On behalf of HoWL, I would like to thank the KLEPS fund, a donor-advised fund of the Homer Foundation. HoWL now has a year-round headquarters building, and due to the help we received from The Homer Foundation and the KLEPS fund, we can now have an office manager (HoWL Headquartermaster) to help with all the administration and planning that goes into wilderness trips for all youth in Homer.

I have participated in HoWL trips for three years now, and when I needed to finish my senior service hours to graduate high school, I knew where I wanted to spend my time. Even when Libby was out of the office for three weeks, she entrusted me with HoWL, to answer emails and answer the phone when parents called about trips. When Libby returned, I was offered the job as Headquartermaster and jumped on the chance to work here. 

I have been learning about what it takes to run a business and how much effort it takes to plan a trip across the bay for the weekend. I want to thank the KLEPS fund for making this incredible job opportunity possible for me and for supporting all the youth of Homer. I have learned so much already from Libby and the people that make this program possible. Working for HoWL will hopefully make it possible for Libby to spend less time in the office and more time teaching kids about the wilderness, leave-no-trace, and outdoor skills that might save a life in the future.

I have already made a difference working here with the organization and updating the HoWL website and doing necessary office tasks to keep this place organized and functional for the kids to come in and get ready for an upcoming adventure. Thank you again to the Homer Foundation, its grants committee, and especially the KLEPS Fund. Your support of HoWL is invaluable for helping us create opportunities for youth in this community.

Emily Ault

HoWL Headquartermaster