Campaign generates funds to add staff
Because of The Fig Tree's success in raising nearly $36,000 in the Branching Out Campaign in the fall, it will be able to hire a development associate to further its ability to generate income for building its capacity to serve through the newspaper and Resource Directory in print and online.
"We seek someone committed to our mission and vision to help us build more relationships to secure more advertising, sponsors, partners and online donations," said editor Mary Stamp.
Part of the funds from the campaign will be used over three years to help support the position while the person raises additional funds to secure ongoing support for the position.
"Our effort relies on staff with an entrepreneurial spirit to generate funds to underwrite their salaries and those of others," she said.
The person will also assist with the benefit lunch and breakfast, as well as a new fall online fundraising campaign. She or he will also have administrative responsibilities, assist with the database and increase and improve use of social media and The Fig Tree's online presence.
"We seek someone who can multi-task, work independently, be persuasive, take initiative, problem solve and have flexible hours," added Mary.
For information, email info@thefigtree.org.
Fig Tree benefits coming up in early March
"Connects People, Inspires Action" is the theme for the 2020 Benefit Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday, March 6, and the Benefit Breakfast from 7 to 8:30 a.m., Monday, March 9. Both events are at Cataldo Hall at Gonzaga University.
The Fig Tree is currently recruiting people to host tables that seat eight, donating $125 to cover the cost of food and inviting guests to fill their table, coming with the expectation of donating to The Fig Tree.
Speakers are Margo Hill, Mark Finney, Linda Hunt and Jeanette Laster, sharing three minutes each at the lunch, and Joe Ader, David Milliken, Dainen Penta and one more will share at the breakfast about the value of The Fig Tree and Resource Directory.
Nathan Slabaugh, who prepared the 2019 video, will prepare the promotional video.
Mary Stamp, editor, said the goal is to raise $32,500, the amount raised in 2019.
The events not only raise funds but also are a time to educate people about The Fig Tree and Resource Directory, and to celebrate their contribution to the community, region and world.
Persons interested in hosting tables, underwriting costs and attending may call 535-1813 or email event@thefigtree.org.
SNAP ombuds program needs volunteers
SNAP (Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners) seeks and trains volunteers for its Long Term Care Ombudsman program.
As a volunteer with the SNAP program, Linda Howe relishes visiting residents of long term care facilities who may feel forgotten. As she offers them hope, encouragement and support, she said the people she befriends and serves have become "like extended family."
"I like visiting these places and meeting with people," Linda said. "I like being able to resolve problems."
The Older Americans Act stipulates that every state facilitate a Long Term Care Ombudsman program. Sometimes the issues she and other volunteers address are simple, such as finding a suitable mattress or making sure a resident has a proper reading light.
Often, volunteers serve a critical purpose just by providing a listening ear. Linda said people are happy to see her.
Volunteers mediate resident concerns by working with facility administration and social workers. More serious issues like neglect, abuse and financial fraud are reported and referred to agencies like Adult Protective Services and Residential Care Services.
SNAP's program relies on volunteers like Linda, who signed on in 2004. Three staff members, led by regional ombuds leader Aaron Riley, provide support and training.
The program serves residents in Spokane, Ferry, Pend Oreille, Stevens and Whitman counties, a region with 27 nursing homes, 71 assisted living facilities and nearly 200 adult family homes. The facilities account for more than 7,100 long-term care beds. With a broad area to cover, they constantly need more volunteers.
"The program's success hinges on volunteer support," he said. "We have a great group on board, but we could use more."
The next four-day training begins Thursday, Feb. 20, at SNAP's Mission Support Center, 3102 W. Fort Wright Dr. The training will continue on Friday, Feb. 21, and Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 25 and 26.
For information, call 456-7133 or email riley@snapwa.org.
Individuals, groups can plan Mardi Bras parties
Individuals, congregations and organizations can host a Mardi Bras Party as a way to celebrate Fat Tuesday on Feb. 25, while collecting money, bras, underwear, pads, tampons and bus passes for some of more than 1,800 homeless women whose struggle to meet basic needs brings them to Hope House and the Women's Hearth.
Hope House, run by Volunteers of America of the Inland Northwest, offers an environment of dignity, respect and compassion that honors the intrinsic value and unique experience of every woman and creates a safe space at their overnight shelter in downtown Spokane:
Transitions' Women's Hearth as a safe space for women in a "hearth" of welcome, respect, and community in a daytime drop-in center in downtown Spokane:
Persons and organizations interested may sign up at voaspokane.org/mardibras, invite friends to a party and share information on Hope House and the Women's Hearth with guests,
VOA has ideas for the parties, including feather masks, boas, strings of beads and door prizes.
Donations may be dropped off at 525 W 2nd Ave., at the VOA's administrative office on the second floor above Crosswalk Youth Shelter only between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., Fridays from Feb. 10 to March 13.
For information, call 688-1117 or email development@voaspokane.org.
Grant helps LCS 24-hour crisis line
LCS Northwest has received a $29,600 award from the Providence Health Care Community Investment Fund to help support LCS Northwest's 24 hour crisis line for sexual abuse, assault, harassment and other crimes.
Victim Advocates provide support over the phone and at area emergency rooms during forensic medical examinations in conjunction with LCS's certified sexual assault nurse examiner.
LCS Northwest's district director Erin Williams Hueter said, "The award came at a crucial time to help support our team on the front lines respond to crime victims and help them through the most traumatic moments of their lives."
In a recent client survey, a crime victim who worked with a LCS Northwest certified crime victim advocate, said, "Everyone from the first call to meeting with an advocate were kind, understanding, helpful and willing to help you feel comfortable and at ease."
For information, call 747-8224.
Flannery Lecture addresses clergy abuse crisis
Jennifer Beste will discuss "Envisioning a Just Response to the Catholic Clergy Abuse Crisis" for the Flannery Lecture at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Hemmingson Center at Gonzaga.
Jennifer, who is professor of theology at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University in St. Joseph and Collegeville, Minn., believes Catholic communities seeking justice and healing must prioritize action on three issues:
1) Churches need to understand and acknowledged the traumatic effects of clergy sexual abuse on youths' sense of self and capacity for freedom and to relate to God, others and themselves.
2) Churches need to recognize how survivors continue to suffer, be in solidarity with them, and support healing and justice for them.
3) Churches need to examine how Catholic assumptions about children, and norms for passivity and obedience contributed.
Jennifer earned a master's in divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School and a doctorate in religious ethics from Yale University.
For information, call 313-6782 or visit gonzaga.edu/religious-studies.
