February 2010 Interfaith Connection Newsletter, Interfaith Works

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 INTERFAITH CONNECTION Published Monthly by Interfaith Works, P .O. Bo x 1221, Olympia, WA 98507 [email protected] (360) 357-7224 www.Interfaith-Works.org Interfaith Works is an association of congregations, affiliated  non-profit organizations and individuals. Our purpose is to  promote interfaith understanding, and serve the community through charitable, social and educational endeavors. FEBRUARY 2010 CRISIS CLINIC LETTER TO FAITH COMMUNITIES The Crisis Clinic is a long-standing and valuable community resource that has been powered by the community for 38 years. Having re-established the Clinic as an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation in 2009, we are beginning a new chapter in our organization and are seeking to re-establish connections. The Clinic strengthens our community through training, by diffusing crises, and by reducing the load on emergency services. The Clinic occupies a unique niche within the local health and social ser- vices. Located at the hub of the service wheel, we are a 24/7 anonymous and confidential crisis inter- vention and service-referral phone service staffed by highly trained community volunteers. Founded in 1972, we have been here every hour of  every day since then. But it hasn’t been easy. For  instance, back in 1983 the local faith community came together to financially rescue the Crisis Clinic during a particularly tight time. At that time we had hoped to maintain a close relationship between the Clinic and the faith community. But alas, we dropped the ball and since that time the Crisis Clinic has gone through ups and downs. Around 2000 Behavioral Health Resources (BHR) came forward to absorb and protect us. Unfortu- nately the financial crash of 2008 tore funding from BHR. In order to survive, BHR had to terminate several services - the Clinic was one of those. In late 2008 a group of concerned citizens banded together to try to rescue the crisis service for the counties. After study and consultation with local governments and support services, the group real- ized that they all wished they could help but none could take over operating the Clinic. With support from other agencies, we determined that keeping the Clinic operating might work if we got enough local private support. So we decided to go it alone and reincorporate the Crisis Clinic as a stand alone nonprofit corporation. The group later formed a new Board of Directors and re-incorporated the Clinic. The Clinic currently has one regular full-time staff  person and two AmeriCorps members, funded with current contracts and our current level of donations. To be a sustainable Clinic, we need a second full time staff person, additional contracts and grants, and to grow our donor base. We currently have funds on-hand to operate through the first quarter  of 2010. The Crisis Clinic is a volunteer-powered, not-for- profit agency. We are funded by memberships, (Continued on page 2)

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INTERFAITH CONNECTION 

Published Monthly by Interfaith Works, P.O. Box 1221, Olympia, WA [email protected] (360) 357-7224 www.Interfaith-Works.org

Interfaith Works is an association of congregations, affiliated  non-profit organizations and individuals. Our purpose is to  promote interfaith understanding, and serve the community through 

charitable, social and educational endeavors.FEBRUARY 2010

CRISIS CLINIC LETTER TO FAITH COMMUNITIES

The Crisis Clinic is a long-standing and valuablecommunity resource that has been powered by thecommunity for 38 years. Having re-established theClinic as an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) taxexempt corporation in 2009, we are beginning anew chapter in our organization and are seeking to

re-establish connections.The Clinic strengthens our community throughtraining, by diffusing crises, and by reducing theload on emergency services. The Clinic occupies aunique niche within the local health and social ser-vices. Located at the hub of the service wheel, weare a 24/7 anonymous and confidential crisis inter-

vention and service-referral phone service staffedby highly trained community volunteers.

Founded in 1972, we have been here every hour of every day since then. But it hasn’t been easy. For instance, back in 1983 the local faith communitycame together to financially rescue the Crisis Clinic

during a particularly tight time. At that time we hadhoped to maintain a close relationship between theClinic and the faith community. But alas, wedropped the ball and since that time the CrisisClinic has gone through ups and downs.

Around 2000 Behavioral Health Resources (BHR)came forward to absorb and protect us. Unfortu-

nately the financial crash of 2008 tore funding fromBHR. In order to survive, BHR had to terminateseveral services - the Clinic was one of those.

In late 2008 a group of concerned citizens bandedtogether to try to rescue the crisis service for thecounties. After study and consultation with local

governments and support services, the group real-ized that they all wished they could help but nonecould take over operating the Clinic. With supportfrom other agencies, we determined that keepingthe Clinic operating might work if we got enoughlocal private support. So we decided to go it aloneand reincorporate the Crisis Clinic as a stand alone

nonprofit corporation. The group later formed a newBoard of Directors and re-incorporated the Clinic.

