Lutheran Community Services Northwest Spokane

08/22/2026

Last week, our teams came together for our annual all-staff retreat. It was a much needed day filled with meaningful conversations, activities that help foster inclusion, a guided tour of the iconic Spokesman-Review and space to connect, learn, and reflect.

So grateful for the people who make this work meaningful every day. 💙

08/21/2026

Spokane needs advocates. Survivors need support.

Every year, members of our community experience trauma that no one should have to face alone. Our volunteer Crisis Response Advocates provide critical emotional support, information, and connection during moments that matter most.

If you've ever wanted to make a meaningful difference, this is your chance.

Join a legacy of advocacy that has been serving survivors in Spokane for more than 50 years. Register and see upcoming training schedules at bit.ly/crisisresponseadvocate. The next training session begins October 5.

08/18/2026

Fostering can feel like a big word.
But it starts with something small.
A conversation.

If you've ever been curious, we'd love to tell you what fostering really looks like. Join us for tomorrow's information session: https://bit.ly/URMFosterCareInfoSessions

08/15/2026

Walker is supporting our recruiting efforts and is on the hunt for compassionate, dependable people to join our volunteer Crisis Response Advocates.

Our Crisis Response Advocates provide support and hope to survivors when it matters most. Volunteers have been at the heart of this work, helping ensure no one has to face a crisis alone.

Ready to make a difference in Spokane? Don't let Walker down. 🐾💛
See training schedules and sign up at bit.ly/crisisresponseadvocate

08/11/2026

This Thursday, August 13 our offices will be closed for an all-staff event. We will be open for regular business hours on Friday, August 14. 💙

08/11/2026

Fostering isn't made up of huge moments all the time.
Sometimes it's homework at the kitchen table. Grocery store trips. Family movie nights. Laughing over dinner.
It's the little things that often matter most. Curious?
Register for our next info session and learn more about fostering a refugee youth: https://bit.ly/URMFosterCareInfoSessions

08/10/2026

‼️Update to upcoming support groups — date and time change‼️
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You are not alone, and healing is possible.

Our free Coping Skills Support Group gives survivors a chance to connect with others who understand. Wherever you are in your journey, you are welcome here. 💚

Reach out to Po Popelka to learn more or to enroll: [email protected], (509) 381-4993.

08/08/2026

The need is real. The impact is real. The opportunity is real.
Our community needs more Crisis Response Advocates to help support survivors with trauma find healing.

If you are compassionate, dependable, and ready to make a difference in Spokane, we can provide the training.

Because healing starts with someone showing up. Will you?

Register and see upcoming training schedules at bit.ly/crisisresponseadvocate

08/08/2026

08/07/2026

Thank you to everyone who has reached out with concern and support for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, advocates, and programs affected by the wildfires.

In some communities, survivor advocacy programs have had to evacuate. Staff and survivors have left their homes without knowing what they'll return to.

Wildfires don't stop domestic violence or sexual assault. In fact, they can create more safety risks for survivors and their families. Some survivors might be forced to choose between returning to an abusive home or sleeping outside. Others may have to decide whether it's safe to stay in a public emergency shelter where the person who abused them or their child is also staying. Some are trying to figure out where they can safely go next.

WSCADVSA is working with our member programs, state and federal partners, and funders to help make sure survivors can continue getting the support they need. Every day, advocates are finding creative ways to keep people safe under incredibly difficult circumstances.

In the coming days, we'll share ways you can help. In the meantime, if you'd like to support organizations responding on the ground, please consider donating to:
- YWCA Spokane
- Lutheran Community Services Northwest Spokane Sexual Assault Services Program
- Rural Resources Victim Services
- MiA - Mujeres in Action

Find more Washington wildfire resources here: https://governor.wa.gov/news-media/washington-wildfire-resources

Photo by John Stember for The New York Times