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May 2026 Newsbriefs

 

Resource Directory helps shelter, nourish, humanize

The impact of The Fig Tree and its annual Resource Directory comes in its use day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year "to shelter, nourish and humanize each other," as Laurel Fish, organizer with the Spokane Alliance, said at the Spring Benefit Lunch. She knows, because that's also what she and the Spokane Alliance do in "bringing institutions together to live out their values and figuring out what people want to do about pressures in our community."

The Fig Tree's goal is for the Resource Directory to be a tool to connect individuals and organizations to resources and motivate them to give back to the community.

As Fig Tree Board member David Gortner commented, the newspaper and directory "lay out before us a menu of possibilities, but it's up to us to take the next step—to reach out and connect with others we haven't met yet, to encourage each other and explore ways we can strengthen our impact together."

As preparations are underway for the 2026-27 edition of the Resource Directory, community partners, advertisers and donors are stepping up to help underwrite the costs of producing 18,000 to 22,000 copies—depending on the support level. About half of the community partners have been secured, and about 75 percent of the advertisers are committed.

"We continue to ask, invite and recruit," said directory editor Malcolm Haworth, as the deadline of May 31 approaches for confirmations to be in and allow time for designing and placing the ads. "We hope individual donors will also step up to fill any gaps, so we can continue to provide copies at the same level as in previous years."

For information on being a partner, advertiser or donor, call 535-1813 or email development@thefigtree.org.

Circulating funds keeps nonprofits strong

The Fig Tree has raised $48,000 toward its June 30 goal of $60,000 in support from sponsors, leaving $20,000 more to raise for the rest of the year, reported Mary Stamp, editor.

"Our mailing at the first of April went to folks who previously donated $20,000 at the 2025 Benefit Lunch, and they are responding," she said. "We will continue sending appeals to reach our goal in these interesting times for many nonprofits."

Mary described the economic practice she learned while living in Tekoa, a rural farm community 45 miles south of Spokane, before coming to Spokane to start The Fig Tree.

"Local retailers and businesses encouraged town residents and farmers to spend as much as they could locally, so that the funds circulated as many times as possible in the town, improving the local economy," Mary said.

Similarly, she encourages nonprofits to support each other by attending fundraisers, sending donations and sponsoring events—and for The Fig Tree and Resource Directory advertising.

"The more funds circulate among nonprofits and nonprofit supporters, the stronger and more resilient nonprofit entities will be," she said, adding that she practices that commitment in her personal giving.

"I value the creative ways faith and nonprofit communities improve the lives of people in this region," she affirmed.

For information, call 535-1813 or visit thefigtree.org.

Film festival explores water, land issues

Spokane Riverkeeper and Roots of Resilience will co-host a two-day Wild and Scenic Film Festival to celebrate clean water and sustainable agriculture by showing films that explore people's relationship with land and water, community connection and collective action.

Films offer stories that inform, motivate and ignite solutions on the festival's theme, "Mobilize," said Katy Scott, Spokane Riverkeeper's water protector.

The screenings are at 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday, May 14 and 15, at The Garland, 924 W. Garland. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

The evenings include conversations on connections between healthy rivers, resilient agriculture and strong communities.

Rooted in a commitment to protecting and strengthening local ecosystems, the two organizations are highlighting the connections between water, land and community wellbeing, she said, explaining that Spokane Riverkeeper advances clean water and river health through advocacy and community engagement, while Roots of Resilience supports regenerative agriculture and farmer-led stewardship.

"The partnership reflects the reality that healthy rivers and healthy farms are connected," Katy said. "By coming together, we can tell a more complete story about how we care for the landscapes that sustain us."

The first evening's focus is on water with films about rivers, oceans and communities around the world. The films explore water scarcity, sea-based cultures, microplastic pollution, native fish conservation, Indigenous river restoration, kelp research and human stakes in water management in a changing climate.

