GIVINGBACK
WHY WE GIVE BACK
When it’s time to make a decision, experts suggest making a pro-con list of the upsides and downsides. By looking at all the positives and negatives as objectively as possible, it often makes the choice easier, especially if there happens to be more pros than cons.
When considering giving back to your community such as offering your time, your funds, or your skills to help a nonprofit or charity, the list definitely has more positive than negatives.
In fact, the list of the reasons why giving back is a great idea can be long, and there are very few downsides.
For instance:
• It builds community bonds. When people say they want to help out a part of their community, getting involved builds trust and support.
• It promotes personal growth.
Directly communicating with your community, especially members who are disadvantaged or populations you may not see regularly, can help build empathy, gratitude, and a wiser perspective. You may also find a stronger sense of purpose when helping rather than just opening your wallet.
• It creates positive change. It’s one thing to talk about how crummy the world can be sometimes. But if you decide to step up and take a role as a volunteer, you can be part of the solution. This starts at the local level but can have larger ripples. It helps you and causes you support more effectively than waiting for outside solutions.
• It sets an example. Everyone is busy, but if your friends, colleagues, and coworkers see you making time to volunteer and help out, it could inspire them to give it a try too. Even if you’re not trying to be a role model, what you’re doing could be inspiring and lead others to look into how they can support organizations they believe in. You can even enlist loved ones who may not know how to get started in your cause.
• It builds connections. A non-profit will welcome just about anyone willing to help and l6earn. But the experience of volunteering can also teach you skills that may be different than your current corporate skill set. This can include building relationships, making connections, teamwork, and coming together to organize projects and events.
• Better well-being. All sorts of studies show that people who give back have lower stress, better mental health, and maybe even longer lifespans. It makes you feel good and feel connected.
• It helps the charity. Many non-profits have tight budgets, which is a good thing and shows fiscal responsibility. So volunteers who offer to donate their time frees up funds which can be used for other needs, rather than payroll.
This section includes a collection of regional non-profits and other community charities that always need support. At the same time, they also provide needed support to our friends and neighbors.
If you’d like to get involved, there are literally hundreds of community charities that need help in the Inland Northwest.
“There is always a way out.”
– Debra, formerly homeless addict
If I could speak to myself back when I was in my addiction, I’d say, “Don’t give up on yourself. Even though you don’t think you can change, you can.”
My upbringing was rough. People always said I was so ugly I’d die alone. At 17, I decided I wanted a man in my life and was willing to take what I could get, so I put an ad in the paper and met this 45-year-old man. He started buying me alcohol which became my first addiction.
Things went from bad to worse. In a few short years, I became like every single human I’d ever judged. I was homeless, addicted to meth, and I started doing things I’ll regret the rest of my life.
Eventually, I decided I’d had enough of the street life. I tried some outpatient programs, but I kept relapsing, so in 2019, I went to Union Gospel Mission for their 18-month LIFE Recovery program.
The program helped me define who I really wanted to be and gave me steps to become that person.
What I want to say to anyone feeling stuck is that, “There is always a way out. Just take the first step and reach out to someone or a program that can help you. Help really is out there.”
Holy Cross Funeral and Cemetery Services, long known for its three beautiful cemeteries: Holy Cross, St. Joseph, and Queen of Peace, now includes the new state-of-the-art Holy Cross Funeral Home located at 7111 N. Division Street, a nonprofit facility and haven of comfort for families. The funeral home offers comprehensive services, including on-site cremation and preparation, ensuring that all aspects of the funeral process are handled with care and respect. Built on consecrated ground, Holy Cross is more than a funeral home: it’s a sacred place. In 2024, Holy Cross Funeral and Cemetery Services was selected winner of the Washington State Cemetery of the Year Award at the Washington State Death Professionals Convention. The winner of this prestigious award is chosen from all cemeteries, nonprofit or for profit, in the state in appreciation and recognition of outstanding service, and exceptional contributions and commitment to the funeral service profession.
“Don’t give up on yourself. Help really is out there.”
– Debra, formerly homeless addict
At UGM, Debra broke the cycle of addiction and built a new life for herself and her daughter.
Support a pathway out of homelessness.
