NEW!
Annual Report 2008-09 Released
Brigid Collins' would like to express its' gratitude to all of the people who have donated their time, energy and money to support children in Whatcom County.

You have changed lives and made our community a better place. This report highlights some of your accomplishments, including stories from several families.

To request a printed report, contact Brigid Collins at contact@brigidcollns.org or call 360.734.4616.



Message From the Director
The fortitude and commitment of our volunteers, staff and families is being tested. Tightening our belt on expenses and taking on additional responsibilities, each individual of the Brigid Collins team is doing more with less. This year we trimmed all expenses and did not rehire 2.5 full time positions. Even so, declines in donations and government funding will likely result in a $30,000 deficit for 2009.

But the Brigid Collins team is not turning children away. We believe that the resources we have at any one time are sufficient to advance our mission. Like our namesake Sister Brigid Collins, when the need is there, we find the way to protect children and teach parents effective parenting skills.

Many individuals inspired us this year including Alexandra Simon. Alexandra asked her friends to donate to Brigid Collins instead of buying her a present for her 16th birthday. We were also touched by a young father who became clean and sober, completed parent coaching, and found a new life reunited with his daughter. And we were humbled by the entire Brigid Collins staff who worked harder and smarter even though their wages were frozen and benefits reduced.

Our hard work and sacrifice last year was rewarded with excellent outcomes for our families and more than $200,000 in new funding for 2010. These new funds will help sustain existing services and create critical new programs to reduce child trauma and lower costs to the community.

Inside this year’s annual report find out more about our capital campaign and how a single donor lead the way towards our purchase of 1231 N Garden St. in Bellingham. Also, see pictures of our new office in Mount Vernon and learn how new programs at Brigid Collins are improving parenting skills and reducing the likelihood of abuse.

Thank you for taking time to look over our report and for supporting our mission. Brigid Collins is about relationships. We value each and every one of them. It is our passion and what we do best.

Byron G. Manering, MSW, Executive Director