Impact Reports:
2025 Quarterly Report
(January - March)
2024 Annual Impact Report
A Story of Resilience: Arnika’s Journey
At Barrier Breakers Foundation, we believe in the power of human dignity, advocacy, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit. Arnika’s journey is a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the transformative impact of community support.​
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Arnika, a Navy veteran, a devoted mother, and a dedicated nurse with nearly two decades of management experience, has spent her life advocating for others.
However, in 2022, her world shifted when she was diagnosed with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, a condition that not only impacted her health but also carried implications for her daughter’s future. As she navigated a series of personal and medical hardships—including legal blindness and a significant decline in kidney function—Arnika found herself facing housing insecurity in Skagit County.
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Determined to find stability and support, she connected with Barrier Breakers Foundation through a flyer she initially took for someone else in need—an instinct that speaks to her lifelong commitment to helping others. As she faced the unimaginable challenge of being unhoused while battling serious health concerns, she was met with compassion and action. Barrier Breakers provided her with a vital lifeline: a phone that allowed her to stay connected with her doctors and access crucial medical care. More than that, she found a community that saw her worth, respected her dignity, and walked alongside her in her journey to stability.
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Through the collective efforts of local organizations, including Barrier Breakers, Helping Hands, and the VA, Arnika secured housing. Though the road was not easy—taking a toll on both her health and spirit—she emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. Today, she is not only rebuilding her life but also channeling her experiences into a mission to support others in crisis. With a vision to become a crisis facilitator in Skagit County, Arnika aspires to educate, advocate, and uplift those facing domestic violence and chronic illness. Her dream is to establish a safe space for those in need and to leave a lasting legacy for her daughter.
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Arnika’s story is a powerful reminder that advocacy and compassion can change lives. At Barrier Breakers Foundation, we remain committed to ensuring that no one has to navigate hardship alone. Her journey continues to inspire us all to be the change we wish to see in the world.
Seeking Human Kindness:
Amie’s Story
In 2023, homelessness in the United States surged by 12%, leaving countless families struggling to find shelter. Right here in Skagit County, the annual Point-in-Time Count recorded 512 individuals without a place to call home. Among them was Amie, her husband Donovan, and their nine-year-old daughter, Margarita.
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For over five years, Amie’s family lived a stable life. Donovan worked in construction, earning a steady wage, while Amie focused on Margarita’s education.
Thank you so much Rob for your care and understanding you are a light in a dark place! God bless you! - Amie
Everything changed in August 2023 when Donovan suffered a severe back injury, forcing him to leave his job. He found work in retail, but the lower wages made it impossible to sustain their household. Determined to help, Amie decided to return to work—until she received devastating news: she had stage-four adrenal cancer.
With mounting medical bills and reduced income, the family lost their home and were left with no choice but to sleep in their truck. For a month, they endured harsh conditions, with Amie’s health deteriorating rapidly. Desperate for help, they were referred to Barrier Breakers Foundation (BBF).
That same day, a BBF volunteer met with the family and listened to their story. Within 24 hours, BBF secured them a place at the Interface Family Shelter, providing safety, stability, and a path forward. More than just a shelter, BBF gave them hope—reassurance that they were not alone.
BBF is led by volunteers who have faced similar struggles and are dedicated to helping others navigate the challenges of homelessness, poverty, and reintegration. Through immediate shelter referrals, case management, access to healthcare and mental health services, and basic necessities like food, clothing, and identification documents, BBF has supported over 250 individuals and families on their journey to stability.
We believe in the power of trust and community to change lives. BBF partners with over 20 local organizations, including Helping Hands Food Bank, V.O.A. - Coordinated Entry, Public Health, Community Action, and WorkSource, to ensure that no one is left without support.
As the cold season approaches, we need your help more than ever. Your support allows BBF to continue connecting those in need with vital resources, transportation, and life-sustaining supplies. Together, we can build a future where no one is left in the cold.
Join Us. Donate or Volunteer Today.
Celebrating Our First Fundraiser:
A Tandem Jump for a Great Cause
This summer, something truly special happened at Barrier Breakers. What began as a small idea quickly grew into a heartwarming and successful event, all in support of our unsheltered neighbors. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised $1,600 to provide life-sustaining items to those in need.
Our first-ever fundraiser, featuring a thrilling tandem skydiving experience from Skydive Snohomish, was a hit. A huge thank you goes to Monica Weidert, whose incredible donation made the event possible. Her generosity not only gave one lucky winner an unforgettable experience but also made a significant impact on our mission.
That lucky winner was Dianna Plourde, who took the plunge and jumped from a perfectly good plane, sharing her amazing adventure with us through her fun and daring photos. Dianna’s experience was just as memorable for her as it was for the cause, and she shared her thoughts with us:
"I did my jump on 9/9/23, and it was amazing. I really enjoyed the day—it was something I probably never would have treated myself to, but it sure was a winner as a fundraiser! Next time you want to raffle off an adventure to raise funds for your organization, let me know, and I'll do everything I can to get the word out. Great fun, and a great way to raise money for a very worthy cause."
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Dianna Plourde
We are beyond grateful to everyone who participated and donated to make this event a success. From all of us at Barrier Breakers, thank you for your support in helping us continue our work for the community. We look forward to more adventures and opportunities to come together for such a meaningful cause.