Posts Tagged ‘Goosefoot Community Fund’
Goose Customer Appreciation Party
Join Goosefoot for a celebration to THANK YOU for shopping at the Goose and Bayview Center! Free hamburgers & hot dogs, live music with Island Jazz Collective, and sidewalk sales from nearby businesses. Join Goosefoot for a celebration to THANK YOU for shopping at the Goose and Bayview Center! Free hamburgers & hot dogs, live music with Island Jazz Collective, and sidewalk sales from nearby businesses.…
Read MoreLangley Chamber July Members Meeting Recap: Housing, Resilience & the Arts Take Center Stage
The Langley Chamber of Commerce July Members Meeting brought together local leaders and visionaries working toward a more resilient, vibrant, and inclusive South Whidbey community. Here’s a quick look at the highlights:
A Big Step for Affordable Housing
Rose Hughes, Managing Director of Island Roots Housing, shared long-awaited good news: Langley’s first permanent affordable workforce housing project, Generations Place, is slated to break ground this fall. For years, housing scarcity has challenged small business owners in hospitality and retail to retain staff. This new development in downtown Langley will provide much-needed housing to help support the local workforce that is constantly in flux with the nature of our unique location. Labor shortage and housing issues work in tandem and if we can get on the same page as to remedy the turnover, our community can THRIVE… not just survive.
Goosefoot’s Growing Impact
Elise Miller, Executive Director of the Goosefoot Community Fund, touched on their longstanding support of Island Roots, once a non-profit incubator project. Goosefoot continues to uplift the community—announcing the expansion of the Goose Community Grocer Bakery (an appropriate name is in the works!) into the former Big Wierzbowski location. The new space will (hopefully!) include a café space, creating a welcoming Bayview Corner-style hangout in the Goose Grocer shopping plaza. Just picture it… soon we’ll be able to shop at Island Boutique, Casey’s Crafts, and Sebo’s Do-it Center… and all commune together at the cafe nearby!
Preparedness in an Island Community
Benjamin Corteau of Flying Bear Farm and South Whidbey Prepares reminded us that preparedness is key, especially during peak visitor seasons. Earthquakes, flooding, and landslides are real threats to our island geography. Ben emphasized the importance of community resilience through neighborhood mapping, to-go kits, and having workplace and household plans in place. Start small: store water today. Learn more by attending one of their Safety Meetings.
Langley’s Creative Identity Gets a Boost
Langley Chamber Executive Director Nicole Whittington-Johnson wrapped up with exciting news: Langley has been recertified as a Washington …
The Essential Needs Program Enters Its Fifth Year
Life on Whidbey Island is idyllic for many, but rising costs and unforeseen challenges can make it difficult for some families to meet their basic needs. Thankfully, the Essential Needs Program, now in its fifth year, is here to help. This powerful partnership between the Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF), Goosefoot Community Fund, and Island Thrift ensures that no one on Whidbey Island has to face life’s toughest moments alone.
A Lifeline for Local Families
The Essential Needs Program provides financial assistance to help residents with urgent needs such as utility bills, essential household items, or unexpected expenses like medical costs or funerals. By filling the gaps that other programs may not cover, this initiative has become a critical resource for families living at or below 30% of the county’s median income. This includes essential workers like teachers, shopkeepers, and service workers who keep our island thriving.
Melissa Frasch-Brown, Director of the Opportunity Council Island County Service Center, highlights the program’s impact: “This program has given us the freedom to help the most vulnerable members of our community in MORE ways than we have ever been able to. We are deeply grateful!”
A Partnership Rooted in Community
The Essential Needs Program is made possible by a collaborative effort:
Whidbey Community Foundation and Goosefoot Community Fund: Each organization has pledged $25,000 this year to support the program.
Island Thrift: Through its nonprofit thrift store, Island Thrift has generously contributed $20,000.
Together, these organizations have raised $70,000, but there is still a need for an additional $30,000 by August 31st to meet the program’s goal. Every dollar raised goes directly to the Opportunity Council to provide immediate assistance to local families.
How You Can Help:
This is where you come in! Whether you’re a Baby Boomer who loves giving back to the community, a Millennial looking for ways to make a difference, or a Gen Z-er passionate about social change, your contribution matters. Here are some ways to get involved:
Donate Online: Visit goosefoot.org/essential-needs or whidbeyfoundation.org/essential-needs-program to make a donation.
Send a Check: Mail your donation to:
Goosefoot Community Fund, P.O. Box 95, Langley, WA 98260
Whidbey Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1174, Freeland, WA 98249
Shop and Round Up: In April and August, shop at The Goose Community Grocer and round up your total to support the program.
Why It Matters:
Whidbey Island is a community that thrives on connection. By …
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