The Benji Project

05/05/2026

In recognition of May Mental Health Awareness Month, The Benji Project invites you to an immersive art installation experience designed by local middle & high school students...."MAKING ROOM"

FREE event!

Friday, May 8
Open to the public, 6 - 8PM
Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 4-H Building

This installation is the culmination of an intensive art workshop process, which began in March 2026. This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Explore the inner landscape of a teenager. Come out and support our local students!

See some behind-the-scenes shots here!

More info:
https://www.thebenjiproject.org/mental-health-month

04/23/2026

The Benji Project seeks an Operations & Finance Manager!

The Benji Project is on a mission to build emotional resilience in our youth, and we're seeking a dynamic Operations & Finance Director to help fuel our momentum. We’re looking for a passionate professional who can juggle high-level financial strategy with the day-to-day magic that keeps a nonprofit running smoothly.

If you have a knack for Quickbooks and a heart for service, we want to meet you!

This is a rewarding, flexible, and benefits-eligible role where your work directly supports our community. Approximately 30-40 hrs/week, flexible for the right candidate, with the potential for growth. Generous PTO, sick leave, and floating holidays provided.

Read the full job description and apply at https://www.thebenjiproject.org/employment; submit your application by May 3rd.

04/09/2026

We are very proud of Aleah Lawrence-Pine, who was our Operations Director for four years! She does wonderful things for this community, wearing many hats. We can’t wait to celebrate her and the other amazing Public Health Heroes!

PRESS RELEASE
Public Health Hero awards are given out annually to recognize those who make a difference in the health, safety and well-being of our community. Every Year in April, Public Health Week is celebrated nationally. Locally, Jefferson County’s Public Health Heroes are nominated by the public. This year, the Jefferson County Board of Health is honored to present the Public Health Heroes Award to a truly diverse group of individuals and groups
To view full press release, visit: https://jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/m/newsflash/home/detail/1705

03/17/2026

Join us tomorrow for a super fun night!

03/10/2026

Are you an artist? An actor? A writer?

A creative person curious about exploring meaningful topics through art?

Join The Benji Project, Thaddeus Jurczynski, and other guest artists on a collaborative journey. We'll explore our inner voices, our inner landscapes, and how we communicate them to the outside world. We will engage with ourselves and each other with compassion.

This program is FREE, registration required. We meet Thursdays in March and April, with a mini spring break session. Learn more and register at www.thebenjiproject.org

This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

03/10/2026

We have had the good fortune of working with Keeth during our summer camp last year. The kids really loved working on song writing with him, we were really impressed by what they were able to create during a few sessions with Keeth despite the fact that most of them had no previous experience with song writing!

Congratulations Keeth!

Grateful to Music Connection Magazine for sharing this news and for celebrating this with me. Truly honored to receive the Joe Raposo Award. ❤️🙏🎸

News broke this week that Singer-songwriter-educator Keeth Apgar, founder and frontman of the Pacific Northwest-based The Harmonica Pocket, has won the prestigious American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) Foundation Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award for a body of work that spans nearly 30 years.

Link in comments below.

02/23/2026

We are proud to have Susan Ferentinos on The Benji Project’s Program Advisory Committee! She has also been a guest speaker at Pride Camp for the last two years. Instructors and campers have been grateful for her wisdom. We’re glad the Smithsonian appreciates her wisdom, too!

Port Townsend historian appointed to Smithsonian board

Read more at: https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/2026/02/21/port-townsend-historian-appointed-to-smithsonian-board/

02/20/2026

Wow! Just wow. We are humbled by all of your support. Thank you for making Festival of Hearts a resounding success. Thank you for enjoying a fun afternoon with us exploring the themes of sound, listening, and birdsong. Thank you for wrapping us in your love. 🩷

02/05/2026

Only two days left until Festival of Hearts! This year's program is not to be missed, offering a very special afternoon centered around the sense of sound and featuring the delight of birdsong.

Our presenters are full of heart, sharing their passion and talents to support youth in our community.

There are just a few tickets left. Grab yours before they sell out!

02/03/2026

Members of the Port Townsend Symphony Orchestra practicing for their guest appearance at Festival of Hearts on Saturday.

Join us for an exploration of sound in support of youth mental health programs on the Olympic Peninsula. . Share your love for the next generation.