HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES

SKAGIT COUNTY COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY

• THE VOLUNTEER CENTER • COMMUNITY VOICE MAIL • CRITICAL NEEDS/CRISIS INTERVENTION • EAST COUNTY SERVICES • ENERGY ASSISTANCE • HOLIDAY FAMILY ADOPTIONS • HOMELESS CHILD CARE • KINSHIP CARE SUPPORT SERVICES • MOBILE FOOD EXPRESS • VETERANS ASSISTANCE • VOLUNTEER CHORE • VOLUNTEER LAWYER PROGRAM • G.E.D. CLASSES • ADULT BASIC EDUCATION CLASSES • FINANCIAL LITERACY • E.S.L. CLASSES • WORKPLACE LITERACY • HEALTH LITERACY • BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT SERVICES • MATERNITY SUPPORT SERVICES • MEDICAL ASSISTANCE • BASIC FOOD OUTREACH • AMERICORPS VISTA VOLUNTEERS • WASHINGTON READING CORPS • DENTAL SERVICES • EMERGENCY FAMILY SHELTER • HOMELESS PREVENTION • TRANSITIONAL HOUSING • LATINA/LATINO ADVISORY COMMITTEE • T.V. 26 • S.H.I.B.A. (STATEWIDE HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS ADVISOR) • W.I.C. (WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN NUTRITIONAL PROGRAM)

2006

ANNUAL REPORT

HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES

Ken Dahlstedt Sharon Dillon Ted Meamber Ian Munce Don Munks Bud Norris Carl Bruner Dan Gould Nancy Ivarinen Ray Trzynka Amy Berryman Tim Holloran Leon John Jim Meyer Nancy Wolke John Cheney Jerry Kaufman

BOARD OF DIRECTORS LOOKING BACK ON 2006… A MESSAGE FROM SCCAA’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND

BOARD PRESIDENT

In 2006, we touched the lives of over 25,000 individuals from 7,000 plus households through our twenty-five plus programs. These numbers, while impressive, only tell a portion of the story, and cannot alone fully reflect what we are accomplishing as an agency. Many of our clients are helped in ways that bring about long-term changes that redirect the course of their lives. We often serve clients by reaching across program lines, engaging clients in more comprehensive services that involve longer periods of time, dedicated staffing and intensive case work. In this annual report we have focused on real-life outcomes, to paint a picture for you of those we have touched. 2006 also brought advancements in our programming. In December, we purchased Channel Cove, a housing community in La Conner. We envision using this property to work with those utilizing transitional housing, as well as a future springboard for additional long-term housing projects. We also began our capital campaign, aimed at raising funds to pay for a much needed expansion and improvement project at our Emergency Family Shelter in Mount Vernon. This shelter expansion will allow us to assist twice the number of clients currently served. Additionally, 2006 marked the first year that our Board of Directors became a “100% Giving” board, reinforcing their commitment to the agency and the people we serve. Over the past twenty-seven years, SCCAA has been recognized as a strong advocate for people in need of opportunities as they face the effects of poverty. Our record of service and reputation are made possible by the dedicated and hardworking staff, volunteers and board members. Our board shares a wealth of expertise and talent, keeping SCCAA’s “big picture” and future at the forefront. SCCAA staff and volunteers possess many specialized skills, and are wonderful ambassadors within our immediate community, as well as the community on a much larger scope. Most importantly, everyday they create real change in people’s lives. While we pause to reflect on our time in our community and the clients we have served, we are continually looking towards new opportunities – opportunities that will, in turn, translate to opportunities for those in our community most in need, allowing them to reach their full potential. We thank you for the continued ability to help people and change lives. William J. Shuler James A. Meyer, President Executive Director Board of Directors

On behalf of the Skagit County Community Action Agency Board of Directors and staff, it is with pride that we present our Annual Report for 2006. This year’s events, both the planned and the unexpected, presented challenges for staff and board. As always, they responded to these turns with creative and positive actions. As you read through this report, we hope you will be inspired by our accomplishments and the impact our agency has as we continue to serve the Skagit County community.

P.O. Box 1507 330 Pacific Place Mount Vernon, WA 98273 www.skagitcap.org

HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES

In 2006, SCCAA served over 25,000 individuals from more than 7,000 families!

CRISIS INTERVENTION COMMUNITY VOICE MAIL Enabled 210 households to maintain important links with support systems by providing access to voice mail boxes.

EAST COUNTY SERVICES Helped 465 clients from the East County with energy assistance, gas vouchers, food, and other urgent needs.

HOLIDAY FAMILY ADOPTIONS Provided 14 families with food and gift baskets for the fall and winter holidays.

