fiscal sponsorship
WFCN is the fiscal sponsor for a variety of grassroots associations and developing nonprofits whose mission aligns in significant ways to our own mission. The following organizations are sponsored associations who have signed individualized fiscal sponsorship agreements with us. They are officially projects under WFCN’s 501 (c) 3 status, though they maintain a sense of autonomy as they plan, implement and coordinate work within their unique communities.
Perinatal Maternal Mental Health Taskforce
A group of professionals and community stakeholders who convene to increase the quality of and access to perinatal maternal mental health services and supports in Whatcom County. They meet for the purpose of planning and implementation of activities that serve their purpose. This is a grass-roots group that does not have non-profit status. Grant funds are owned and managed by WFCN and are controlled by the Board of Directors.
Whatcom Community Health Workers Network
A group of individuals who are certified as Community Health Workers by Washington State, who convene monthly to learn from one another, to learn about community resources and improve understanding of the resources that are available in the community. This is a grass-roots group that does not have non-profit status. Grant funds are owned and managed by WFCN and are controlled by the Board of Directors.
An incorporated non-profit in Washington State and a 501 (c) 3 EZ, partners with WFCN as fiscally sponsored project for funds over the amount of $50,000. WFCN Board of Directors controls, a cumulating amount of 5, $100,000 annual pledges through 2025, that fund projects in the Eastern part of Whatcom County.
Kendall Summerfest
A one-day, 4-hour event that promotes community connections, healthy youth development and substance-free family fun. Generally held in early August. This year it will be held at Kendall Elementary School.
A multi-day/evening event that promotes community connection through musical creativity and enjoyment, offers healthy youth development opportunities related to music and substance-free family fun.
Whatcom Resource Information Collaborative (WRIC)
WFCN plays a convening role as “Secretariat for the WRIC, an effort to advance an effective resource information system in Whatcom County so that people can find the health and human resources they need. A public data utility and web-based access portal have been developed. Funding is being developed to sustain this system with a never-ending cycle of improvement. See us at www.WhatcomResources.org
There are always new opportunities that we are exploring connected to elevating youth engagement, building hope and community capacity so that children, teens and families thrive!
partnerships
The bulk of the community capacity work WFCN is involved with is accomplished through multi-sector, collaborative partnerships focused on creating a culture of health, wellbeing, compassion and resilience across all communities in Whatcom County.
Partnership, collaboration, and collective action requires that passionate, skilled, and accessible individuals within systems connect, find common ground, pool perspectives and resources and take risks together. We explore pathways and possibilities and accept that in the work of building safe, healthy and resilient communities–the map gets handed out at the end of the journey.
Whatcom Family and Community Network honors the adventurous, steadfast and curious individuals who we partner with in the work of building capacity and a culture of health and wellbeing. Hats off to the Resilience Network, ACEs/Resilience Team and the Whatcom Prevention Coalition and many others!
Our partners, too numerous and diverse to fully list are individuals and organizations: teachers and schools, elected officials and government departments, artists and institutions, middle and high school students and associated student body clubs.
current partnerships
Whatcom Prevention Coalition
Whatcom Prevention Coalition (WPC) is a group of committed individuals and professionals who are passionate about healthy youth development through positive environmental community prevention strategies. Learn more here.
Ferndale Community Coalition
The Ferndale Community Coalition is a collaborative group dedicated to building and strengthening the capacity of the community with the goal to create safe and healthy environments where youth and families thrive. The FCC focuses on promoting healthy youth development by sharing best practices, combining resources, fostering collaboration, and working to prevent youth substance use, dating violence, sexual assault, suicide, and unwanted teen pregnancies. Through data-driven decision making, advocacy, and awareness they work collaboratively to develop strategies and programs that address the concerns of our community. Their work includes developing and updating organizational policies, implementing evidence-based student and parenting programs, offering youth and parent trainings, after school programs, one-on-one student support and supporting youth that are inspired to be positive influences on their peers. Learn more here.
MAD HOPE
MAD HOPE is a partnership between the Bellingham School District and WFCN to reduce and eliminate suicide amongst 10 – 18 year old students in Whatcom County. MAD HOPE is a peer-to-peer intervention curriculum designed by Bellingham High School students in response to suicide attempts and deaths in their community, and is available county-wide to middle school and high school students, parents, and educators. Learn more here.
Birch Bay-Blaine Thrives
Birch Bay-Blaine Thrives was established in June of 2018 with the goal of bringing people together to help foster resilience among youth, families, schools, and the community, and to help prevent youth substance use. Stakeholders explore ways to promote a thriving community by leveraging strengths and assets and enhancing healthy social environments in the Birch Bay, Blaine, and Pt. Roberts area. Learn more here.
