Spokane clinician’s idea blooms into therapy for young LCSNW clients
One small seedling blossomed into more than 75 plant starts in an unusual place – an LCSNW counseling office in Spokane. Clinician Ryan Marsh had the idea to offer his young clients the chance to start a plant and follow its growth. The project has brought a world of...
Childhood calling fulfilled: New LCSNW Board Member goes into full-time ministry
When people enter their 50s and advance toward their 60s, many start turning their thoughts to retirement. Not Carla Spaccarotelli. She embarked on a new education, a new career and the fulfillment of a calling she’s felt since childhood. She recently completed her...
Spokane LCSNW Mental Health Clinician savors ‘aha moments’ for child and family clients
While the pandemic affected every corner of our lives, few professions were impacted more than mental health practitioners. During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we talked with Kendall Watson, a Clinician with LCSNW in Spokane. She specializes in Sexual Assault...
From clients to caterers: LCSNW Everett resource center ‘means the world’ to this family
Faviola Vazquez Mora knows how devastating the pandemic was for many families, like hers. She also knows the resilience that’s possible with hard work and the helping hands of “angels” along the way. Now Faviola is in a position to share her resilience and gratitude....
Meet Butterfly Lane, one of many uplifting volunteers for LCSNW Santa for Seniors
Lane lives alone on the top of a tiny mountain. He built a cabin on Guemes Island in the North Puget Sound with the help of friends. A fifth-generation Native American carver made sure that Lane had a totem pole in front because the two men are as close as brothers....
Strengthening Afghan families to succeed in America is new focus area for LCSNW
Nearly 1,000 Afghan refugees were resettled by Lutheran Community Services Northwest after their country fell to the Taliban in 2021. Our teams in Tacoma and Vancouver, Washington, and Portland, Oregon, provided housing, food and other essentials, connections to...
Ramadan observances become more prevalent among LCSNW staff, clients
The early weeks of spring mark the holiest season of the year for many LCSNW staff members and clients from different faith groups. For Christians, Holy Week includes Good Friday on April 7 and Easter Sunday on April 9. For Jews, Passover this year runs from...
LCSNW clients must stay alert as COVID-19 emergency benefits and rules lapse
A couple of important changes are coming to clients and staff of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, due to the end of the national Public Health Emergency (PHE) this spring. LCSNW has lifted its masking requirements in our health care settings effective April 3,...
Helping more youth ‘reclaim’ their lives from the dark is wise use of LCSNW resources
LCSNW has made a strategic decision to keep growing a popular family support program. The WISe program – which stands for Wraparound with Intensive Services – has operated in the Tri-Cities and Spokane for several years and recently expanded to King County. WISe...
LCSNW unveils Safe Route Immigration – new name, same trusted resource
Lutheran Community Services Northwest has provided empathetic, accessible legal guidance to immigrants and refugees since 1979. This month, we are switching to a new logo, a new look, a new website and a new name for the legal services program – Safe Route...
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...