Our Stories
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...
We're determined to keep vulnerable families together and help children thrive! That's why our #klamathfalls Relief Nursery Manager, Joseph Maurer, spent a day meeting with leaders at the Oregon Capitol. Relief nurseries all over the state, including ours in KFalls and #yamhillcounty, are counting on their support. Thank you, Rep. Emily McIntire (top photo, center) and State Senator Dennis Linthicum (bottom photo, center). Also thanks to Rep. Kim Wallan (not pictured). #HealthJusticeHope #parenteducation #orleg
Nine years ago Thursday, the Oso mudslide in #snohomishcounty Washington killed 43 people. Take a moment to remember through the inspiring words of Tim Ward, who lost his wife and was part of our agency's Oso Survivors Support Group. #osostrong #survivorstories #HealthJusticeHope Oso Slide Memorial
The next several weeks feature some of the holiest days of the year for Christians, Jews and Muslims. Today, after sundown, our many Muslim clients and staff enter a most meaningful month-long season. #RamadanMubarak to them and their families! #HealthJusticeHope #ramadan2023