During a pandemic, much of the focus shifts to cities with denser populations, but smaller communities also suffer in ways that are unique from their larger counterparts. During a national food shortage, food access can be especially tenuous in remote locations. With a population of just 94, White Bird, Idaho is one of dozens of […]
Idaho Foodbank: Feeding North Idaho Read More »
The stress and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has left many in need of mental health support. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Far North seeks to raise awareness about mental health needs and to support those in Bonner and Boundary counties who find their lives disrupted by mental health challenges. A $5,000 grant
NAMI Far North: Addressing the Mental Health Crisis Read More »
In a city where university students are critical to the economy and rental properties constitute 65% of total housing, the pandemic quickly created an affordable housing crisis for many Pullman residents. Thanks to a $10,000 COVID-19 Response and Recovery grant from Innovia, the Community Action Center was able to support a Housing Solutions Program that
Community Action Center: Shelter in the Storm Read More »
The Carl Maxey Center in Spokane bridges a vital gap in connecting Spokane’s African American community to critically needed resources. A $20,000 grant to The Carl Maxey Center in Spokane supported their efforts to create a safety net to keep our businesses from losing ground and to develop a bridge to get us through the
Carl Maxey Center: Bridging Divides Read More »
Quality service is service with a smile. This foundational principle of the restaurant and hospitality industry has become increasingly difficult to uphold for the thousands of workers facing COVID-fueled job cuts and health worries. As a former chef in the restaurant industry and the current Spokane director for Big Table, Chris Dietz knows the pressure workers face all too well: “If that smile goes away, so does the money. It’s
Big Table Responds to Pandemic Needs Read More »
The Ray & Joan Kroc Center in Coeur d’Alene adheres to the mission of founder Joan Kroc. She entrusted The Salvation Army with $90 million to build the first Kroc Center in San Diego in 2002, and there are now 26 centers across the country built on her eventual $1.5 billion investment. Joan envisioned that
The Zone Project is an initiative focused on safe and nurtured kids, thriving families, and connected schools and neighborhoods in northeast Spokane. In partnership with The Zone Project, Innovia Foundation received a three-year investment from the Ballmer Group to support expanded learning opportunities in northeast Spokane. The goal of The Zone Project Expanded Learning Program
The Wallace District Mining Museum is vital to the local history of North Idaho. Since 1956, the museum has told the story of the Coeur d’Alene Mining District and Silver Valley. The museum educates and entertains visitors with exhibits, documents and dedicated staff who explain the area’s unique heritage and history of mining. The museum
Maggie Nelson has always been a hard worker, but she felt like her goals were just out of reach due to the constraints of her situation. “Growing up in a small farming community, I felt that I was at odds to finish a four-year degree and compete at NCAA Division 1 for track and field,”
Local scholarship helps EWU student achieve in the classroom and on the field Read More »
Spokane County has the highest rates of domestic violence in the state of Washington. The Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition has fought this phenomenon since the early 1990s, partnering with community agencies and thoughtful citizens from a variety of sectors. The coalition strives to educate the public and catalyze a communal effort against domestic violence,
Coalition develops fund to address domestic violence rates in Spokane County Read More »
