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Fishline understands that due to temporary government shutdown of some agencies many of our neighbors who are federal employees or individuals that work for companies that contract with the federal government are without a paycheck temporarily. Fishline also understands that many of our neighbors and clients who rely on WIC and SNAP may be unsure of the reliability of that funding due to the extended nature of the shutdown. Under these circumstances, Fishline wants to remind our neighbors that our services are available to those residing in Poulsbo, Suquamish, and Keyport with a valid photo id and address verification. Visit our quick guide for answers to questions about how to register for services: https://fishlinehelps.org/get-help/quick-guide/. If you or a loved one is impacted by the shutdown, do not let income be a barrier to receiving food assistance. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at our Client Services number: (360)779-5190 or visit us at 19705 Viking Way in Poulsbo. Thank you!

Watson Furniture donated many furniture pieces to Fishline to utilize in our new building. Here’s a short video to say thank you!

While everyone at Fishline is still elated by the opening of our new market and Comprehensive Services Center and basking in the glow of our Grand Opening Celebration, we must announce a pending change in leadership at Fishline.

Mary Nader, Fishline’s Executive Director for the past seven years, has decided to seek a new career challenge.  Under Mary’s leadership, Fishline moved to its current location on Viking Way, implemented many innovative client programs, completed the Transforming Lives Capital Campaign, and built a new facility to house an expanded, healthy foods market and a new Comprehensive Services Center (CSC). One of the first of its kind in the nation, the CSC will house a dozen or more health and human service agencies and serve as a hub for people in need in North Kitsap county.

Mary has contemplated her departure for some time but did not want to leave until Fishline was settled in the new building.  With this goal accomplished, she is ready to pass the baton to a new Executive Director who can lead the organization and work with the board to continue Fishline’s service to the community.  

Mary says it best…

The Board took a chance on me seven years ago when it decided to choose an Executive Director who was new to the non-profit world.  Thankfully, I was brought along by an incredible team of board members, staff and volunteers who showed me what it looks like to love with purpose, to help with respect and to dream without fear.  Together, we have built a strong, caring, unique helping place that is on a secure foundation from which to help for decades to come. I move on from Fishline now with the abiding faith that this 51-year-old organization will continue its care of our community with the same heart and sense of mission it has always had, knowing Fishline will thrive with a new leader with the talent, experience and heart that we need at this moment.  I’m forever grateful for the honor and privilege of serving you and this beautiful community.

Though replacing Mary will not be easy, a search committee has been formed to recruit the next Executive Director.  The application period is now closed. Interviews will be conducted in December, and we hope to have a new ED on board by mid-January.  

Mary will remain with Fishline until a new Executive Director is on board.  

Tom Eckmann, Fishline Board President

Fishline’s new $3.9 million facility along Viking Avenue NW, across from Olmstead’s Nursery, is shaping up to be quite an addition to the community. Once completed, the new spot will be a boon to those in need of food and other social services in the north end of the county.

Mary Nader, Fishline’s executive director, said even the landscape design takes into account Fishline’s mission as a food bank.

“Most of the landscaping here has been designed to produce fruit,” Nader said, pointing to the trees and small shrubs in the location’s parking lot. Blueberries, lavender, rosemary, strawberries, rhubarb and currants all line the parking lot, she explained. “It’s just a sweet little reminder of the work that we do, and it’s made it beautiful.”

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