EDITOR’S NOTE: This is another in a series of articles on the Peninsula Home Fund. The next article will appear Sunday with an updated list of donors to the fund. Print out a coupon via the Home Fund button at the right of the home page and including it with your donation.
SEQUIM – Some people say there are no coincidences in life – that a higher power brings lives together at the appointed time.
Jennifer Winkler, a single mother of two, Jonathan, 14, and Amber, 11, were on the verge of being evicted from their home for past-due rent.
She also behind in paying her Clallam PUD electricity bill.
“A friend of mine, Anissa Zichella, told me about receiving help from the Fund and urged me to call OlyCAP to make an appointment,” says Jennifer.
OlyCAP – nonprofit Olympic Community Action Programs, the No. 1 emergency care agency on the North Olympic Peninsula – manages the Peninsula Daily News’ Peninsula Home Fund, screens the applicants and distributes the money.
At first she was hesitant, reasoning that she had always gotten by before after her husband abandoned her and their two children.
Then, just prior to Christmas, Jennifer realized she was truly in dire straits and placed a call to OlyCAP.
An appointment was set for her to see OlyCAP Community Support Team member Victoria Jazwic on Thursday, two days after Christmas.
On Tuesday morning, Victoria celebrated Christmas with a friend, Laraine Larson and her family.
Laraine related how concerned she and her son were about another family.
The family was about to be evicted.
The mother, Laraine said, wasn’t “vocal and doesn’t act like someone who needs help,” Laraine said.
“Some people display their neediness and act like everybody owes them a favor.” But this woman wasn’t that way, Laraine said – “she’s proud to be self-sufficient.”
