Our mission:
The Funhouse Commons serves the urgent needs of young people and strengthens community bonds by providing a safe and stimulating environment where all can learn, discover, create, socialize, and be heard.
As Orcas Island’s youth-focused community center, we fulfill the Funhouse mission by providing research-based, best practices out-of-school time programming and expanded learning opportunities for island children and teens age birth to 18. Our core Afterschool, Mentor, and Education Programs support youth gains in positive social/emotional learning, affirming peer/adult relationships, resiliency, self-efficacy, skill building, and greater college/postsecondary education preparedness. Our goals are to create caring relationships, support island families, and build a healthier community.
Our history:
Founded by local activists in the Spring of 1997, the Funhouse Commons is a not-for-profit community center that fosters fun and learning with a computer lab, complete audio production studio, a library of educational films and documentaries, facilities for classes and meetings, clubs, and much, much more.
Most importantly, the Funhouse Commons is a critical safety net for the youth of Orcas Island–and by extension their families.
We provide mentoring programs, out of school time programs, teen programs and, in partnership with the Orcas Island School District, education and college preparation programs.
The Funhouse focuses on the well-being of youth of all ages and provides the Orcas Island community with a safe place for kids to hang out, learn, play and explore their creativity year-round.
In 2011 our board and staff determined that we should expand our role in the community by opening up our facility, our resources, and our programs to everyone. We are doing this by making changes to our facility to create space that is flexible, useful and efficient.
The Funhouse is a public 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, generously supported by donations and grants. We are also supported by an army of volunteers from every walk of life and every part of our amazing community, without whom we couldn’t function.
We are always looking for more support. For further information on volunteering or making a donation, please click here.
