“Having been founded in 1998, “Coming of Age” could well be what describes much of the 13^th year of  Friends of the Carpenter.  Hopefully like a maturing teenager, this time tested ministry has survived and is  moving into adulthood.  Each year has been a learning experience, often through the “school of hard  knocks,” but new levels of service and capacity are being built on previous years.  Friends of the Carpenter is a unique, one of a kind, faith based, non-profit Day Shelter. The ministry has not  had an existing model or parent organization to pattern our mission after.  Finding the purpose and place in  the community has taken dedication and perseverance by the staff and Board of Directors.  Generous  support and involvement by the volunteers and donors,  plus patience and trust by those we serve, have  provided a stable pathway.  It takes time (in fact a  lifetime) to prepare and maintain relationships that  renew and redirect lives; relationships that sustain  programs and persons through their problems and  propel them into new possibilities.  Equally, building trust relationships with other service  provider agencies and church partners in our  community has taken time.   The mission has never  been to replicate or compete with services that are  readily available in our community.  There will always  be need for additional commodities to care for the poor.  However, “dishing up or passing out” the love of God  through intentional and unconditional hospitality, rather  than over a counter has been the program and process  of Friends of the Carpenter.  The cold and hunger of  the night in many ways is easier to handle than the cold  and loneliness of the day.  It is hard (really horrible) to endure the daytime stares and glares when you have  no place to go, you are not included and have nothing to do.  Friends of the Carpenter has gained the seat  of respect and partnership in our community as we serve “the least of these” with wholeness, sitting together  at a table of “hands-on love.”  This 2011 Annual Report is a “printed physical and fiscal report” of the year past.  It is built upon the previous  years and shows the growing maturity and clarity of the mission and the method of Friends of the Carpenter.  Thanks be to God; and thanks be to the Board of Directors, the staff, the numerous volunteers, participants  and donors, who like the days on a calendar and the sequence of years have paved the path we have  traveled.  Step-by-step, dollar-after-dollar, God has crafted Friends of the Carpenter with character and  integrity into a care-giving organization of respect and reputation in the Clark County community.    Love & Peace,  Duane L. Sich  Executive Director  Brent Stahl Bill Parsons Frank Washko Frank Stowe Rodger Stevens Robert McKusick Gary Ervin Shirley Knight Phil Sherman Tom Tucker Friends of the Carpenter was incorporated in Vancouver, WA on October 26, 1998 and received 501-c-3, IRS non-profit status in March of 1999. Rev.  Duane L. Sich is the organization's Executive Director and serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Friends of the Carpenter began as a vision of a  practical outreach of simple welcome and personal interaction between volunteers from the church and the poor. First Presbyterian Church, where Rev.  Sich served as Associate Pastor for 28 years, granted him a six-month sabbatical to do research and if the way be clear, establish this new ministry. The  initial workspace began in the Sich's home, using a spare bedroom as the FOC office and the 3 rd bay of the garage and Duane's tools as the original  woodwork shop. Since the beginning, regular contact has been made with the homeless and poor persons of our community through the woodworking  events scheduled at Share House Men's Emergency Shelter, events held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, and at the Friendship Center. Later, First United  Methodist Church allowed FOC to use two unused basement classrooms for office space. Within the first few years, Salvation Army allowed FOC  approximately 200 sq. ft. of warehouse storage space for wood material storage. Later, Joel Scott donated an approximate 1,000 sq. ft. warehouse  storage space. Bluebird/Allied Storage then welcomed FOC into their storage space - an upgrade to nearly 2,000 sq. ft. Then Wilf Zilke, a Board Member,  donated a 3,000 sq. ft. private warehouse storage space which gave FOC the ability to establish a workshop in the same space as the wood storage.  What a God-Send! In 2004, Jack & Jane Artz made a major donation which allowed FOC to purchase the current Friendship Center consisting of 18,000  sq. ft., including a 5 room office complex, which was dedicated on May 2nd, 2004 and continues to be our home! Until this time, like those we serve, FOC  was essentially homeless as well, which gave ample empathy and example of how having support from friends and a home can make ALL THE  DIFFERENCE. Thanks Be To God!  