Partners

Civility First…So We Can Work Together was founded on Whidbey Island and is made up of a group of citizens representing a wide range of political views. We have come together to work against the increased polarization that has become so prevalent in our country.  Civility First trains community members on the skills we all need to be more respectful listeners and more effective speakers. We encourage curiosity instead of judgement, and work to give the community the skills to handle difficult conversations in a civil manner.  Find out more and get involved by visiting the Civility First website.  If you have any questions about the organization, or would like to schedule a workshop for your group, contact us at Civility1st@gmail.com.

Community Health is a branch of Public Health that supports and promotes wellness in our community through community-based services on Whidbey Island.  Our services include the Women, infants, and children program (WIC), New baby new family program, Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN), Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD), Community Health Care Workers (CHW), communicable disease prevention and investigation, Emergency Preparedness, Healthy Youth Initiative Scholarship, Youth Tobacco and cannabis Prevention and senior fall prevention.

Contact person: Teresa Till  

Email: t.till@islandcountywa.gov         

Phone: 360-678-7888 

Friends of Friends has offered support for visits to healthcare professionals, laboratory bills, prescriptions, vouchers for travel to treatment and medical supplies. We take pride in ensuring prompt response, personal attention and continued availability as we face the growing needs in our community.

You’ll find us on the big stage at the Freeland Hall each October as we crown a new Mr. South Whidbey. This much-loved pageant is our annual fundraiser.

360-221-4535

The DEM is responsible for emergency management within Island County to include planning and coordinating actions for the preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery from natural and man-made emergencies and disasters. DEM provides hazard information, coordinates and provides emergency training for county residents and first responders. The DEM also operates the county Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when it is activated. We have responded to many different disasters. We also provide presentations to various groups across Island County.

Contact us at dem@islandcountywa.gov

Environmental Health is the branch of Public Health that is concerned with all aspects of the natural and built environment that may affect human health. Natural Resources is the branch of Public Health that is concerned with protecting the natural environment for the benefit of human health and the ecosystem. The goal of Environmental Health is to protect and promote public health. Services a wide array of Health issues such as: On-Site Sewage Systems (septic systems), Drinking Water, Recreational Shellfish, and Water Recreation.

Contact person: Magen Gregory
Email: M.Gregory@islandcountywa.gov
Phone: 360-678-7860

Community & Family Health is the branch of Public Health that promotes wellness through community-based services on Camano Island, including the Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) nutrition program, home based nursing care for new families, emergency preparedness, and communicable disease prevention and investigation.

Contact person: Teresa Till
Email: t.till@islandcountywa.gov
Phone: 360-678-7888

Island County Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is an advisory body to county government, comprised of community volunteers who represent diverse interests and industries, with the common goal to protect and restore marine resources in Island County through scientific monitoring, restoration projects, and community education. The MRC meets monthly, with four meetings a year held on Camano. These meetings are open to the public, and cover ongoing and future projects, and may feature a guest speaker. The MRC also hosts educational workshops and events, identifies nearshore restoration opportunities, and engages volunteers with opportunities to study and learn about key marine species such as bull kelp and forage fish. For meeting information, opportunities to get involved, or to learn more, visit the Island County Marine Resources website or contact Kelly Zupich at: k.zupich@islandcountywa.gov

Phone: 360-678-2349

Natural Resources is the branch of Public Health that focuses on protecting the natural environment for the benefit of human health and the natural ecosystem.​​ Natural Resources, in partnership with Environmental Health, is concerned with all aspects of the natural and built environment that may affect our surroundings and human health. The goal of Natural Resources is to protect public health through monitoring and restoration of the environment in areas where there are known or potential impairments.

• The Surface Water Quality Monitoring Program

Natural Resource Specialists – Sage Ince, Carlie Miller, and Watershed planner- Jessica Reed

• ILIO and Lead Entity for Salmon Recovery

Lead Entity Coordinator for Salmon Recovery – Clea Barenburg

• Shore Friendly

Natural Resource Specialist- Ann Prusha

• Conservation Futures Program

Conservation Futures Funds Coordinator- Michala Milewski (Not attending but providing materials)

Have a suspicious looking plant on your land? Questions about rules and regulations regarding noxious weed control? Need help addressing the removal of noxious weeds from your land? The Island County Noxious Weed Control Board (ICNWB) promotes noxious weed control through public education and personal and/or written contact with landowners. The weed board and coordinator will provide assistance in identification of noxious weeds and helping land owners develop an integrated vegetation management (IVM) plan to best control weed issues on property. Planning looks at incorporating cultural, biological agents, herbicide use, and other management techniques to best address particular site needs.

