G N I V I G K C BA
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Page 2 • Thursday, November 27, 2025
Giving Back is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review
Catholic Charities Eastern Washington proudly lives its mission every day. CCEW staff and volunteers have a heart for helping the least among us, and that’s why we passionately work to Feed the Hungry, Heal the Hurting and Welcome the Stranger through our 15 comprehensive programs. From Food for All and Senior Services, to St. Margaret’s Shelter and PREPARES, our programs serve the most vulnerable community members. Along the way, we incorporate our core values of Compassion, Collaboration, Respect, and Justice as we interact with individuals and families who need a friendly hand. Rooted in this difficult, yet inspiring work is our legacy of meeting all people where they are, regardless of their religious affiliation. Throughout Eastern Washington, this mission-driven effort allows us to build a foundation of stability, health and hope. Please consider assisting us by volunteering or donating to our mission. Visit www.cceasternwa.org to learn more.
Christmas Bureau is coming! The Christmas Bureau is celebrating 79 years of providing holiday assistance to those in need in the greater Spokane area.
Holy Cross Funeral and Cemetery Services now includes Holy Cross Funeral Home
Holy Cross Funeral and Cemetery Services, long known for its three beautiful cemeteries: Holy Cross, St. Joseph, and Queen of Peace, now includes the new state-of-the-art Holy Cross Funeral Home located at 7111 N. Division Street, a nonprofit facility and haven of comfort for families. The funeral home offers comprehensive services, including on-site cremation and preparation, ensuring that all aspects of the funeral process are handled with care and respect. Built on consecrated ground, Holy Cross is more than a funeral home: it’s a sacred place. In 2024, Holy Cross Funeral and Cemetery Services was selected winner of the Washington State Cemetery of the Year Award at the Washington State Death Professionals Convention. The winner of this prestigious award is chosen from all cemeteries, nonprofit or for profit, in the state in appreciation and recognition of outstanding service, and exceptional contributions and commitment to the funeral service profession.
7200 North Wall Street, Spokane, WA 99208
Ministry First, Ministry Always.
2024 Washington State Cemetery of the Year
Talk to your loved ones, then call us. Holy Cross Funeral and Cemetery Services of Spokane is here to care for families in their time of need. When death occurs, we are available by phone 24/7, or when you are ready to preplan a Christian funeral, we will be here to serve and comfort you.
(509) 467-5496
A NON-PROFIT MINISTRY OF THE
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF
SPOKANE
holycrossofspokane.org
HOLY CROSS FUNERAL HOME 7111 N. Division
Visit our website to learn more about this amazing program and how you can get involved.
ChristmasSpokane.org Promotional space provided by The Spokesman-Review.
“There is always a way out.” – Debra, formerly homeless addict
If I could speak to myself back when I was in my addiction, I’d say, “Don’t give up on yourself. Even though you don’t think you can change, you can.” My upbringing was rough. People always said I was so ugly I’d die alone. At 17, I decided I wanted a man in my life and was willing to take what I could get, so I put an ad in the paper and met this 45-year-old man. He started buying me alcohol which became my first addiction.
Holy Cross Cemetery 7200 N. Wall St., Spokane
St. Joseph Cemetery
17825 E.Trent Ave., Spokane Valley
Queen of Peace Cemetery 6910 S. Ben Burr Rd., Spokane
“Don’t give up on yourself. Help really is out there.” – Debra, formerly homeless addict
At UGM, Debra broke the cycle of addiction and built a new life for herself and her daughter. Support a pathway out of homelessness.
Things went from bad to worse. In a few short years, I became like every single human I’d ever judged. I was homeless, addicted to meth, and I started doing things I’ll regret the rest of my life. Eventually, I decided I’d had enough of the street life. I tried some outpatient programs, but I kept relapsing, so in 2019, I went to Union Gospel Mission for their 18-month LIFE Recovery program. The program helped me define who I really wanted to be and gave me steps to become that person. What I want to say to anyone feeling stuck is that, “There is always a way out. Just take the first step and reach out to someone or a program that can help you. Help really is out there.”
un io n go sp elmission.org / hop e
Giving Back is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review
Thursday, November 27, 2025 • Page 3
Hospice of Spokane has been providing support since 1977
Hospice of Spokane is our home to in-patient care at our hospice community’s longstanding nonprofit house, we are here for our patients and their families. hospice, serving patients and their families in Spokane, Stevens, Ferry We feel it is a privilege to be with patients and families on their end-ofand Pend Orielle counties. Formed life journey. Thank you for putting in 1977 by a visionary group of community volunteers, Hospice of your trust in Hospice of Spokane, for volunteering with us, for the many Spokane became the 12th oldest hospice in the United States. Our donations in support of our work, and comprehensive knowledge, reputation for partnering with us in our service and trust of the community came from to others. Thank you for choosing decades of experience and dedication Hospice of Spokane as your hospice to providing the highest quality care. care provider. For more information about Hospice Using a holistic approach to endof Spokane services or volunteering of-life care, hospice addresses the with us, please call (509) 456-0438 medical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of patients with or contact us by email at info@hospiceofspokane.org. terminal illness, along with support to their families. Hospice of Spokane cares for anyone, of any age, with any terminal condition. Patientcentered 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
– Kelli Stangel, RN, BSN, CHPN, Director of Nursing
Our community’s longstanding nonprofit hospice, serving patients and their families since 1977.
