Did you know that nearly 1 in 3 Island County residents is age 65 or older? With such a rapidly aging population—and rural challenges like limited public transit, scarce healthcare providers, and spotty broadband access—it’s no exaggeration to say that Island Senior Resources (ISR) plays an essential role in keeping our communities healthy and connected.
Whidbey Community Foundation (WCF) was proud to award ISR a 2024 Community Health Grant to support general operations across their wide-ranging programs. ISR’s work directly addresses a key health factor: access to clinical care. Whether it’s driving a client to a specialist in Seattle, helping someone navigate complex insurance plans, or making sure an isolated elder has a hot meal and friendly conversation, ISR’s programs reduce barriers that so many rural seniors face. During our recent site visit, we saw firsthand the care, coordination, and deep community knowledge that drives their work.
Essential Services, Island-Wide
ISR is the largest and most comprehensive human services provider for seniors and disabled adults in Island County, serving thousands of residents across Whidbey and Camano Islands. Their integrated programs are grouped under “IRS HELPS,” which includes nutrition, medical transportation, resource navigation, case management, and more.
Here are just a few of their 2024 service highlights so far:
- Meals on Wheels (MOW) & Community Meals delivered 100,269 meals to 569 homebound clients and served another 20,140 meals to 548 community members at sites in Langley, Bayview, Coupeville, Oak Harbor, and Camano. Volunteers contributed nearly 9,800 hours to make this possible.
- Resources & Coaching (Aging and Disability Resources) provided free guidance to 1,969 clients, answering 6,165 calls about Medicare, Social Security, caregiver support, housing, mental health, and more.
- Medical Transportation completed 1,370 trips to appointments—many off-island—with 5,287 volunteer hours logged. Volunteer drivers are often the difference between a client receiving timely care or going without.
- Medicaid Case Management supported 283 clients in staying safely in their homes and avoiding institutional care, offering assessments and plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
Doing More with Less
Running these programs takes incredible coordination and commitment. Every single day, ISR provides the equivalent of nearly $12,000 in services—from nutritious meals to mobility support, from case management to thrift store operations. Their funding sources are diverse, but nearly half comes from federal, state, and county partners.
And while public funding remains uncertain, ISR is not waiting passively. They are proactively forging partnerships with like-minded organizations to advocate for seniors and protect vital services in Island County. As ISR shared during our visit, when funding for one partner is cut, the whole community feels it. That’s why they’re pushing for a more unified voice and shared
WCF is proud to partner with Island Senior Resources as they care for our aging neighbors with dignity, compassion, and determination. We encourage community members to learn more at senior-resources.org and consider supporting their mission.
Support Community Health Grants
WCF’s Community Health Grant Program is dedicated to improving the well-being of Whidbey Island residents by addressing key factors that shape a thriving, healthy community. These grants support projects and organizations that enhance access to healthcare, promote healthy behaviors, strengthen social and economic stability, and improve environmental conditions that impact health. By funding initiatives that eliminate barriers to health and opportunity, WCF strives to create a more equitable and resilient community—one where every individual has the support needed to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
WCF is able to provide grants like these with broad support from our community. If you are interested in supporting the Community Health Grant Program, we ask that you make a contribution to WCF’s Foundation Fund which holistically supports our grant programs, nonprofit trainings/workshops, and WCF operations. WCF’s Board of Directors allocates funding each year toward our grant programs. WCF is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to Whidbey Island; all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Learn about different ways to make a charitable contribution here.