Contact: Seth Luginbill, Program coordinator
Email: s.luginbill@islandcountywa.gov
Phone: 360-678-7992
Cell: 360-969-3988

Community Health is a branch of Public Health that supports and promotes wellness in our community through community-based services on Whidbey Island.  Our services include the Women, infants, and children program (WIC), New baby new family program, Children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN), Access to Baby and Child Dentistry (ABCD), Community Health Care Workers (CHW), communicable disease prevention and investigation, Emergency Preparedness, Healthy Youth Initiative Scholarship, Youth Tobacco and cannabis Prevention and senior fall prevention.

Contact person: Teresa Till  
Email: t.till@islandcountywa.gov
Phone: 360-678-7888 

Island Senior Resources provides resources that enhance the emotional, social, and physical well-being of seniors, adults with disabilities, and those who care for them. Island Senior Resources, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, serves Whidbey and Camano islands.

We enable positive living, health, and well-being for those we serve by improving access to services that promote mental and physical health, social connection, positive interdependence, learning opportunities, self-care, opportunities for intergenerational interaction, and aging in place. We serve those ranging from robust and capable to those who care for others in ill health, as well as those who are frail or unable to care for themselves.

Our programs include Aging and Disability Resources, Family Caregiver Support, Nutrition (Meals on Wheels, community meals, and liquid nutrition), Case Management for Medicaid enrollees, Medical Transportation and chore services, two medical equipment lending libraries, support groups, and counseling services for Medicare and Social security. Our methodology and service breadth allow us to offer a single access point for those facing an often-daunting social service agency environment. In addition, we provide hands-on referral services to other public, private, and nonprofit agencies for clients whose needs extend beyond our capacity.

Island Senior Resources has been the largest nonprofit organization serving seniors across Island County since 1973.

Robin Bush, Communications Strategist

Island Senior Resources – Serving Whidbey and Camano islands

Mailing address: 
PO Box 939   
Freeland, WA   98249
360-321-1600

Opportunity Council Mission:

The Opportunity Council is a private, non-profit Community Action agency serving homeless and low-income families and individuals.  Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities.

For more than 50 years, we have offered a broad scope of services that range from addressing immediate and crisis-oriented needs (food, emergency shelter, eviction-prevention) to longer-term programs that promote self-sufficiency in our community (early childhood education, home weatherization).

Accomplishments for 2022:

2,388 (including 126 veterans) received housing assistance (rent, mortgage, or new housing)

1,265 households received energy assistance

52 homes received weatherization or home repairs (totaling <$600k)

400 Island County residents received household supplies, employment support, financial literacy, dump pass, or received grant money for emergencies.

Contact Info:

Melissa Brown (Island County Resource Center Director):  melissa_brown@oppco.org

Jennifer Marzocca (Outreach):  jen_marzocca@oppco.org
360-679-6577

Island Transit serves Camano and Whidbey Island, Mondays-Saturdays, with fare free buses and paratransit services. We offer free one on one travel training as well as monthly guided tours to fun and interesting destinations. We also have a vanpool program for those commuting to work or school and a new RideLink program partnering with non-profits to provide transportation for their clients. Learn more on the Island Transit website or by calling 360-678-7771.

Maribeth Crandell, Island Transit Mobility Specialist Travel@islandtransit.org 360-678-9536

Address: 19758 Hwy 20, Coupeville, WA 98239

Shore Stewards is a free educational program for those who live along the shoreline, in Island County communities that have shoreline access, or who would just like to protect and preserve our islands for future generations. There is no cost to join, no training to take, and there is no commitment to volunteer. Simply fill out the short application form, and you will receive the free book “Guide for Shoreline Living”, regular newsletters, a DVD on shoreline living, and optional free metal yard sign. Shore Stewards is a program of WSU Extension in Island County.

Sno-Isle Libraries serves the residents of two counties – Island and Snohomish – with 23 libraries, mobile library services, online resources, in-person and virtual programming, free tech resources including computer use and printing, and more.

Our Vision

Everyone in our community is connected to their library.

Our Mission

We engage and inspire our communities through equitable access to knowledge and resources.

Our Values

Community. Equity. Inclusion. Welcoming. Learning. Respect.

Contact Info:

South Whidbey Sno-Isle Libraries

Katrina Morse, Adult Services Librarian: kmorse@sno-isle.org

Jayanne Bixby, Children’s Librarian: jbixby@sno-isle.org

Are you passionate about helping women and girls be the best version of themselves? Soroptimist International of South Whidbey is always looking for new members!