509.456.0438 | hospiceofspokane.org
Catholic Charities Eastern Washington proudly lives its mission every day.
FEED
the hungry.
HEAL
the hurting.
WELCOME
the stranger.
VOLUNTEER • DONATE • JOIN OUR TEAM
“EVERY DAY WE HAVE THE HONOR OF PROVIDING DIGNITY, RESPECT AND COMPASSION TO YOUR LOVED ONE. THAT’S WORK WORTH DOING.”
cceasternwa.org
The U-District Mentoring Program For 14 years, the U-District Mentoring program has matched committed, caring adults with vulnerable children in our community. This results in lasting positive relationships that act as a catalyst for hopeful futures. Our dedicated approach has successfully matched over 120 mentors and mentees, creating meaningful partnerships throughout our community. What sets us apart is our comprehensive mentoring model, offering both community-based and school-based options to meet diverse needs. Working primarily with Title I schools and at-risk youth, we maintain no waitlist. Instead, we match intentionally based on interests, personalities, and life experiences, which serve as groundwork for solid relationships. Through one-on-one partnerships, we witness remarkable transformations as mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and stability. These relationships become strong foundations, helping children build confidence, develop life skills, and envision brighter futures. Help us ensure no child walks alone. Become a mentor or donor today! Visit https://udistrictpt.com/foundation/
CCEW staff and volunteers have a heart for helping the least among us, and that’s why we passionately work to Feed the Hungry, Heal the Hurting and Welcome the Stranger through our 15 comprehensive programs. From Food for All and Senior Services, to St. Margaret’s Shelter and PREPARES, our programs serve the most vulnerable community members. Along the way, we incorporate our core values of Compassion, Collaboration, Respect, and Justice as we interact with individuals and families who need a friendly hand. Rooted in this difficult, yet inspiring work is our legacy of meeting all people where they are, regardless of their religious affiliation. Throughout Eastern Washington, this mission-driven effort allows us to build a foundation of stability, health and hope. Please consider assisting us by volunteering or donating to our mission. Visit www.cceasternwa.org to learn more.
Page 4 • Thursday, November 27, 2025
Giving Back is a supplement to The Spokesman-Review
Safe spaces for kids to learn and grow. Outreach to seniors who are feeling isolated. Support for cancer survivors to regain their health. These are just a few of the many reasons to support the YMCA.
FIND YOUR REASON TO GIVE. Our Cause Strengthens the Foundations of Our Community FIND YOUR Y. 509 777 YMCA (9622) ymcainw.org
CAUSE CONNECTION COMMUNITY The YMCA: A Legacy of Belonging Since 1884. For more than 140 years, the YMCA has been at the heart of Spokane. Since 1884, through wars, pandemics, and times of uncertainty, the Y has remained a place where people can find safety, connection, and hope. The Y isn’t just a building—it’s a community. It’s where neighbors come together, differences are embraced, and friendships are built. In moments of division, the YMCA has always stood as a place of unity, where every story matters, and where compassion and inclusion light the way forward. You can feel that spirit every day— • In the laughter that fills a group fitness class. • In the encouragement passed between mentors and young people. • In the conversations sparked during community gatherings. The Y is where we discover our common ground and remember that we’re stronger together. Thanks to the generosity of neighbors like you, every year the YMCA: • Serves more than 500,000 meals and snacks to children, helping fight food insecurity. • Teaches 1,500+ kids lifesaving swim skills through our Safety Around Water program. • Provides $2.5 million in membership support so seniors on fixed incomes can stay active and connected. • Gives 5,000 youth athletes the chance to learn teamwork and sportsmanship in our leagues and clinics. • Welcomes 900 kids to summer camp, offering growth, adventure, and friendship while parents are at work. • Cares for 800+ children after school, giving them a safe and enriching place to learn and grow. • Prepares 200+ preschoolers for kindergarten with hands-on, social-emotional learning. At the Y, no one is turned away because of financial hardship. Our promise is simple: everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. With your support, we can continue to open doors, strengthen families, and create a community where all belong.
Scan the QR code to contribute Together, let’s create a brighter future for all!
509 777 YMCA (9622)
ymcainw.org