What We Do
Friends of the Carpenter seeks to inspire those facing social exclusion to flourish through holistic support and the craft of woodworking.
We embrace the value of human dignity, and out of that embrace, we offer dignity services for friends in our community who have limited options for accessing safe spaces and basic life needs such as free showers, laundry, space for respite, and the simplicity of a cup of coffee.
Our commitment goes beyond immediate relief. We are dedicated to making a lasting impact through our long-term, holistic approach that addresses the physical, social, spiritual, and economic well-being of those facing social exclusion.
Our efforts in this holistic approach include providing a space for daily spiritual rhythms, such as songs and teachings from community faith leaders, and access to a safe space where folks can connect and support one another socially. Lastly, we provide an entry point to the craft of woodworking through our fully outfitted woodshop, which provides meaning and purpose in building with your hands and hopefully a path toward economic opportunity.
Our History
Friends of the Carpenter began as a vision of a practical outreach, a vision that was shared by the community. It was a vision of simple welcome and personal interaction between volunteers from the church and folks finding themselves on the margins of society. First Presbyterian Church, where Rev. Duane Sich served as Associate Pastor for 28 years, granted him a six-month sabbatical to do research and if the way be clear, establish this new work in the community.
The initial workspace began in Sich's home, using a spare bedroom as the Friends of the Carpenter's office. Along with Duane's tools and the third bay of the garage, the original woodshop was created, and the journey of woodworking, friendship, and dignity began.
In 2004, Jack and Jane Artz made a significant donation, which allowed Friends of the Carpenter to purchase the current facility, which is 18,000 sq. ft. and includes a 5-room office complex. The Friends of the Carpenter long-term home was dedicated on May 2nd, 2004, and continues to be the place where our mission of inspiring those facing social exclusion to flourish through holistic support and the craft of woodworking is carried out.
Our Team
Mike Hammond
Mike brings a diverse career background from faith-based organizational leadership to cross-cultural engagement to his role as executive director. His approach at Friends of the Carpenter is informed by his experience in content creation, leadership development, community engagement, product and brand development, public speaking, and the arts. He is passionate about using his expertise to help further the mission of Friends of the Carpenter and expand its influence and impact to the greater northwest region. Outside of his Friends of the Carpenter role, Mike enjoys being a foodie, woodworking, traveling, sports, and spending time with his family and friends.
Craig Cluff
Craig brings a wealth of experience to Friends of the Carpenter from his days with Fetzer Architectural-Woodworking, building new-era performing arts facilities and working with skilled builders, architectural builders, and engineers. It was also a season of life where he had a lot of proximity to marginalized community members, and he daily draws on that experience in his role with Friends of the Carpenter. Craig is a valuable asset to our team and is responsible for all things production and facilities. When not at Friends of the Carpenter, Craig enjoys woodworking and spending time with family and friends.
Mary Rose
After a long career in office administration and paralegal work, Mary joined Friends of the Carpenter in 2015. She brings valuable experience to Friends of the Carpenter's daily operations, helping us navigate everything from donation management to payroll operations. Her favorite parts of her role at Friends of the Carpenter are the versatility needed each day and seeing how Friends of the Carpenter plays a role in the interconnectedness of our community. Mary enjoys spending time with my family outside of work, especially her four grandchildren! She is also an avid Seahawks and Mariner fan and enjoys scrapbooking and knitting.
Stacy Price
Stacy has a background in customer relations and basic construction. Shaped by personal experiences, including a season of houselessness, Stacy brings a wealth of compassion and empathy to her role. Her journey of helping others and a willingness to pick up tools to help around the shop makes her a valuable part of the team. Whether working on projects or extending a listening ear, her dedication shines through. When not at work Stacy enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and pets. You'll often find her planting or brainstorming new ideas to bring to life.
Danielle Gain
Danielle has had career roles in customer service, office administration, and hospitality, all of which contribute significantly to her role at Friends of the Carpenter. In addition to her career experience, Danielle has cultivated a deep sense of empathy and understanding through her experiences with addiction, which has been valuable in connecting with others. A skilled listener, quick learner, and friendly presence, Danielle fosters connections and drives collective success here at Friends of the Carpenter. Outside work, you can find her spending time with family and enjoying the Pacific Northwest coasts.
Duane Sich
Duane is a Presbyterian Pastor and founding Executive Director of Friends of the Carpenter. He retired in 2014, and currently serves as Executive Director Emeritus. Originally from Nebraska, he married his high school sweetheart, Julie, in 1968 while attending the University of Nebraska. After earning his Master of Divinity from Dubuque Theological Seminary, he served as Associate Pastor for Youth Ministry at Vancouver's First Presbyterian Church starting in 1973. Duane spent 28 years at First Presbyterian Church before resigning in 1998 to establish Friends of the Carpenter. Duane is actively involved with the Rotary Club of Greater Clark County and First Presbyterian Church's "The Pastor's Posse." He enjoys woodworking and often leads morning devotions with his guitar. Duane and Julie are grateful for the opportunity to serve their community. They have two children: Ray and his wife Lynn, who are in Issaquah, WA, and Andy, who is in New York City.
Our Generous Donors
We rely on the generous grant support of our funder partners. To learn more about their foundation click on their name and you will be redirected to their website.
We rely on the generous financial and in-kind support of our community donors. To learn more about their organization click on their name and you will be redirected to their website.
Our Community Partners
We partner with these community organizations that align with Friends of the Carpenter's mission. To learn more about their organization click on their name and you will be redirected to their website.