Stories - Innovia Foundation

Scholarship honors late educator by supporting Cheney High School seniors

Phil Snowdon, a beloved educator who died of cancer in 2007, will continue to shape generations of young lives through the Phil Snowdon Scholarship. The scholarship was established in his honor by his wife, Suzanne, at Northeast Washington Education Council (NEWEC). The fund provides annual distributions to NEWEC to award a Phil Snowdon Scholarship each […]

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Safe Passage acts to reduce sexual and domestic violence at North Idaho College

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One in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted during college, and only 10% of those assaults are reported. Safe Passage, a nonprofit dedicated to providing safety, education and empowerment to victims of violence, is partnering with North Idaho College (NIC) to reduce sexual and domestic violence on campus and to make

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Sandpoint conservatory offers after-school music programs to students

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The Music Conservatory of Sandpoint understands how significant music is to community and youth development. “Being successful in learning music can provide a foundation for success in a student’s other endeavors, both personal and academic,” said Karin Wedemeyer, executive director of the conservatory. A $13,500 Equinox Foundation grant from Innovia Foundation aided the conservatory in

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Couple establishes fund to benefit North Idaho charities, including camp for young cancer survivors

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Each summer, Jim and Nancy Prussack – who live near the Spokane River in Post Falls – can hear shrieks of glee echoing from Camp Journey, a neighboring summer camp for young survivors of cancer. “They have a blast. They don’t have to think about anything but having fun,” Jim said. These campers helped inspire

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Nonprofit vitalizes rural communities in the Palouse with leadership training courses

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Rural Development Initiatives (RDI) is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting rural communities in today’s challenging economy. One of RDI’s primary methods of vitalizing rural communities is its Rural Community Leadership Program, a highly interactive course that is designed for a varied set of community members. Innovia Foundation, Avista and Empire Health Foundation are the

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“Pullman has been a very good, supportive community. I want to help it stay that way.”

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Barbara and Robert Johnson arrived in Pullman in 1957 to launch Robert’s 35 years as an English professor at Washington State University (WSU). It was the start of a distinguished career and a lifelong affection for the small college town. After Robert passed away in 2013, Barbara, who also worked for WSU, wanted to create

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Kaniksu Land Trust plans 160-acre community forest

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A 2017 summer camp held by Kaniksu Land Trust (KLT) allowed disadvantaged children to play in forests and wetlands, climb trees, build shelters and have other adventures in nature. KLT’s outdoor educator Dave reluctantly told the kids that the 75 acres they were playing on would be sold that September. Many of the kids wanted

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Shelter feeds and houses Spokane’s homeless youth

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Each year, 500 teens turn to Crosswalk for a warm meal, a hot shower and refuge from the streets. For more than 32 years, the emergency youth shelter has provided life-saving and life-changing programs to address youth homelessness in Spokane. “Crosswalk is a place of hope, strength and safety for young people who would otherwise

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Film production workshop opens media-related opportunities for minorities

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In Spokane, the percentage of women and minorities working in film production is low or – in some areas – close to non-existent. Community-Minded Enterprises (CME), which owns local television station CMTV14, is committed to increasing representation for women and minorities in this field. A $25,000 Community Strategies grant from Innovia Foundation helped to fund

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Lake Pend Oreille Waterkeeper keeps local waters swimmable, fishable and drinkable

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Thousands of Bonner County residents and visitors visit Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille river to swim and fish. The lake and river also provide a source of clean water for drinking and irrigation. But the water does not stay clean on its own, especially due to water pollutants such as pesticides, wastewater and

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