2022 Giving Back

PITCHING

can be EASY

The biggest win-win for your community is when you volunteer.

This act provides needed help to nonprofits and charities, and allows them to spend their funds in other valuable areas instead of payroll.

Even better, volunteering provides a nice emotional boost for people who are able to take time out of their day to contribute their talents and skills to an organization they want to help and feel connected to. The organization benefits, as well as those they serve.

In the Inland Northwest there are all sorts of organizations that gladly will welcome any skilled or unskilled volunteer help. Regardless of your academic or career background, they can

find a place for you, whether it’s helping with paperwork, assisting at community events, or any other miscellaneous task.

For instance, food banks need people to sort products. Pet shelters need help with cleaning and taking care of animals. Sometimes you can help in the office or the warehouse.

In fact, the sky is the limit in everything that you can do at a nonprofit, everything from helping babies to helping seniors. There are charities that focus on specific needs, such as disabilities, and there are those that focus on general well-being.

Even if you haven’t needed a particular service in the past, your contribution helps along with an attitude

of being willing and eager. Who knows? You or a family member may end up needing these types of services in the future and you’ll know right where to go and who to talk to.

It’s OK to go in saying “I like what your organization does but don’t know how to get started.” Officials at every agency will all be happy to give you some ideas where to jump in. Or, if you aren’t familiar, they’ll also be happy to educate you about their history, their outreach, who they serve and why they exist.

One of the good things about being in an area is that there are so many choices to get started. Since you’re volunteering, you’re welcome to stick with an organization as long as you they’ll have

you, or try out another place to learn about different organizations.

This section can be a useful guide to learning about some of the organizations around here and how to connect with them.

Some of them have had important roles in the Inland Northwest for decades, others are newer and want to meet the needs of previously overlooked members of our community. If one or more of these non-profits interests you, or you’ve had a past positive experience with them, they’d love to hear from you.

Plus, this is only a sampling of the area resources: there are hundreds more out there.

The Arc of Spokane seeks ways to change lives for the better

What We Do:

The Arc of Spokane’s mission is to create an inclusive community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

The Arc of Spokane promotes independence and choice and enhances the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. As a chapter of The Arc of Washington and The Arc of the United States, The Arc of Spokane joins over 600 chapters across the country on the front lines to ensure that people with IDD and their families have access to the support and services they need to be fully engaged in their communities. The collaboration of state and local chapters creates a powerful network ensuring that people with IDD and their families have the strongest civil rights advocates promoting and protecting their needs at all levels.

Locally, The Arc of Spokane is one of the largest social service agencies serving people with IDD in our community. Our major programs serve over 3,000 people each year through our Community Center; Supported Living homes; Transition and Young Adult Programs; Supported Employment; Community Inclusion; Rep Payee services; Advocacy & Family Support; and we are the only agency in Spokane with the mission of advocating for this uniquely vulnerable population. In addition, The Arc runs a Thrift Store, where proceeds directly support the services we provide.

At The Arc, we promote the inherent right for all to be respected, appreciated, and included as valuable members of society. Advocating for the worth and value of every person is part of our core mission, and The Arc seeks to create systemic change for every person to live an independent and vibrant life.

How Can You Get Involved?

When you give to The Arc, you help support programs for people with IDD to live inclusive lives and engage as full members of the community. Please consider making a gift to The Arc of Spokane at www.arc-spokane.org/give.

Arc of Spokane

E

Ave

WA 99202

328-6326

families

Bing Crosby Advocates brings back favorite films

The annual Bing Crosby Holiday Film Festival returns to the Bing Crosby Theater Dec. 10 and 11 featuring a yuletide cavalcade of Bing’s best films and live entertainment.

Presented by the non-profit Bing Crosby Advocates, this year’s festival will feature four of the legendary entertainer’s most iconic films, including two screenings of his 1954 holiday classic, “White Christmas.” The event also marks the festival debut of Bing’s rarely seen

with

You Sinners,”

to Utopia,” co-starring Bob Hope, and “Bells of St. Mary’s.”

weekend celebration will also showcase live performances by Howard Crosby (Bing’s

with

Spokane

your radio, smart speaker, phone, and online at SpokanePublicRadio.org.

SPR offers information to make sense of a complicated world—with facts, context, reliable information, culture—as well as music, arts, and humanities to inform, enlighten and inspire.

