About

Mission

“A community-building partner showing the love of Christ by connecting our neighbors to food, resources and hope.”

For the past 50 years, Friends in Service to Humanity (FISH) has been the resource for food and help to anyone in Kittitas County who is hungry and in need of a friend. Since 1971, FISH has been a collaboration of available resources to assure no one in Kittitas County goes to bed hungry and anyone has the opportunity to improve their quality of life.

Founded as a faith-based organization, FISH remains true to the values of service to our community and commitment to anyone needing help.

Our mission and beliefs guide the actions of staff, volunteers, including our board members, and is at the heart of all services offered by the organization.

FISH partners in the community share our values and commitment to improving our community-at-large. Our programs and services are intentionally directed to strengthening resources that are available for the most vulnerable among us, especially seniors and children.

“Our vision is that every person in Kittitas County has a full belly, a full heart, and a full life…” – FISH

CORE VALUES

These core values serve as the foundation of our services.

COMPASSION

We are caring.

The gift of compassion moves people to action on behalf of those in need. Compassion is not a simple caring about others; rather, it’s such a radical caring that we have no choice but to make sacrifices for others.

DIGNITY

We show respect.

Holding the value of dignity means we show respect for each person, not for anything they do or any rank they hold, but because they reflect the Face of God.

HONESTY

We speak the truth in love.

All staff and board members will deal honestly with other staff persons, board members, persons receiving services, and the general public. The value of honesty cannot be compromised. We must be honest without being hurtful.

GROWTH

We provide opportunity.

Our aim is to help people to have better lives by providing encouragement, training, physical support, and educational support.

COOPERATION

We work together.

We strive to work with people who support common values and vision to achieve shared goals.

STEWARDSHIP

We are intentional.

Creating safe environments, protecting people, and managing resources will allow us to further our mission. We can exceed expectations through teamwork, innovation, and transparency.

COURAGE

We are faithful to our mission.

We will run the race well. We will not grow weary in doing good. We will continue to serve our neighbors, even when challenges and opposition arise.

OUR PARTNERS

FISH is grateful for the many community partners and individuals who support our work with time, talent and treasure.

MAJOR DONORS

Kelleher Motor Company

Advantage Dirt

Central Washington Helicopter

Ellensburg Pasta Company

CHURCH

Calvary Baptist

Chestnut Street Baptist Church

Wellspring Christian Fellowship

First Christian Church

First Lutheran Church

First Presbyterian Church

First United Methodist Church

Grace Episcopal Church

Mercer Creek Church

New Life Assembly

St. Andrew’s Catholic Church

Seventh Day Adventist

Thorp Community Church

Increast International Christian Church

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ellensburg

COMMUNITY

Thank you to:

• The WSDA and 2nd Harvest with whom we work closely to provide 30 – 50% of our groceries to the public.

• Community Health of Central Washington-working with FISH to assure that healthcare and food delivery are partners in our community.

•Kittitas County Public Health Department-partnering to improve the health of our county and the lives of it’s residents.

• To the Kittitas County Food Access Coalition, Washington Food Coalition, Feeding America, Northwest Harvest and Washington NonProfits for continued support.

• To the Kittitas County Ministerial Association-working with FISH to help those who need a safe, warm place to sleep during the coldest months.

• The Rotary Clubs in Ellensburg who have donated food, funds, and equipment.

• Ellensburg and Kittitas School Districts-working with Picnic in the Park to Provide summer meals for children.

By coming to FISH’s clients when they are here for distribution, these community partners are working with FISH to offer education and information to improve the quality of life of each client.

•Kittitas County Healthcare – bringing nutrition education to FISH’s clients.

•People for People – bringing job coaching and job search skills to FISH’s clients.

•Youth Mentoring – bringing help for our children to FISH’s clients.

•Merit Resources – providing help and comfort to those who are suffering addiction or trying to help a family member.