Gathering for Good

In this episode of Gathering for Good, host Geneva Johns talks with Katie Tolley, Director of Advancement and Marketing at Maddie’s Place, a one-of-a-kind pediatric transitional care nursery in Spokane. Maddie’s Place provides specialized care for infants exposed to substances before birth and partners with parents to support recovery, bonding, and long-term family stability.Katie shares the story behind Maddie’s Place, its unique non-pharmacologic care model, and how it fills the critical gap between hospital NICUs and home life. They discuss the impact of the fentanyl crisis, research showing Spokane’s neonatal withdrawal rates far exceed the national average, and outcomes proving that keeping babies and parents together can transform lives.Listeners will also learn how Maddie’s Place empowers families with housing, skill-building, peer support, and community connection, while offering meaningful volunteer opportunities—from baby cuddling to teaching practical skills.This heartwarming episode highlights the profound ripple effect of compassionate, trauma-informed care, and the ways our community can support families on their journey to health, stability, and hope.

In this episode of the Gathering for Good podcast, we sit down with Susan McDonald Osborn, the inspiring leader behind the Spokane Helpers Network. Susan shares the journey of building a community-driven organization dedicated to providing essential resources and support to those in need across Spokane. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of the Network, the importance of local collaboration, and how the Network is making a tangible impact in the lives of countless individuals.Don't miss out on the chance to support this incredible organization! Join us at the Evening of Gratitude event on October 11, where we will be hosting a donation drive for Spokane Helpers Network. Learn more about the event and how you can contribute here: bit.ly/eog-2024.To learn more about Spokane Helpers Network and support their work, visit their website at spokanehelpersnetwork.org.Interested in making a long-term impact? Become a Giving Circle Member with Women Helping Women Fund today and support ongoing initiatives that uplift our community: whwfspokane.org/donate

Join us for an inspiring and insightful episode as we sit down with Ian Sullivan, Executive Director at Odyssey Youth Movement, a dynamic organization dedicated to supporting and empowering LGBTQ+ youth locally.Tune in to hear how Odyssey Youth Movement is not just changing lives, but also fostering a future where every young person can thrive authentically and proudly. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with hope, resilience, and the power of community.

In this special episode of Gathering for Good, hosted by Women Helping Women Fund Spokane and joined by special guest, Amy Knapton Vega, we delve into the crucial topic of child abuse prevention. April marks Child Abuse Prevention Month, and what better way to honor it than by highlighting the incredible work at Vanessa Behan.Tune in to this empowering episode as we come together to champion the cause of child safety and well-being. Because when we unite in compassion and action, we create a brighter future for generations to come.Listen to Gathering for Good wherever you get your podcasts, and join the movement to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community.Learn more about Vanessa Behan at vanessabehan.org

October is Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM). Geneva and Jemma Riedel-Johnson from the YWCA Spokane talk about how the Y is making an impact and how you can take action against DV.Breaking the Cycle: A Better Man: ywcaspokane.org/dvam-better-manPathways Forward: ywcaspokane.org/digital-dvamYWCA Spokane Programs & Services: ywcaspokane.org/programs/YWCA How to Help: ywcaspokane.org/how-to-help/Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition: endtheviolencespokane.org/Stop the Silence & Purple for a Purpose: facebook.com/stopthesilencefordomesticviolenceLutheran Community Services NW: lcsnw.org/Mujeres in Action: miaspokane.org/Women Helping Women Fund: whwfspokane.org/

Thanks for listening! Here are the links we talked about in the episode.Our Girls Report: liftourgirls.orgEvening of Gratitude Registration (thank you to our event partner, STCU!): bit.ly/2023-eogSara Lomelin TED Talk: ted.com/speakers/sara_lomelinJoin the WHWF Giving Circle: whwfspokane.org/give-together