Suicide is a daily occurrence in Kitsap County. And a teen advocate who recovered from suicidal depression wants people at risk to know that they matter, that help is available, and that life is worth living.

Coffee Oasis helps young people in our community build successful lives with shelter, mentorship, job training and internships, and compassion.

Since 1988, Sound Works Job Center has helped low-income, homeless and unemployed individuals in our community prepare for and find meaningful employment — at no cost to job seekers or employees. The organization is financed by various grants and donations.

Hundreds of children in our community qualify for free and reduced-price lunches during the school year. But what happens on weekends and during summer? Fishline’s Food for Thought and ShareNet’s Food to Grow On make sure children continue to get the nutrition they need when they’re not in school.

These causes and programs make a daily difference in our communities. And they’re the subject of the North Kitsap Herald’s 2015 Neighbors Helping Neighbors series, which begins on page A1 of our Dec. 4 edition.

Each story in this series will introduce you to each cause or program, and then let you know how you can help. We’re publishing the series during this season of giving because we want you to know that you can help make a difference anytime, all year long. Let us know what you think.

Here’s the series schedule:

Dec. 4: Suicide prevention in Kitsap.
Dec. 11: Coffee Oasis.
Dec. 18: SoundWorks Job Center.
Dec. 25: Fishline’s Food for Thought and ShareNet’s Food to Grow On.