Submitted by the Family Resource Center

This is the story of a small nonprofit with a big heart.

Since 1998, the San Juan Island Family Resource Center has provided San Juan islanders with free access to high-quality programs for children, young families and seniors. As community needs grew and state social services decreased, the center kept pace by expanding their services that today includes early childhood and youth programs; mental health counseling; parent support; health insurance enrollment; in-home assistance for frail and elderly homebound citizens; case management; and basic emergency assistance that provides food clothing, housing, utilities and transportation.

Serving as the “social service hub” of San Juan Island, the family resource center currently provides over 900 client encounters each month, helping islanders from every background, ranging in age from newborn infants to seniors in their 90s. The center’s focus is to help individuals and families have access to vital and essential resources that genuinely promote dignity, respect, wellness and stability.

What’s new at the family resource center? After 20 years of serving the community in a tiny space with only a few people and one private office, the center has finally decided to expand their “hub” workspace. By expanding the square footage of their current facility, the center staff will be able to offer a confidential meeting space for clients, a larger play therapy space and increased storage areas. The center shares a strong working partnership with the Mullis Center staff, who are the legal owners of the office complex. The project, named “Raise the Roof,” will require a fundraising drive which will differ from the usual grant and contract support of the past.

Executive Director Jennifer Armstrong believes the anticipated changes will help the Family Resource Center breathe life into the future. “The power of the San Juan Island community is the strength of its people,” she said. “We are all working toward a healthier place to live, connecting families and neighbors, integrating resources.”

The Family Resource Center, now called the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center in honor of its founder, will begin their campaign from 2-4 p.m., Nov. 4, at the Mullis Center, free of charge. The event, called a Festival of Giving and Kindness, will highlight the programs offered at the Family Resource Center and give the public a chance to get involved. The day will include the opportunity to participate in handmade gift and card making, sign up to mentor a child, donate to a warm-coat drive, sponsor a family for the holidays and get a family photo. Also included will be information on destressing during the holidays through yoga, eating healthy and ways to simplify the holidays.

It’s never too late to put kindness into action – join the Family Resource Center and do good together.