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. 

The South Whidbey club holds benefit events throughout the year that allow us to give scholarships and awards to local women and girls. Additionally, we provide mini-grants to local non-profit organizations that align with our mission.

We are women at our best, helping other women to be their best.

hello@soroptimistsouthwhidbey.org
360-331-4127

Sound Water Stewards are trained volunteers working in and around Island County for a healthy, sustainable marine environment through education, science, and stewardship. We have a vision of a healthy marine environment as defined by diverse natural ecosystems and sustainable human communities. SWS publishes Getting to the Water’s Edge guidebook, presents Sound Waters University (a one-day university for all), runs 13 community science projects, and trains 50 new members annually in our highly acclaimed 100-hour training which is required for membership.

Contact: camano-coord@SoundWaterStewards.org

Our mission is to provide volunteers with the opportunity to build community by connecting neighbors-in-need with neighbors who can help them remain safe and healthy in their homes. Since 1994, we have held an annual one-day work party on the first Saturday in May, bringing hundreds of South Whidbey volunteers out to help their neighbors with simple home repairs, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, painting, weatherization, yard cleanup and trash removal. Our work has inspired other groups across the US, including Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers which also has a workday on the first Saturday in May!

Visit our website to volunteer, request help, or make a donation.

Under guidance from the Washington State Insurance Commissioner’s Office and the local sponsorship of Island Senior Resources, our team of Whidbey volunteers provides free, unbiased, and confidential help with Medicare, and related plan education.  We provide information about Medicare benefits and enrollment, and help clients evaluate and compare the many Medicare plans and programs available to them, in order to determine their best options.

In 2022, SHIBA volunteers held 30 free educational classes/events and conducted over 800 individual counseling sessions with Whidbey seniors.  Classes and one-on-one counseling appointments are offered online, by phone, and in person at Bayview and Oak Harbor.

Contact SHIBA by calling 360-321-1600 option “0”, or visit us at Island Center Resources.

WSDA Mission

Through service, regulation, and advocacy, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) supports the viability and vitality of agriculture while protecting consumers, public health, and the environment.

WSDA Emergency Management

Upholds the agency’s mission by enhancing agricultural industry resiliency in partnership with local, tribal, and federal entities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from all-hazards emergencies impacting Washington State’s animal and food supply chain.

Kerri Love

Program Specialist | Emergency Management
Direct: 360-628-3795 | klove@agr.wa.gov

Explore and enjoy our many Whidbey Island state parks! The island has the good fortune to be home to many state parks. The Central Whidbey Area of Washington State Parks stretches from Joseph Whidbey State Park in Oak Harbor to the very southern tip of the island at Possession Point State Park. They are a place for you to connect with the natural resources and history of Washington. Adventure awaits!

Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism is the go-to organization for both visitors and residents seeking information about the islands such as lodging, attractions, experiences, and events. We’ve on a quest to grow regenerative travel and invite the community to participate in creating islands in harmony, where people and nature thrive in a culture of ongoing transformation. Anyone inspired to join us on this journey are invited to connect with us.

The Whidbey Camano Land Trust actively involves the community in protecting, restoring, and appreciating the important natural habitats and resource lands that support the diversity of life on our islands and in the waters of Puget Sound.

Since 1984 we have partnered with willing landowners and island communities to protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat, help expand county and state parks, protect natural areas and local family farms, and increase trail and beach access. We practice strategic land conservation that sustains the incredible quality of life on Whidbey and Camano Islands. Conservation work that: keeps our water and air clean; creates new outdoor recreation spaces to enjoy nature; saves habitat for our beloved fish and wildlife; preserves farmland for safe, local food production; attracts businesses and visitors that sustain our local economy; provides community and ecological resilience to climate change; and ensures these treasured islands remain places of refuge for all.

Contact us to learn more, or to discover the places we’ve protected and where you can visit.

Address: 765 Wonn Road, Barn C-201, Greenbank, WA 98253 360-222-3310
Email: info@wclt.org.

Our Mission

The Whidbey Island Holistic Health Association promotes quality of life, inspires health and wellness, and increases awareness of holistic health in our community through education and outreach.

We believe in the power of the human body to heal itself. By approaching health in a holistic manner, we first consider the innate wisdom of the body and then seek to balance, support and improve the individual’s physical, mental and spiritual health.

Holistic approaches can be used as an alternative to or to complement allopathic methods, such as drugs or surgery. This approach to health is both non-invasive and geared toward prevention of illness, with the intention to enhance optimal health.

