I wanted to commend HOPE Unlimited for all the support they have given to the people affected by the Oso disaster. Without the financial support of HOPE Unlimited, many of the chaplains would not have been there to provide help and encouragement, not only to the people who have lost friends and loved ones to the mudslide, but also to the many responders to have worked tirelessly at the site.
HOPE Unlimited also collected funds that have been given directly to those affected by the mudslide and in dire need of immediate funds. Having immediate access to funds for their individual needs has been a true blessing to these families, given the frustration they have met with trying to access funds from the larger “nonprofits” and government assistance.
HOPE Unlimited is a non-profit organization that has been in existence for 26 years in the Stanwood and Camano areas. It has worked largely behind the scenes in our local community, but its impact on a personal level in our community is unmatched. Many in our community have had their lives touched by the founders of HOPE Unlimited, Ralph and LeAnn Fry. Most of our community is aware of the great work done by SCIS-Stanwood Camano Incident Support which provides chaplain support and also incident support to the local authorities and the people affected by fire, major medical situations and other major events; but what you may not realize is that SCIS is a program of HOPE Unlimited, along with Single Family Life. SFL provides a program for single parents and their children to get together for meals, socialization and training/counseling to help guide them through the difficulties unique to single parents and their children.
HOPE Unlimited exists to serve the needs of the community however they can. They provide spiritual guidance and counseling and ministry services, along with financial assistance. They exist solely on donations from those who believe in what they do and the services they provide. I am blessed to be a part of such a service to my community.
If you would like to learn more about HOPE Unlimited or would like to donate to them, please call (360) 387-8718 or visit them on Facebook at Hope-Unlimited.
Darla Tiner
Camano Island
