With two recent grants, the Captain Joseph House in Port Angeles is getting closer to being able to provide respite for Gold Star families, the families of fallen military service members.

Since breaking ground on June 24, 2013, volunteers have logged more than 12,000 hours on the project saving the Captain Joseph House Foundation $150,000 off the cost of the remodel. Gold Star mom and CJHF founder Betsy Reed Schultz is more determined than ever to achieve her goal and two new grant awards are bringing her closer.

(Above, Karen McCormick, executive director of the First Federal Community Foundation, presents a check for $25,000 to Schultz.)

A $10,000 grant awarded by the Schultz Family Foundation of Seattle in May and a $25,000 grant awarded by First Federal Community Foundation of Port Angeles in July will take the house from 60 percent to about 70 percent completion. First Federal’s grant funded the heating and cooling systems currently being installed, with Schultz funds applied to dry wall and painting soon to follow. All work on the house is completed as available dollars allow; the foundation carries no debt.

“In addition to the cash donations and grant awards received and the thousands of volunteer hours logged to date, supporters have contributed more than $98,000 in in-kind donations,” Schultz said. “I am truly inspired and so very grateful to all of these wonderful people and organizations!” Schultz donated the house to the foundation. The Captain Joseph House is open to Gold Star veteran families from all branches of the military.

For more about the Captain Joseph House Foundation, visit www.captain josephhousefoundation.org or Facebook.com/CPTJosephHouse.