One of the greatest joys of our site visits is meeting the people who quietly hold communities together. At Mision Emanuel, that person is Pastor Maria Francisco.
Since 2009, Pastor Maria has been the heart and soul of this small Oak Harbor congregation of about 40 members. Yet the church’s reach extends far beyond its walls. Every month, volunteers provide food, household essentials, and home deliveries to approximately 300 local families, creating a trusted source of support for neighbors who may not otherwise know where to turn.
A $5,000 grant from the Whidbey Food Resilience Fund helped purchase culturally appropriate foods and essential items that are often unavailable through traditional food banks. The fund was launched by the Whidbey Community Foundation last fall as a rapid response to the SNAP benefit reductions, helping local organizations meet the increased demand for food assistance.
During our visit, it was clear that Pastor Maria’s ministry extends far beyond food. As a bilingual leader, she frequently serves as an interpreter, helping women experiencing domestic violence navigate services and assisting families with applications, forms, and other critical resources. She steps into whatever role is needed, often well beyond what most would consider the responsibilities of a pastor.
We also talked about how community partnerships make this work possible. Pastor Maria shared that several families she has supported have also received furniture through Habitat for Humanity as part of the islandwide Essential Needs Program, a collaborative effort that the Whidbey Community Foundation helped launch. It’s a powerful reminder that no single organization can meet every need, but together, a network of nonprofits can help families move toward stability.
As the Whidbey Community Foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary, we’re reminded that our role is often to respond when the community calls. Thanks to donors who gave to the Whidbey Food Resilience Fund, organizations like Mision Emanuel were able to act quickly, ensuring hundreds of Oak Harbor families had access to food, essential supplies, and a trusted community that continues to show up for them month after month.
Support Community Grants
WCF is able to provide grants like these with broad support from our community. If you are interested in supporting WCF Grant Programs, we invite you to make a contribution to WCF’s Foundation Fund, which holistically supports our grant programs, nonprofit trainings/workshops, and WCF operations. Our Board of Directors allocates funding each year to ensure nonprofits have access to critical resources. WCF is a 501(c)(3) 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.