NEWS

​Dear Community:
As we all adapt to the changes and guidelines we have received to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, please know that Blue Skies for Children is temporarily closed until further notice.  We will be checking email - blueskies@blueskiesforchildren.org.

Our Annual Shoe Give Program that is open to all homeless, low-income and foster youth was scheduled to start on April 6, 2020, has been rescheduled to start in August in conjunction with our Back to School Backpack distribution.  You may call for an appointment after July 20, 2020, for an appointment date in August or September.  

Our Driver's Education Program originally held a deadline of May 28 and has been moved out to Sept 24th to allow students time to complete the application and obtain grade transcripts from their schools. 

For those who are supporting Blue Skies original Casino Night Fundraiser, which has morphed into a Raffle Fundraiser, please note that the Raffle date has been moved to July 23, 2020. We still have tickets available - feel free to call Julie Guay at 360.920.6179 if you would like to purchase a raffle ticket over the phone. 

We may change office hours and days in the near future, but will advise here if and when that occurs. Please call us at 360.756.6710 or email us at blueskies@blueskiesforchildren.org as needed.

​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 eighteen.

---

​History

Established in 1997, Blue Skies was created out of a need in our local community to help the children of Whatcom County raise hope and self-esteem. In 2002, Blue Skies became a 501(c)(3), hired its first executive director. The organization was initially modeled after Treehouse for Kids in King County and offered a Little Wishes Program as well as a clothing outlet where children in need could "shop" for clothing for free twice a year. The program was offered to homeless, low-income and foster children.

In 2004, the organization re-focused its programs targeting children ages 6 to 15.

In 2007, the organization had grown and the board of directors made the difficult decision to close the clothing outlet and focus on its Little Wishes Enrichment Program, keeping children healthy and active by sponsoring ongoing enrichment activities such as sports, dance, swimming, martial arts, music and art lessons. In September, the organization moved its office to a new location and hired a new Executive Director.

In 2008, Blue Skies established its Sponsor-A-Child Donor Program. That same year the One-time Little Wishes Program was formed, offering children an opportunity to receive support for school trips, summer camp, ASB cards, sports cleats, bicycle & helmet, and other individual needs.

In 2009, Blue Skies established a unique Driver's Education Scholarship Program for those  ages 15 - 17 year olds. Additionally, it formalized the Instrument Loaner Program for children wishing to participate in their school band or orchestra but could not otherwise afford the instrument rental fee. 

In 2010, Blue Skies formalized its Winter Warm-Up Program to provide a warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf and blanket to our children who need it most. Blue Skies partnered for the first time with Sole4Souls to distribute brand new shoes and socks, establishing an annual Shoe Give Program. That same year, The Josh Fueston Swim to Live Fund was established by Laurie Fueston, 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 is the administrator of this fund.

In 2014, moved its office to a larger office space and changed the age of children served from 6 to 15 years to now serve ages 6 to 18th birthday or graduation from high school.  

In 2016, Blue Skies formalized its Back-to-School Backpack Program.  
​
Blue Skies for Children is an active member of the Whatcom/Bellingham Chamber of Commerce, Whatcom Women in Business and Women Sharing Hope, and continues to act as the distribution arm in Whatcom County for Ticket to Dream / Mattress Firm's Foster Kids program.

AWARDS
In 2012, Blue Skies for Children received the coveted Chamber of Commerce 2012 Non-Profit of the Year award. 
In 2013, Blue Skies is honored to have received the BBJ Readers’ Choice Award.
In 2015, Blue Skies receive the WWU Teaching-Learning Academy Award, in recognition of our contribution to reducing barriers to life-long learning across disciplines and communities.
In 2017, Blue Skies was very excited to receive the Lowe's Heros Award. We were chosen by the Bellingham Store Employees.
In 2019, Blue Skies received Bronze from Bellingham Alive's Best of the Northwest Readers Choice Awards for Best Nonprofit
​

---

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.