KINSHIP CARE SUPPORT SERVICES Served 25 grandparents and other relatives with urgent needs such as food, housing, clothing, school supplies and transportation.

VETERANS ASSISTANCE Served 226 veteran households (675 individuals) with $112,115 in assistance.

CRITICAL NEEDS Helped 8,809 individuals get through emergencies with $42,761 in assistance.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE Helped keep 2,095 households warm with $739,515.59 in heating assistance.

HOMELESS CHILD CARE Served eight families with sixteen children, providing kids with safe care while parents searched for jobs, housing and attended medical appointments.

MOBILE FOOD EXPRESS Provided 125 homebound families with regular food deliveries.

VOLUNTEER CHORE 220 volunteers provided 4,665 hours of volunteer service to 328 elderly, disabled, and homebound individuals.

VOLUNTEER LAWYER PROGRAM Worked on 206 cases and other services, providing pro-bono legal services worth $128,200. An additional 44 domestic violence victims received services to help achieve safety and stability.

BASIC FOOD OUTREACH Provided assistance and education for families applying for state assisted food benefits.

HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES

EDUCATION SERVICES

FAMILY LITERACY Instruction of over 200 adults and children designed to break the cycle of illiteracy.

ENGLISH-AS-A-SECOND LANGUAGE (E.S.L.) Offered English language instruction in small group and classroom settings, designed around student goals and development of individual education plans.

ADULT BASIC EDUCATION One-to-one instruction using specially trained volunteer tutors, offering personalized and goal-oriented approaches to the special needs of adult learners.

TEEN LITERACY Provided educational opportunities for 16 to 24 year-olds who have dropped out of high school, including G.E.D. instruction and preparation.

WORKPLACE LITERACY Partnered with local businesses to provide classes customized in English and Spanish for the company, employer and student.

FINANCIAL LITERACY Designed to help low-income families set and reach their financial goals, including buying a home or furthering their education.

HEALTH LITERACY Provided educational workshops and classes to low-income families on a variety of health related topics.

WASHINGTON READING CORPS Offered tutoring for students in area elementary schools, with the goal of increasing reading abilities for children grades K through 6.

In 2006, SCCAA Literacy Programs helped 77 community volunteers

provide 4,049 tutoring hours to 549 adult learners and 193 children to realize their dreams of improved job opportunities, self-sufficient family management, increased successes in school, and active citizenship!

U.S. CITIZENSHIP Prepared intermediate and advanced E.S.L. students for the citizenship exam, interview and accompanying paperwork.

HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES

HOUSING SERVICES

EMERGENCY FAMILY SHELTER Provided 7,594 bed nights to 132 families (327 individuals) at our emergency family shelter and at local hotels.

HOMELESS PREVENTION Helped 17 households (71 individuals) to secure permanent housing.

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING Enrolled 56 families (158 individuals) in Transitional Housing, 18 of whom “graduated” to permanent housing, and 1 of whom bought their own home.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

THE VOLUNTEER CENTER Generated 36,087 volunteer hours in the community through placements at Skagit County Community Action Agency and other nonprofits agencies in the community.

AMERICORPS*VISTA VOLUNTEERS Volunteers developed projects that directly impact poverty in Skagit County by working in area nonprofits.

T.V. 26 SCCAA and the City of Mount Vernon partnered with the Mount Vernon School District, Skagit Valley College and Skagit Valley Hospital to air eight hours daily of Spanish educational shows and other information for cable viewers.

LATINA/LATINO ADVISORY COMMITTEE 13 Leaders from the Hispanic community met regularly with staff and management to provide input to Skagit County Community Action Agency’s board and agency operations regarding changing and emerging needs of the Hispanic community.

2060 AND 2163 STATE HOUSING FUNDS Skagit County Community Action Agency served as lead agency in awarding $15,590,071 to 5 homeless prevention projects and $81,312 for operational support of three programs.

HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES

HEALTH SERVICES

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT SERVICES Enabled 252 infants to receive optimal nutrition and health benefits from breast milk with the use of electric breast pumps.

MATERNITY SUPPORT SERVICES Worked with 424 women and 339 infants to help ensure healthy birth outcomes and improved family functioning.

S.H.I.B.A. PROGRAM (STATEWIDE HEALTH INSURANCE BENEFITS ADVISORS) Volunteers provided 3,110 hours of service, counseled 312 individuals, and processed 670 “quick calls” to help resolve health insurance problems and Part D Medicare enrollments through services of 14 volunteers.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Helped 139 individuals with $4,183.37 in assistance to purchase prescriptions and obtain other medical needs.

