Childcare Co-op Thrives Thanks to $9,700 Raised at SJI Cares
Thanks to You: SJI Cares Exceeds Fundraising Goals for SJICC
At the heart of every thriving community is a network of organizations and individuals working together to support the people who live there. This year, the San Juan Island Childcare Cooperative, a program sponsored by the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center, received an incredible outpouring of support during the SJI Cares Campaign, held at the 2024 San Juan County Fair. The campaign, organized by the San Juan Island Community Foundation (SJICF), brought together 30 local nonprofits, showcasing their efforts to enhance and sustain a healthy community on San Juan Island.
What is SJI Cares?
SJI Cares is a unique opportunity for community members to learn more about local nonprofits and contribute to their work in meaningful ways. Donations are encouraged both online and at the fair, where the SJICF facilitates a matching grant campaign. For each organization involved, the first $1,000 raised was matched by the foundation, and throughout the four days of the fair, participants had the chance to win additional bonus grants. The fair provided the perfect setting for community engagement, and for nonprofits to share their mission, goals, and accomplishments with a wide audience.
Supporting the San Juan Island Childcare Co-op
This year, the JLSFRC participated in the SJI Cares campaign run by the San Juan Island Community Foundation to raise funds for the San Juan Island Childcare Cooperative (SJICC). The goal? To raise $7,500 to support affordable childcare and parenting education for families on the island. SJICC partners with Skagit Valley College and the JLSFRC to create a nurturing environment where babies and toddlers can thrive through child-led play, while parents receive valuable education on fostering emotional resilience in their children.
The support from the community was nothing short of inspiring. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, the SJICC exceeded its fundraising goal, raising over $9,700. This remarkable success ensures that families on San Juan Island will continue to have access to affordable, quality childcare and educational resources that strengthen the bonds between parents and their children.
The Impact of Your Support
We are incredibly grateful for every donation, large or small, that made this campaign such a success. The funds raised will directly contribute to the continued growth of the SJICC, including the welcoming of two new team members to help support our families. With the additional resources, the Co-op will be able to expand its services, ensuring that families have the tools they need to raise emotionally resilient children in a safe and caring environment.
A special thank you goes out to the San Juan Island Community Foundation for their continued commitment to fostering a supportive, thriving community through their fundraising campaigns. Their dedication to local nonprofits and programs, like the JLSFRC and the SJICC, amplifies the positive impact we can make together.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Our Community
The success of this year’s SJI Cares campaign is more than just numbers—it represents hope for families on San Juan Island. Access to affordable childcare is vital for working parents, and the SJICC provides a crucial service that helps bridge the gap. Beyond the basics of care, the cooperative’s focus on emotional development and parenting education offers long-term benefits for both children and parents.
With your support, we can continue to build a strong, resilient community where every child has the opportunity to thrive, and every parent feels empowered in their role.
If you’re interested in learning more about the SJICC or how you can get involved, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center (360) 378-5246 or visit their website at https://sjicc.org/.
Together, we can continue making a difference!