The second evening focuses on land, looking at the ways people care for, learn from and restore landscapes they depend on. Exploring regenerative grazing and soil health to Indigenous fire stewardship, biodiversity recovery, foraging traditions and hidden networks of fungi, the films highlight the resilience of land and the communities working to heal it.

There will be opportunities for attendees to engage in discussion and connect with local groups working for a sustainable future.

"Storytelling is a powerful tool for change," said Tim Copeland of Roots of Resilience. "The films illuminate the challenges and solutions emerging from our communities."

The Wild and Scenic Film Festival is part of a national effort using film to inspire environmental awareness and action.

Spokane Riverkeeper is offering other events in May.

• With 350 Spokane, it plans an easy, educational, seven-mile roll on the Centennial Trail with a bike, roller skates, scooters or other human-powered wheels, from the Riverwalk Overflow Parking Lot on N. Superior to No-Li Brewing, 1003 E. Trent. It will go from 1 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, May 9, and offers stops to see impacts of climate change on the river, its habitats and people.

• From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Sunday, May 17, Spokane Riverkeeper and scientists from the Society for Freshwater Sciences will offer a workshop, "Exploring Streams Together," to explore macroinvertebrates (aquatic bugs) at Finch Arboretum, 3404 W. Woodland Blvd. Macroinvertebrates indicate water quality.

Participants will work with scientists using kick nets, sorting trays and microscopes to collect and identify invertebrates. There will be discussion and opportunity to see what they collect under a microscope. The workshop will be in English and Spanish.

For information, call 464-7614, email katie@spokaneriverkeeper.org or visit spokaneriverkeeper.org.

Partners breaks ground on new facility

Partners Inland Northwest will break ground on a new facility that expands its ability to serve individuals and families across the region. It will be at the site of the former Ziggy's on Sprague Ave. in Spokane Valley.

"More than a construction milestone, this groundbreaking represents the collective effort of a community that believes access to basic needs matters," said Susan Henderson, development director. "Public investment, private philanthropy and countless volunteer hours have helped this effort come to fruition."

In recent years, the need for basic essentials, such as food, clothing and diapers has grown significantly. This project is a direct response to that need.

The new building will allow Partners INW to increase capacity, improve accessibility and better serve Spokane Valley and the broader community.

With roots in Spokane Valley, this expansion ensures Partners Inland Northwest can meet local needs and support surrounding areas when resources allow.

"We are grateful to those who have supported this vision over the years and those who are continuing to walk alongside us. Together, we are building something that will serve our neighbors not just today, but for years to come," said Susan.

For information, visit partnersinw.org.

Conservancy groups discuss merging

Discussions are underway between Inland Northwest Land Conservancy and Dishman Hills Conservancy to explore a merger that would broaden and strengthen their collective impact.

"Both organizations, with their dedicated members and volunteers, look forward to building a resilient network of healthy and protected ecosystems, connecting people to nature and securing lasting conservation in our beloved shared home for people and wildlife," said Toni Pessemier, board president of the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy.

With 35 years of regional conservation work, staying focused on values of a love of nature, perpetuity, discernment and relationships is more important than ever, she explained.

The perspectives and questions of members and community are being considered as they explore this opportunity and provide updates on progress.

For information, visit inlandnwland.org

AICC secures funds for its forever home

The American Indian Community Center has secured an additional $2 million in state funding for its Forever Home Project along the Spokane River.

"This achievement reflects the strength of partnerships and community. We extend deep gratitude to Governor Bob Ferguson, local and west-side legislators, for their encouragement, support and advocacy on our behalf," said Linda Lauch, executive director.

"As we move into spring, a season of renewal and possibility, may we carry forward the spirit of service, dignity and compassion that guides our work," she added. "Together, we will continue building a stronger future for all of our community."

For information, visit aiccinc.org.

Fall Folk Festival musicians may apply

For musicians, dance groups and storytellers who wish to participate in the 31st Annual Spokane Fall Folk Festival Nov. 14 and 15 at Spokane Community College, applications are available now through July 1 on the Spokane Folk Festival website.

