2023 LIVE UNITED AWARDS & Prom Recap

Safe & Affordable Housing - The City of Port Angeles

This award was presented to the City of Port Angeles for developing an array of policies and programs focused on affordable housing. The City has developed an array of trendsetting policies and programs to promote the development of diverse and accessible housing options, including the:

• First-Ever Comprehensive Building Permit Fee Waiver Program in WA
• Permit-Ready Plans Program
• Multifamily Property Tax Exemptions
• New Improvement Community Enhancement (NICE) Grants
• Affordable Housing Sales Tax and Use Grants

Learn more about these programs and initiatives by clicking below:

Strong & Secure Families - First Step Family Support Center

First Step promotes the healthy development of children and families in Clallam County by building family strengths. Their team of educators, advocates, and coordinators walk beside families, supporting them, providing resources, and celebrating with them as their children grow. First Step offers maternity support, parenting education classes, home-visiting programs, and center-based activities so that families have the advantage in raising healthy and happy children.

Learn more about First Step Family Support Center below:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion - Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce

In 2023, the Sequim Chamber made a concerted effort to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to the Sequim business community. They hosted a series of trainings that offered participants an opportunity to explore each aspect of this work (diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging) and the positive impact these principles can have in business. The Chamber was so committed to bringing this information to their community that they ensured there was a very low barrier to participation. 

Learn more about the Sequim Chamber of Commerce below:

Community-Minded Business - Odyssey Bookshop

United Way collaborates with hundreds of community minded businesses each year to make Clallam County a better place to live. This past year Odyssey Bookshop has stood out as a huge supporter of United Way for their wide-ranging contributions to our community. Owner April Bellerud is a natural leader, empowering her employees to take an active role in their community helping to make Clallam County a great place to live, work, and thrive. Her ability to rally others to gather and attend our events, her in-kind support, and financial sponsorships embody the spirit of LIVE UNITED through her commitment to taking action to positively change our community.

Learn more about Odyssey below:

Clallam United - St. Vincent de Paul

This year the LIVE UNITED Clallam United Award recognizes exceptional volunteerism. Volunteers are of critical importance to all our community partners, but St. Vincent de Paul is one of only two that are entirely staffed by volunteers. The depth of this service is put into even starker relief when you consider the care and individualized approach St. Vincent de Paul volunteers take with each and every person or family they help. The organization's structure allows it to meet people where they are and assist in a direct and often financial way to the unique challenges each person is facing. They truly are building "a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need."

Campaign Volunteer - Lexie J. Winters Photography

The LIVE UNITED Campaign Volunteer Award highlights someone who has dedicated exceptional time and effort to making our campaign a success. We could not think of a more worthy recipient than Lexie J. Winters Photography. Seen behind the camera at countless events, Lexie doesn't seek the limelight for herself. Her dedication, support, and generosity remind us that we have the opportunity to help to those in need by stepping forward to volunteer with United Way. By donating her time and skills as an event photographer, spending dozens of unseen hours behind the screen editing and uploading photos, Lexie allows United Way to raise even more funds that create IMPACT in the lives of people in our community. Lexie is a true professional, an incredibly talented photographer, and a true friend of United Way.

Learn more about Lexie J. Winters Photography below: