2021 Giving Back

Giving BACK to our community

WHY GET INVOLVED NOW

CONNECT WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

EASY WAYS TO VOLUNTEER LOCALLY

HOW HELPING OTHERS HELPS YOU Metrocreative Personal growth is at the heart of

many New Year’s resolutions. Few paths to positive personal growth are more noble than resolving to help others through increased acts of generosity and kindness. According to Psychology Today, doing good for others, no matter how big or small the deed, feels good but also provides reciprocal benefits. The link between volunteering and lower rates of depression has been well-documented, and there is neural evidence from MRI studies suggesting a link between being generous and signs of happiness in the brain.

The following are several ways to improve oneself by being more mindful of others. .

Be aware of social issues.

Read your local newspaper to stay up-to-date on the pulse of your community as well as the world.

Educate yourself about current issues that are affecting people from all walks of life. Understanding the needs or plights of others may boost your willingness to get involved with nonprofit organizations. It also may make you more empathetic and compassionate toward other people.

Volunteer at a charity.

Find a charitable group with which

you can volunteer your time. This is a great way to support a cause you believe in and makes it possible for you to collaborate with others who are like-minded, potentially helping you make new friends.

Learn a new language.

North America is a melting pot that’s home to people from many different parts of the world. Learning a new language may facilitate interactions with fellow community members who might not speak English as a first language.

Help someone you know.

It’s commendable to want to assist a charity or a global cause, but

what about people close to you who may need a boost? Whether you’re lugging boxes to help a friend move or babysitting a niece or nephew so their parents can enjoy a muchneeded night out, when you help someone, those good deeds will return to you in time.

When making resolutions, people should consider goals that involve helping others. While this assistance can benefit the people who are on the receiving end of the care and attention, those who are giving of themselves also reap considerable rewards.

UGM gave Tyler another chance

“Meth makes you hyper-focused on the smallest things. I picked at my face when I was using, and I gave myself sepsis.”

Krystal and Harper were living in their car before coming to UGM. Today, Krystal has a job, and she and Harper are safe in their own home.

Tyler was only 24 when he came to his darkest hour. He remembers waking up in the hospital, his grandparents standing over him, crying.

He’d been living on the streets, stealing what he needed to survive, and trying to stay high to avoid the suffering. Now, in the hospital, he knew that if he survived sepsis, something would have to change.

His grandparents suggested UGM. “I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, so I decided to give it a shot.” When he recovered, Tyler came to the Men’s Shelter. “I dove in headfirst.”

In UGM LIFE Recovery, Tyler healed from the wounds of his abusive childhood. He started to see himself in a new light—no longer as lost and rejected, but as a man created with a purpose. “I started to see that I didn’t need drugs to enjoy my life.”

Provide one week of food and shelter for only $90. uniongospelmission.org/donate

After his business practicum, Tyler was hired at UGM Motors where the healing continued. “There was even more of an impact on me when I started working at Motors. There are people all around me who are supportive and want me to do well.

“This place is heaven-sent. I’ve changed completely: I’ve stopped using, I’m more connected to the people around me, and I’ve learned I’m capable of anything I set my mind to. I have a car, a job, an apartment. My future looks certain.”

Partnering for Progress lets you make a world of difference, a world away For over a decade, Spokane-based Partnering for Progress has worked in 26 rural Kenyan villages to provide empowerment programs that support health, education, water/sanitation and economic development.

By collaborating with local leaders, villagers, health care providers and educators, we have formed lasting bonds.

Thanks to P4P’s programs:

• 4,000-plus Children and clinic patients have clean water for drinking and handwashing.

• 675 Young women received Days for Girls sanitary hygiene kits.

• 186 Malnourished infants have grown healthy and strong.

• 89 Farmers received fertilizer, seeds and training.

• 26 Kenyan Community Health Volunteers have received training.

• 53 Students received scholarships that enable them to attend high school.

• 17 Cooperative groups are growing because of small business grants.

• 10 Poultry farmers piloted a new program, all made a substantial profit.

• 6 High school graduates are attending higher education with scholarships.

• Over 1,000 emergency food packages have helped families during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Volunteer. Donate. Travel to Kenya.

“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” African Proverb

Partnering for Progress www.partneringforprogress.org (509) 720-8408

KPBX offers listeners a needed local voice Spokane Public Radio provides informational, educational, and artistic programming to 750 communities across 20,000 square miles of the Inland Northwest. SPR offers easy access to local, national, and global news, music, entertainment, as well as the arts and humanities to 1.25 million people in our service area. With a radio, computer, smart speaker, tablet or phone you can listen to SPR free, 24/7, with NPR, BBC, local and regional news, music, entertainment, and so much more. SPR streams throughout the world online at SpokanePublicRadio.org with KPBX 91.1, KSFC 91.9, and KPBZ 90.3 FM content wherever you may be.

SPR is a strong ally to listeners, non-profits, businesses, artists, musicians, and arts and service organizations. Working together makes our region a better place to live, work, and play. As SPR continues broadcasting in a year filled with upheavals ranging from pandemic, civil unrest, an unsettled economy, and catastrophic wildfires, SPR is a great resource of the latest and most immediate information.

SPR is here for you—because of you. Thanks to all who have made 40 years of great public radio possible in our communities. We depend on listener support, and our pledge in return is to provide fact-based information and great programming you can rely on in our complicated world. Visit SpokanePublicRadio.org to learn more about programs, events, volunteer opportunities, and donating to our service in the region.

Meals on Wheels helps thousands Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels provides meals to over 6,200 seniors through our home delivery program and congregate site cafes.

The holidays are a time full of traditions and familiar rituals that become even more important and cherished as we age.

Greater Spokane County Meals on Wheels provides hot, nutritious meals to seniors all throughout Spokane County. Our mission goes far beyond that, however.

A daily wellness check and socialization allows seniors the ability to remain in the home they love. Shelf-stable foods, personal items, blankets, and fans along with access to dozens of other agencies also provides our participants the ability to stay where they, and their pets, feel safe and comfortable.

Please join us this holiday season in bringing a senior in your neighborhood the gift of independence, respect and dignity. To make a donation or sign up as a volunteer, head to our website at GSCMealsonWheels.org.

The Salvation Army of Spokane provides HOPE and HEALING in our community For 130 years, The Salvation Army Spokane has remained on the front lines in meeting the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Thanks to supportive donors, volunteers and friends, thousands of lives have been transformed. Our life-altering programs/services of ‘Doing the Most Good’ include: Sally’s House & Evangeline’s House: Sally’s House is the only emergency foster care placement program in Eastern Washington for children, ages 2-12, that have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment or criminal activity. Evangeline’s House is a short-term emergency foster care placement facility for youth ages 12-20. Combined, close to 7,000 safe bed nights were provided last year to these young people.

Camp Gifford: Eastern Washington’s oldest summer youth camp serves many low-income children, 80% of whom wouldn’t be able to attend without scholarships. More than 1,000 children attend camp each year, and leave with a revived sense of purpose, new friends, and restored hope. Camp Gifford will celebrate its Centennial in 2022.

makingspokanebetter.org

True Story: The staff at The Salvation Army Spokane’s Sally’s House recently celebrated the 8th birthday of a very sweet little boy. He came to this 24/7 program scared and frightened of the world around him. Following his second night at Sally’s House, the program manager asked how he slept. With the innocence and honesty of a young child, he broke out in a big smile and said, “Good! There are no monsters here!” Sally’s House is the only emergency foster care placement center in Eastern Washington for children, ages 2-12, who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or criminal activity. The staff here are wonderful in the love, care and nurturing they provide each child in this program.

Here are a few of our life-changing programs...

Short-Term Foster Care Placement

Nurturing/Visitation Center: A court-ordered visitation program provides children ages 2-12 and their parents transportation and visitation services to help reunite families after the children have been places in foster families by the court system. More than 1,100 individuals were served last year, helping to mend broken relationships.

Stepping Stones: A 30-unit transitional apartment complex serves homeless families with children who are at, or below, 30% to 50% of Spokane County’s median income. Close to 39,000 safe bed nights were provided last year.

Emergency Safe Shelter: Twelve furnished studio units are available for homeless families with or without children for up to 90 days while working with a case manager. More than 9,100 safe shelter nights were provided last year.

The Way Out Shelter: After serving as a ‘healthy shelter’ during the pandemic, this shelter is transitioning into a ‘Bridge Program’ designed to assist adults to move from homelessness to stable housing through individualized case management and goal setting.

Sally’s House: Only emergency program in Spokane County for children, ages 2-12 Evangeline's House: Emergency care placement for youths, ages 12 through 20.

Family Emergency & Transitional Housing

Our Emergency Safe Family Shelter, The Way Out Shelter and Stepping Stones apartments all provide a bridge from homelessness to self-sufficiency.