Standing on the threshold of something significant about to happen is always exciting!  And so it is for the future of Friends of the Carpenter.  2012  promises to be a great year as the ministry follows God's path to a successful future.  Cause for celebration is that finances were adequate to end 2011  "in the black."  That's two years in a row, and though it would seem common sense (cents) to operate fiscally "flush" every year, Friends of the  Carpenter has had the blessing and benefit of a reserve fund.  This reserve was given by Jack and Jane Artz (now deceased) along with the finances to  purchase the Friendship Center in 2004.  The reserve allowed FOC to operate well beyond the donor base revenue.  The business plan (for good or  bad) was to expand the program and demonstrate services, trusting the donor and revenue sources would increase while the reserve was relied upon  to cover the cost of operation.  Overhead was stabilized, salaries were frozen for the past three years and services were stretched as far as funding  would allow.  Praise God!  In a financial climate where cutbacks and closures are everywhere, Friends of the Carpenter IS HERE AND GROWING!  Our  greatest reserve is obviously in God whose grace is sufficient and always faith-full!  And so we trust in God who began this work, who will sustain it and  accomplish God's purpose!  Optimism is appropriate because of the building resolve of the leadership.  The commitment and dedication of the Board of Directors has always been  high; however the Board has gone through a year of resolve and reorganization, with new board members with skill and experience.  Five newly  established committees will broaden the oversight and efforts of the leadership:  1) Finance & Compliance, 2) Fund Development & Marketing, 3)  Strategic & Long Range Strategy, 4) Organizational & Human Resources and 5) Program, Production and Shop Operations.  Probably most important and exciting are the programs and services of Friends of the Carpenter.  First and foremost, Friends of the Carpenter is a Day  Shelter.  So what good is that to someone who is homeless or hurting; someone who has lost everything?  What can fix someone whose needs are so  immense; when it seems no amount of service or money makes much difference?  These sorts of folks really need "A MIRACLE."  That's what the  Friendship Center is for, that's what FRIENDS ARE FOR!  That's what Friends of the Carpenter really manufactures.  The woodwork, though becoming  more significant, is really insignificant compared to the miracles of mending and changing lives with love.  When a person feels and is filled with God's  love, they gain strength and a support system that changes their situation and direction forever.  2012 promises to be a year when more people will find  their way to the Friendship Center; more churches and agencies, like Good Samaritans will refer and bring "wounded travelers" to the Friendship  Center - a place where they will be received, allowed to heal and to find help.  As there has always been a bounty of volunteers, it will get even better.  People of compassion, who want to care "in person" will want to be involved in our program where safety and supervision are primary, where faith and  fellowship flow and is authentic.  2012 will be an exciting year, built upon all that has gone before but beginning anew each day in faith and prayer to believe and follow where God  guides this ministry.  Come follow with us and join the fellowship that Changes Lives With Love!  Vision and Strategic Goals History Interpretation of the Ministry Church Outreach Volunteer Opportunities Participant Activities & Services Shop & Woodworker Activities Product Distribution Communications Facilities & Transportation Financial Services Information about Friends of the Carpenter was shared with the following faith groups during 2011.  Date Church/Organization  Activity  January 8  Savage Memorial Presbyterian, Vancouver Presentation  January 16  Mill Plain Methodist Moment for Mission  January 27  Homeless Connect  Informational Display  February 6  First Presbyterian, Vancouver  Moment for Mission  February 22  First Presbyterian, Vancouver  Men's Steak Out Talk February 26  Cascades, First & East Woods Presbyterian, Salmon Creek,  Orchards and Battle Ground Methodist Churches  30 Hour Famine - Hosting  March 10  Columbia River Mental Health Presentation  March 11 Fort Vancouver  Lion's Club  Presentation  March 20  Family of Christ Lutheran  Preaching March 28  First United Methodist Ladies Circle, Vancouver  Presentation  April 10  Cascade Presbyterian, Vancouver  Preaching May 1 St. John Evangelist Youth Mission  Hosting  May 22  St. Andrew Lutheran Presentation  June 5 Abundant Life Center  Presentation  June 17  Christian Chamber of Commerce  Presentation  June 26  Ridgefield Community Methodist  Preaching July 9  4th Plain International Food