When everyday tasks become overwhelming, the greatest fear for many older adults and people living with disabilities isn’t simply asking for help — it’s losing the place they call home. A missed medical appointment, an apartment that becomes too difficult to maintain, or the inability to coordinate services can quietly begin a path toward institutional care. For some Mason County residents, remaining independent requires more than transportation or housekeeping. It requires someone who knows them, advocates for them, and helps connect the many pieces of support that make independent living possible.

That is the role Blue Hat Ministries has embraced through its Empowered Independence with Advocates program. The Community Foundation for Mason County awarded grants to support the program in 2025 and 2026 with the Mason County Funds for the Community and the Robert R. and Joan Hasenbank Fund. These investments have helped Blue Hat continue providing in-home support, transportation, and advocacy for adults facing disabilities, aging, and complex health challenges. Rather than replacing existing services, Blue Hat serves as a consistent partner that helps individuals navigate medical appointments, coordinate community resources, maintain their homes, and continue living with dignity for as long as possible.

One Blue Hat client illustrates that impact. As her needs increased, remaining in her apartment became increasingly difficult. Blue Hat staff spent countless hours helping with household chores, transporting her to medical appointments, and advocating alongside her through complex health and community systems. Eventually, when a higher level of care became necessary, the transition was not marked by crisis but by stability. With Blue Hat’s support, she was approved to move into a specialized adult foster home rather than a skilled nursing facility. Today she lives in a home with six other women, continues participating in the community, and has even kept her job as a dishwasher. While Blue Hat’s in-home services changed, its advocates continue to support her through medical appointments and transportation.

“The nature of what we do means that we are sought out to take on the most difficult cases in our community,” said Kristina Smalley of Blue Hat Ministries. “We celebrate every day of elevated independence, knowing that eventually progressive illnesses such as dementia will bring our beloved adults to higher levels of need.”

That daily commitment produced measurable results throughout the year. Blue Hat advocates provided 545 non-emergency medical transportation rides, traveling 9,425 miles and spending 196 hours assisting clients during medical appointments. The organization’s in-home care team delivered 1,911 hours of intensive support to 20 adults, helping with personal care, household tasks, and other essential services that allowed individuals to remain safely at home.

Perhaps the greatest measure of success is the number of people who were able to continue living independently. During the past year, 11 adults who otherwise would have moved into group homes remained in their own homes for another year, while nine adults delayed moving into nursing homes because of the support they received. Blue Hat also strengthened relationships with four local landlords and property managers, creating additional partnerships that help vulnerable tenants continue living safely in their apartments.

The Blue Hat team does not take its work and responsibilities that come along with it for granted. “We feel strongly that our role is the consistent piece that helps tie together so many services for adults that lack the skills to do this coordinating and synthesizing themselves,” said Smalley.

For the Community Foundation for Mason County, these grants represent neighbors helping neighbors preserve independence, dignity, and connection. Behind every ride, every home visit, and every hour of advocacy is the opportunity for someone to continue living where they feel most comfortable — surrounded by familiar places, meaningful relationships, and the community they call home.