Kokua Spirit Newsletter
Vol. 20, Iss. 5/6
Tis the season of dads and grads and school wrapping up for another year!
To all our parents out there, you made it through the year (woohoo!) and to all with anyone graduating at any level, congratulations!!
The sun is starting to shine more, and the days are certainly longer, but it always takes a minute to really warm up to summer weather, so it sticks around.
Don’t you worry however, when it is here, it will be plenty warm!...On that note, please take a look and make sure that people have functioning air conditioners in the home!
Kokua gives a big, warm welcome to new client, Michael McDaniel who joins the crew at 22nd! I got a chance to get to know him a bit and he’s a pretty cool guy. He decided not to share anything for the newsletter because he prefers to get to know people, and have people get to know him, in-person. So, if you want to get to know Michael, reach out and get in touch.
Thank you to all who came out and participated in the Open Board Meeting
Many of the things that arose here were a continued reflection of the most recent staff survey. That allowed us to continue the discussion, keeping it active and moving forward. We know there are some real concerns, and we are working to make some positive changes, as we are able. We truly appreciate all the input and feedback and want you to feel like you can voice concerns... As long as you are willing to come with some suggestions for possible solutions, and keep an open mind about things, we are all ears!
Let’s also not forget that in addition to the challenges, there were many good things that came up in the survey as well as at the Board meeting and we don’t want to let the issues outshine the really great things about this place!
The overall, number one, consistent reason people love their job is hands down, because of the people we support! Almost every single person who responded to the survey, listed this as their number one reason.
In addition, our culture of PTO Donations and general support for those going through trying life things, is second to none. If you work hard and do the work to take care of the people we support, and you then find yourself in need- Kokua will be there!
So, as we reflect on the good and work towards possible solutions to fix some of the challenging things, at least we also have sunshine and long days to soak up the rays!
Here’s to sunshine and popsicles, fireflies and camping, s’mores and BBQs; To drive-in movies and beach trips, fresh produce and new summer recipes; Here’s to swimming and sunbathing (with sunscreen), walks in the park and outdoor music; To fireworks and friends!
Happy Summer Kokua! Go make some sun-filled memories!
o k u a
Summer is a time when all sorts of fresh fruits and veggies are in season. They are so good for you and fuel your mind and body, providing key nutrients and helping to protect against disease!
So why not make a plan to eat more fresh produce this summer? Even better, come grow some with Garden Club- Wednesdays from 10-11:30 @ St. Mark Church! (P.S- a lot of the produce available at the food banks is grown in the community garden at St. Mark! They produce over 14,000 lbs. of produce every season for the Thurston County Food Banks)!
Below are food bank hours where you can pick up some fresh veggies or fruit :-)
Lacey food Bank: T, TR- from 10-2. 7027 Martin Way E Olympia Pantry: M, W, F- 10:30-3. 220 Thurston Ave NE
For more info and locations/hours check out: https://tcfb.org
and don’t forget to join us Thursdays between 11-3 at the Olympia Farmer’s Market for Lunch Bunch!
They will match Snap/EBT dollars up to $25 and Thursdays are also senior days, with discounts throughout the market.
