Programs and Non-Profit Support Groups for Frefighters
South County FireFighter Foundation – https://scffgives.org/
About the foundation
In October of 2017, Snohomish County Fire District #1 and Lynnwood Fire Department joined forces creating a regional fire authority called South County Fire. Each entity had its own nonprofit organization, and we combined the two to form the South County Firefighters Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit. We appreciate all of the hard work that the leaders of each of the former organizations put in to get us to where we are today. IAFF Local 1828 members as well as other RFA employees serve on a 9 person board to direct the foundation.
South County Firefighters Foundation Programs:
Good Neighbor Program – Some situations require something other than a hose line or bandage. The Good Neighbor Program provides funding for firefighters to help citizens in need — whether it’s purchasing groceries for a family, buying gasoline for a stranded motorist, or meeting some other need they encounter in the course of doing their jobs.
Taxi Vouchers – Fire Fighters can give a taxi voucher to a patient they take to the hospital good for a free ride home if the patient has no other means of transportation.
Scholarships – Scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding high school students enrolled in fire service technology classes. We also award scholarships to the annual “Kids Fire Camp” that is put on by South County Fire and IAFF Local 1828.
Community Service Support – The Foundation also provides financial support for programs that benefit the people we serve including Support 7, Burn Foundation, the Snohomish County Chapter of the Red Cross, Cheese Burger Babies Foundation, Lynnwood Food Bank, Edmonds Food Bank, Concern For Neighbors Food (Mountlake Terrace,) Safe Kids car seat program, Dawson Place, Cocoon House, and help for individual families in times of need.
Washington State Council of Firefighters Burn Foundation – https://www.wscff.org/charity-community/wscff-burn-foundation/
Our Mission
The mission of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters Burn Foundation is to promote the education and prevention of burn injuries and improve the lives of burn survivors. The Burn Foundation is run by professional fire fighters who volunteer their time giving back to their communities, supported by WSCFF per capita payments, and governed by a board elected by WSCFF member fire fighters representing each of the Council’s 11 districts.
The Foundation serves people in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Alaska. A 501(c)(3) registered charity, the Foundation is funded by WSCFF member per capita payments and contributions.
Programs and Non-Profit Support Groups for Police Officers
Snohomish County K9 Foundation – https://www.scok9f.org/
The Snohomish County K9 Foundation supports the efforts of our k9 officers through community outreach, continuing education and program assistance. Funds raised through our 501(c)3 organization go directly to support these initiatives. Snohomish County K9 Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 organization. The foundation is not connected to law enforcement agencies in Snohomish County.
North Sound Police Foundation – https://northsoundpolicefoundation.org/#
OUR MISSION
To provide opportunities for our citizens to actively support those who serve and protect us, thereby increasing the livability and safety of our communities in Lake Forest Park and Mill Creek.
Edmonds Police Foundation – https://www.edmondspolicefoundation.org/
Purpose
The Edmonds Police Foundation was created in 1996 as a community-based organization to assist the Edmonds Police Department through education, fundraising, and citizen involvement. Our goal is to support those who protect us and make Edmonds a better and safer place to live with programs designed to enhance public safety using community partnerships and citizen outreach.
Programs and Non-Profit Support Groups for Veterans
Seahawks Task Force 12 – https://www.seahawks.com/community/military/task-force-12
FOB Hope – https://www.fobhope.org/
FOB Hope is an organization dedicated to providing meaningful assistance to homeless veterans. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for veterans to get the help and resources they need. Our mission is to be instrumental in solving the tragedy of death among Veterans experiencing homelessness. Through our Veterans Village Program, we provide housing assistance, job search assistance, and access to mental health services. We also host activities and workshops to help veterans reintegrate into society. Our goal is to help veterans get back on their feet and live with dignity.
FOB Hope’s Veteran’s Village
82nd and Pacific Avenue, Tacoma WA 98408
Homeless Shelter – FOB Hope
Adult Veteran singles and couples have priority, but serves all adults.
