Success Stories

This funding enabled us to invest in Wellness Recovery Action Plan (“WRAP”) training for board members. The aforementioned training will position Greatest MaS as one of few (maybe 2) in Washington State. This will complement our capacity building & growth, as we train all of our people to support program participants interested in WRAP tools. As well, as offer classes to other organizations in the region (and virtually worldwide) for a fee. We have also expanded our network of viable collaborators and volunteers during this training.

We invested in professional grant writing, and so far Greatest MaS is actively preparing grant proposals to expand its affordable housing programs and services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness with behavioral health challenges. We scored in the top 50% for the No Child Left Inside grant, for an outdoor nature-based healing program that will support capacity building, growth, sustainability, hiring, and training. And, we were awarded a sponsorship grant from Better Health Together for cultural events.

We used the grant to fund outreach events and activities which have increased our capacity and growth as more members of the community are learning about our organization and volunteering to join our mission efforts. We also invested in computers and desks to securely provide VITA and WaConnection services, which will build capacity and growth.

I was able to significantly upgrade my production equipment, by purchasing a new camera/lenses, drone, and audio equipment. This increased my capacity building and growth and immediately led to the ability to take on new jobs that I wasn’t able to do before. Right after I got the new equipment I had a couple gigs lined up that required multiple cameras to perform! I was also able to purchase accounting software to manage my books which ties into business sustainability as it is allowing me to save time and be better organized as I get busier. In addition, I was able to start a marketing campaign managed by a local company, which ties into both capacity building & growth and sustainability, as I’m hoping I will start getting new leads and long term clients to help grow and sustain my business into the future.

This grant money has helped expand my business to support up to 3 additional employees with equipment, training, uniforms, technology, and customer growth. With these funds, I have been able to further train myself on running a business efficiently and effectively to support staff. This grant has also helped to train employees with needed supplies and equipment. Money was spent to increase our business licenses across a bigger area so we can stay compliant with local laws and have access to a bigger customer base. Although a slow start, we are growing and anticipating a busy summer season ahead. This wouldn’t have been made possible without this grant award. Thank you team for all of your support and opportunity.

At Action Craft Experts, we’ve strategically allocated grant funds across several essential areas, which has significantly contributed to our development and success.

One of our key investments was in a sewer camera, along with an assortment of various-sized snakes designed for unclogging drains. These tools have proven invaluable in assisting our customers who are experiencing issues such as clogs and backups, enabling us to provide prompt and effective solutions.
Of all the enhancements funded by the grant, we believe the most impactful was the comprehensive training program we enrolled in through Synergy Learning Systems, developed by Doug Wyatt. This program focuses on ethical sales techniques grounded in conveying value to our customers. It has fundamentally changed our approach to customer interactions, fostering a deeper understanding of their needs and how we can best meet them.

The training is designed for both our office staff and technicians working in the field, striking a perfect balance between engaging video content and in-depth reading materials. This multifaceted approach has made the learning process not only effective but also enjoyable for our team.

We are incredibly grateful for the support provided by the grant, and we deeply appreciate any continued assistance as we move forward on our journey to enhance our services and better serve our community.

So after I received the funding, I hired 2 girls immediately who have turned into being great employees. They have allowed me to spend more time on reorganizing and working on rebranding.  We needed the extra employees so that our other employees had a more flexible schedule to accommodate their school schedules. This in turn helped the retention of our previous employees and added on new ones to help when schedules change.

We have been able to acquire new business relationships. These connections have allowed us to expand our reach. We have been able to participate in hiring fairs. We have been able to reach a larger demographic and offer competitive wages. We are now able to support tailored work schedules and offer a more flexible time table to anyone who is planning to seek a higher level of education. We have also been able to better support our college student employees.

I work with artists, but my goal is and has always been to help kids, the disabled and Veterans through the arts. I work with local schools, non-profits and many more, helping to give kids and others a way to express themselves and what they go through. When I applied for the grant, my goal was to get my non-profit status, put together classes and always have an area where I can feature young talent and always keep art supplies available for kids and others that can’t afford them, and the supplies are always free. Unfortunately, after I received the grant, our government elections turned everything upside down, and people stopped purchasing art, which I need to keep doing what I do. I wasn’t able to get my non-profit status set up but still plan on getting it. The grant funds had to go to keeping the doors open, so I could continue my work. It helped me to keep the gallery open, get supplies and everything else I needed to keep the pushing forward. The business has grown, and I now work with more non-profits around the community, which I could not have done without the grant. There is no doubt the grant kept my business open through the tough times, and I know I would have closed my doors without the funds. I’m sad that I wasn’t able to do all I wanted to do with the funds, but it kept me moving forward and helping members of our community. The grant saved my business and now I will work on getting more funds, to keep helping kids and others. I’m so thankful for the help.