Festival  Information Display  July 10-12  Youth Mission from Bozeman MT  Hosting  July 15  Camas United Methodist  Preaching July 23  Compassion Connect  Information Display  July 24  St. Paul Lutheran Preaching July 31  First Congregational  Preaching July 31  All Church Picnic at Pearson Air Park  Information Display  August 6  Emmaus Gathering  Hosting  August 7  Yovel at Esther Short Park  Information Display  August 14  St. Mathew Lutheran, Washougal Presentation  August 21  Cascades Presbyterian  Preaching August 28  Vancouver Heights Methodist  Preaching September 10 Ridgefield Compassion Connect  Informational Display  September 24 Compassion Vancouver  Informational Display  September 28 Veterans Advisory Court Event  Hosting  October 2  Orchard United Methodist  Preaching November 6 East Woods Presbyterian  Preaching November 13  Salmon Creek United Methodist  Mission Fair  November 20  Mt. Tabor Presbyterian, Portland Preaching November 27  Trinity Lutheran  Preaching December 3 Grace Lutheran Women's Luncheon  Hosting  December 21 Cascade Presbyterian Choir Visit  Hosting  December 28 5th Grade Basketball players from  Team Impact Hosting  Equipping the Churches & Faith Development   Morning Devotions - Each weekday at 9:30 am, all who are in the Center gather for morning devotions.  It is a time of praise singing, prayer and a brief  meditation. Each day (usually once a month) a different pastor or faith leader from a partner church presented the meditation.  It's been great for our  participants to hear and meet the leadership from our various churches, and it's been great for those leaders to be in the building and see the work that  God is doing with their church's help. This year the devotional leaders have been; Geri Hiller (St. Paul Lutheran), Shelley Fayette (Good Shepherd  Episcopal), Glen Percival (Grace Chapel), Andy Oliver (The Crossing), Denise Neuschwander (Vancouver Heights UMC), Sayer Strauch (Presbytrian),  George Golden (Lord's Gym), Tom Stafford (7th Day Adventist), Mark Randall (Salmon Creek UMC), Doug Hepburn, Carrie Slayter, Sandi Seleen, Tim  Westerberg (Hillcrest Nazarene) Chris Montovino & John Brewer (Cascade Presbyterian), James Murphy (Ridgefield UMC), Mark McMurry (Via Nova),  Lee Goodwin, Bob Weber (Lutheran), Vicars Kristin Rice, Angela Nelson, Matthew Anderson, Becca Ajer .(Lutheran), Shirley Knight (Methodist), Dan  Nicholas, Brooks Berndt (1st Congregational), Craig Cluff, Eric Smith, Janell Bethke (Family of Christ Lutheran), Tom Tucker (Methodist), The puppet  ministry of Phyllis & Margee, Frank Stowe, Jim Stender (St Andrew Lutheran), Laurel Neal (Eastwood Presbyterian), Tom Iberle, Mike Lawson, Joyce  Woodward, Pat Green, Dick Merrick, Donna Smith, Jason LeJeune, Mary McIntosh, Becky Eichner (1st UMC), Mustafa (Islam), Woody Ennis, Gene  Walters, Laurie Cutter, Rick Willison (TEAM Jesus Ministry), Vancouver Christian Schools and on  Fri., June 10th we had in Mike Maksimowicz, founder  of Ignite the World ministry leading devotions.  Lenten Bible Study  Bill Lehman once again led our Lenten Bible Study this year on "Biblical Poetry on Lenten Themes".  We averaged 6-10 attendees each week, and all  who came were treated to Bill's wonderful Biblical knowledge and reflections.  Thank You Bill!   Study on Oswald Chambers  Began during the fall of 2011, this group was led by Woody Ennis and Jessie Gruelach.  Telling Your Story Mary McIntosh began a weekly devotional and writing experience workshop that meets on Friday mornings.  Recovery Bible Study   The study meets at the Friendship Center right after praise time on Thursday mornings.  The goal is to make changes in our lives to allow us to live  according to God's will for us.  We do this with the help of God, the Recovery Bible and each other.  Class was led by:  Joyce Woodward, retired  Chemical Dependency Counselor.    Point Man Ministry   A Veteran's Support Program.  Every Tuesday, 2:00 pm, all activities pause at the Friendship Center and everyone joins in an Invocation and Flag  Salute, prior to the Veteran's Only faith-based support group meeting and Bible study.  BACK TO TOP BACK TO TOP BACK TO TOP BACK TO TOP Engaging the Volunteers In 2011, Judie Champie,  Sally Aalbue and Leslie Washko faithfully filled the shoes of a Volunteer Manager by planning orientations, training new volunteers, doing follow-up and planning the Volunteer Appreciation in May.  Leslie and Judie worked on different parts of the Volunteer program.  Leslie organized all the volunteer application/information forms, and is following up on people whom we have not seen or heard from in a while.  Judie is meeting with new volunteers and getting them trained and assigned/placed.  Sally updated the Church Tool Box Resource Book for Church Liaisons and Pastors.   A Volunteer Training was held on January 19th and 20th, involving 51 returning and new volunteers.  