In 2001 a group of North Mason residents with a heart for seniors had a dream.  They dreamed of forming an interfaith organization that could help seniors stay in their homes - stay independent.  They brought together a coalition of church and community members to make this dream a reality.

It was not easy.  Taking the steps to become a non-profit and finding funding sources was a struggle.  But they persisted and accomplished these goals:  all the while reaching out to the community and accomplishing their mission to provide volunteer, non-medical services to their senior and disabled neighbors in need.

This service came in the form of:  rides to doctors and shopping, respite care to give caregivers a break, friendly calls, yardwork,  housework and much more.

In 2001 they were awarded start-up funds and a followup grant through a program of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation called Faith in Action.  Faith in Action is a national coalition of independent, interfaith organizations that serve seniors. Robert Wood Johnson stopped financing this coalition in 2008, but the network still exists, providing educational support to its members.

Over the years, financial help has also been received through United Way, the Geneva Foundation, area churches, and numerous community members.

In 2003 they took  a great leap of faith and opened a thrift store.  For the last several years, the store has been our  major funding source.  Proceeds from the store have enabled us to grow both our volunteer service program, and our benevolence fund that gives limited financial help to senior and disabled neighbors in crisis.

However, as we continue to grow and community need increases;  we cannot count on our store profits to keep up with demand.  In addition, we are again reaching out in faith to expand our services and programs. It is for this reason that we have created the Friends of FIA program, and will become more active in going after community support and grants.

Date of Formation:  December 31, 2001

Corporation Formation (501C3): September 12, 2003

Initial Office Location:

Christ Lutheran Church - December 2001 to May 2002

FIAWS Founders - Initial Members

Mary Nokes……………..Mason County Transit

Chris Quimby…………...CCS Volunteer Chore Services

Dan Tetters……………...North Mason Food Bank

Merridee Anderson……..Area Agency on Aging

Ralph Lartz…………… Christ Lutheran Church

Jim Neal………………...St. Hugh's Episcopal Church

Linda Rush……………...Pastor of the Christ Lutheran Church

Don Atkinson…………...North Mason Chamber

Christy Logan…………...St. Hugh's Episcopal Church

Grace Lucas…………….North Mason United Methodist Church

Judy & Ron Mastick……North Mason United Methodist Church

Janice Stewart…………..Christ Lutheran Church

Loren Chilson…………..Christ Lutheran Church

Offices/Locations 2002-2009

Chamber Office - May 2002 to September 2003

FIA Thrift Store - October 2003 to May 2004

Christ Lutheran Church - May 2004 to September 2005

Theler Community Center - September 2005 to April 2006

FIA Thrift Store - May 2006 to Present

FIAWS Board of Directors - June 2009

Board President: Diane O'Neal

Vice President:  Joan Bakken

Secretary:  Janice Olmsted

Treasurer:  Teri Jelinek

Other Board Members:

Ken Boad

Wendell (Pete) Gunn

Marcia Hamilton

Pat Mayberry

MaryBeth Morris

Pat Proulx

(we are currently accepting applications for Board Members)

Program/Executive Directors

Kathleen Waters:    May 12, 2002

Maureen Baldwin:    October 4, 2003

Wendy Burton:     July 2005 to March 2007

Patti Kleist:    March 2007 to present