The Fall Folk Festival is an opportunity each year for individuals and groups to share their culture and ethnic traditions in this multicultural performance event in the Inland Northwest. It was voted third place in the 2026 Inlander Best Arts and Cultural Event contest.

Applications submitted after July 1 will go on a waitlist for potential inclusion in the festival.

For information, call 828-3685, email director@spokanefolkfestival.org or visit spokanefolkfestival.org/application-application.html.

Erin Brockovich speaks for fundraiser

Women Helping Women Fund hosts Erin Brockovich, environmental activist and justice advocate for its annual Give Like a Woman Fundraiser, 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, at the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd.

Erin spreads positive messages of personal empowerment and encourages others to make a difference.

Her investigation uncovered that Pacific Gas & Electric was poisoning the water of the small town of Hinkley, Calif., for 30 years, affecting the health of residents. In 1996, as a result of the largest direct-action lawsuit of its kind, spearheaded by Erin and Ed Masry, PG&E was forced to pay out the largest toxic tort injury settlement in U.S. history. The story and film made "Erin Brockovich" a household name.

From 2:30 to 4 p.m., guests will mingle and meet grantees, and the program is from 4 to 5 p.m.

For information, visit whwfspokane.org/events.

Kalispel Tribe sponsors walks for MMIP

During May, which is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Month, there are two MMIP Awareness Walks to uplift Indigenous voices, honor loved ones and support families.

One was at 11:30 a.m., Friday, May 1, at Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Airway Heights. It included a Red Dress Dance and honor song performance.

The second starts at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, May 14, at the Camas Center for Community Wellness in Usk and finishes at the Pow-Wow Grounds at Usk and Cusick.

Both are sponsored by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians Victim Services.

For information, call 445-1147 or visit kalispeltribe.com/blog/mmip-awareness-walks.

Highland Park serves 75th Sukiyaki Dinner

Highland Park United Methodist Church will serve its 75th annual Sukiyaki Dinner from noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 9, at the church, 611 S. Garfield St.

The meal will include rice, sukiyaki, coleslaw and a fortune cookie. There will also be a sale of baked goods and inari sushi.

For information, call 535-2687 or email hpadcouncil@gmail.com.

LCSNW hosts Foster Care Day fair

Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) is hosting its third annual Foster Care Day event from 4 to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 5, at Shadle Park Library, 2111 W. Wellesley.

The event will include a resource fair and opportunity to build connections. Foster care can be a difficult experience for foster parents and youth, so it is helpful to know who is available to help.

It is open to the public and helpful for any foster parents, potential foster parents or anyone who would like to learn more about how they can support foster and homeless youth.

For information, visit lcsnw.org.

Groups gather people to write cards

FailSafe for Life and Heart and Homes Northwest are gathering from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 28, at 6718 N. Pittsburg St. for MAYlers for Mental Health to create cards with messages of hope to help people with mental health struggles or thoughts of suicide.

Persons interested in writing cards may come to the event, drop them off or mail cards to organizers to be delivered to local hospitals for patients receiving mental health care, youth, elders, service members, veterans or domestic violence survivors.

Envelopes should not be sealed so organizers can ensure the message is appropriate for the recipient. Those mailing or dropping off cards should indicate the type of person/struggle for whom the card is intended.

For information, visit zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/maylers-for-mental-health.

Annual Ministry Summit will be June 23 to 26

Whitworth University is hosting its annual Ministry Summit from June 23 to 26 on the theme, "What does it mean to nurture faith communities that restore hope and peace?"

The summit will include worship experiences, processing today's cultural moment with other pastors. Pastors will have space to nurture their spiritual health, and for rest and opportunity to discern where God is calling them.

Speakers include Inés Velásquez-McBryde, pastor of The Church We Hope For; Shane Claiborne, speaker, activist and author, and Reggie Williams, theologian and author.

Worship will be led by Taylor Leonhardt, solo recording artist and member of Mission House.

Mindy Smith, director of the Office of Church Engagement at Whitworth University, and Mary Hulst, preaching expert and cohort leader for the Compelling Preaching Initiative at Whitworth, will lead a pre-conference gathering for preachers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 23.

