Props with Purpose: Kitsap Weekly

 The midcentury ceramic lamp with floral design in relief had a story, had witnessed an actress’s home life in Beverly Hills, provided a comforting glow in an apartment overlooking a park in Signal Hill, and made a statement in my home for 17 years.

 

And it was time for this sentimentalist to let it go.

It wasn’t easy — it had long belonged to my dad and stepmom, gifted to them by the family friend who had inherited it — but taking it to Second Season Home Store somehow made letting go … painless.

At Second Season Home Store, all proceeds from sales support North Kitsap Fishline Food Bank & Emergency Services. And items sold at Second Season Home Store find themselves in a good home for a good price.

“You can give new life to some forgotten things,” said Felicia Kratzer, the home store’s new manager. “You can sell that item in a yard sale, but that’s not the answer. Fishline has a tried and true history of helping people, so you can feel good [about donating it to Second Season]. You’ll never know how you helped someone who needed a little bit of a hand up.”

In short: Garage space saved, an item gets new life in a new home, and another strand is woven into the local safety net.

Second Season Home Store is tucked away on 3rd Avenue near City Hall, in the former North Kitsap Fishline Food Bank, which moved to Viking Avenue in May 2014.

Click here to read more...

This post was originally published in the North Kitsap Herald on Oct 1, 2015.  

Fishline's Got a New Ride!

It's finally ready! After many months of anticipation, our new van is ready and fully adorned for use! Many thanks to the community, Poulsbo Rotary, North Point Church, and the Birkenfeld Foundation whose generous donations helped to purchase this much appreciated (and needed!) vehicle. Also to John Wein at Johnny K Designs, pictured here. Johnny did the lettering on our other van and a super job on our new van for no charge! Honk & wave hello when you see us around town! 

 

 

 

 

Packing Backpacks!

Thank you to Girl Scout Troop 45095! These young ladies packed 90 backpacks this morning for our School Supplies program!

There's a place for everyone at Fishline!

A Fishline friend brought his baby goats to help clear the weeds, proof that there's a place for everyone at Fishline! ‪#‎volunteersneeded‬ ‪#‎shareyourgifts‬ ‪#‎anyonecanbeavolunteer‬ ‪#‎joinourteam‬

Join our volunteer team today by emailing volunteer@nkfishline.org! 

Summer is No Vacation from Hunger & Homelessness

Summer is No Vacation from Hunger & Homelessness! At Fishline we work hard to provide for those in need from January to December. Donations during June, July and August slow down greatly as people take vacations, change to a summer schedule, and are generally busier with seasonal activities. We need your help! We appreciate your donations of canned goods, non-perishable boxed items, and pet food. We are especially low on cat food! Your donations can be dropped off at the food bank during business hours, and at our blue barrels at Red Apple, Central Market, and Liberty Bay Bank.

We Welcome Group Volunteers for Special Events and Work Parties!

Big thanks to the USS Nevada GOLD crew second class association for coming in and volunteering at Fishline today, we appreciate you!! ‪#‎usnavy‬ ‪#‎neighborshelpingneighbors‬ ‪#‎nkfishline‬

Girl Scout Troop 44498 decided to use a portion of their cookie money earned this year to put together health and hygiene packs for our homeless clients at Fishline. Earlier this week Brenna Abrahamsen and Tegan Stanford, two of the 15 girls in the brownie troop stopped by to deliver them! Thank you Girl Scouts and to their troop leader, Mary Krukar! ‪#‎nkfishline‬ ‪#‎girlscouts‬ ‪#‎neighborshelpingneighbors‬

We welcome groups of volunteers for work parties and special projects! Contact volunteer@nkfishline.org! 

Letter from the Director: Fishline State Grant to Further Our Mission and Growth

Last year, Fishline submitted a request to the State of Washington for Legislative Appropriation support during the State’s 2015/2016 budget cycle.  Early support from our local legislators and city leadership helped Fishline secure a place at the top of the preferred funding list, but we knew that this would be a unique session – proven by the three special sessions needed to formalize an agreement. 

After holding our breath for many months, we received word that the State has granted Fishline $625,000 for its capital projects.  This extraordinary funding will combine with our Birkenfeld Foundation grant to draw down our new mortgage and allow us to move forward with our plans to build an extension for storage and food processing. 

You cannot imagine the joy we feel knowing we can proceed with the work we are doing, affirmed by this generous support and the support of so many others.  To operate out of this special new facility, is a gift that will give today and for decades to come.

 Many people came together to make this possible, including a hearty team of board members who helped write the grant, but we are especially grateful to Rep. Drew Hansen, Rep. Sherry Appleton and Sen. Christine Rolfes for supporting us with such passion and determination.  They fought hard for us.  And it was Mayor Becky Erickson’s early efforts to inform us about this funding then shepherding it through both houses, even offering to drive to Olympia to lobby on our behalf, which were consistent throughout and have made all the difference.

Thanks to all of you for your dedication to the Fishline mission and for the awesome facility and services that you have made possible.  Now with the help of this capital campaign, we can assure Fishline’s security and ability to serve this community for as long as people need us.  Congratulations to you all for your good work and inspiring example.

Sincerely,
Mary Nader
Executive Director