There are a wide variety of holistic methods to healing, such as acupuncture, naturopathy, CranioSacral therapy, yoga and other highly effective modalities.

Our long-term goal is to establish Whidbey Island as a healing destination where individuals can come to learn more about holistic health, experience healing retreats, and train to become practitioners.

We are inspired to create an environment where practitioners can share their knowledge and skills with the community through events, lectures and health fairs.

Refer to our online practitioner directory to see the complete list of healing professionals available on Whidbey Island.

Whidbey Island Grown Cooperative is a multi-stakeholder cooperative supporting local agriculture and food systems resiliency. We run a Food Hub, which is an online marketplace where over 40 local and regional producers sell their products to households and businesses each week. Ordering takes place Friday-Tuesday online, and orders can be picked up on Friday afternoons in Langley, Freeland, Coupeville, and Oak Harbor. We also run a marketing program to highlight Whidbey’s local producers and bring awareness to the benefits of eating locally and seasonally. Our biggest event is Eat Local Month in September, which is a month long celebration of local agriculture and food that includes events, festivals, presentations, workshops, tours, and more.

Follow us on social media @whidbeyislandgrown

Whidbey Community Foundation envisions a more vibrant, healthy, and unified Whidbey Island community for those who call it home–now and into the future. Our mission is to improve the quality of life on Whidbey Island by providing support for the nonprofit sector, assisting donors to build and preserve enduring assets for charitable purposes, and meeting community needs through financial awards.

info@whidbeyfoundation.org
360-660-5041 

PO Box 1135

Coupeville, WA 98239

Our Mission!

Promoting natural resource stewardship and resilient ecosystems for present and future generations.
Conservation works best when people who live and work in an area learn to take care of their own natural resources. This is central to the nature of conservation districts, or CDs. CDs are community-based hubs of natural resource expertise and resources. We are staffed and led by locals who understand the needs of the landscapes and fellow community members that they serve.

Each of Washington’s 45 CDs serves a distinct geographic area: WICD serves all of Whidbey Island. Our purpose is to engage our own community with voluntary actions that keep our air, water, soil, habitats, and working lands healthy for all. While we are a political subdivision of Washington State, we are a non-regulatory agency; we do not enforce compliance or impose penalties, but instead, we work collaboratively with people to help them responsibly and efficiently manage their land.

We look forward to helping you achieve your land use goals while improving our island’s shared natural resources.

CLCP is the Washington State University Community Cleanup Program funded by a grant from the Department of Ecology. Volunteers help to keep our beaches clean by collecting litter on Tuesdays. Our purpose is three-fold: clean up litter along shorelines and beaches, perform at least 4-6 pickups yearly, and assist residents with beach litter removal via the Purple Card Program.

CLCP has been cleaning beaches since 1996 and collected 13,185 pounds of beach litter in 2021 alone. With a record 77 cleanups in quarter two, our volunteers donated over 1200 hours. Volunteers must be eighteen to attend and should remember to dress appropriately for beach cleanups on driftwood and in poor weather conditions. With advance notice, we can also help volunteers obtain a single-use parking pass should they not have a Washington State Discovery Pass. For questions or comments, please contact Kacie Dominici at kacie.dominici@wsu.edu or 360-639-6060.

Master Gardeners are volunteers who enjoy sharing their gardening knowledge with others to promote healthy landscapes. In Island County, more than 90 Master Gardeners volunteer at plant clinics, the Educational Garden at Greenbank Farm, and through the local Foundation, produce the popular Whidbey Gardening Workshop each March in Oak Harbor that draws hundreds of garden enthusiasts from throughout the Puget Sound to learn how to become better gardeners.

Do you have an interest in gardening and want to help others? The Master Gardener program is open to all who have an enthusiasm for volunteer work, enjoy talking to people about gardening, and are life-long learners. Learn more about becoming an Island County Master Gardener Volunteer at extension.wsu.edu/island. If you have questions about the program or training to become a Master Gardener, contact Loren Imes at: loren.imes@wsu.edu or 360-639-6059.

Waste Wise volunteers are trained to assist residents, schools and businesses in reducing waste. They provide information about recycling, composting, reducing, reusing, environmentally friendly cleaners, household hazardous waste, septic systems, solid waste issues, sustainable living and how to be a smart shopper. Training is conducted each fall for people who wish to become volunteers and enhance the environment in Island County. For more information, please see the Waste Wise webpage or contact Sarah Bergquist, Program Coordinator, sarah.bergquist@wsu.edu.