About Us
Mission
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.
Mission & Vision
Vision
To help families with basic essentials and provide growth opportunities they cannot otherwise afford for their children, that raise hope and self esteem and allows each child to feel equal to their peers. To increase the capacity to grant Little Wishes for children in need through grants, donations, fundraisers and monthly program donors. To increase hope and raise self-esteem in our homeless, low-income and foster children, ages six to eighteen.
Diversity,​Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Recent events are a reminder to us at Blue Skies for Children of the deep inequities and racism in our nation. The staff and board of Blue Skies for Children embrace the values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We acknowledge that we still have much to learn. We commit to listening to those affected by injustice. We commit to self-reflection to learn more, and to do more, to help end systemic inequality and racism. We believe a healthy environment and healthy inclusive communities are deeply interconnected, and we cannot have one without the other.
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.
History
2004
In 2004, the organization re-focused its programs targeting children ages 6 to 15.
2007
In 2007, the organization had grown significantly 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.
2008
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. Additionally, Blue Skies became a distribution partner for Sleep Train Foster Kids Program.
2009
In 2009, Blue Skies established a unique Driver's Education Scholarship Program for 15 to 17 year olds. Additionally, it formalized the Little Wishes Instrument Loaner Program for children wishing to participate in their school band or orchestra but could not otherwise afford the instrument rental fee.
2010
In 2010, Blue Skies formalized its Winter Warm-Up Distribution 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 Distribution Program. That same year, the 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.
2014
In 2014, moved its office to a larger facility and changed the age of children served from 6 to 15 years to be 6 to 18th birthday or graduation from high school, whichever comes first. Blue Skies for Children is an active member of the Whatcom/Bellingham Chamber of Commerce.
2016
In 2016, Blue Skies formalized its Back-to-School Backpack Program.
2024
In 2024, Blue Skies moved its office to a safer and newer location on Broadway. The Instrument Loaner Program was replaced with the purchase of new instruments through the Little Wishes Program.
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.
Meet Our Team!
Meet Our Board
We appreciate the dedication and support of our Board of Directors
​Amy Brown
Co-Treasurer
Specialist, Tradewinds Capital Management
Board Member Since June 2025
​Hailey Linville
Co-Treasurer
Program Coordinator, Puget Sound Energy
Board Member Since Sept 2025
​Gladys Hyatt
Emeritus Director (deceased)
Retired CPA, Moss Adams
Board Member June 2002 - June 2025
Are You Interested in Becoming a Board Member?
Our board is made up of dedicated professionals from the business and non-profit community. Board members contribute their time, give financial support, and share their community connections with the organization. The Board is responsible for policy and budget governance.
​We are seeking individuals to join our board and help support the growth and development of our organization. If you are interested in finding out more information about participating on our Board, please call the office at 360.756.6710 or email blueskies@blueskiesforchildren.org.

Join the Board of Directors
Board Member Responsibilities and Requirements
Meetings
- Support the board in carrying out its fiduciary responsibilities such as reviewing the organization’s financial statements, attending the annual visioning, etc.
- Consistently attend board meetings.
Organization
- Understand the organization’s mission, policies, and programs and inform others about Blue Skies for Children.
- Support the Executive Director as needed.
- Solicit and recommend nominees for the board who can significantly contribute to the work of the board and the organization.
- Follow conflict of interest and confidentiality policies.
- Report monthly volunteer hours to the office.
Events & Fundraising
- Attend organizational functions and special events.
- Participate in at least one committee per calendar year (in addition to supporting fundraising activities)
- Solicit items as needed for raffles and events.
- Sell tickets to events and fundraisers.
- Actively solicit contributions and sponsorships throughout the year.
- Volunteer as needed in support of organizational and third-party events.
- Attend fundraising events and be responsible for cultivating attendance at these events.
- Solicit live and silent auction items, raffle items and sponsorships as needed for events.
Financial
- Make a monthly or annual monetary contribution to Blue Skies for Children
