We recently visited South Whidbey at Home to learn more about how their work is evolving to meet the needs of older adults in our community. As a member-driven organization, South Whidbey at Home helps residents age in place with dignity. They offer practical support, social connection, and access to trusted resources that make it possible to remain safely and independently at home.
Our conversation highlighted a reality that is both simple and complex: many people move to Whidbey Island to retire, drawn by its beauty and pace of life. Yet the rural nature of the island can also bring isolation, and the infrastructure to support aging in place is still developing. As Executive Director Beth Herrild noted, there are parallels to other rural communities like the Methow Valley—places people love to live, but where staying connected and supported as we age requires intentional effort.
Two recent grants from Whidbey Community Foundation—made possible through the generosity of donors who invest in the Foundation Fund—are helping South Whidbey at Home respond to this need, strengthening both their internal capacity and their direct service to members.
Through a Community Health grant, the organization launched a pilot project to bring on an accredited social worker. This role is already proving to be a meaningful addition, working one-on-one with members to better understand their goals, strengths, and obstacles. So far this year, five members have participated in individualized assessments and support. The approach is deeply personal and preventative—helping people navigate challenges before they become crises, and connecting them to resources that can sustain their independence. It reflects a broader recognition that aging well is not just about meeting physical needs, but supporting the whole person.
At the same time, a Nonprofit Capacity Building grant supported key technology upgrades that are improving how the organization operates day to day. This included replacing outdated computers, transitioning from Microsoft OneDrive to Google Workspace for more secure and efficient collaboration, and adding tools to support virtual programming. One example is their Solo Agers group—designed for individuals over 55 who are living alone—which now benefits from improved audio and video capabilities, making it easier for participants to stay connected through online gatherings.
Together, these investments reflect a thoughtful, dual approach: strengthening the organization behind the scenes while expanding its ability to serve members in more personalized and impactful ways.
Looking ahead, South Whidbey at Home is focused on increasing awareness of its services, growing membership at a steady pace, and maintaining a strong volunteer-to-member ratio—ensuring that as demand grows, the organization can continue to offer the same level of care and connection. (If you haven’t noticed them before, they are tucked just next to Painter’s Alley in Freeland—a small but mighty presence in the community!)
As we continue to mark 10 years of community philanthropy at Whidbey Community Foundation, partnerships like this highlight what’s possible when local generosity meets local need—investing in both people and infrastructure so our community remains a place where everyone can age with connection, dignity, and support.
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.