A follow-up session was held on Fri. Nov. 11th, with 8 in attendance. Mission Group Volunteers Youth Mission Groups: On February 26th - 57 Youth and adults from Cascades Presbyterian, First Presbyterian, East Woods Presbyterian, Salmon Creek United Methodist, Battle Ground United Methodist, Orchards United Methodist Churches participated in a 30 hour famine. Thirty Youth and adults from Bozeman United Methodist visited Vancouver and the Friendship Center during July 10-13th. On Sun. May 1st, 53 Youth and adults from St Johns the Evangelist Catholic Parish experienced a micro-immersion of homelessness. On December 9th, 20 students from Vancouver Christian High School  and Middle School Choirs participated in the devotion and activity times of the day.   Volunteer  Appreciation We appreciated all our volunteers by Celebrating Servants during the Month of May! Volunteers were invited to come to the Friendship Center and pick up a gift bag, filled with some special treats.  They then placed a smiley face on a name banner strung around the office.  Of the over 300 volunteers who had volunteered over the year, almost half came to the Friendship Center!   Hospitality Hosts - Front Desk Receptionists These volunteers are the first friendly face visitors see when they enter the Friendship Center.  They meet and greet the hundreds and hundreds of people who come through our front door and also help by answering the telephone and assisting with clerical tasks.  We had 12 volunteers filling this role on a regular basis, for a total of 1,743 hours.  Thank you to Sandi, Meredith, Betty, Judy, Gayle, Elaine, Doris, Carol, Cathy, Diana, Jen and Shirley. Woodworking Activity Hosts Every day, and especially Wednesday afternoons, we hold woodworking events at the Friendship Center.  Although a variety of tasks are assigned that include sanding, gluing, painting, and drilling, the focus is not on the wood.  We invite these volunteers to join in the 'table' fellowship of building relationships with our friends and with our Lord.  Listening and being present to all those who participate are especially important skills needed for this role.  Through 2011-  1,299 volunteers were involved in these activities. Project Homeless Connect & Compassion Connect Friends of the Carpenter once again participated as a service provider at the fourth Clark County Project Homeless Connect that was held on Thursday, January 27, 2011 in the Centennial Center at the Red Lion at the Quay in Vancouver.  The event was attended by over 350 households.  Our table was staffed by several volunteers, who handed out information about the Ministry. Other Community Outreach opportunities included: Compassion East, Compassion West, Compassion Ridgefield, Veteran's Stand Down, and the Peace Health Fair. BACK TO TOP BACK TO TOP BACK TO TOP BACK TO TOP BACK TO TOP BACK TO TOP Events Woodworking events are held at the Friendship Center every Wednesday, 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the afternoon.  The 2nd Wednesday activity is the Newsletter mailing preparation, involving 25-35 participants and volunteers.  Love gifts (grocery cards, haircuts, gas, bus tickets valued at $5)  are offered to the participants and a raffle for a $15 value gift card to various locations is held. In 2011 we were very fortunate to have use of the Trinity Lutheran and First Methodist passenger vans for pick-ups at Open House Ministries and Share House. Our Wednesday afternoon Event van drivers are Frank Stowe, Rodger Stevens & Eric Smith. Activities Activities have been expanded from just Tuesday mornings to promoting all mornings and afternoons Monday-Friday. Following the devotional time, activities are available for all who attend.  Beyond the regular woodworking projects; greeting cards, wood burning, beading, drawing and painting have also been planned by volunteers and staff.  Movies were provided on Thursday afternoons. The Chronicles of Narnia series were a favorite! Arts & Crafts were provided on Friday mornings, including painting on several occasions as it seems to be popular. Christmas card making on Tuesday mornings happened in December Outings Outings in 2011 included a trip to the flower gardens of the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens and the Holland America Tulip Farms on May 6th.  In June a group went to the Grotto, and in August The Oregon Zoo and a drive through the Multnomah Falls area.  There were approximately 12 in each trip.  We are grateful to Trinity Lutheran and 1st UMC for the use of their vans.       Yard  In March, 2011, all trailers were removed from the yard, and housing is no longer an option on property. Duplex Housing Friends of the Carpenter owns and manages a duplex near the Friendship Center used for shared living for persons in transition from homelessness. Nine individuals have lived in the duplex during the 2011 year. Gifts & Benevolences -    $22,950 was distributed during 2011 Event Love Gifts: $6,800   Raffle: $200 At the close of our woodworking events, each participant receives a $5 value "Love Gift" - gasoline voucher, grocery store certificate, C-Tran bus tickets, or haircut vouchers from the Beauty School. Events generally involve 10 to 30 participants and 4 to 10 volunteers. An added draw has been holding a "Raffle".  