August Newsletter
Milestones
On August 5th, we held a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of the Orting Veterans Village Solar Project.
The Orting Veterans Village solar project includes 4 to 8 solar panels across each of the 35 tiny homes, depending on their orientation to the sun, and 103 panels on the community center for a total of 315 panels). MAD Energy NW designed and installed the 120-kilowatt system.
“As a small nonprofit, we are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to invest in our community and lower our carbon footprint. We couldn’t have done it without our incredible partners who believe in our programs and helped make this happen" - Associate Director Jaycie Osterberg-Brown.
The installation will reduce the villages' energy bill, saving more than $618,000 over the next 30 years. Savings from the solar energy will directly benefit village residents by making more resources available for mental health programs and services. The solar energy will reduce our carbon footprint by 95 thousand pounds of CO2 emissions, equivalent to planting 1,144 trees every year, or not driving 172,000 miles.
This project is another example of Olympia Community Solar’s work making clean energy a reality for people and organizations who otherwise could not access solar. Olympia Community Solar developed the project and secured grant funding for the project. Project funding came from the low-income community solar incentive program at Washington State University Energy Extension.
“This solar project is an example of how solar energy may be leveraged as a powerful tool for equity. Solar energy is not only a climate solution, but also a vehicle for economic justice” stated Olympia Community Solar President Mason Rolph.
Community Events
We are grateful for being the charity beneficiary for the 2024 Alderbrook Golf Club - First Mates Annual Tournament held on July 9th. Pictured are the amazing committee members who tee off annually to support local charities. Presenting the check are Patty/Event Chair, Char/Club Captain, and Jason/GM-Chief Operating Officer to Tamra/New Horizon Communities staff a check for $8,000 to Adopt-a-Tiny Home and help with program services at our Shelton Veterans Village.
The Hood Canal Lions Club participated in the Annual Alderbrook Community Garage sale August 8th-10th at the home of one of their members. They promoted that all sales would be donated to New Horizon Communities - Shelton Veterans Village. On August 14th, Vice Chair, Bruce presented a check to Case Manager, Domenica for $1,711.14 for the Adoption of a Tiny Home and to support program services at SVV. This is their 2nd adoption, earlier this year, they voted to Adopt-a-Tiny after hearing from our Executive Director, Colleen during one of their meetings.
August is Make-A-Will & Intersectionality Awareness Month
Create your free will at www.freewill.com/kitsapfoundation. It's easy, fast, and free!
We encourage you to consider leaving 5% or 10% to your favorite nonprofits.
We would be honored if you included us.
The Table of Diversity is a tool to help us see the many intersectional identities that makes us unique and different from one another.
New Horizon Communities (NHC) strives to provide services based on our values of Fostering Community, Empowerment, Sustainability, Educating the Public, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. In this instance, I would like to spotlight Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA).
For the last four months, our organization went through an intensive self-assessment process assisted by an external nonprofit organization. We looked at every operational aspect, from financial, communication and relationships, planning, technology, and administration, to management and culture. Our goals are to better understand how we are serving our residents, staff, volunteers, and partners; to strengthen our community and to improve our services. The fact is that we are doing pretty well as an organization but have room to learn and grow.
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Volunteering Made Easy!
Want to volunteer weekly, monthly, quarterly?
You can set your own schedule with our volunteer opportunities.
Your support helps keep our villages looking neat and tidy. Please bring your own gardening tools, gloves, and wear appropriate clothing. Email Tamra to get on the schedule today!
Fun Ways You Can Help
Adopt A Tiny Home!
A donation of $1,500 helps pay for annual operating and maintenance for a home. You can set up reoccurring payments, or donate all at once. Your name is added to our Community Center Plaques, and a personal plaque is available upon request.
Host a House Party!
You provide the place and refreshments. We bring the speakers, create the invitation and can even email your guests for you. Email Tamra for help coordinating.
Create a Facebook Fundraiser!
You can host a fundraiser to celebrate your birthday, anniversary, graduation, and more! On your page, click to write a post - click the 3 dots on the bottom right- click raise money - select Panza dba Quixote Communities (we're working to get it updated) - follow prompts to post. Then share and invite your friends to celebrate with you!
Other Ways to Connect
Learn more about our villages to and see how your support makes a difference.
Coffee with our Executive Director, Colleen Carmichael? Email Tamra to schedule.
Are you a member of a Service Club or Organization? We'd love to be one of your Program Speakers. Contact Tamra to coordinate.
Do you enjoy hosting? We'd love to plan mini-fundraisers & friend-raisers with you. Email Tamra to make a plan.