Family Resource Center

Numerous services are provided annually to help thousands of lives, including a large food bank where more than 4-million pounds of food was distributed last year.

Family Resource Center: Not only does this program include the county’s largest point of contact food bank, where close to 4 million pounds of food were distributed last year to thousands, but it also provides help with utility assistance, life skills classes, referrals and more.

Last year, more than 37,600 individuals received help from the program.

Community Center: After school and weekly youth programs are available for children grade 1 to 12 (notes: grades vary by program) How YOU Can Partner with Us • M ail tax-deductible financial gifts to: The Salvation Army, 222 E. Indiana Ave., Spokane, WA, 99207. Indicate: “To be used for The Salvation Army in Spokane.”

• Donate, volunteer, and read ‘Success Stories’ at www.makingspokanebetter.org.

• ‘Like’ our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/TheSalvationArmyofSpokane/.

THANK YOU for your support of The Salvation Army!

Rescuing the perishing Renewing the ability to thrive Restoring healthy community

Between COVID-19 assistance and our year-round programs/services, thousands of lives are being changed THANKS to supportive donors. For more info, or to Help Us Help Others, please visit:

www.makingspokanebetter.org

Food Bank | Visitation Center | Transitional Housing | Foster Care Receiving | & More

222 E. Indiana Ave, Spokane, WA 99207 / 509-325-6810 salvationarmyspokane@gmail.com

Dining with Dignity

                                                                                    

         

          

          

       

                 

Located at the New Community Building at 3rd Ave. and Howard St.            

Girls Scouts make the world a better place

Shalom Ministries “gives back” during difficult times Many of us in Spokane, after our very hot summer, welcome autumn weather with its cooler temperatures, rain and wind. Fall colors are gorgeous, and our thoughts turn to the upcoming holidays.

Girl Scouts rises! That is our fall sale theme: it matches our trajectory hitting 5,000 total members, a milestone of good. Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho is daily building Girls of courage, confidence and character.

But for those who struggle daily with issues beyond their control — poverty, mental disorders or insufficient housing — the upcoming cold and wet season presents further hardships — life-threatening for some — and our shelters struggle to provide safe beds for all in need. For many of the least of these, fall takes a harder toll on their physical and mental health.

Coming off a Thin Mint fantastic cookie sale where our Girl Scouts were No. 2 in the nation, our Girls had 1,000+ camp experiences this summer, enjoyed the outdoors and took a dozen trips from Glacier to Seattle and even flew high over Spokane in a historic aircraft.

Poverty and homelessness are not chosen professions or great career moves. They are the result of terrible setbacks—loss of a job or economic resources, eviction, loss of a spouse or family connections, addictions or ill health. For many, it’s humiliating. But all of us are created in God’s image; all have inherent worth, regardless of social or economic status.

Three Gold Girl Scouts were honored this summer, double that for Silver awards and dozens of Bronze Awards—our Girl Scouts offered thousands of hours of service to others, and because of our community’s red, white and blue heart, we donated an eye-popping 35,000 boxes of cookies to our brave service members and heroic health care professionals and our first responders.

Girl Scouts rise because they make the world a better place!

One of our diners, a woman in her 50s with a physical disability, rests and sleeps in a wagon she built, with raised rails covered by a blanket; she pulls it wherever she goes: it’s her home on wheels. She is shy and always thankful for her food and Shalom’s outreach services.

The great majority of diners express such gratitude for your generosity.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for Me.

Women & Children’s Free Restaurant provides 2 million meals during 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 is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves good food and the health of our community depends on no-barrier access to vital nutrition.

Our restaurant serves women, children, seniors, and teens who struggle with nutrition insecurity and poverty that stem from a range of root causes. COVID-19 has affected our entire community, but data shows 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 any time in our 33-year history.

Last year, the pandemic forced our meal services out of our building and into the parking lot. Today, hundreds of local families receive chef-made meals, fresh groceries, and dry pantry goods, distributed curbside by our volunteers. 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 collaborations 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. We’re 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. In Spokane County, this problem affects at least 73,000 people – 15% of our residents and about 1 in 5 children. During this time of COVID-19, food insecurity has grown exponentially.

The pandemic has affected all of us in ways big and small.

However, the response from our community has been truly inspiring.