A $15 gift card is the prize for the lucky participant who wins. Special Assistance: $13,000 For regular participants who have made or are making a "connection" with a local church, special benevolence assistance is sometimes given as emergency needs or potential opportunities which require funds arise.  These are typically things like emergency lodging or rent/deposit assistance, auto repair, tool purchase for employment, medical assistance or travel, and range from $50 to $200.  Birthday gifts and Christmas gifts are generally given to "friends" (of the Carpenter) but not so much as benevolence but rather the benefit of a sincere relationship.  HUGS (hats, underwear, gloves and socks) FOC hosted 2 parties featuring our special HUGS (Hats, Underwear, Gloves & Socks).  The first one was February 16th in celebration of Valentine's Day. There were 21 participants who attended the HUGS distribution, and an additional 10 volunteers.  The Care Committee provided the take home treats (fruit and candy) for the event.  The Catholic Daughters were present with a variety of snacks. Our second HUGS event was celebrated on October 28th.  Over 32 new and returning friends came by the center for Halloween Bingo, raffles, treats and lots of HUGS! It was a fun way to celebrate Halloween and decorate with jack-o-lanterns we had carved the day before. Memorial for the Homeless - Dec. 21 This annual event on the "longest night" and "shortest day" of the year was held at the Friendship Center on Dec. 21st.  Traditionally, this event had been held at Esther Short Park.  Many representatives from local agencies, homeless friends and family members lit candles for loved ones lost. CARE Committee The Catholic Campaign on Human Development grant for $2500 was approved for the projects of Food for the Summer BBQ ($500), Love Gift Vouchers ($750), Raffle Prizes ($750), and to Sponsor Outings ($500), and the check deposited.   This will greatly help with our expenses for Wed. events. Sandy Mathis wrote the grant this year.  The committee also conducted a short participant survey, and instituted a Suggestion Box. Thank you to Sandy, Lynette and Bill for serving on this committee. Court Ordered Community Service and Homeless Court Working through the Clark County Court system, Friends of the Carpenter now assists those needing to complete Community Service Work Hours in lieu of court fines.  This can be through Clark County Alternative Community Service, Veteran's Court or Homeless Court. It has been a great way for people to pay off fines and get help to have their driver's license reinstated.    During 2011, FOC was assigned 55 workers of which 16 individuals have completed all of their hours.   Access to Justice Award Friends of the Carpenter was awarded the Access to Justice Leadership and Partnership Award on June 4, 2011.  It was presented by the Washington State Access to Justice Board at the annual meeting of the State Bar Association, this year held at Kennewick, Washington.  The award is given in recognition of inspirational leadership and shared efforts to establish and support the first homeless court in Washington State, and for your extraordinary dedication to helping people succeed by removing barriers to self-sufficiency.  The Honorable Judge Darvin J. Zimmerman was also recognized for his efforts in forming the Homeless Court in Clark County.  Bill Jennings and Paul Boyer (FOC Court Advocates) were present to receive the award on behalf of Friends of the Carpenter. Woodworker Show & Tells: On the last Saturday of most months, the woodworkers gather together for a friendly Show & Tell.  In 2011, they were held on January 29, February 26, March 26, April 30, June 25, July 30, August 27, September 24, and  October 29.  They share what they have made (including inventive jigs), demonstrate techniques, learn from area woodworking vendors, ask questions, swap tips, plan projects and show off their latest projects. Woodworker Special Projects: - Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity of OSU ordered 10 dining tables; made by Craig Cluff, Rodger Stevens, Wade Boyd, Dough Hepburn, Dan Nicholas and Brian Tyler   - Ron Pulliam and Doug Hepburn have completed a communion table for Orchards UMC. - Ron and Doug also completed a workbench. - Gift Boxes - A Tea and Spice company in Portland contacted us about making gift boxes in a variety of sizes and they have since ordered 30 with a possibility of wanting 100+ per month of the sizes.    Wine Barrel Furniture - Upon the delivery of 60+ wine barrels, prototypes for chairs, tables and gift boxes were made.  