There will be opportunity to spend time in community with other faith leaders to discern God's calling for the church in this time and place.

For information, visit whitworth.edu/summit.

Experiencing Emmanuel is theme

Experiencing Emmanuel is the theme for the 2026 Mission U, July 10 to12 at Lazy F Camp & Retreat Center in Cle Elum.

This is an intergenerational transforming mission experience in a camp setting.

For information, visit pnwumc.org/uwfaith/2026/01/11/mission-u-2.

Habitat secures $6.5 million for affordable housing, hosts benefit

Habitat for Humanity-Spokane secured more than $6.5 million in state support to expand affordable homeownership in Spokane County. It is for investments in infrastructure, home construction and down payments to remove barriers keeping working families from purchasing a home.

Awards include $2.3 million through the Connecting Housing and Infrastructure Program and $4.2 million through the Washington State Housing Trust Fund.

Together, these resources support more than 100 permanently affordable units in Spokane County and move Habitat projects closer to construction.

Infrastructure awards cover site improvements such as roads and utilities. Habitat received $1 million for the Carnahan and 1st development in Spokane Valley, $1 million for Highland Village in Airway Heights and $336,432 for the five-lot project at 3028 E. South Riverton in Spokane.

Housing Trust Fund support for Habitat construction and homebuyer access includes $800,000 for the Carnahan site, $1.2 million for the next phase of Highland Village and $2.26 million in down payment assistance for Habitat homebuyers.

Together, these investments strengthen Habitat's ability to build affordable homes and walk with qualified buyers as they move toward purchase, reported Michelle Girardot, chief executive officer of Habitat-Spokane.

Despite a constrained budget, the state legislature approved a record $55 million investment in the Housing Trust Fund, preserving a tool for affordable ownership and housing development, she added. Lawmakers also advanced policies to address cost and land barriers that slow or prevent affordable housing projects.

Among those actions, HB 1974 established land banking authorities that can acquire, stabilize and prepare hard-to-develop land for affordable housing. HB 1859 expanded affordable housing development on land owned by religious organizations by allowing increased density bonuses. Those changes improve conditions for building homes in communities where they are needed most.

In the session, Habitat-Spokane's Government Affairs team engaged with state and federal policymakers on its commitment to build homes and shape public investments and policies that make affordable homeownership possible, said Michelle.

"Affordable homeownership takes land, infrastructure, public investment and partnerships along with construction," she said. "These awards and policy wins help us create more opportunities for families to build stability, equity and hope."

Habitat-Spokane's Hope Builders Luncheon will be held on Thursday, May 7, at the Spokane Convention Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd., to raise funds to support affordable home ownership. Michelle said the aim is to raise funds to serve 25 families this year.

From 11 a.m. to noon is an interactive exhibit highlighting Habitat's programs, followed by a one-hour program with stories and calls to action.

For information, visit habitat-spokane.org/hbl.

Battlegrounds Market features Native artists

Battlegrounds Native Arts Market, a new retail space showcasing Native artists and creatives, opened May 2 in Airway Heights as a cultural space supporting Indigenous art in the Spokane region.

The market features Native-made artwork, including handcrafted goods, visual art and unique pieces created by Indigenous artists from the region and beyond. It provides a platform for Native artists to share their work while fostering community connection, cultural expression and economic opportunity.

"This space is about uplifting Native voices and creating opportunities for artists to share their work," said Jeff Ferguson, executive director of Elk Soup.

The Native Arts Market is an initiative of Elk Soup, a Spokane-area nonprofit that empowers Native youth and strengthens community through cultural programs, education and art.

For information, Call 218-1929 or visit elksoup.org.

Salish School of Spokane breaks ground, gains grants for new campus

Salish School of Spokane (SSOS) invites community members to its Golden Picha Groundbreaking, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, at 2720 W. Elliott Dr.