Compassionate individuals,

businesses, service groups, and congregations have chosen the path of social responsibility. Their commitment to the wellbeing of our community allowed us to ramp up our food services to provide nearly two million meals to individuals and families struck by the pandemic.

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 an unrenewable gift of lasting impact. Let’s work together to solve hunger in our community.

The Catholic Foundation of

Eastern Washington

Fund What Touches Your Heart With an Endowment We Manage

Sister Mary Tracy

The Catholic Foundation of Eastern Washington “The Catholic Foundation furthers the work of the Church and serves the people of Eastern Washington by building, managing and distributing income from contributions and endowed funds.”

(Catholic Foundation Mission Statement) The Catholic Foundation was founded by the Spokane Diocese in 1981 as a primary way to secure the future of the diocesan ministries in advancing the work of the Church.

A capable and dedicated board of trustees governs the foundation; the members represent a broad cross-section of society: lawyers, accountants, investment advisors, professional volunteers, marketing professionals, corporate executives, civic leaders, educators, and religious leaders.

The Foundation has grown steadily to a current balance of over $50 million; this amount is the total of 263 custodial-, endowment- and donor-advised accounts.

For 40 years, individuals, families and organizations – schools, parishes, seminary, diocese, private trusts and estates – have established endowments, many of these in memory or honoring a person, group or institution. Clearly, the account holders as well as the Catholic Foundation, understand the importance of long-term planning and the central role endowment holds in this strategic positioning.

The Catholic Foundation Board invites members of the Eastern Washington community to consider establishing an endowment to memorialize or to honor a special person in your life. Or you may want to invest in a current endowment, such as priests’ retirement, seminarian education, Catholic schools or over a hundred other considerations.

Please contact Sr. Mary Tracy at (509) 358-7334 to discuss your personal interests. Gifts of any size are meaningful and valued.

• We manage over 260 accounts • Over $50 million in assets • Investments consistent with Catholic teachings • Grants for ministries in Eastern Washington Independent of the Catholic Diocese of Spokane, we are governed by a board of trustees consisting of priests, religious and lay persons from many walks of life: Louise Andrews Bob Boehme Scott Brockway Mike Campbell Chris Codd Julie Czapla

Father Jeff Core Bishop Thomas Daly Bob Hailey Alix Lee Zach Mallahan Paul McNabb

Father Vic Blazovich Peter Moye John Omlin Rob Ressa Dan Roach Jason Sorge

Plus numerous volunteer committee members upon whom we rely.

Endowment Examples • Vocations • Priest education • Youth services

• Parish ministry

† For Today – For the Future For further information, please contact Sister Mary Tracy (509) 358-7334 P.O. Box 1484 Spokane, WA 99210-1484 Spokanecatholicfoundation.com

crisis

Responding to

lives

Stabilizing

hope Advocating

VOLUNTEER • DONATE JOIN OUR TEAM

www.cceasternwa.org (509) 358-4250

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.

SAFE WAYS FOR SENIORS TO VOLUNTEER

The dementia journey isn’t easy.

Reaching us is.

Metrocreative Charitable organizations rely on the efforts of volunteers to meet their missions every day. People of all ages can volunteer, and a great number of volunteers are seniors.

A 2016 survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that nearly one-quarter of American volunteers are age 65 and over.

That was never more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many nonprofit organizations were suddenly forced to confront a volunteer shortage due to the adoption of social distancing guidelines that were designed to keep vulnerable populations, such as seniors, as safe as possible. One study from Fidelity Charitable found that two out of three volunteers decreased or stopped contributing time during the pandemic.

The rollout of various COVID-19 vaccines has allowed vaccinated individuals to return to a certain degree of pre-pandemic normalcy.

However, the threat posed by strains of the virus like the Delta variant has made some seniors apprehensive about returning to volunteering.

Though each individual should consider various factors before returning to volunteering during the pandemic, the following are some options seniors can consider as they aim to safely pitch in once again.

Look for contactless opportunities.

Interactions with the people they help and work alongside is what drives many volunteers to lend a helping hand. That’s especially so for seniors whose children have grown up and moved out. In person interactions may be too risky during the pandemic, but seniors can still volunteer via contactless

opportunities. For example, in lieu of delivering meals by hand, seniors who work with organizations such as Meals on Wheels can deliver prepackaged meals outside recipients’ residences.

Pitch in with fundraising A report from Giving USA released in 2021 revealed that Americans gave more to charity in 2020 than in 2019.

