LIVE UNITED FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

City of Port Angeles has developed an array of policies and programs focused on affordable housing. Newly implemented tools, such as the Multi-Family Tax Exemption Program, Permit-Ready Plans Program, Fee Waiver Program, NICE Grants, and Affordable Housing Sales & Use Tax Grants, help to overcome barriers and foster more diverse and accessible housing development in Port Angeles.

Kate Dexter, Mayor of Port Angeles

Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County is tirelessly raising funds to build homes for local families. Their Brownfield Road Project in Sequim will create 50 affordable homes with funding partners ranging from the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, First Federal Foundation, and Federal Funding from the office of Derek Kilmer.

Colleen Robinson, Chief Executive Officer

Peninsula Behavioral Health has worked consistently to create stable housing for high need individuals in Clallam County.  After converting the All View Motel to 26 apartment units, they are taking on a project to construct 36 units of permanent supportive housing in Port Angeles and convert space for five individuals to live in a group home in Sequim.

Wendy Sisk, Chief Executive Officer

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula believes each child deserves a chance to overcome obstacles and become the best person they can be. Boys & Girls Clubs enables all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. They provide nutritious meals, supportive adult guidance, and programs promoting academic success, healthy living, and character development for youth ages 5-18. 

Mary Budke, Chief Executive Officer

First Step Family Support Center 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.

Elisia Anderson, Executive Director

The Olympic Peninsula YMCA oversees programs and facilities in both Port Angeles and Sequim where they serve people of all ages, beliefs, incomes, races, genders, and abilities. Their focus is on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Their mission is to build healthy minds, bodies and spirits. From health and wellness classes to after-school enrichment programs, summer day camps to parenting classes, the Y has something for everyone. They offer financial assistance to anyone who qualifies because cost should never be a barrier to participation.

Wendy Bart, Chief Executive Officer

The North Olympic Library System strives to offer equitable and accessible services to all community members and has prioritized this value in their strategic initiatives. They offer diverse programs, events, and classes, which promote learning, skills acquisition, intellectual and cultural stimulation, civic discourse, community vitality, social engagement, entertainment, relaxation, and creative fun. Through an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens, NOLS continues to develop and implement a comprehensive plan to review NOLS’ policies, practices, collections, programs, and resources.

Peninsula College aspires to ensure that all students, faculty, and staff have access to resources and support in proportion to their needs and that they feel respected, connected, and can thrive in their goals. They are currently implementing their Equity Plan whose strategic objectives include developing policies and procedures that foster equity and inclusion; increasing diversity among faculty, staff, and students; and expanding the use of inclusive practices. They have also hired their first Vice President for Human Resources and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Her responsibilities include advancing the college’s mission and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

In 2023, the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce 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 they can have in businesses. The Chamber was so committed to bringing this information to their community, they ensured there was a very low barrier to participation.

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.

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."

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.