Granny’s Attic distributes $75,000 to worthy causes

Seven island organizations providing health and wellness programs to islanders received grants.

Attention, Granny’s Attic shoppers and donors: your support for the venerable nonprofit thrift shop has helped fund Granny’s fall grant cycle, which last week announced $75,000 in grants to seven island organizations providing health and wellness programs to islanders.

All applications requesting funds were approved for the cycle, said Tim Johnson, manager of the thrift shop.

Recipients included the following organizations and causes.

The Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness (IFCH) was awarded $12,000 to help low-income seniors receive dental care.

Washington Firefighter’s Association received $19,450 to enable Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (VIFR) to establish a wellness program for local first responders, providing training on health issues including nutrition, mental health, injury prevention and sleep management.

“COVID has put a strain on these folks, and they have tough jobs to begin with,” said Johnson.

Vashon Senior Center received $20,000 for operational support of its broad range of programs for islander elders.

Vashon’s DOVE Project received a grant of $10,000 to continue its Community Access to Therapy (CAT) program, which allows teens access to therapy at a highly subsidized rate — participants pay $10 per session, and participating providers charge no more than $100, with the CAT program covering the difference.

Vashon Island Grower’s Association received $2,500 to support its Farm Bucks program, which distributes vouchers at Vashon Library to help low-income islanders access fresh food, while at the same time, supporting local farmers.

Vashon Food Bank received $8,300 for two purposes — to provide funding for school snacks for low-income children, and to purchase household hygiene supplies for distribution at the food bank.

Vashon Alliance to Reduce Substance Abuse (VARSA) received a grant of $2,750, to fund two mental health training programs aimed at teaching warning signs of mental health and substance abuse issues, and outlining strategies to provide or find help.