SPR depends on contributions from people who care about their community. Will you pledge to keep this essential service strong? Visit SpokanePublicRadio.org to donate now.

Hospice of Spokane

Hospice of Spokane is the community’s only nonprofit hospice, serving patients and their families in Spokane, Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties. Formed in 1977 by a visionary group of community volunteers, Hospice of Spokane became the 12th oldest hospice in the United States. Our comprehensive knowledge, reputation and trust of the community come from decades of experience and dedication to providing the highest quality care.

Using a holistic approach to end-of-life care, hospice addresses the medical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of patients with terminal illness, along with support to their families. Hospice of Spokane cares for anyone of any age with any terminal condition. Patient-centered care is provided by a team of physicians, nurses, nurse aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers and bereavement counselors. From delivering specialized care right in the home to in-patient care at either of our two hospice houses, we are here for our patients and their families.

We feel it is a privilege to be with patients and families on their end-of-life journey. Thank you for putting your trust in us, for volunteering with us, for the many donations in support of our work, and for partnering with us in our service to others.

For more information about Hospice of Spokane services or volunteering with us, please call (509) 456-0438 or contact us by email at info@ hospiceofspokane.org.

YWCA provides shelter from trauma

It can be incredibly difficult and scary to uproot yourself and your family from all you know to move into a foreign communal environment. To help ensure our domestic violence safe house at YWCA Spokane is as trauma-informed as possible, we focus on creating welcoming spaces that foster a sense of beloved community.

Our shelter includes an expansive garden, patio, and play equipment for children, private spaces to pause and process, access to the Internet, basic food, clothing and necessities, and ample support to help prepare for the future. Approximately 300 survivors and their children stay in our safe shelter each year, totaling nearly 8,000 nights of safety and rest. In addition, our shelter advocates answer over 4,000 calls each year through our 24-hour confidential helpline at (509) 326-2255.

If you would like to help ensure our doors remain open for survivors when they need us most, consider making a gift today at ywcaspokane.org.

How to Raise Kind and Caring Children

At some point, many parents will likely find themselves encouraging their children to “be kind” or “be friendly.” While they lead with the best of intentions, nearly all parents will worry about whether their child is kind to others when adults are not around.

“We often encourage children to be friends with everyone, but that’s unrealistic,” said Carter Peters from KinderCare’s Inclusion Services team.

“We don’t have to be friends with everyone, but we do need to be friendly with everyone. When children learn to respect everyone, even those they don’t like, they help create a kinder, more welcoming community.”

While children are generally kind, it’s possible they might internalize societal messages that equate kindness with weakness. With a little help, children can develop a sense of empathy, which can help them have positive interactions with others whether they’re on the

playground, in the classroom or at home.

Consider These Three Ways Parents Can Encourage Empathy:

1. Try a new twist on “what did you do today?”

Find a consistent time during the day – at pick up, during dinner or before bedtime – to ask your child, “How did you help someone today?” or “How were you kind to someone today?” Be sure to offer your own examples from your day, too. This helps your child understand the connection between his or her actions and kindness to others. It also opens the conversation for you and your child to discuss missed opportunities to show kindness, how you could both do better next time and how you and your child could show kindness in the future.

2. Intentionally call out acts of kindness.

Go beyond a simple “thank you” and be specific about why the action was kind: “That was so kind of you to clear the table after dinner. Your help made cleanup go faster. I appreciate that.” Don’t forget to use this same technique with other family members, too. Ask your child what compliments he or she likes to hear and encourage him or her to do the same for others. This teaches empathy and encourages children to treat others the way they want to be treated.

3. Build a toolbox of responses for tough situations. First, help your child build emotional literacy skills by helping him or her learn to identify and name feelings. Then work together to identify appropriate expressions of those feelings.

“Children need to learn they can express big emotions, like frustration or anger,

without taking those feelings out on others,” Peters said.

Some healthy ways to react to emotional moments could be to find a quiet place to calm down, talk with a trusted adult like a teacher, squeeze fists or name the feeling: “I’m so angry right now.”

The ability to think and react rationally diminishes when angry, so practicing potential responses while in a calm, low-stress state is essential to helping children learn to apply those responses when they’re upset. Having this toolbox of responses to rely on also gives children the autonomy of deciding how best to respond to an emotionally difficult situation, which can lead to a sense of empowerment when they realize they chose to act kindly despite their emotions.

