Embrace Washington

Earlier this week, we had the honor of participating in the Department of Children and Families Resource Fair at Salvation Army Spokane. Through collaborative efforts with various groups and agencies, The Salvation Army contributes to the betterment of Spokane. We want to express our gratitude to everyone who participated and to Salvation Army Spokane ❤️

Thank you to Whitworth University MBA Alumni for supporting children in foster care and foster parents during Foster Care Appreciation Month.

May is National Foster Care Month. Thanks to many participating businesses, we're showing appreciation and gratitude to foster families in the Spokane area. Check out this calendar of FREE and FUN activities. Enjoy Free waffles from Travy's Waffles Plus, Free admission from Cat Tales Wildlife, Free Roller Skating, Free admission at The Garland Theater, Free day of play at Airdome Northwest, and a chance to win free tickets to Mobius Discovery Center. Please share this attached calendar of activities.

Please join us in welcoming our Embrace Washington Board member, Brian-Keith Jennings, who goes by BK. BK is the Statewide Investigation Unit Manager at the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services Developmental Disabilities Administration based out of the headquarters office in Lacey, WA. There, he leads a unit that conducts investigations into allegations of abuse/neglect of individuals with intellectual disabilities for the state of Washington. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public service administration and a master’s in business leadership from Whitworth University. He also earned an associate degree in social service from Spokane Falls. What sets BK apart is his personal experience as a foster parent. For several years, he gained invaluable insights and understanding into the needs and challenges of children in the foster care system. BK hopes to bring his experience helping kids to Embrace Washington and positively impact families and the community. “I learned children need someone who can pivot, be open-minded when challenges arise, and work towards a positive solution,” said BK. “They also need someone who can advocate for them and offer grace and understanding when the road is bumpy.” Coming from a childhood that led to his own transient lifestyle, BK has a strong understanding of the need for a ‘home’ and to develop roots and connections. “Being a Board member allows me to make a more significant impact. I want to use my understanding to make positive changes in the lives of children experiencing trauma,” said BK. His passion and dedication are evident; we are excited to see the positive changes BK will bring to Embrace Washington.

Thanks to a generous grant from Spokane Bike Swap, the Spokane Police Foundation donated and delivered new bikes for children in foster care. Thank you, Spokane Police Foundation and Spokane Bike Swap.

Cola Boyer prides herself on building relationships and community engagement. A member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, Boyer grew up on the Fort Hall reservation in southern Idaho. Her tribal heritage is essential to Cola and everything she does. She earned an undergraduate degree in race and culture from Eastern Washington University and a master's in business leadership from Whitworth University. She is the Training Program Manager for the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel. Her accolades include being recognized by the Spokane Journal of Business as one of ten Rising Star professionals in 2023. She also serves on Eastern Washington University's Alumni and the Believe in Me Foundation boards. Diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, she founded an Indigenous Peer Group to support others facing a similar challenge. Taking it further, Cola and her sister, Natika, co-host a podcast dedicated to the Indigenous MS community. They created the podcast to help amplify 'voices that often go unheard.' Cola plans to bring her wealth of experience and knowledge to Embrace Washington to support children in foster care, another group she recognizes needs a voice. "I want to help our community's children in the best way I can," said Cola. We are proud to have Cola Boyer on the Embrace Washington board and look forward to her working alongside us to serve the children in foster care in our area.

THANK YOU FOR 700 PAIRS OF NEW PAJAMAS! During the 16 Cents, 3 Shoes & 5 Socks Pajama Drive for children in foster care, 700 pairs of new pajamas were donated. Because of your generosity, hundreds of children in foster care found a new pair of pajamas under the Christmas tree. Earlier this week, Embrace Washington delivered a plaque to thank 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks and the community for showing children in foster care they are valued and loved. "Embrace Washington deeply thanks 16 Cents, 3 Shoes & 5 Socks for eight years of partnership and their crucial role in our pajama drive, raising 700 pairs of pajamas for children in foster care." Thank you, 16 Cents, 3 Shoes, & 5 Socks ❤️

Ellis, a 5-year-old boy navigating the foster care system, was once characterized by shyness and a significant lack of confidence. His world was cautious and reserved, especially regarding activities like group sports and swimming, which sparked fear due to his aversion to water. Last year, Ellis encountered a life-changing opportunity: swimming lessons at the YMCA. Despite initial hesitations, this experience became a pivotal moment for Ellis. The supportive environment at the YMCA fostered his swimming skills, confidence, and demeanor. The once daunting water became a source of joy and self-assurance for Ellis, leaving him eager for each swimming session and yearning for more time in the pool. Recognizing the profound impact of these lessons, Ellis's foster family reached out to Embrace Washington with a heartfelt plea: a family YMCA membership. This membership would enable Ellis to continue his swimming journey and provide access to other sports and activities, further nurturing his burgeoning confidence. We are delighted to share that YMCA of the Inland Northwest family memberships have become one of our most sought-after supports, reflecting their positive impact on children navigating the foster care system. Since the beginning of 2024, we have granted 30 YMCA of the Inland Northwest family memberships, each representing a story like Ellis's—a story of transformation, hope, and the invaluable support of our community. Ellis's journey exemplifies the impact of our collective efforts in shaping brighter futures for children in foster care. Join us in celebrating his remarkable progress and the countless other lives touched by Embrace Washington. To learn more about Embrace Washington or donate, please visit our website: https://www.embracewa.org/.

We are thrilled to unveil our latest initiative, the HALO program (Healthcare Assistance for Little Ones), which is dedicated to addressing the unique and varied medical needs of children in foster care across Washington state. At Embrace Washington, we understand that each child we serve comes with their own circumstances and challenges, so our HALO program is designed to be flexible and adaptable to meet their specific needs. It's important to note that every case we encounter is different and unique, reflecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the children in care. However, the underlying need remains consistent: these children require medical devices that can significantly improve their quality of life or, in some cases, even save it. Our program is intentionally broad in scope to accommodate the individual needs of each child we serve. Whether it's providing a ramp for a child who uses a wheelchair to access their home comfortably, acquiring sensory devices for a child on the autism spectrum, or installing video monitoring systems for children with complex medical conditions, our goal is to ensure that every child receives the support they need to thrive. Despite each case's individual nuances, our HALO program's overarching goal remains unchanged: to enhance the well-being and safety of children in foster care by addressing their medical needs comprehensively. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to launch this program and extend our heartfelt thanks to all our supporters who make initiatives like HALO possible. To learn more about Embrace Washington or donate, please visit our website: https://www.embracewa.org/.

After spending 1,235 days in foster care, Ethan has a forever family! Congratulations on your adoption day, Ethan ❤