Resource Directory to be published in June
The annual Resource Directory will be printed and ready for distribution by June 30.
The guide includes 208 pages listing faith communities, ministries, human services, family programs, health care, senior programs, justice action, environmental groups, arts and culture, and civic organizations.
Faith communities, nonprofits, service organizations, government programs and others may request copies so they receive them by mail or bulk delivery. Copies will also be distributed at various grocery stores throughout the region and at other locations.
For information, call 535-1813 or email mary@thefigtree.org.
Faith Action Network summit is June 6
A Faith Action Network (FAN) 2021 Spring Summit will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 6, for people across the state to gather to celebrate wins in this year's legislative session and plan for next year. There will be breakout groups by region and issues.
"Through this legislative session, faith communities in our region and across the state took their beliefs and values beyond words to make lasting policy change through our legislature," said Lauren Schubring, FAN's Eastern Washington organizer.
To participate June 6, visit bit.ly/2021SummitJune.
For information, call 313-719-8150 or email schubring@FANWA.org.
AAPI celebration is planned on June 12
Spokane's Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) residents will celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, sharing information on history, culture and arts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, June 12, at the Centerplace West Lawn Plaza, 2426 N Discovery Pl. There will be an art show, performances, more than 50 vendors, free children's activities and an island-style food truck.
For information, call 928-9664 or email charitydoyl@yahoo.com.
Unity in the Community will be in person
Unity in the Community organizers plan an in-person event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 21, at Riverfront Park.
There may be fewer vendors but community support is strong, said April Anderson, co-chair with Mareesa Henderson.
The 27th annual Unity in the Community includes a Career, Education and Health Fair, a Cultural Village, a Senior Resource Area, general vendors, live entertainment, activities for all ages.
As the region's largest multi-cultural celebration, it seeks to expand cultural awareness in the Inland Northwest, said April.
"We are excited to celebrate our diverse community, connecting resources and sharing a common goal of diversity, inclusion and equity," said April, who said the event relies on volunteers.
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church started it in 1984 at Liberty Park to bring people together to break down racial and cultural barriers. AHANA planned it from 2004 until 2014, when April and Mareesa became chairs of NW Unity as an independent nonprofit.
New sponsors are Spokane NAACP, Washington Health Plan Finder and Premera.
For information, email nwunity@icloud.com or visit nwunity.org.
Fall Folk Festival invites performers
Organizers of the 26th Annual Fall Folk Festival Nov. 13 and 14 said applications for musicians, dancers and storytellers are available online and due July 1.
The 2021 festival of the Spokane Folklore Society, held at The Lair at Spokane Community College, promotes the preservation and appreciation of folk music and cultural traditions in the Inland Northwest.
It draws more than 6,000 people a year with 300 performers.
"We do not know what guidelines will be for gatherings in the fall. We hope to host a live festival," said festival chair Sylvia Gobel, "but if necessary, will do a virtual festival.
For information, call 828-3683 or email director@spokanefolkfestival.org or visit spokanefolkfestival.org.
Faith Leaders plan short story contest
Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience of Eastern Washington and North Idaho (FLLC) invites sixth grade to adult short story writers to enter its first Short Story Contest, "Brilliant Blunders that Left a Mark."
Stories are to express the struggle humans have with admitting blunders, mistakes and snafus, and the transformation when people reveal their imperfections, said Gen Heywood, FLLC convener. Stories, which may be fiction or nonfiction, are due Sept. 3.
Gen said FLLC's next Vigil for the Healing of the Earth will be from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 3, at Cataldo's Old Mission in Idaho. Participants will hear from affected people and learn from those making a difference how they can effect change.
For information, email FLLConscience@gmail.com.
Retreat center will reopen
Immaculate Heart Retreat Center reopens in August 2021 after being a temporary COVID-19 Isolation Center operated with the Spokane Regional Health District and Catholic Charites of Eastern Washington, said Michael Pallardy, development director. The center, at 6910 S. Ben Burr Rd., offers opportunities for spiritual growth.
For information, call 448-1224 ext. 105 or email: development@ihrc.net.
Meals on Wheels will upgrade its kitchen
Meals on Wheels Spokane will enhance services for seniors by having its meals produced internally in its own kitchen.
This change will improve menus and efficiency, increase partnering and save costs.
They are joining GiveBigWA to raise funds to acquire equipment to produce and freeze up to 1,000 meals a day. The equipment will allow MOW Spokane to continually add seniors and eliminate having clients on a waiting list.
The equipment includes a convection oven, sealer and chill blast freezer.
Partnership with local nonprofits will make it available as a resource for other organizations fighting food insecurity.
The plan will reduce the average cost per client, allowing for expanding services.
For information, call 456-6597 or email info@mowspokane.org.
Habitat Blitz Build will be June 7 to 18
Habitat for Humanity Spokane has been "Blitz Building" for 20 years, drawing more than 1,000 volunteers each year. The 2021 Blitz Build is June 7 to 18.
Lydia Duffy, chief development officer, invites Women of Habitat to put on hard hats and join in three shifts for women.Those shifts are afternoon on Wednesday, June 9, morning on Monday June 14 and afternoon on Thursday, June 17
At all the shifts, 20 volunteers will help frame two homes.
"At a Blitz Build, professional builders, sponsor groups and volunteers work side-by-side with families to build safe, healthy and affordable homes and communities," Lydia said. "It is time to safely swing hammers again."
For information, call 999-7141 or visit habitat-spokane.org.
River Forum, Riverkeeper plan clean-ups
Spokane River Forum and Spokane Riverkeeper are hosting the "Spokane River Get Up, Get Out, Clean Up" on five dates at eight locations.
The 2021 goal is to collect 25,000 pounds of litter. They already have picked up 7,000 pounds toward that goal.
Spokane River Forum and Spokane Riverkeeper provide field support, bags, gloves, pickers and disposal. Volunteers may join a public cleanup, organize a private cleanup or do a DIY operation.
The 2021 public cleanup dates and locations are:
June 19 will be at Mission Park,
July 10 at People's Park and
August 21 at the University District.
Sept 18 is the Spokane Valley Upriver Scrub at Harvard Road, Barker Road and Mirabeau.
For information, call 535—7084 or email info@spokaneriver.net.