The ceremonial gathering includes prayers and blessings, student honor songs, the formal naming of the school and Golden Picha groundbreaking.

The Picha is the Salish people's traditional root digging tool.

Rooted in the language, culture and community, the ceremony is a step forward in creating the new SSOS campus dedicated to future generations of Salish learners and speakers.

Furthering progress toward the new campus, in April, the Salish School of Spokane (SSOS) received two grants.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has awarded SSOS $1,016,970.11 from the Early Learning Facilities fund toward construction of the early learning wing of its new Education Building that will double its capacity to serve young children with Salish immersion care and instruction.

"With this award, we have $2.3 million left to raise for the first phase of our campus," said co-executive directors Kim Richards of the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Brea Desautel of the Colville Confederated Tribes.

"For 15 years, the founders, staff and families served have worked to revitalize Salish language, culture and community in limited facilities. Now we are ready for the next step in our journey: a permanent home for Salish School of Spokane surrounded by a 30-acre conservation forest and the Spokane River," they said.

In addition, Avista's Named Communities Investment Fund (NCIF) gave a $724,000 Clean Energy Grant to support clean energy infrastructure at the new campus. It will fund designing and installing rooftop solar photovoltaic systems and battery energy storage for its education building and Cultural and Recreational Community Center. 

These solar systems will help prevent interruption of operations in power outages and fit the school's commitment to environmental responsibility and energy independence. They will strengthen long-term energy resilience and lower operating costs, increasing services for students, staff and the community.

"This investment represents a partnership grounded in shared values,' said Kim. "By integrating solar power and battery storage into our campus, we are building a facility that supports educational excellence, cultural continuity and long-term resilience."

"This is the kind of partnership we hope for with our clean energy grant program," said Kristine Meyer, Avista NCIF program manager. "The Salish School envisions a campus that strengthens language, culture and community. Avista brings our energy expertise and grant resources to help make that vision a reality."

SSOS's new campus will expand Indigenous language education, community programming and cultural learning while incorporating sustainable, resilient infrastructure.

For information, call 325-2018 or visit salishschoolofspokane.org.

Whitworth Online degree serves adults

Whitworth Online transitions all undergraduate programs for adult learners to accelerated 90 credit degrees to expand access to education for working adults and respond to workforce needs.

The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) approved the new paths to reduce time and cost of a degree by about 25 percent while preserving Whitworth's full general education curriculum and program, said Whitworth President Scott McQuilkin.

Whitworth has served adult learners for more than 100 years, with degree programs in formats accessible to working adults. Whitworth Online programs are for students ages 23 and older with professional experience. The model strengthens the legacy while setting Whitworth as a leader in innovative online education in the Northwest, he said.

"Innovation grows out of our mission," Scott added. "Accelerated degree pathways allow us to remove unnecessary barriers while preserving the depth, formation and academic excellence that define Whitworth education. This honors adult learners' time, expands access and strengthens the communities we serve."

Beginning in August, Whitworth Online programs from business management and human services to teacher certification pathways and interdisciplinary studies will adopt the accelerated, 90 credit structure.

This new structure:

• Preserves Whitworth's core curriculum, retaining general education requirements.

• Cuts unnecessary credits of excess electives to streamline students' path to graduation.

• Maintains Title IV eligibility while advancing cost clarity to ensure that students have a transparent and affordable path forward.

"When working adults can complete a degree faster with less debt, the benefits ripple to families, employers and the community," said Brooke Kiener, dean of Whitworth Online.

The university encourages employers to expand or reinstate tuition assistance.

For information, visit whitworth.edu

Library ties in with national programs

With Spokane Public Library's aim to inspire a thriving city through cultural and educational opportunities, Andrew Chanse, executive director introduced two programs—One Book, One Coast and the Yiddish Book Center's Public Libraries program.

Spokane Public Library joins more than 140 library systems in Washington, Oregon and California to read and discuss one book, fostering connection, literacy and conversation.

It is also one of 40 libraries nationwide participating the Yiddish Book Center's program on "Between Two Worlds: Exploring Jewish Culture and Religion through Yiddish Literature."

