LCSNW therapist has ripple effect on Spokane children for 20 years and counting
Congratulations to Sharon O'Brien for her 20-year anniversary with LCSNW in Spokane. As one of her coworkers said: "It's impossible to measure how Sharon's positive impact is rippling out into the world. What a beautiful contribution in a world that really needs it!" ...
‘We lost our lives one year ago’ – Tetiana fled Ukraine, finds purpose on LCSNW staff
By Shelly Strom/ LCSNW Communications Specialist Tetiana Kolodii said she’s still reeling from what her life was like just 12 months ago in her Ukrainian homeland. “Almost every time I hear news about my city, I have this PTSD-type response. I think every Ukrainian...
LCSNW brings extra sweet Valentines to seniors with help from our partners
Here’s an example of how the many elves in our Santa for Seniors program are finding ways to spread cheer year-round. LCSNW teamed up with another organization and a small, minority-owned business to bring smiles and sweet treats to seniors in the South Puget Sound...
You’re never too old to become a U.S. citizen; just ask 85-year-old Beatriz
Congratulations to Beatriz, who with support from our citizenship program, passed the U.S. naturalization exam and took the oath of citizenship in December at 85 years old. Beatriz is from Venezuela and came to the United States six years ago when she had a health...
She grew up with over 60 LCSNW foster siblings. Now she’s joined our Board
Cathy Neer was raised in a home filled with love and the aroma of homemade bread and pies. The place was always bustling with the activities of Cathy and her three siblings. A rotating cast of temporary foster children took things to a whole other level. Most of the...
Follow Tacoma-area volunteers on their year-long journey with a refugee family
About the program LCS Northwest's Circle of Welcome program allows faith and community groups to walk alongside a refugee or refugee family for one year. There are three models: Newly-Arrived, Post-Arrival, and Distant Partner. Each includes a minimum financial...
LCSNW victim advocates join fight against human trafficking
Human trafficking is a global problem that shows up in local communities. During Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January, we spoke with Abigail Dougherty, a Crime Victim Advocate in the LCSNW Spokane office, about the signs, causes and options for victims of...
Formerly homeless, she now serves others as an LCSNW housing navigator
Melanie Curtis loves her job. She didn’t think it would be such a rough road to find work that is as fulfilling as what she found at LCSNW. But today she’s happy to help others in ways that draw deeply from her personal life struggles. “I’ve been through every...
Small towns, big shoes to fill: LCSNW says farewell to two Board members
When you live in a “ville,” you tend to have a distinctly non-urban perspective -- with some exceptions, such as Nashville and Jacksonville -- that other people may overlook. Barbara Smithson and Mike Wilson brought that valuable rural frame of reference to the LCSNW...
Holiday generosity abounds: LCSNW Portland, Tri-Cities teams use different models
Families around the Pacific Northwest are finding the holidays much brighter thanks to several LCSNW programs. This year, we spotlight how our teams are helping spread cheer in two communities, using two different approaches. In the Portland area, 52 families from...
Long-time LCSNW therapist, child welfare leader is new Spokane District Director
For Shelly Hahn, there are many reasons why she’s remained more than 18 years with the Inland Northwest District of LCS Northwest, and why she’s now eager to serve as District Director. LCSNW Spokane’s top-notch reputation for care really matters to Shelly. So does...
‘This is my journey’ – Afghan immigrant will lead LCSNW’s Greater Puget Sound district
Najib Nazhat likes to use the word “journey” to describe his LCS Northwest career. It started in 2015 when Najib, an immigrant from Afghanistan, accepted a part-time case manager job with the North Puget Sound refugee health program; the next year he was elevated to...
LCSNW honors Tribal partners for their heritage and generosity
In honoring the first people of this region and acknowledging Native American Heritage Month, we turn our attention to some of the ways that our Tribal partners support Lutheran Community Services Northwest in providing health, justice and hope. Every one of our...