Mission Statement

To raise hope and self-esteem by sponsoring enrichment programs and other essentials for homeless, low-income and foster children in Whatcom and Skagit Counties.

Vision

To grant a Little Wish for each and every eligible child.  To increase the capacity to grant Little Wishes for children in need through grants, donations, fundraisers and our signature program - Sponsor-A-Child.  To increase hope and raise self-esteem in our homeless, low-income and foster children, ages six to fifteen. 

History

Established in 1997, Blue Skies was created out of a need to help the children of Whatcom County raise hope and self-esteem.  Born of necessity, Blue Skies For Children was founded in 1997 by a task force, who enlisted local organizations including DCFS, Brigid Collins, Catholic Community Services, Whatcom Foster & Adoptive Parents Association, Northwest Youth Services, The Opportunity Council, WWU and Whatcom County Community Network. Acontinuous effort is underway to restore hope and self esteem to homeless, low income and foster children in Whatcom County, by providing support and valuable enrichment opportunities.

In 2002, Blue Skies became a 501(c)(3), hired its first executive director and established a clothing outlet at its first office location on Prospect St.  The organization was modeled after Treehouse for Kids in King County and offered a Little Wishes Program as well as a clothing outlet where children could "shop" for clothing for free twice a year.  Blue Skies chose to serve not only foster children, but also our homeless and low-income. 

In 2004, the organization realized the need to re-focus its programs on children ages 6 to 15.  

In 2007, the organization had grown signifcantly and the board of directors made the difficult decision to close the outlet and transition to a voucher program, partnering with local retailers.  The organization moved to a new location at 1901 N. State St, and hired a new executive director.

In 2008, Blue Skies rolled out it's Back-to-School Clothing Voucher Program, redefined it's Emergency Program and established its Sponsor-A-Child Program. 

In 2009, Blue Skies established a unique Driver's Education Scholarship Program for 15 to 17 year olds.  The same year, the organization became the first non-profit in Whatcom County to receive the Charity Seal Accreditation from the Better Business Bureau.  Additionally, the board of directors expanded its service area to include both Whatcom and Skagit Counties.

In 2010, Blue Skies formalized its Winter Warm-Up Program to provide a warm coat, hat, gloves and blanket to our children who need it most.  Additionally, we partnered for the first time with Sole4Souls to distribute brand new shoes to our homeless, low-income and foster children.  The Josh Fueston Swim to Live Fund was established, in memory of 19yo Josh Fueston, an avid swimmer, to provide enrichment support to children who wish for swimming lessons, help with swim team fees, or are in need of swim therapy.

Blue Skies for Children is an active member of the Whatcom/Bellingham Chamber of Commerce, and currently the ONLY organization in Whatcom County to hold a charity seal accreditation by the State of Washington Better Business Bureau.

Future

Going forward, as need for our services continues to  increase, Blue Skies is working to increase its capacity to serve our most needy children, continue to educate our community on our mission and services, and seek new and committed funding sources.