For One Book, participants read actor, activist, author George Takei's memoir They Called Us Enemy, written with Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott and illustrator Harmony Becker. It recounts George's childhood in U.S. incarceration camps in World War II and explores patriotism, identity and civil rights.

People can check out a physical copy, read the eBook through the Libby app or access a no-wait digital edition on Comics Plus.

"They Called Us Enemy invites conversations on history, identity and justice," said Andrew.

In partnership with Asians for Collective Liberation, Spokane Public Library will host events on the book's themes.

• The first is an online reading and discussion with Colorado Book Award Winner Brandon Simoda, author of The Afterlife Is Letting Go, at 7 p.m., Thursday May 7, online. His work examines the impacts of Japanese American incarceration.

• The second is a community discussion of They Called Us Enemy with journalist Lisa Heyamoto and author Sharma Shields at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, at Liberty Park Library, 402 S. Pittsburg. The book's themes are resilience, identity and history.

• The final One Book, One Coast event with Takei will be livestreamed from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, May 31, on YouTube.

The Yiddish program explores how the language—once prominent in Eastern Europe and now spoken by only 500,000 to 1 million people—dwindled after the Holocaust, when the world lost half of its Yiddish-speaking people. The Yiddish Book Center seeks to revitalize the language and share the richness of Jewish life, religion and culture today.

Spokane Public Library received a grant to send a staff member, Becky Mace, to a three-day workshop in November 2025 at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Mass.

"I met librarians from around the country and learned about Yiddish and its vibrant culture," she said.

Of the grant, $2,000 supports events and provides more than 50 Yiddish-translated materials for the library collection.

Events include 1) "Fiddler: A Miracle of Miracles," at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 17 at Shadle Park Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave.; 2) a discussion of Tevye the Dairyman by Sholem Aleichem at 2:45 p.m., Sunday, May 17, at Shadle Park Library, and 3) "Looking Back, Looking Forward: Finding Personal Meaning in the Jewish Immigration Story," at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 31 at South Hill Library, 3324 S. Perry St.

For information visit spokanelibrary.org

Gonzaga Climate Center marks fifth year

The Fifth Anniversary Celebration of the Gonzaga Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment will honor its transformative work advancing climate education, regional climate resilience, and deepening the community conversation around the rapidly changing climate.

The event will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday, May 23 at Bozarth Mansion, 2145 N. Fairwood Dr.

Speakers include Katia Passerini, the president of Gonzaga University.

The Institute was founded to respond to the most urgent environmental challenges of our time.

It embodies Gonzaga's Jesuit commitment to justice and care for the humans' common home. Its mission is guided by the vision of thriving, equitable human societies within flourishing ecological communities.

It engages in scholarship, teaching, and capacity building to promote the well-being of Inland Northwest communities, waters, and lands in the face of a changing climate.

For information, visit gonzaga.edu/climate-institute/events/5th-anniversary-celebration.

Innovia gathers people for meals, conversation

This summer, Innovia Foundation is bringing The Longest Table, a national movement connecting people over dinner and conversation, to Eastern Washington and North Idaho. By launching this initiative locally, Innovia will help neighbors in 20 counties gather face-to-face.

"As our nation marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, this initiative offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on where we are today – both as a country and as a region – and to imagine the hopes and possibilities we hold for the future," said Molly Sanchez of Innovia.

"Longest Table gatherings transform public spaces into welcoming places of connection, where strangers become neighbors and neighbors become friends. By coming together around the table, participants are invited into conversation that sparks dialogue, deepens a sense of belonging, fosters understanding, reduces isolation, and strengthens trust across communities."

Beginning in April, Innovia will offer microgrants of up to $2,500 to fund Longest Table gatherings hosted across the region between June 1 and September 30. Grants may be used to cover costs such as tables, chairs, permits, promotional materials and youth activities.

For information, visit innovia.org/the-longest-table.

 

Copyright@ The Fig Tree, May 2026






 

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