Confluence Winery saw the gift boxes and asked if we could do wine boxes, so we are.      - Church Display case was done for East Woods Presbyterian, as well as a narthex table   - A custom plant stand was made by Craig Cluff and Dan Nicholas. - Name Plaques for Clark  County community services (Craig and Dan), Shadow Box for St. Johns Evangelical (Craig and Dan), Custom corner cabinet for Adam Hepburn (Craig), 35 custom Pen desk sets  for 40-et-8 . -Another 200 tulip boxes are being made for sale at $50 - The Wednesday evening Wood-Turners group that is making 50 rolling pins for the Washington State Blind School Pie Baking  Contest, and Coordinator Frank Zarafa, Ex. Chef at Kamlu.  We also appreciate the Ridgefield Lions Club for funding the contest. - The Oregon Guild of Woodworkers met at the Friendship Center and brought over 50 of their members to visit with us! - Brian Trembly and his Wood-Mizer portable saw mill visited FOC on Sat. April 30th. -  Carved signs for Friends of the Carpenter and Open House Ministries were made by Richard McNully. Our Auction Woodwork Stars raised over $6,286: Woodworkers who contributed items for the 2011 Auction were: Theron Honeycutt, Dick Emmel, Allan Schwindt, Rodger Stevens, Frank Stowe, Jim DeShirley, Gary Ervin, Wade Boyd, Terry Ellis, Lloyd DeWerff, Tom Benner, Ettoine Dixon, Paul Schemberger, Hank Schlueter, Craig Cluff, Ken Westby, Nicki Minaker, Ron Pulliam, John Willems, Otto Bombach, Todd Kapral, and Doug Hepburn Portland Woodworking Show Nov. 11-13th,    19 volunteers  The following volunteers  'manned' the Friends of the Carpenter  Information Booth at the Portland Woodworking Show; Jim Heriford, Bill Matney, Tom Benner, Dick & Lois Emmel, Ron Pulliam, Wade Boyd, Frank Stowe, Richard McNully, Ron Wiltsey, Tom Roosendaal, Larry Stahl, Jessica Harris, Craig Cluff, Doug Hepburn, Chuck Gehle, Gary Ervin, Dan Nicholas and Duane Sich. Special Donations in the Shop Barbo Machinery in Portland and Jet Manufacturing donated 2 Mini-Jet Turning lathes. Tony Angelo donated a commercial spray booth. Church Liaisons  & Product Displays  Product Displays and Community Outreach: Vancouver Heights UMC, First UMC, Church of Good Shepherd Lutheran, Rehoboth NW Yovel, All Church Picnic, Fourth Plain International Festival, Peace and Justice Fair, Confluence Winery, Clark Christian Center grand opening, Blessed Arts/FOC Summer Craft Fair/BBQ at FOC, Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, Open House Ministries Community Block Party/BBQ, Blessed Arts Fair@ Fourth Plain Nazarene, Blessed Arts Fair @ Battle Ground.  An outstanding church partner is East Woods Presbyterian Church who brings Starbucks treats each week to the Friendship Center. Bazaars Friends of the Carpenter participated in several bazaars and fairs this year; the 1st UMC Alternative Bazaar, a "Blessed Arts" arts and crafts bazaar at the Nazarene Church East of 164th on Fourth Plain, and the following:  May 7th - Felida Fair, Aug. 13th - Blessed Arts, July 9th- International Festival, Aug. 10th - Peace & Justice Fair, Oct. 15th- East Woods Fall Fair, Oct. 27th - Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, Oct. 29th  - Vancouver Heights Methodist Bazaar. Christmas Boutique Dec. 7-16th - $1,855 raised The product room once again welcomed Christmas shoppers for a two week period, utilizing many volunteers. Contributions made to other agencies for their auction fundraisers: Product Donations: to Salmon Creek UMC for auction, Messiah Lutheran benefit Tee 'n Tea, Little Acorn Prechool & Kindergarten, Evergreen Lion's Club, CFTH Auction, Bridge the Gap auction, China Connection, Christian Youth Theater auction, Mayor's Prayer Breakfast raffle, Website - friendsofthecarpenter.org During the year 2011, there were 326,635 visits to the home page.    Interestingly enough, the most active hour on the website was on Oct. 4, 2011 at 6-7 pm with 1,177 visits!    (Previous years' visits: were 336,401in 2010;   251,910 in 2009; 247,293 in 2008; 195,006 in 2007; 197,342 in 2006; 154,406 in 2005) Facebook 208 friends 'like' the Friends of the Carpenter on Facebook. Newsletters can be read in the CARPENTERS’ TOOLBOX page. - Safety Committee - The safety committee, staffed by volunteers to make sure that the facility is up to high standards, continued to meet in 2011.  The committee meets quarterly.  They continue to monitor all safety aspects of the Friendship Center.  - Cadet Heating donated 4 heating units for the offices at the Friendship Center.   - Security System -Cables for the system are on back order for 3 of the cameras.  They should arrive next week. 5 cameras are up and recording.  - Propane Heater - Off of Craig's List, a 375,000 btu forced air propane heater was purchased by a donor. PIC & Goodwill  Did you know that Friends of the Carpenter partners with Goodwill's Senior Community Service  Employment Program (SCSEP) and Partners in Careers (PIC) to provide training and work experience opportunities that each person needs to help them move on to employment and economic self-sufficiency?  