Kokua Spirit Newsletter Vol. 19, Issue 12, December 2023
Hi Everybody! I cannot believe how fast a year goes. Many big changes happened at Kokua this year. It is about this time of year I sit back in awe of the amazing supports we have given and the outstanding community we have helped create. 2023 brought many challenges our way, some that we are still working through, but our team is stronger than ever, and we are well geared to have a prosperous 2024. We brought on some new clients, added some new staff, and even a few new vehicles! We held our first picnic since the pandemic and are about to hold our first holiday party in 3 years! The hummingbird studio and LEAD program were as busy as ever, as Randi and Evangeline plan for the re-opening of a public studio. We hope to see you all enjoying the community they are creating. I want to send a sincere thank you to all our amazing staff. I know that at times this year saw staffing issues and many of you worked more than you would have wanted. This commitment to your team, your clients, and the agency is noted and sincerely appreciated. I hope to build upon the improvements to staff training and support this year, ensuring that our focus on quality client care is never forgotten.
I want to wish you a very warm and peaceful holiday season. I know that this time of year can be hard for many; please know that you have a family here and people who care about you. Together we can all bring a light to otherwise dark days and ensure that all of the people we work alongside and support – spanning across all programs and community-building efforts – have a place in the bright future ahead. Stay warm and remember your value. ~Sean UPCOMING FUN: 12/21: LUNCH BUNCH (AND LAST-MINUTE SHOPPING) AT CAPITAL MALL 12/23: COOKIES AND COCOA AND LIGHTS! 4-7:30 12/25: MERRY CHRISTMAS KOKUA! 12/27: SPANAWAY FANTASY LIGHTS. RSVP TO JESSIE BY 12/22 12/29: KOKUA HOLIDAY/NEW YEAR’S PARTY @ LACEY COMMUNITY CENTER, 11-2 12/31: NEW YEAR’S EVE! 1/1/2024: HAPPY NEW YEAR KOKUA!
Santa Sightings and some holiday fun! Ms. Marci doing her famous pose, with none other than the man in red himself!
The IL/CG crew had a little get to know you, potluck party/meeting!
DB visiting Santa too!
OFT plays are the absolute best! We are so thankful for their ongoing generosity and support!
Shout-outs!
Shout out to Michael Soto at 59th house! He's diligent, a hard worker and cares about everyone! -Lena C.
I want to give Leanna S.,
A Big Thank You to all of our hardat Kendra a shout out! working RMs! We see the care and Leanna is such a hard support you give to your staff and worker, she is always the individuals you support. We available to come in and see you coming in early and staying work when asked and is so late, working a weekend shift to reliable! ~Chloe take someone on an outing, getting people to appointments and events and everything in between. We see you at the RM meetings Shout-out to Charlie trying to learn and support your at RR. He is teams and problem solve. dedicated, always We see you supporting your early, and very Acorns. We see you, and may not always tell you, but way to go! helpful. Thx! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to your clients, your coworkers, and your teams! ~Your office team! Thank you to all who helped to
A BIG shout-out to Sean and our Board of Directors for making the Holiday Bonus possible this year!
support a client or child on this year’s Kokua Giving Tree! This is such a wonderful expression of our culture in action and your generosity is so greatly appreciated.
shout-outs continued! Thank you to Adara and Marilena for helping with setup and clean-up at the church! They stepped up without even being asked and it was awesome! ~Meredith
Nepean staff you are the best! I'm so proud of all of you. I know it has been a tough year at times and I'm so impressed with the way you have all stepped up. We have an amazing team and it's because of you! They say a team is only as strong as it's weakest link and I'm proud to say we don't have one. You are all rock stars! Let's make next year even better! -TJ
Thank you to Mo for his help with Kokuber weekend stuff and getting people out and about!
A big thank you to Tessa N. for reaching out about the OFT ticket and making it work for someone to go!
Don't forget to give yourself some major credit here too, TJ! They also say that a team is only as good as its leader, so there's that too! You do a wonderful job with the ladies and your team and it's also because of you and your leadership that you have such a solid team. :-)
We added many new faces to the Kokua Team this past month! We welcome you all and look forward to working with you! Please reach out to your RMs, CPCs, and individual office teams/people with questions! There’s a lot to learn but we are here to support you and want you to succeed!
KOKUA EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: EAP Call 800-395-1616 For up to 6 counseling sessions. Or log on to: https://members.uprisehealth.com/ Access Code: KOKUA There are many resources available to you on the online portal and you will find links to everything from mental health and legal support, to professional development. You can only pour from a cup with something in it, so remember to take care of yourself too!
Aster Barnett Angela Brown Latonya Carter- Friday Fia Elisara-Vaipae Drisana Malaambo Satom Chhim Emmie Pierce Barbara Ivy-Spikes Bryanna Gonzalez Olivera Autumn Osborne Todd Pierson Destini Elmore Tiani McArthur Eric Delanoy Amanda Maratta Taylor Steeves Jane Lindsey
GOT NEWS for next month’s kokua spirit? Please get news to MEREDITH by the tenth of the month: meredith@kokuaservices.org or via scomm. Send pictures via text @ 360-870-4094
Art at Friendship Hall hummingbird studio is an inclusive art studio that welcomes artists of all ages and abilities. We believe that art belongs to everyone and that sharing our creativity fosters a vibrant community. We’re happy to announce that we’re hosting art sessions at Friendship Hall at the YCWA starting January 8th in collaboration with our friends at The Liberation Collective.
220 Union Ave SE, Olympia, 98501 Every Monday and Thursday:
10-11:30 12:30-2:00 2:30-4:00
Registration is required. Email us at hummingbird@kokuaservices.org for more information or to reserve a seat. Caregivers are required for artists who need assistance with personal care and are encouraged to participate. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sometimes we even have (a lot of) fun! LEADERSHIP RETREAT 2023
Tricia, Bri, and TJ, participated in hummingbird’s pop up for the day.
Nise, Abel, and Joseph play some volleyball in the sun!
Mo, Myriah, Cari, Sarah and Kelsey, hit the zipline!
Katelyn and Amelia dip their toes in the water and soak up the sun!
Our RMs joined us for this year’s Leadership Retreat, and we planned a little and had fun, (a lot!) Here’s to hoping next year brings more fun and the beginning of setting the plans in motion! We have such a solid group, and we thank you all for your hard work this year!