W.I.C. (WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN) 6,074 unduplicated women, infants and children received assistance to improve their nutritional status with breastfeeding and other health education and food vouchers. Farmer’s Market vouchers increased their access to healthy food options.

MOBILE DENTAL UNIT Provided 1,018 dental procedures, valued at $110,332 to 286 individuals by 26 volunteer dentists, hygienists, and certified dental assistants.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS

WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

FEDERAL Community Services Block Grant Low-Income Energy Assistance Program Women, Infants and Children Emergency Shelter Grant Program Community Service Voice Mail H.U.D. Family Development Shelter Expansion HTF (Housing Trust Fund) Emergency Food and Shelter Program Basic Food Nutrition Education Program Basic Food Education and Outreach Volunteer Literacy Program Conservation Corps

STATE Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development Department of Health Department of Corrections Department of Social and Health Services Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program Employment Security Department Legal Foundation of Washington Northwest Regional Council Office of Adult Literacy Office of the Insurance Commissioner Superintendent of Public Instruction Social Security—Public Affairs WA State Board of Community and Technical Colleges Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Washington State Corporation for Community and National Service Washington Reading Corps Washington Telephone Assistance Program Work Force Development Council WorkSource Skagit Washington State Department of Natural Resources Cascade Job Corps

LOCAL GOVERNMENT Community of Alger City of Anacortes Community of Bow City of Burlington Town of Concrete Town of Hamilton Town of Lyman Town of La Conner City of Mount Vernon City of Sedro-Woolley Skagit Transit City of Stanwood Skagit County Government Skagit County E.M.S. Mount Vernon Senior Center Sedro-Woolley Senior Center

EDUCATIONAL ENTITIES Anacortes School District Burlington-Edison School District Mount Vernon School District NW ESD 189 Skagit Valley College UW—Nursing Program Western Washington University Washington State University

HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES

WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY OMISSIONS AND EXTEND A GRATEFUL “THANK YOU!” FOR SUPPORTING SCCAA!

PRIVATE/FOUNDATIONS Verizon Foundation United Way of Skagit County Puget Sound Energy Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Boeing Employees Fund Regence Blue Shield The Medina Foundation The Windermere Foundation Legal Foundation Cascade Natural Gas Fund Literacy Council General Mills Foundation Roe Foundation Skagit Community Foundation WA. Dental Service Foundation The Points of Light Foundation

In 2006, SCCAA’s anti-poverty services helped more then 25,000 low-income Skagit County residents get past emergencies and move toward lasting self-sufficiency. 72.5% of the families served had incomes 100% of the poverty level. 9% of the families served were homeless. 36% of the families served were two-parent households. 8,030 family members had no health insurance. 12% of individuals served were age 55 or above.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS

HELPING PEOPLE CHANGE LIVES WITH YOUR SUPPORT

HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES

NON-PROFITS/COALITIONS AA/Women in Recovery Skagit Children’s Council Skagit Valley Herald Christmas Fund Interagency Council on Homelessness Mount Vernon Healthy Communities Project Multi-Disciplinary Hispanic Team Skagit Food Bank Association Skagit County Coalition to End Homelessness Skagit Co. Consortium for Children and Families Skagit County Readiness to Learn Coalition Volunteer Centers of Washington State Anacortes Community Shelter Project Catholic Community Services Northwest Combined Federal Campaigns EDASC Helping Hands Food Bank - Sedro-Woolley Alger Food Bank Concrete Food Bank Neighbors In Need Food Bank - Mount Vernon Anacortes 100 Food Bank Bread of Life Food Bank - Marblemount Viewcrest Assembly of God Food Bank Hamilton Food Bank Community Covenant Food Bank - Clearlake St. Charles Food Bank - Burlington Friendship House Lincoln Theater Northwest Youth Services OIC Farmworkers Reinvestment Program Opportunity Council Rehabco Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Svcs. Skagit Habitat for Humanity SPARC United Way of Skagit County Volunteers of America Northwest WorkNow Services Mount Vernon Y.M.C.A. YouthNet Skagit Gleaners

MEDICAL AFFILIATIONS Island Hospital Northwest Medical Team International Phoenix Recovery SeaMar Community Health Center Skagit Valley Hospital United General Hospital Visiting Nurses Northwest Whidbey Naval Air Station Hospital FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS Bethlehem Lutheran Church - Sedro-Woolley Christian Ministry Network Salvation Army Seventh Day Adventist Women’s Group Cornwall Church Emmanuel Baptist Church Warm Beach Christian Camp Ministerial Association

