Why does United Way of San Juan County fund Lopez Island Conservation Corps? Our local United Way’s focus is to help meet vital needs in San Juan County, and one of the most important issues facing children and youth is how to build positive life skills, avoid risky behaviors, and find positive role models and growth experiences in our community.  Molly Kohring, age 17, talks about her experiences with the Lopez Island Conservation Corps.

“At the end of the summer I feel so proud of the work I have done. I learned so much from the LICC. I learned all about trail building, using tools, and all the secrets to sustainable trails. I learned tons about Washington’s native plants and about the non-native ones too!”

“Most importantly though, I became a leader in my community and helped to make a difference. I would not trade that knowledge for anything!”

LICC’s Youth Summer Crew provides young adults opportunities for personal development, exposure to natural resource protection, peer bonding, environmental education, and safety training. Since 2007, LICC has become a nationally recognized program in the field of youth development and public land stewardship, and has provided local youth with education and skills they need for college, work and successful lives.

Programs like SJICC need and deserve our support. United Way invests in LICC and 27 other vital programs countywide, with the focus of meeting vital needs in our community to provide the building blocks of a good life. Funded programs provide resources for children and youth, education and prevention programs, resources for families, and services for elderly and disabled residents.

Every donation to United Way of San Juan County makes a huge difference to these small programs. 98% of donated funds stay local. For a full list of all 28 United Way of San Juan County funded programs and to contribute, please visit www.unitedway-sanjuancounty.org.