Veterans Crisis Line
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
24/7, confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones.
You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.
Dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255
Growing Veterans – https://growingveterans.org/
Growing Veterans was founded by a combat wounded USMC veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, Christopher Brown, and a former mental health counselor turned farmer, Christina Wolf. Together, they agreed using the farm as the catalyst for human connection and veteran reintegration could have a powerful impact on the health and well being of not only vets returning home, but the world. They were crazy enough to believe it could happen, and just smart enough to pull it off.
Both remain involved behind the scenes with the organization, using their institutional knowledge and professional expertise to advise Growing Veterans’ leadership and program direction. Christopher now works full-time as a PTSD counselor for combat veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Christina helps facilitate our Peer Support Training. We believe it is important to recognize the fact one of them is a veteran, and the other a civilian. Only through the mutual engagement and support between veterans AND civilians, will we see veterans having a complete and holistic transition home into our communities after military service.
Nineline Veteran Services – https://nine9line.org/
OUR TEAM
Our team of volunteers focus on helping veterans improve their lives, through housing, employment, and wellness.
Our motto is “Service 2 Others ” and embodies that spirit in the services we provide to our Pacific Northwest Veterans, their families, and the community.
VETERAN ACTIVITIES
Sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone. And having a battle-buddy by your side can make the experience more relevant and satisfying.
Route Step Outdoors organizes and coordinates events where Veterans and the Veteran community can participate in socially-distant outdoor adventures.
BUSINESS AND EMPLOYMENT
Through partnerships with Boeing, MOOG, and other established companies, we create job opportunities for Veterans.
Contact us for more information on how we can help your business increase its impact.
HOUSING
We partner with charitable organizations to provide housing for the homeless veteran community.
In 2020, we added four houses in Pierce County, WA to our portfolio and intend to expand this service based on community needs.
Northwest Battle Buddies – https://northwestbattlebuddies.org/
OUR MISSION
NORTHWEST BATTLE BUDDIES GIFTS PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED SERVICE DOGS TO VETERANS BATTLING PTSD, HELPING THEM REGAIN THEIR FREEDOM AND INDEPENDENCE.
There is no cure for PTSD, but service dogs can reduce PTSD symptoms with life-changing — results. With a canine Battle Buddy by their side, Veterans with PTSD can regain their freedom and independence.
Many of our service dogs are rescued from animal shelters. All our service dogs spend 5+ months in intensive training, then are carefully matched with a Veteran handler for five more weeks of training and bonding, creating the ultimate partnership.
Pierce County
Shelter and Housing
Below are the overnight shelters open to the general community. Other shelters, such as the Stability Site, are operating but require referrals through other agencies. Only a few shelters accept walk-ins, and those often have a waitlist, so it is best to contact the shelter prior to arrival.
VA Puget Sound Health Care System – Community Housing and Outreach Services Program (CHOS)
9600 Veterans Drive SW, Building 148
Tacoma, WA 98493
206-277-6280
http://www.pugetsound.va.gov
FOB Hope’s Veteran’s Village
82nd and Pacific Avenue, Tacoma WA 98408
https://www.fobhope.org/
Adult Veteran singles and couples have priority, but serves all adults.
Roosevelt Barracks Crisis Residential Center
1301 Orting Kapowsin Hwy E, Orting, WA 98360
253-263-0735
https://www.dva.wa.gov/
Serves homeless veterans, please call for eligibility. For admission to the site, contact Delena Josephsen at 253-263-0735 or delena.josephsen@dva.wa.gov or Melissa Frink at melissa.frink@dva.wa.gov.
EDUCATION
Loan Forgiveness
Military Student Loan Forgiveness: Active Duty and Veterans (elfi.com)
Best Trade Schools
Best Trade Schools has created a guide to help returning military service members identify trade school opportunities. Click the link below to learn more:
Best Trade Schools for Veterans – Best Trade Schools (best-trade-schools.net)