Hospice of Spokane has been providing support since 1977
Hospice of Spokane is our community’s longstanding nonprofit hospice, serving patients and their families in Spokane, Stevens, Ferry and Pend Orielle counties. Formed in 1977 by a visionary group of community volunteers, Hospice of Spokane became the 12th oldest hospice in the United States. Our comprehensive knowledge, reputation and trust of the community came from decades of experience and dedication to providing the highest quality care. Using a holistic approach to endof-life care, hospice addresses the medical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs of patients with terminal illness, along with support to their families. Hospice of Spokane cares for anyone, of any age, with any terminal condition. Patientcentered care is provided by a team of physicians, nurses, nurse aides, social workers, chaplains, volunteers and bereavement counselors. From delivering specialized care right in the
home to in-patient care at our hospice house, we are here for our patients and their families.
We feel it is a privilege to be with patients and families on their end-oflife journey. Thank you for putting your trust in Hospice of Spokane, for volunteering with us, for the many donations in support of our work, and for partnering with us in our service to others. Thank you for choosing Hospice of Spokane as your hospice care provider.
For more information about Hospice of Spokane services or volunteering with us, please call (509) 456-0438 or contact us by email at info@hospiceofspokane.org.
For 14 years, the U-District Mentoring program has matched committed, caring adults with vulnerable children in our community. This results in lasting positive relationships that act as a catalyst for hopeful futures. Our dedicated approach has successfully matched over 120 mentors and mentees, creating meaningful partnerships throughout our community. What sets us apart is our comprehensive mentoring model, offering both community-based and school-based options to meet diverse needs. Working primarily with Title I schools and at-risk youth, we maintain no waitlist. Instead, we match intentionally based on interests, personalities, and life experiences, which serve as groundwork for solid relationships. Through one-on-one partnerships, we witness remarkable transformations as mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and stability. These relationships become strong foundations, helping children build confidence, develop life skills, and envision brighter futures. Help us ensure no child walks alone. Become a mentor or donor today! Visit https://udistrictpt.com/foundation/
“EVERY DAY WE HAVE THE HONOR OF PROVIDING DIGNITY, RESPECT AND COMPASSION TO YOUR LOVED ONE. THAT’S WORK WORTH DOING.”
–Kelli Stangel, RN, BSN, CHPN, Director of Nursing
Our community’s longstanding nonprofit hospice, serving patients and their families since 1977. 509.456.0438 | hospiceofspokane.org
CCEW staff and volunteers have a heart for helping the least among us, and that’s why we passionately work to Feed the Hungry, Heal the Hurting and Welcome the Stranger through our 15 comprehensive programs.
From Food for All and Senior Services, to St. Margaret’s Shelter and PREPARES, our programs serve the most vulnerable community members. Along the way, we incorporate our core values of Compassion, Collaboration, Respect, and Justice as we interact with individuals and families who need a friendly hand.
Rooted in this difficult, yet inspiring work is our legacy of meeting all people where they are, regardless of their religious affiliation. Throughout Eastern Washington, this mission-driven effort allows us to build a foundation of stability, health and hope.
Please consider assisting us by volunteering or donating to our mission.
Visit www.cceasternwa.org to learn more.
CAUSE CONNECTION COMMUNITY
The YMCA: A Legacy of Belonging Since 1884. For more than 140 years, the YMCA has been at the heart of Spokane. Since 1884, through wars, pandemics, and times of uncertainty, the Y has remained a place where people can find safety, connection, and hope.
The Y isn’t just a building—it’s a community. It’s where neighbors come together, differences are embraced, and friendships are built. In moments of division, the YMCA has always stood as a place of unity, where every story matters, and where compassion and inclusion light the way forward.
You can feel that spirit every day—
• In the laughter that fills a group fitness class.
• In the encouragement passed between mentors and young people.
• In the conversations sparked during community gatherings.
The Y is where we discover our common ground and remember that we’re stronger together. Thanks to the generosity of neighbors like you, every year the YMCA:
• Serves more than 500,000 meals and snacks to children, helping fight food insecurity.
• Teaches 1,500+ kids lifesaving swim skills through our Safety Around Water program.
• Provides $2.5 million in membership support so seniors on fixed incomes can stay active and connected.
• Gives 5,000 youth athletes the chance to learn teamwork and sportsmanship in our leagues and clinics.
• Welcomes 900 kids to summer camp, offering growth, adventure, and friendship while parents are at work.
• Cares for 800+ children after school, giving them a safe and enriching place to learn and grow.
• Prepares 200+ preschoolers for kindergarten with hands-on, social-emotional learning.
At the Y, no one is turned away because of financial hardship. Our promise is simple: everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. With your support, we can continue to open doors, strengthen families, and create a community where all belong.
Scan the QR code to contribute Together, let’s create a brighter future for all!