RISE Northwest

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RISE Northwest

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R.I.S.E. Northwest is a nonprofit organization that aims to help grieving children. Northwest was born of a personal tragedy.

In 2004, Tracy Gyllenhammer's life turned into a spouse's worst nightmare. Without warning, she became a widow and a single mother. She was emotionally devastated: she had lost her husband; her two sons had lost their beloved father overnight. With great difficulty, yet with determination, the family began to grieve and heal. A few years later, Tracy connected with her sons' basketball coach, Joe; he had also lost his wife and was raising his three young boys alone. Tracy and Joe's love for their children, their faith, and their passion for basketball brought together two broken families and they became a blended family of seven. Their union began a new chapter for the entire family. And yet, the children continued to grieve the loss of their parents as they navigated adolescence and adulthood and reached significant life milestones. Tracy felt the pain and grief of her sons deeply, and she decided that no child should ever have to walk this path alone. Northwest was born in August 2021, out of her commitment to equip grieving children with life skills and support. Thank you for joining us on this journey.

10/10/2026

Our bet? An incredible night for an even greater cause! 🎩🌹

Thank you to ICCU for sponsoring the 3rd Annual RISE Northwest Benefit. Your generosity helps keep our mission in the race and makes a difference for children navigating life after loss.

Post time is October 24th, 2026. We hope to see you there!

For tickets and ways to get involved visit us at: https://bit.ly/RiseNWTripleCrown2026

09/29/2026

🌹 The Triple Crown of Giving

Three years. One mission. Countless lives changed.

As we celebrate the 3rd Annual Rise Northwest Benefit on October 24th, we're proud to recognize CHAS Health for making this year's Triple Crown event possible.

Your generosity helps create meaningful mentor relationships that provide hope, stability, and encouragement for children who have experienced the loss of one or both parents.

Thank you for helping make our third annual celebration one to remember.

For tickets and ways to get involved visit us at: https://bit.ly/RiseNWTripleCrown2026

09/25/2026

It takes an entire community to reach the finish line.

As we look ahead to the 3rd Annual Rise Northwest Benefit on October 24th, we're incredibly thankful for Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM Fiat of Spokane and Camp Chevrolet for their support of this year's Triple Crown celebration.

Because of sponsors like you, Rise Northwest can continue providing trusted mentors to children who have lost one or both parents, helping them build confidence, resilience, and lasting relationships.

Thank you for helping us cross the finish line together.

For tickets and ways to get involved visit us at: https://bit.ly/RiseNWTripleCrown2026

09/13/2026

As we celebrate the 3rd Annual Rise Northwest Benefit on October 24th, we're grateful for sponsors like Central Pre-Mix who are betting on hope, resilience, and brighter futures.
Your partnership helps Rise Northwest match children who have lost one or both parents with caring mentors who walk alongside them through life's journey.

Thank you for investing in something that always pays off—the future of our youth.

🌹 Here's to another winning year!

09/12/2026

Save the date. 🏇

Our Third Annual Benefit is coming Saturday, October 24 — Triple Crown style. Join us for an evening of community, celebration, and purpose, all in support of grieving kids and teens across the Inland Northwest.

Tickets and sponsorships available now at risenorthwest.org.

09/01/2026

Not sure what to say to a grieving child? Try this simple swap:

Instead of: “They're in a better place.”
Try: “I miss them too. Tell me about them.”

Instead of: “Be strong for your family.”
Try: “It's okay to feel however you feel.”

Presence beats perfect words, every time. 💚

08/28/2026

Throwback to a proud moment this year: RISE Northwest was featured by MultiCare in an article on the impact of childhood grief.

“Young children are impacted by loss in many ways,” said Karly Monteith, our Director of Program Development. “Even if a child loses a parent as a baby, they still experience grief.”

Partnerships and recognition like this help more grieving families find us. We're grateful.

Click the QR code to read the article. 💚

08/26/2026

🏇 Every champion needs a winning team.

As we celebrate the 3rd Annual Rise Northwest Benefit on October 24th, we're honoring the sponsors who make this year's Triple Crown celebration possible.

A heartfelt thank you to Vandervert Developments & Hotels for helping children who have lost one or both parents find hope, healing, and connection through the power of mentorship.

Because of your generosity, more young people have someone in their corner—today and for years to come.

🌹 Thank you for helping make our third year a winning tradition.

For tickets and ways to get involved visit us at: https://bit.ly/RiseNWTripleCrown2026

08/21/2026

You don’t need to have all the right words. Sometimes, you just need to be there.

When a child is grieving, the adults around them can make a meaningful difference simply by creating space for them to feel supported, included, and understood.

Here are a few small ways to show up:

💚 Check in regularly. A simple, “How are you doing today?” gives them an opportunity to share—without requiring them to.

💙 Listen without trying to fix it. You don’t have to make grief disappear. Listen, acknowledge their feelings, and let them know you’re there.

💛 Be patient and flexible. Grief doesn’t follow a schedule. A child may have great days, difficult days, and everything in between.

💚 Keep including them. Continue extending invitations to activities, conversations, celebrations, and everyday moments. Connection matters.

💙 Celebrate who they are. Grief is part of their story, but it isn’t their entire identity. Notice their interests, accomplishments, humor, creativity, and strengths, too.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, teacher, coach, mentor, family friend, or another trusted adult, your consistent presence can help create a safe place for a child navigating loss.

At RISE Northwest, we believe healing happens through connection. 💙

Learn more about RISING Together and our programs at RISENorthwest.org.

08/12/2026

A New School Year Can Bring New Emotions

The first day of school can bring excitement, nervousness, anticipation—and for a child who is grieving, it can also bring reminders of someone who is deeply missed.

A new teacher may not know their story. A classroom assignment about family may feel different. Seeing other parents at drop-off or attending a school event can bring unexpected emotions.

As children and teens return to school, remind them that there is no “right” way to feel. Give them space to talk, help them identify trusted adults at school, and remind them that asking for support is a sign of strength.

At RISE Northwest, we believe children shouldn’t have to navigate grief alone. Through connection, community, and compassionate support, we help young people discover that hope and grief can exist together. 💙

Here’s to a school year filled with strength, connection, friendship, and moments of hope.

Learn more about RISE Northwest and our programs at RISENorthwest.org

Address

P. O. Box 403
Colbert, WA
99005

Website

https://risenorthwest.org/

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