Many of the smiling faces you see providing hospitality, janitorial services, data entry, leading activities, working at our scroll saws, or working in the shop are PIC employees that work with FOC staff to improve their job skills.  Since partnering with these two agencies began in 2009, we have worked with over 10 employees this year through these programs.  We began monthly meetings with the employees and instituted an "employee of the month award".  Agency Volunteers - Over the years, Friends of the Carpenter has welcomed individuals with a variety of skills and abilities to our Ministry.  We have been incredibly blessed by the involvement and presence of a number of Friends, such as Bobby, Ron, Gary, Stan, Mike, Tim, Larry and many more, who help us see the face of Christ.  We are grateful to ARC, Innovative Services NW, Keys to Advancement, SOSA, and Aacres Vancouver for their association with us. Veteran's Court Event FOC hosted the Veteran's Court board on Wed. Sept. 28th.  The evening of meeting and entertainment was attended by over 200 elected and city officials, community leaders and local faith communities.  John & Mary Lynn Shilvock and Rick Stello coordinated the hospitality and cooking for the event. Vancouver Community Concert Band    The band is under the direction of Jim Rourk.  Again in 2011, band practice was held every Tuesday evening, 7:00 pm, at the Friendship Center - March through December.  The band is comprised of some 80+ volunteer members.  It is very focused on participating in and supporting community events.  Visitors are welcome to listen to a rehearsal session or apply for membership. Vancouver Pipe Band New this year was the addition of the Fort Vancouver Pipe band rehearsing at the Friendship Center.  They average 20 people every Thursday evening.  Annette Allen is the pipe major of this group. FISH Friends In Service to Humanity, George Kaufer President.  Since the acquisition of the Friendship Center in 2004, FOC has rented storage and staging space to FISH for food storage and staging which is distributed through their emergency food pantry at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.  Interior pallet racking allows 60,000 pound capacity, two external containers allow an additional 40,000 pounds each, plus a walk in freezer allows for meat storage on premises.  FISH holds title to two cargo vans which are mutually used by both FISH and FOC. LINKS FOC continues partnering with LINKS, a local emergency food provider agency by allowing storage space in one of our external containers.  LINKS is a proactive agency, delivering bread and food boxes "ahead of time" for distribution when the need arises.  LINKS makes food box donations to local law enforcement departments, the Sheriff's "Santa's Posse" Christmas project, The Sunshine Division, St. Vincent DePaul, Salvation Army, The Clothes Closet and St. Johns & St. Andrews Lutheran Churches. Lion's Club Fruit Boxes The Lion's Club used the Friendship Center as a staging area for their annual fruit sale fund raiser. Twelve pallets of apples and pears were sorted, boxed and prepared for individual delivery. Summer Craft Fair and BBQ   Sat. August 13 - sponsored by Blessed Arts; A Christian Crafts Organization.  Many enjoyed arts and craft vendors, music, a bbq and spirit filled fellowship; 22 volunteers helped throughout the day. 9th Annual Banquet & Auction - ($38,000 raised) It was a record crowd at the Red Lion Inn at the Quay on Saturday evening, October 8th.  Thanks to the efforts of a new group of Table Captains; over 355 persons were in attendance at this event.  Another 72 volunteers were on hand to make this an evening to remember!  The crowd was treated to delightful music by the entertainers;  John English-Tribute Artist of Frank Sinatra,  Linda Hornbuckle and Mark Stevenz, aka Elvis.  Tim Gordon of KGW News was on hand as Master of Ceremonies.  Some amazing auction items were snatched up in the Silent Auctions, and those winning bidders were excited to take some neat things home, as well as having supported the ministry of Friends of the Carpenter.  Tina Walker and Craig Cluff, both recipients of assistance by Friends of the Carpenter, shared their stories of difficult times and their renewed faith through their experiences with the ministry.   We are grateful for the leadership of Phil and Becky Willey-Sherman and Ray and Susie Stephins in co-chairing this event. 9th Annual Christmas Concert with Jim Fischer & Friends - Dec. 3, 2011 A great time was enjoyed by all who attended Christmas Concert by Jim Fischer and Friends at First Presbyterian Church, nearly 700 people in total.  