Helping people in need help themselves may be one of our community's highest callings. It's certainly a daunting challenge-especially in the wake of tighter welfare legislation. People once dependent on government aid are needing broader and different services as they return to work. Government-funded operations, in many cases, are offering less. So who closes the gaps? Where is the safety net? Community-based human services are the answer and they need your help.
Private, citizen-supported networks and organizations are doing more than filling in where government leaves off. They are leading the way. Why? Because those closest to a community's needs-neighbors, local business owners, parents, community leaders, congregations, teachers, people like you-know the problems and the solutions best. Their responses are quicker and more creative. Their impact is nearly always longer lasting and more effective. After all, we have a personal stake in how those around us fare. If we care about making Whatcom County a better place, we have to care about all the people who live here.
This is why philanthropy arose in the first place. It is our social sensor, the central nervous system, the compassionate heart and soul of every community.
But it takes you, the donor, to breathe life into the organizations providing services. Whatcom County has many people in need. Here are some of the organizations dedicated to helping.
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