We build our community together.
Each year, OPALCO chooses a staff person to participate in Leadership San Juan Islands (LSJI). LSJI a professional development program that enhances leadership skills specific to issues affecting San Juan County.
“Enriching our community and building our staff skills is what our co-op is all about,” states General Manager, Foster Hildreth and LSJI graduate.
Travis Neal, OPALCO Head Accountant, participated in the 2019 session. At the end, each person works in a group to design a service project in the community. Travis and his Orcas cohort chose to have a work party benefitting Funhouse Commons and Orcas Island Children’s House.
Children’s House is an organization close to Travis’s heart as he is a board member and has two children enrolled in the early education programs they offer. It is located next to the youth-focused community center The Funhouse Commons. It was a great fit to be able to benefit both organizations with one work party.
“Having our community pull together to work on projects like this is how our islands have such a rich support system for our families and community members,” says Executive Director, Emilie Gincig, “We are incredibly grateful to have the help of these generous individuals.”