Beginning April 1st 2022, the Enumclaw Food Bank and the Helping Hand Fund will be operated by Plateau Outreach Ministries (POM). Each of these local 501(c)3 organizations, based in Enumclaw, WA, aim to compassionately serve the low-income and unhoused populations on the plateau. Uniting these two organizations will be a huge benefit for those in need and allow them to be served in the best way possible.

Lawton Case, Director of both the Enumclaw Food Bank and the Helping Hand Fund, is retiring after an inspiring 35 years of service to the organization. “I am confident that POM will administer the Enumclaw Food Bank and Helping Hand Fund with integrity and continue the legacy of service started back in 1962,” Case said. While the physical location of the Enumclaw Food Bank, which is adjacent to and part of the Enumclaw Senior Center, will remain the same, the POM Board of Directors and staff will begin to oversee operations on April 1st.

POM will continue to facilitate strong relationships with Food Lifeline, Grocery Rescue and the local businesses and donors who have supported the Enumclaw Food Bank throughout the years. Under the leadership of Case, a strong core of volunteers has been built up over the years and POM is committed to maintaining their service at the Food Bank. The Enumclaw Food Bank will remain open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays from 9-11:45 AM in the existing location, under the same rules of operation. POM’s own Food & Clothing Bank, which is supported by Northwest Harvest, will still operate Wednesday’s from 9 AM – 12 PM. Each location will offer a different variety of foods and other basic necessities.

The Helping Hand Fund, which operates very similar to POM’s Samaritan Services, provides rental and utility voucher assistance, along with other needs such as gas vouchers to get clients to their place of employment. For those clients who have been previously served through the Helping Hand Fund, they can now receive assistance through POM’s Samaritan Services. The Helping Hand Fund will continue as is, and be a great addition to ongoing funding Samaritan Services already receives. Clients can make an appointment with a caseworker at the POM offices.

A goal POM is envisioning for our future is to obtain a facility large enough to host a food bank, with a grocery store type of feel. This type of facility would join together all food offerings and give clients the dignity they deserve, as they are able to choose items relevant to their family’s needs. Joining with the Enumclaw Food Bank is the first step towards that dream coming true. “We are honored that Lawton, the Board of Directors and volunteers are entrusting us with the legacy that the Enumclaw Food Bank and Helping Hand Fund has built. We are looking forward to the bright future ahead, with a new food bank that provides dignity to our clients and community,” said Executive Director of POM, Elisha Smith-Marshall.