TRIBAL AFFILIATIONS Swinomish Tribal Community Upper Skagit Tribal Community

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS Northwest Justice Project Skagit County Bar Association Mount Baker Dental Society CIVIC AFFILIATIONS Kiwanis Club of Mount Vernon Skagit Kiwanis South Mount Vernon Kiwanis Anacortes Kiwanis LaConner Kiwanis Mount Vernon Rotary Skagit Morning Rotary Club Concrete Lions Club Sedro-Woolley Soroptimist Thrift Store Wild Women of Woolley

BUSINESSES Skagit State Bank La Casita Restaurant Northwest Mobile Home and R.V. Storage Skagit Food Co-Op Skagit Gardens Skagit - Island Builders Association Skagit Furniture WalMart Draper Valley Farms Alfy’s Pizza Lehigh Cement Company Tesoro/March Point Refinery USMC “Toys For Tots” Macy’s Snelson Companies, Inc. Anderson Appliance Craft Stove Swinomish Casino Learning Tree Kids R Us Kids Are The World Kevin’s Appliance The Next Chapter Wyman Park Escape The Scott Collection Homeward Bound River and Main Merchants Burlington Antique Barn Burlington Haggen Odwalla Skipper’s Action Foods Mount Vernon Farmers Market Frog Song Farms Fir Island Farms AmeriCold Storage Edison Inn

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES WITH YOUR SUPPORT

HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES

BUSINESSES - continued Boeing Employees Credit Union Ramos Chiropractic Parker Way Veterinary Clinic Central Welding Supply Red Apple Market - Mount Vernon Fidalgo Bay Coffee Cascadian Farms Wizards of Ooze Cost Cutter Safeway - Mount Vernon Albertsons - Mount Vernon Outback Steakhouse The Renegades Air Play Party Rentals Country Farms Market

BOARD Amy Berryman Carl Bruner John Cheney Ken Dahlstedt Sharon Dillon Dan Gould Tim Holloran Nancy Ivarinen Leon John Jerry Kaufman Ted Meamber Jim Meyer Ian Munce Don Munks Bud Norris Ray Trzynka Nancy Wolke

Pat Helliar Dorothy Holiday Jerry Jenkins Ann Johnson Jeanne Johnson Mary Johnson Ray Jorgenson Debbie Kuzak Kevin LaChance Linda Larson Marilynn Larson Hal Lee Millie Lee Cheri Lenssen Tom McCloud Dawn McComas Terry McDonald Bill McIlraith Steve and Mary Mansfield Ann Mary Jeff Mary Kathy Mason

INDIVIDUALS George Bosler Kathy Boynton Nathan Brewington Wendy Brown Romilly Cassida Bob Christenson Delores Curbow Tom Day Deborah DeWolfe Elaine Dignum Barbara Dow Lola Ellestad Margaret Estes Joe Fuchs Sherry Grant Robert Grout Hilda Gunnyon Adam Hall Randy Hawkins Cynthia Harrison Pete Harrison

Tom Moody Natalie Nevitt Brian Olson Dorothy Phillips Hal Pullin Marv Remillard John T. Rommer Pattie Santagelo Ed Sebers Jerry Sells Viola Sexton Erin Soucy Sue Snow Rosalee Stafford The Stephans Dr. Stevans Kate Steward Don Stinnett Julie Suomela Edna Taylor Bob Tivel Steve Wicks

YES! I would like to help change lives!

Enclosed is my gift of $ ____________

I would like to volunteer

I would like to talk about a bequest or planned gift

Name

I am interested in donating stocks or securities

Address

State

City

Zip Code Phone Number

Email Address

Make Checks Payable to: Skagit County Community Action Agency All donations are tax-deductible

MAIL CHECKS TO: 330 Pacific Place/P.O. Box 1507 Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Operating Budget 2006 FINANCIAL STATEMENT

HELPING PEOPLE, CHANGING LIVES

REVENUES

TOTAL REVENUES $4,692,893 EXPENSES

TOTAL EXPENSES $4,884,266

Energy Assistance Maternity Support Services Homeless Programs Food Programs Literacy Programs Women, Infants and Children Volunteer Center/CHORE Community Service Programs Additional Programs Management and General

$902,472 $724,836 $660,545 $524,417 $390,199 $374,589 $161,029 $101,577 $593,588 $451,065

Federal, State and Local Gvt. Fees Contributions In-Kind Revenue United Way Interest

$3,513,222 $777,144 $209,027 $101,332 $82,200 $9,968

75% 17% 4% 2% 1.5% .5%

75%

17%

2%

4% 1.5%

.5%

8%

18%

15%

8%

3%

13%

12%

12% 2%

9% 18% 15% 13% 12% 8% 8% 3% 2% 12% 9%