For more tips about raising kind and caring children, visit kindercare. com.

Catholic Charities focus on community collaboration

Since 1912, Catholic Charities has affirmed the dignity of every person, partnering with parishes and the greater community to serve and advocate for those who are vulnerable, bringing stability and hope to people throughout Eastern Washington.

Rooted in this mission, our legacy of service to our most vulnerable neighbors, regardless of religious affiliation, continually builds a foundation of stability, health and hope.

We herald Christ’s love for all by engaging each person respectfully and compassionately. We accompany them with dignity and love on their individual journey through poverty, addiction and illness.

Responding to Christ’s love, we envision a community where children born into poverty can thrive as adults, where all people live with the dignity of a roof over their heads and where the voiceless can speak and be heard.

We collaborate with partners in business, government, church and nonprofit fields to solve community problems. We pioneer innovative programs to inspire action and hope among our clients. At all times, we commit steadfastly to the dignity of every person at all stages of life.

Fund What Touches Your HeartWith an Endowment

For more than 40 years, the Catholic Foundation has enabled individuals, families and parishes to achieve their charitable goals through careful investing according to Catholic norms.

Our Lasting Endowments Aid Ministries That:

• Foster vocations of young men and women seeking service to God and community

• Fund parish programs and operations

• Feed and aid the needy in Eastern Washington

• Educate seminarians

• Prepare children for futures rich in knowledge and Christian values

Independent of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane, we are governed by a board of trustees consisting of priests, religious, and lay men and women from many walks of life:

Louise Andrews

Rev. Victor Blazovich

Bob Boehme

Scott Brockway

Chris Codd

Rev. Jeff Core

Julie Czapla

Bishop Thomas Daly

Stephen Fausti Bob Hailey Zach Mallahan Paul McNabb

Peter Moye Rob Ressa Dan Roach Jason Sorge

Plus numerous volunteer committee members upon whom we rely for their expertise and devoted service.

For Today - For the Future

For further information, please contact Sister Mary Tracy SNJM (509) 358-7334 P.O. Box 1484, Spokane, WA 99210-1484 spokanecatholicfoundation.org

Project Jonah provides support for sex trafficking victims

Imagine if your child, brother, sister or friend was forced to sell their body each day…

Imagine if this human was used as a product in exchange for a place to sleep or a lie that they were loved…

Imagine if they could not ask for help because they were so afraid of their abuser….

This IS sex trafficking.

Tragically, this is the reality of many children and adults in our area. Sex trafficking exists right here in Spokane. There are an estimated 600 victims, mostly teenagers, being sold and abused each day. The Jonah Project is a local non-profit who combats this sex trafficking by providing education, advocacy through trusting relationships, and 24/7 emergency services such as immediate relocations.

Education: Education is the number one proven factor in decreasing the number of victims, usually children, who fall prey to a predator The Jonah Project team guides groups such as medical teams, businesses, schools, faith-based organizations and social services in their role of protecting themselves and those around them from predators.

Advocacy: Navigating life after such terrible abuse is challenging, and advocacy is key in getting survivors the mental, physical, and tangible resources they need.

Relocation: By providing immediate and long-term safe housing to survivors, a foundation is laid for healing to begin.

Your monthly support will immediately impact survivors and support sustainable resources. The Jonah Project is inviting you to please join us in making an impact now!

The Catholic Foundation was founded in 1981 as a pivotal way for the Church to secure the future of diocesan schools, parishes, and other ministries. The initial $5,000 that launched the Foundation has grown to an investment portfolio of over $50 million.

A capable and dedicated Board of Trustees governs the Foundation, representing the broad and diverse community the Foundation serves: investment professionals, accounts, lawyers, religious leaders, professional volunteers, civic leaders, and corporate executives.

The investment portfolio contains 285 endowments, custodial funds and donor advised funds.

The Foundation has grown exponentially in recent years because of a heightened interest in donor advised funds as well as legacy/planned gifts. Donors understand the importance of long-term thinking.

The Board of the Catholic Foundation invites members of the community to consider setting up a fund – endowment or DAF – to honor or memorialize someone or even an institution or program. Donors may want to contribute to existing endowments for various individual parishes or schools, Catholic education, priests’ retirement, priestly formation – just to give a few examples.