That increase came in spite of an economic downturn that saw millions of people lose their jobs or take pay cuts as companies scrambled to deal with lost revenue related to the pandemic.

Though giving might have increased in 2020, many nonprofit organizations, including local community theaters, likely suffered due to cancellations and audience restrictions. As a result, many local nonprofit organizations are in need of financial support. Seniors who want to pitch in but stay safe can volunteer to help local organizations raise funds. Seniors can participate in fundraising efforts from the comforts of their own homes.

Offer professional expertise Many seniors retired after spending decades mastering their crafts, and that experience can be an invaluable resource to local nonprofit organizations. Seniors can offer professional advice and mentor youths remotely via apps like Zoom without putting their physical health at risk.

Seniors concerned for their safety can still lend a hand by volunteering with their favorite nonprofit organizations.

You’re not alone. We’re here day or night — whenever you need us — offering reliable information and support.

1.800.272.3900 | alzwa.org

Help and hope for people facing Alzheimer’s or dementia The Alzheimer’s Association is a voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementia, and we are leading the way by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

We offer a variety of care and support services across the Inland Northwest for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia, including care consultation, support groups, educational opportunities and social engagement programs. People may also call our 24/7 Helpline (800-272-3900), anytime day or night, for information, support, crisis assistance and referrals to local resources.

The Alzheimer’s Association Washington State Chapter serves Washington and North Idaho.

For more information about local services, volunteer opportunities and upcoming events: Website: alzwa.org

Email: InquiryWA@alz.org Spokane: (509) 456-0456

Coeur d’Alene: (208) 666-2996

100 Years of Creating Solutions Together.

Give to United Way at UnitedWaySpokane.org Thank You.

100 Years of Trusted Giving

Spokane County United Way is celebrating our 100-year anniversary.

In the past 10 years alone, over $20 million in grant funding has been invested in local organizations.

100 Years of Creating Solutions

United Way’s work and partnerships focus on eliminating inequities to create safe homes free of child abuse, neglect, and domestic violence, increase graduation rates, and increase financial stability. Our partners are doing incredible work throughout our community every day.

Together, our efforts are aligned to create long-term change in the areas of health, education, and financial stability.

100 Years of Partnerships

United Way also coordinates the efforts of AmeriCorps VISTA, Anchor Community Initiative, Built for Zero, Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Excelerate Success, Free Tax Preparation, and manages volunteer efforts with VolunteerSpokane.org.

100 Years of Working Together

Spokane County United Way is one of the top three funders in our community for nonprofit programs. The community programs receiving funding partner with Spokane County United Way to provide safe homes free of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence, increase academic success for youth and young adults, and create pathways to financial stability to prevent hunger and homelessness.

920 N. Washington, #100 Spokane, WA 99201 509-838-6581 UnitedWaySpokane.org

CAUSE CONNECTION COMMUNITY COVID has temporarily changed the way we deliver on our promise to strengthen the foundations of our community, but not on our commitment to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Every day at the YMCA we nurture all youth by helping them achieve their full potential as they grow in every developmental stage. Our early learning centers give children the very best start by providing the preparation they need to be kindergarten ready and successful throughout their academic career. We support parents and caregivers by engaging youth before and after school in a safe place with active play, homework assistance, and time to just be a kid. Teens find a supervised place to be themselves, have fun, learn new skills and be part of something positive and safe.

Our commitment to health and wellness extends beyond cardio equipment, group exercise classes and pools, it crosses boundaries where serious health inequities exist in our community. It gives hope for those struggling with disease and unhealthy lifestyles. It makes sure our children who experience food insecurity receive consistent nutrition across many locations in the area.

Being socially responsible means stepping up when our community needs us and for over 137 years, the YMCA has done just that. It also means meeting our community where they are by never letting program registration or membership fees be a barrier to participating in YMCA programs or membership through our Membership For All and financial assistance programs. It means welcoming our neighbors from every walk of life, age, background, income, race, gender, religion, or ethnicity. Our doors are open for all which places our mission into action.

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. Visit www.ymcainw.org to learn more or donate and join us as we help our community heal and come back even stronger.

At the YMCA, we believe everyone deserves a safe place where they can learn, grow and thrive.

509 777 YMCA (9622)

ymcainw.org

CAUSE CONNECTION COMMUNITY

We transform lives by nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering social responsibility.

Get Involved, We can’t do it alone!

Our Cause Strengthens the Foundations of Our Community

509 777 YMCA (9622) ymcainw.org