A successful fundraiser late last year will allow the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center to expand and offer more programs.

As the result of a showing of the documentary entitled “Soldiers’ Sanctuary” in November and a generous matching offer from South Whidbey businessman Lucas Jushinski, the center raised more than $21,000 by the end of the year.

Jushinski, a veteran himself and owner of Island Alternative Medicine in Freeland, offered to match up to $10,000 in donations.

“We are gaining momentum,” said Greg Stone, president of the center’s board of directors.

The influx in cash marks a change in the center’s direction and organizers plan to use the money to introduce more manpower and additional service capabilities.

The center will use this “seed money” to train existing volunteers and board members to run like a “real nonprofit,” Stone said, and leverage that manpower into additional grants and funding sources.

WVRC services include assisting with VA claims by a trained veteran service officer on site, providing info and referrals and allowing disabled veterans to use the Oak Harbor pool free of charge.

The center is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays at the Bayview American Legion, 14096 Highway 525 inn Langley. Contact: whidbeyvrc@gmail.com or 360-331-8081.