Please contact Sister Mary Tracy if you’d like to discuss how an endowment or a donor advised fund can benefit a recipient for life. metracy@dioceseofspokane.org (509) 358-7334

CAUSE CONNECTION COMMUNITY

Our cause is simple: To strengthen the foundations of our community. The pandemic laid bare two glaring problems our community faces that the Y is uniquely positioned to address: inadequate early learning & childcare and significant health disparities.

As many businesses continue to struggle with hiring and staffing issues, one of the key barriers for many parents returning to the workforce is the lack of affordable childcare in our region. The YMCA never turns a family away because of an inability to pay, instead providing scholarships and subsidies to ensure that a parent’s financial situation will never prevent their child from receiving a safe and nurturing space to grow. But it isn’t only that the Y offers an affordable option, it’s also high quality. Children from the Y’s early learning programs enter school Kindergarten Ready at a significantly higher rate than their peers.

Additionally, the past couple years have shown how the health inequities in our nation can lead to drastically different outcomes for so many. The phrase co-morbidities has become common as we’ve watched those who suffered from them bear the brunt of the pandemic. But even before Covid we knew that people from lower income neighborhoods were more likely to suffer health inequities; a fact evidenced in Spokane by the reality that those who live in the West Central neighborhood have an average lifespan of 18 years less than those who live on the upper South Hill. The Y is one of the few places where we can continue to lessen this gap as we offer significantly reduced rates on memberships and programs for those in financial need, allowing them access to a healthy lifestyle they couldn’t otherwise afford.

But we could never do it alone. A membership to the Y helps to keep you healthy. Donating to the Y ensures everyone in our community has a chance to learn, grow and thrive.

Join us as we help our community heal and come back even stronger. To learn more or to donate, visit ymcainw.org

IT PAYS TO GIVE 5 ideas for investing in the world around you

In a world fraught with social, political and environmental strife, a mindset that involves a more community-driven approach can make a meaningful difference. Each person’s contributions to improve the earth can send a ripple effect that ultimately transforms communities and the people who live within them.

Consider these examples of actions you can take, some bigger than others, that benefit the larger community.

CREATE SHARED COMMON SPACES

Nearly every community can benefit from the addition of resources that benefit multiple families. Examples include community gardens, playgrounds, parks and sites for regular farmers’ markets, to name a few. These may be wholly new projects or restoring facilities that have faded into disrepair over time. Acquiring the space is often the greatest challenge, but if you’re inspired to lead such an effort, forming a committee of like-minded peers can be an effective step toward raising the

funds to create a project that benefits the community at large.

DONATE TO CHARITABLE CAUSES

Supporting the efforts of existing organizations that help fill gaps in your community is another way you can make a difference. Offering your time as a volunteer is one option. You might provide extra hands for relatively simple jobs like sorting food or clothing donations, or if you have a particular skill, talent or training, donating your time and expertise could help offset administrative expenses and help the organization operate more efficiently. That ultimately means the organization can more effectively deliver on its mission.

Financial contributions are also a meaningful way to support a worthwhile cause in your community. Writing a check may not feel as personal as getting hands-on to help, but without the support of financial donors, philanthropic organizations simply couldn’t provide the community resources they do. Many

organizations will tell you what level of contribution would be most helpful based on their current fundraising needs, and you may have options for a one-time or ongoing gift.

SNACK SMARTER

When you’re thinking in terms of how to improve your community, your eating choices may not be on your radar. However, what you eat has a major impact on the community in multiple ways. That’s why you hear a great deal of talk about sustainability directed at food production, which affects the environment in numerous ways along the food supply chain, from air pollution to waste to energy consumption. By choosing ingredients and foods that minimize the impact on the environment, you can show food manufacturers that consumers want products sourced and produced responsibly.

One example is Airly Oat Cloud crackers; each box explains how many grams of carbon dioxide you are helping remove from the air by supporting

an innovative farming technique, which makes agriculture a solution, not a contributor, to climate change. Sustainable can be tasty, too. Made with real, wholesome and 100% delicious ingredients, all four flavor varieties (Cheddar, Sea Salt, Chocolate and Salted Caramel) make for satisfying, convenient anytime snacks.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Particularly over the past couple of years, local businesses have fought hard to stay open, modifying their services, adapting to the times and generally trying to keep themselves and their local employees afloat. Rewarding those efforts by shopping in their stores and hiring their services keeps your money within the local community while keeping your friends and neighbors employed.

