission to life and move us closer to a thriving San Juan County for all.

Want to help support this work? A donation to United Way of San Juan County supports programs like this across the islands.

When it comes to raising thriving, healthy children, community support makes all the difference. Thanks to the generous and ongoing partnership of United Way of San Juan County and the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center, families with young children across our islands are getting the strong start they deserve.

From outdoor playgroups to family support services and programs for young parents, United Way helps make it all possible. These services are more than just resources—they’re lifelines of connection, encouragement, and opportunity for families navigating the early years of parenting.

Building Connection, Confidence, and Community

The early years of a child’s life are foundational. That’s why we invest in programs that not only meet basic needs but also foster belonging and empowerment. With United Way’s support, we’re helping caregivers:

• Find confidence in their parenting journey

• Access vital information and peer support

• Build lasting relationships with other families and their community

These experiences strengthen family bonds, reduce isolation, and create a vibrant, supportive network that uplifts everyone involved.

Why This Work Matters

When families feel supported, children thrive. When children thrive, our whole community benefits.

United Way’s commitment to early childhood initiatives is a long-term investment in stronger outcomes for kids—and a brighter future for San Juan County. Every program we build together is a step toward equity, resilience, and shared hope.

We’re honored to work alongside an organization that shares our belief in the power of early support and collective action. Together, we are creating stronger connections, brighter futures, and a thriving San Juan County for all.

Meeting Families Where They Are: Supporting Early Childhood Through Taking Steps Together

At United Way of San Juan County, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive—regardless of geography, ability, or circumstance. That’s why we’re honored to support the work of Taking Steps Together, a program delivering in-home therapy, early learning, and family support across the San Juan Islands.

From ferry rides to forest roads, these dedicated providers travel wherever they're needed, meeting children and families right where they are—in their homes, in their routines, in their communities. And that makes all the difference.

Reaching Families in Their Natural Environments

The early years of a child’s life are filled with rapid growth and possibility—but also with challenges. Access to timely support can transform the developmental journey of a child and empower parents to feel confident and connected. That’s where Taking Steps Together comes in.

Whether a family is navigating a developmental delay, adjusting to a new diagnosis, or simply looking for tools to support their child’s growth, Steps provides:

• 💡 In-home therapy for developmental needs

• 📘 Parent education and coaching tailored to each family

• 💬 Connection and emotional support during a critical window of development

Services happen in the places where kids feel safest and learn best: in their own environments. This home-based model honors each child’s unique rhythm, builds trust, and helps parents become powerful advocates for their little ones.

A Community That Shows Up

Delivering these services across island communities takes commitment—and collaboration. Taking Steps Together providers travel by ferry and over long distances to ensure no family is left out due to geography.

This work is deeply rooted in a belief that all children, regardless of ability or ZIP code, deserve access to care that supports their full potential. And it’s possible thanks to partners like United Way of San Juan County.

United for Early Childhood

We are proud to fund and champion the efforts of Taking Steps Together. Your support of United Way helps sustain this essential work—making sure young children receive the care, connection, and encouragement they need to shine.

Together, we’re building a San Juan County where all families are seen, supported, and celebrated.

Want to help more island families thrive? Learn how your donation supports early childhood programs at https://www.unitedwaysjc.com/community_impact_goals or follow us on FACEBOOK or INSTAGRAM to see your impact in action.

Big news for families across Washington State! Beginning June 3, 2025, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is offering a new option for families to receive a full year of 100% bilingual English/Spanish books—a major milestone in the journey toward literacy equity for all.

At United Way of San Juan County, we’re thrilled to support this expansion of access to high-quality children’s books. Through this program, families now have the opportunity to choose the language format that best fits their home, with two options available:

• 📚 English books (with some bilingual titles included)

• 📚 100% bilingual English/Spanish books (a full year of dual-language reading)

This new bilingual option is designed with Spanish-speaking families in mind, ensuring that young children can engage with books that reflect their home language and culture. It’s more than just storytime—it’s an invitation to connect, learn, and thrive in two languages.

Why It Matters

Reading aloud in a child’s home language builds strong early literacy skills, boosts confidence, and strengthens bonds between caregivers and children. Bilingual books also introduce children to the richness of multiple cultures and languages from the very beginning—laying the groundwork for curiosity, empathy, and lifelong learning.

As part of a statewide effort, this new book collection is a powerful step toward more inclusive and accessible early learning. It reflects the belief that all children—regardless of language—deserve the chance to fall in love with books.

Local Support, Island-Wide Impact

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in San Juan County is made possible through generous local sponsorships. We’re grateful to partner with:

• United Way of San Juan County

• Friends of the San Juan Island Library

• San Juan Island Library

• Friends of the Lopez Island Library

• Friends of the Orcas Island Library

Together, we’re ensuring island families—whether they speak English, Spanish, or both—can access books that inspire a love of reading from birth.

How to Enroll

Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or already part of the program, families will be able to select their preferred book option starting June 3, 2025.

To learn more or register your child (ages 0–5) for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, visit: imaginationlibrary.com
👉 [Insert Enrollment Link Here]

Let’s celebrate the joy of reading—en dos idiomas!

At United Way of San Juan County, we’re proud to support programs that create lasting impact in our community, like the Primary Intervention Program (P.I.P.) at Friday Harbor Elementary School. 

P.I.P. has provided another successful year of child-led, play-based emotional support for students in grades K–3. As young children navigate transitions that can be overwhelming or stressful, P.I.P. offers them a safe, nurturing environment where they can express emotions, process experiences, and build self-confidence.

These early interventions matter. They help children develop the resilience and emotional tools they need to thrive in the classroom—and in life.

We’re honored to be part of this vital work. Thank you to the educators, staff, and families who make this possible. Let’s continue to champion Early Childhood Education and invest in our children’s bright futures.

Spotlight on Service: Economic Development Council of San Juan County

Dear Board and Team of United Way of San Juan County,

The EDC of San Juan County is deeply grateful to you for your support of our workforce training programs.

Thanks to the support of UWSJC and other community partners, our Trades and Tech training and other initiatives continue to thrive and expand to meet the need of our workforce and businesses.

Our winter 2023 courses include Woodworking, Welding, Geographic Information Systems, and Bookkeeping and Accounting Basics, and we already have over 30 students enrolled.

These courses help to fortify San Juan County’s workforce and businesses, and they prepare community members for entry into higher-wage careers in the islands.

To keep our programs very low cost, the EDC relies on fundraising and grants. Community support also enables us to expand our range of courses, and to respond quickly to economic changes that can necessitate workforce training and re-training.

We are incredibly appreciative of United Way of San Juan County’s generosity, and their efforts to keep these important community resources alive.

Sincerely,

The EDC Board and staff

Spotlight on Service: Lopez Island Family Resource Center

From Barbara Schultheiss, Executive Director:

The Lopez Island Family Resource Center gratefully acknowledges the generous support of United Way of San Juan County who has been there for us, year after year, helping us meet the needs of the Lopez community.

United Way of San Juan County deserves recognition for their unwavering dedication to organizations such as ours, flexible funding allowing new innovative programs to launch, and providing funding for essential household supports and youth development programs. All year round, this funding assures we can provide a wide range of services that help Lopez island thrive, grow stronger and meet challenges such as the pandemic. United Way SJC is such a vital partner to making this happen!

- The staff and board of LIFRC