Without judgment, a Coupeville nonprofit run by volunteers has been providing financial support to residents who are torn between buying essential medication and paying utilities.

Since 2006, Small Miracles Medical Support Fund has been helping community members cover a variety of medical-related costs, including medical visits, laboratory tests, hospital care and at-home care, dental care, physical therapy, screening exams, medications, eyeglasses, traveling expenses, remodeling projects to accommodate a disability and more.

These people, which can include seniors, young parents and unhoused Coupeville residents, may be uninsured or cannot afford copayments.

Founders Vern and Martha Olsen of Coupeville said they were inspired by a similar Whidbey-based project, Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund, a nonprofit founded by the late Lynn Willeford that has donated more than $1.8 million to hundreds of people since it began operating in 1997, according to Friends of Friends’ website.

Because Friends of Friends was only able to serve the Clinton, Langley, Freeland and Greenbank zip codes due to bylaws and its donor base, the Olsens decided to create a grassroots organization that could assist family, friends and fellow Coupeville residents in need by using Friends of Friends as a model, they said.

Small Miracles has donated over $350,000 to 244 neighbors since its inception, averaging about $400 per person. Last year, according to Co-Treasurer Martha Olsen, the nonprofit served 41 people, some requiring ongoing support and others one-time help and all located within the 98239 and the Coupeville School District section of the 98277 zip codes.

While support is limited, it can make a significant difference. In one message to the nonprofit, an anonymous beneficiary said getting the assistance felt like celebrating the Fourth of July.

Small Miracles sends out a letter to its mailing list every February, not only to ask for monetary support, but to also encourage people to spread the word.

On top of that, Small Miracles spreads the word by distributing small flyers in English and Spanish around local medical facilities and by connecting with schools, doctors, dentists and community members at local fairs showcasing community service organizations.

Still, many in Coupeville are unaware of Small Miracles when they could benefit from some support, Vice President Vern Olsen said.

Prior to Small Miracles, he said, medical practices would often have to send unpaid bills to collections. Small Miracles then talked medical staff into reaching out to the nonprofit if a patient is in need of assistance.

For example, Board President Debbie Armstrong recalled, a podiatrist referred a patient to Small Miracles because the individual needed special shoes but could not afford them.

Small Miracles has also persuaded doctors to create payment plans to allow the organization to pay the bill in smaller amounts, the Olsens said. If the nonprofit is unable to cover the entire costs in a year due to limited funds, it may also be able to cover the rest the following year.

The most common requests for help have involved prescriptions and dental care, Armstrong said, but as the cost of gas increases, the nonprofit is also offering gas and ferry vouchers for neighbors seeking medical care on the mainland.

Vern Olsen said Small Miracles does not hand out money, but buys vouchers and writes checks to doctors, dentists, hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies and medical supply companies.

Armstrong, a retired nurse with 42 years of experience, said she would come across many patients who were stressed about medical bills throughout her career.

Now, as she and other board members take turns answering the phone, she hears the shame in people’s voices when they ask for help. Many more, she and the Olsens suspect, are too ashamed to even make the call.

Armstrong assured Small Miracles has to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which protects the confidentiality of a patient’s health information. Regardless, they all agreed, there is no shame in asking for a hand.

“Sometimes you’re a giver and sometimes you’re a taker, and if it’s the time you need to take, then don’t hesitate,” Martha Olsen said.

For more information about Small Miracles or to make a donation, visit smallmiraclescpv.com or call 360-672-5651.