Those benefits aside, there are practical advantages to doing your shopping locally, such as lower emissions and energy consumption for transportation to and from the store or business. What’s more, businesses that are thriving tend to be stronger corporate citizens, supporting the community’s development and philanthropic needs for a true domino effect.

CLEAN UP PUBLIC SPACES

Beautification projects not only make your community a more inviting place to be, they can actually be good for the earth. Removing litter allows natural vegetation and wildlife to thrive, reduces health risks and promotes safety by sending a clear message that the community cares about its space.

Litter management can spur tourism and economic benefits, as well, since more attractive places attract more people. What’s more, clean-up initiatives bring neighbors together for a shared cause, and that goodwill generally transcends the one-time event to create a greater sense of connectivity among residents.

You can learn more about ways to take personal action to promote a better world at AirlyFoods.com.

What I really needed...

Jennifer, a former resident at Union Gospel Mission, shares how she found a pathway out of homelessness.

Jennifer, formerly homeless

Before UGM, I was all over the place. I was alone. I was hibernating. I wasn’t living. If someone had told me I needed to get help, I would have said, “I know.” I knew I needed help, but I didn’t know where to go. My heart wasn’t open to love. I couldn’t see clearly through all the trauma.

I was terrified. I was sleeping by the river. It was winter. I prayed a lot. I’d pretend I was in the shower, close my eyes and let the thoughts and words flow. I could escape the pain for a little while. And I’d go outside my tent and look for any little sign that God was there. I’d say, “Lord, do you see me?” I felt so alone.

I’d come and gone a lot to the UGM Crisis Shelter, but in 2020, I’d made it to Recovery at Anna Ogden Hall. But I was a runner. I never committed to long-term help. But COVID closed our doors and we hunkered down together. I wouldn’t have stayed in program if it weren’t for the shutdown. By the time we were released, I’d opened my eyes and my heart to love.

At UGM, I learned that God didn’t abandon me. I thought I was going to be so lonely all my life. I am so not alone.

A pathway out of homelessness

ed the

our home is

– Jennifer, formerly homeless

Photos courtesy of Getty Images (gardener and volunteers)

Donors and volunteers help Women & Children’s Free Restaurant serve 2.8 million meals since onset of pandemic

Since 1988, Women & Children’s Free Restaurant & Community Kitchen has been a vital safety net that fills nutritional gaps for women and children in need while fostering dignity and respect, both within our restaurant and in the community.

Our mission stems from the belief that access to not just food but healthy food is a fundamental human right. Good nourishment keeps our minds and bodies going and plays a significant role in connecting families and communities.

Food is critical to well-being, yet tragically, 1 in 5 children in our community struggle with hunger. Our program families, including those actively employed, continue to grapple with meeting basic needs and relying heavily on our programs for nutritional support.

Our restaurant serves women, children, seniors, and teens who struggle with nutrition insecurity and poverty stemming from various root causes. COVID-19 has affected our entire community, but data shows that women are disproportionately impacted by the financial crisis prompted by the pandemic. Women’s employment re-stabilization will lag two years behind men, making our services more vital than at any time in our 34-year history.

When the pandemic hit, we pivoted our services by making prepared meals and groceries available curbside and delivering meals to shelters and care centers across the community. Since then, WCFR has provided over 2.8 million meals to women, children, and shelter residents.

We also prepare nutritious meals for organizations throughout the community, working collaboratively with agencies providing housing, shelter services, domestic violence assistance, child care and protection, and LGBTQ+ support.

These unique partnerships connect our most vulnerable citizens with basic needs and healthy options for improved quality of life.

Safety, dignity, self-sufficiency, and mutual respect are vital components of our services. WCFR is committed to helping create a vibrant and robust community and future. Food insecurity is defined as having unreliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. This problem affects at least 73,000 people – 15% of our residents in Spokane County. During this time of COVID-19, food insecurity has grown exponentially.

As grateful stewards of our community’s generosity, we ask you to consider becoming a WCFR donor or volunteer. Every dollar makes a difference; every hour of your time represents a nonrenewable gift of lasting impact. Let’s work together to solve hunger in our community.