La Societe Francophone de Victoria

Serenity House of Clallam County, located in Port Angeles, Washington, is dedicated to preventing homelessness by providing shelter and a variety of support services to families and single adults in need. The organization operates housing resource centers that offer case management, intervention programs, and outreach services for both sheltered and unsheltered individuals. Additionally, Serenity House provides specialized programs aimed at youth and young adults between the ages of 12 and 24, offering essential resources to help them secure safe housing and gain necessary skills for self-sufficiency. With funding from state and federal sources, as well as community donations, the organization strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those facing housing insecurity. Generated from the website

With a population of 118, 000 people, Skagit County in Northwestern Washington is a rural county renowned for its wild and scenic rivers, expansive floodplains, fertile agricultural lands, native forests and abundance of wildlife. This natural wealth, within 60 miles of the major metropolitan area of Seattle to the south and Vancouver B.C. to the north, makes the Skagit stand out as a special region in the United States. The artery of the county is the Skagit River, one of the principle rivers in the Western United States, draining more than 3, 000 square miles. The Skagit River boasts one of the largest endangered wild Chinook salmon runs in Puget Sound and is the only river in the state that supports all five species of native salmon. Standing above the river are the still-wild North Cascade Mountains. The upper elevations in the county are forested and glacier-clad designated wilderness, providing critical habitat wildlife. In the lowlands, where over 90% of the county's population resides, extensive floodplains and farm fields create open space, agricultural wealth and offer world-class bird habitat. The Skagit has the highest number and variety of raptors in North America. Conifer forests, extensive eelgrass bays, rocky cliffs, islands and rich estuaries line the county's coastal edge and form the entrance to the San Juan Islands. The natural riches in Skagit County are, however, under threat. With Skagit County's location between two growing metropolitan areas, loss of the county's natural heritage is happening at an alarming rate. Sprawl and development are particularly placing lowland ecosystems in Skagit County at risk - streams, streamsides, floodplains, lowland forests, marine shorelines, freshwater wetlands and agricultural lands. Population growth for the county has surpassed population growth rates in other areas of the state with a 31% increase between 1990 and 2001. Development is funneled to the lowlands and river basins with on-going disturbance to ecosystem integrity and loss of open space. Yet even under this increasing threat, a geography of coincidences coupled with the influence of a rural economy and natural disturbances such as flooding, have allowed Skagit County to resist convergence to a suburb of Seattle/Everett to the south, or Bellingham to the north. Remarkably, given its location, the county offers one of the best chances for conservation of critical habitat and open space in Western Washington. Skagit Land Trust's History and Mission Skagit Land Trust was founded in March 1992 by three visionary leaders and 31 Charter Members to help protect the natural lands, open space and wildlife habitat of Skagit County for the benefit of this and future generations. The Trust has grown steadily to become a respected grassroots organization with strong local support and is recognized as an innovative leader in conservation. The six staff, 15 board members and 50 active volunteers are joined by over 1, 000 members to protect the most important and beloved land and landscapes in the county. The amount of land and habitat protected by the Trust has grown to more than 5, 000 acres including more than 18 miles of shoreline. The Trust is currently working on a dozen new projects under the guidance of a Conservation Strategy that helps protect the best, most at-risk lands first. Skagit Land Trust's Unique Position While other partner organizations are working very effectively at the local level on protection of particular types of land in Skagit County ( e.g. Skagitonians to Preserve Farmland, Ducks Unlimited ) Skagit Land Trust focuses on permanently protecting all types of natural and resource lands with exceptional conservation value throughout Skagit County. For example, no other organization in the county routinely accepts Conservation Easements on diverse private lands, countywide. Yet today in the world of conservation we do not have the luxury of a singular or divided vision. Ecosystems are a web and th

The Rick Hansen Foundation, located in Richmond, BC, is dedicated to promoting accessibility and inclusion for individuals with disabilities across Canada. Through various programs, initiatives, and training resources, the foundation aims to create a more accessible environment for everyone, everywhere. Founded by Rick Hansen, a renowned advocate for disability rights, the foundation emphasizes the importance of community involvement and education in fostering a culture of accessibility. Its efforts include accessibility certification, training programs, and support for schools and communities to enhance awareness and implementation of inclusive practices. Generated from the website