RISE Northwest

Home
United States
Colbert, WA
RISE Northwest

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.

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

08/04/2026

🍂 Fall Registration for RISING Together is NOW OPEN!

Grief can feel isolating—but no child should have to navigate it alone.

RISING Together is a free, 8-week support program designed for children and teens ages 5–18 who have experienced the loss of a parent or primary caregiver. Through creative activities, meaningful conversations, and peer connection, participants build resilience, healthy coping skills, and lasting friendships in a safe, supportive environment.

📅 Mondays
September 21 – November 9
🕕 6:00–7:00 PM

💙 Free to participate.

If you know a family who could benefit from this program, please share this opportunity.

👉 Register today:
www.risenorthwest.org/register

07/31/2026

🌹 The Triple Crown isn't won alone.
It takes dedication, heart, and an incredible team.

Thank you to Ferraro's Restaurant and Bar - North Spokane for providing dinner at our 3rd Annual Rise Northwest Benefit on October 24th. Sharing a meal brings our community together, and your generosity helps create an evening of connection, hope, and support for the children and families we serve.

🏇 Thank you for helping make our Triple Crown celebration a success!

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

07/07/2026

The race toward brighter futures is underway as we count down to the 3rd Annual Rise Northwest Benefit on October 24th! 🏇

A huge thank you to Cariboo Wealth Advisors for joining us as once again as title sponsor of this year's Triple Crown event. Your support helps Rise Northwest connect children who have lost one or both parents with caring mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and hope.

We couldn't make it to the finish line without you.
🌹 We'll see you in the Winner's Circle on October 24th!

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

06/25/2026

Do you have a background in accounting, finance, banking, or nonprofit financial management? We’re looking for a dedicated Treasurer to join the RISE Northwest Board of Directors.

As Treasurer, you’ll help guide the financial health and sustainability of our organization by providing oversight, supporting strategic financial decisions, and ensuring responsible stewardship of the resources that make our mission possible.

This is an opportunity to use your professional skills to create lasting change in the lives of grieving children and families throughout our community.

If you’re passionate about giving back and helping a growing nonprofit thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 To learn more or express your interest, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.risenorthwest.org.

06/09/2026

1. I still think about the person who died, even if I don’t talk about them every day.

2. Sometimes I need to talk about my feelings. Sometimes I just need someone to sit with me.

3. Big feelings can show up as anger, frustration, or silence—not just tears.

4. I don’t want people to forget the person I lost. Hearing their name can be comforting.

5. I don’t need you to have all the answers. I just need to know you’re here.

Children experience grief differently than adults, and their needs can change from day to day. One of the greatest gifts we can offer is patience, presence, and a safe space to feel.

At RISE Northwest, we believe every child deserves support, understanding, and connection as they navigate their grief journey.

Which of these surprised you most?

Address

P. O. Box 403
Colbert, WA
99005

Website

https://risenorthwest.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when RISE Northwest posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to RISE Northwest:

Want your organization to be the top-listed Non Profit Organization in Colbert?