Our Stories
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...
LCSNW’s new Portland-Vancouver Director crosses oceans to be here
From Egypt to New York to Turkey, Peter Vogelaar has spent the past 25 years leading client-focused, community-based refugee programs. Whether he’s in the United States or overseas, in work or in play, he says he loves to use “the gifts we’ve all been given to welcome...
Lutheran Services Florida leader soaks up LCS Northwest vibe
When you have friends and mentors in sister agencies, you’re always learning, always growing. This week, our CEO and President, David Duea, hosted a visit from his counterpart at Lutheran Services Florida, Sam Sipes. As the crow flies, a pair of American nonprofit...