Thank you's to First Presbyterian Church for the use of their gorgeous facility and outstanding hospitality; the over 40 volunteers who helped; to all who came and especially to all the musicians and performers who made the concert so special. The concert brought in $9,000. Bluegrass Benefit Concert      The sold out concert was held on Sat. August 27th at the newly remodeled Kiggins Theater in downtown Vancouver; featured The Misty Mamas & Fadin' by 9.  Our thanks to Rodger Stevens and Gary Ervin for their time in getting the theater ready for the benefit concert.  $3,000 was raised for Friends of the Carpenter. Other Benefits for FOC: Concert by Alisa Williams - "Groove in the Couve"  December 16th  - Mill Plain United Methodist - raised $200 Grant House Restaurant - received $100 through a Giving Tree for the month of November THRIFT STORE The Friends of the Carpenter 2nd Chance Thrift store was opened in December of 2010 with dual goals.  First, to help fund the homeless outreach program in Vancouver, and second, to provide clean, quality merchandise at affordable prices to the local community. In the first year of operation, over $82,000 in profits from the thrift store have made it possible to staff and continue some of the FOC programs that were in jeopardy.  Also, for the first time in the history of the ministry, FOC has not had to borrow money in order to pay expenses. Located at 3414 A NE 52nd St., the 2nd Chance Thrift Store has been openly welcomed by the St. Johns, St. James and Minnehaha neighborhoods.   We are very appreciative of this support.        A new addition to the store  was a large, lighted sign on the front of our building.  It was installed by Vancouver Sign Company.  Our new sign enhances our visibility, and encourages more customers to stop by and take a look!  Donations from FOC members and the community are the bread and butter of the thrift store.  Since there is no rummage sale at the Friendship Center any longer, we encourage your continued support of our thrift store.  We accept donations Monday through Saturday, 10:00 to 4:00.  All items must be clean and in working order. This is what community support is about.  This steady stream of donations have helped the store repay the borrowed start-up money, cover rent and utilities, and keep Friends of the Carpenter operating in the black.  Our store affords us the opportunity to gain new volunteers, and gives people the opportunity to support the ministry in a different way.  Your donations and time are what feeds the ministry.  Thanks for your support.  Over 8,000 hours by over 40 volunteers were contributed by supporters of the Thrift Store in 2011   Financial Summaries & Comparisons 2011 Donation Summary Number of Contributors/Donors 2011 = 620 ….. 587 individuals, 26 churches,7 businesses 2010 = 618 ….. 583 individuals, 30 churches,5 businesses    2009 = 584 …..543 individuals, 39 churches, 2 businesses 2008 = 441 …..413 individuals, 26 churches, 2 businesses 2007 = 407 …. 377 individuals, 26 churches, 4 businesses 2006 = 353 …..327 individuals, 23 churches, 3 businesses 2005 = 327 …..300 individuals, 23 churches, 4 businesses 2004 = 328 …..298 individuals, 23 churches, 7 businesses 2003 = 289 …..255 individuals, 30 churches, 4 businesses 2002 = 296 ..... 267 individuals, 24 churches, 5 businesses 2001 = 274 …. 250 individuals, 18 churches, 6 businesses 2000 = 225 …. 208 individuals, 17 churches 2011 Year End Financial Statement                                         2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 Income: Contributions/Donations 144,682 121,686 $85,093 $106,943 $96,495 Product Donations 18,604      27,200 $21,480 $  31,518 $22,095 Product Sales 19,119 410 $10,425 $    4,134   $2,156 Appeals-Spring/Summer $43,286 $  1,977 Fall/Winter 30,916 60,535 $19,585 $    6,584 $14,541 Fundraising 79,847 90,258 $85,308 $  87,158 $72,558 Duplex 16,350  17,435 $17,410 $    6,775 $11,102 Interest        10   15 $       41 $         14 $       16 Facility Use/Truck & Yard  7,935    7,575 $  7,550 $    9,779 $13,615 Grant  2,500    5,000 $  9,500 $       108 $  1,192 Pay It Forward  1,415      938 $  2,635 $    4,773 $12,264 In-Kind/Consign Sales  2,985   7,295 $  5,505 $    3,363 $  6,573 Misc. - Thrift Store          147,205  13,749 $     864 $  1,691                                Total Revenue       471,568 352,096 $308,682 $261,149 $256,275 Wedbush Investment Draws    ---- 43,000 $  50,000  $  90,000     $120,000 Total Income $471,568 $395,096 $358,682 $351,149      $376,275 Expenses: Duplex 12,284 13,616 $20,878 $ 13,096 $  13,669 Benevolence 21,786 16,720 $17,572 $ 32,535 $  37,457 Administrative 50,550 46,861 $36,377 $ 29,652 $  23,396 Utilities 19,215 19,278 $19,184 $ 19,068 $  21,354 Facility/Repairs & Maint. & tax   4,865 6,000 $  9,699 $   8,332 $  11,131 Payroll           226,960 218,923 $228,192 $219,558 $217,289 Program 50,117 43,676 $35,946 $  35,834 $  37,963 Thrift Store 65,188 10,953 Total Expense        $450,965 $376,027 $367,848 $358,075 $362,259     Friends of the Carpenter is a non-profit ministry. 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