United Good Neighbors (UGN) has launched the Give Jefferson Campaign on November 11, aiming to raise $300,000 by December 31 to support 29 local nonprofits.

“As residents of Jefferson County face mounting economic challenges, donations to Give Jefferson will ensure critical services like food, shelter, healthcare, financial and educational support reach those who need it most,” Andrea Stafford, Give Jefferson Marketing Coordinator writes in her press release.

A recent community survey, she adds, shows over 60 percent of Jefferson County residents are struggling to cover basic expenses, with over 40 percent of families with young children experiencing housing insecurity. By donating to Give Jefferson, you are part of a powerful network of local support, providing real help to stabilize lives and create a compassionate community.

“Your donation to Give Jefferson stays in Jefferson County, directly supporting these 29 nonprofits working to meet basic needs and strengthen community resilience,” she writes. “UGN, Jefferson County’s United Way, sustains the nonprofit network that forms the backbone of local support. Every dollar raised through Give Jefferson remains local to address Jefferson County’s unique needs.” Donations can be made at givejefferson.org.

Meet the nonprofits, and their impact

1. Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County – Builds affordable homes for low-income families. Research shows that children of homeowners are more likely to complete high school and pursue higher education, creating generational impact.

2. Dove House Advocacy Services – Provides trauma survivors with therapy and critical support; a $500 donation funds five therapy sessions for individuals in need. 

3. Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Assists with essential bills, like rent and utilities. One client, a single father, transitioned from homelessness to stability with their support.

4. OWL 360 – Assists young adults ages 13-25 with holistic support, including mental health and housing assistance. “The support and resources have been life-changing,” shared a recent participant.

5. Maritime Career Initiative at Northwest Maritime Center – Trains local youth in maritime skills. A graduate remarked, “This program opened doors I never thought were possible.”

6. Jefferson Teen Center – Provides a safe, structured environment where teens receive homework help and engage in recreational activities, fostering resilience and growth.

7. Olympic Neighbors – Provides housing and 24-hour support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, offering a safe, inclusive community for residents.

8. Jefferson County Farmers Markets – Strengthens food security through SNAP Market Match and VegRx programs, helping low-income residents access nutritious, locally-grown food.

9. Olympic Housing Trust – Develops affordable housing solutions for Jefferson County’s workforce, addressing critical shortages that impact community stability.

10. ECHHO (Ecumenical Christian Helping Hands Organization) – Provides free transportation to medical appointments and loans medical equipment to seniors and low-income residents, supporting independent living.

11. Foster Supports of Jefferson County – Fills essential needs for foster children and families, like clothing, diapers, and activity scholarships, stabilizing foster homes and encouraging healthy environments.

12. Community Wellness Project – Promotes wellness through Farm to School programs, teaching students about food systems and providing access to healthy meals in schools.

13. Olympic Angels – Rallies community support for foster families through relationship-based programs, ensuring that foster parents and children receive needed resources and connection.

14. Community Boat Project – Engages young people in skill-building through hands-on maritime learning. A participant shared, “I found a direction and purpose I never knew was possible.”

15. Rainy Day Fund at Public Utility District No. 1 – Provides financial relief to low-income households facing overwhelming utility bills, preventing service cutoffs.

16. First Step Family Support Center – Strengthens families with early childhood programs and resources, supporting positive caregiver interactions and family resilience.

17. Weekend Nutrition Program – Provides weekend food packs for students in Quilcene and Brinnon schools, ensuring children have meals outside school hours.

18. Food Bank Growers – Grows and gathers fresh produce for local food banks, improving food security and community health through sustainable farming.

19. Winter Welcoming Center – Offers a warm, safe space during winter months with Wi-Fi, refreshments, laundry vouchers, and donated clothing.

20. Clemente Course – Provides free college humanities courses to adults facing economic hardship, empowering students with education and community engagement.

21. Clallam-Jefferson County Pro Bono Lawyers – Offers free civil legal aid, assisting low-income community members with legal issues like family law and housing disputes.

22. Olympic Peninsula YMCA – Supports youth development through after-school programs, summer camps, mentoring, and family resource navigation.

23. Port Townsend Kiwanis Charitable Trust – Supports local children’s projects, addressing food insecurity and other basic needs to foster a supportive environment for young residents.

24. Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates – Assists immigrants with basic needs, language support, and legal advocacy, fostering inclusion and empowerment.

25. Chimacum Backpacks for Kids – Provides weekend meals for Chimacum students, ensuring that children have nutritious food when school is out.

26. Jefferson County Food Banks Association – Feeds over 3,400 households monthly, creating a welcoming and supportive environment at food banks countywide.

27. Jumping Mouse Children’s Center – Provides therapeutic play therapy for children dealing with trauma, empowering children and their caregivers.

28. The Benji Project – Teaches youth mindfulness and self-compassion, equipping teens with skills to handle stress and life’s challenges.

29. JC MASH at Bayside Housing & Services – Offers free healthcare services for residents without insurance, supporting health and recovery for those affected by homelessness.