The Clinic currently has one regular full-time staff person and two AmeriCorps members, funded withcurrent contracts and our current level of donations.To be a sustainable Clinic, we need a second full

time staff person, additional contracts and grants,and to grow our donor base. We currently havefunds on-hand to operate through the first quarter of 2010.

The Crisis Clinic is a volunteer-powered, not-for-profit agency. We are funded by memberships,

(Continued on page 2)

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REMEMBERING MARY FARRINGTON A dear friend of Interfaith Works, and an amazingperson known to many in Thurston County, MaryFarrington passed away on December 13, 2009 atthe age of 85. She had been living at Puget SoundHealth Care Center since suffering a stroke in 2003.

Mary was born in Montana where she grew up andbegan college. During World War II, Mary joined theU.S. Navy and served from 1944-1946, after which

she resumed her studies, earning her BA and MAdegrees. Her first teaching assignment was teachingEnglish in Agen, France. In 1952 she began teachingFrench, Spanish and English at Olympia HighSchool, and taught there for 31 years. Mary organ-ized many student tours and home stays in France.She loved travel and lead many other tours in China,

Russia, Australia and throughout Europe.After retiring in 1983, Mary served 15 years on theOlympia School Board and became a tireless volun-teer in numerous organizations including Salvation

Army, Dispute Resolution Center, Community YouthServices, Thurston County Humane Society,Thurston County Retired Teachers Association,Capital Playhouse and many others.

A devoted member of St. John's Episcopal Church,Mary became their delegate to Interfaith Works (thencalled Associated Ministries of Thurston County) in1988, and served in that position until the time of her 

stroke. In those 15 years she was a valuable re-source in community networking because of her tieswith so many organizations. She served on manyprogram committees, and was particularly active inrewriting Interfaith Works' Statement of Purpose andVision Statement in 1995, and again in 2002.

Mary contributed much to our community. Her strongadvocacy for youth, the underprivileged, the mentallyill and animal rights was a blessing to countless indi-viduals and families. She will long be rememberedby those who knew and worked with her.

donations, contracts and grants. We are in a two year organizational devel-opment adventure to both maintain this valuable service and stabilize itsfunding for the long term. As part of that process the new Clinic recognizesthe importance of not only building contacts throughout the community, but inmaintaining them. To that end we have set up a plan whereby Clinic volun-teers annually contact all our supporters to update them on our progress and

problems. We are also trying to rebuild our volunteer base. We need Boardmembers, financial folks, admin assistants, fundraisers, and people to main-tain our contacts with community organizations, as well as telephone volun-teers and financial backers.

To that end, through this article, we ask each faith community to consider incorporating us as a service element of your congregation. We can comeand share with your congregation personally if you wish.

Community members can contact us through our Membership Chair, DavidLazar, at [email protected] or 360-866-1680. Thank You. And remember,if you – or someone you know - needs help, we’re here at 360-586-2800.

Crisis Clinic Letter (Continued from page 1) FEB CLASSES AT

THE PRIORY

Stumbling Toward God Feb. 6

Creative & Act ive Praying:Finding God in Movement,Writing, Drawing Feb. 13

The Lenten Journey:God’s Time Feb. 19-21

Journaling as SpiritualPractice Feb. 20

Welcoming Prayer  Feb. 27

Information, costs, and regis-tration at http://stplacid.org/sched.html. (360) 438-2595,[email protected].

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR A listing of some of the activities and events of Interfaith Works members, affiliated organizations, and of general interest.

IW does not necessarily endorse these events. More details and events at www.Interfaith-Works.org.

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January 22,25

Fri. and Mon.9 am—4 pm

 Assured Hospice Volunteer and Comfort Therapist Training. For more information,

contact Therese Wenner, Volunteer & Comfort Therapy Coordinator, Assured Hospice,2102-D Carriage Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502. 360-236-9204 or [email protected].

January 24Sunday10-11 am

Invisible Victims: How Immigration Law Affects Children. Exploring the realities andmyths of the immigration debate. Speaker Rosalinda Ramos with Catholic CommunityServices International. First United Methodist Church, 1224 Legion Way SE, Olympia

January 25-29

Mon-Fri8 am—5 pm

40-Hour Professional Mediation Training with The Dispute Resolution Center. Learn pow-

erful skills you can use at home, at work, or as a DRC volunteer helping people to solve con-flicts in a healthy way. Training fee $585. Info: 956-1155, www.mediatethurston.org.

January 25Monday7-9 pm

Faith Communities Disaster Preparedness Workshop. Sponsored by Thurston CountyEmergency Management. For information contact Bill Terhune, Chaplain, South Bay Fireat 360-791-9701 or Vivian Eason, TCEM, 360-786-5243. www.co.thurston.wa.us/em/Faith

January 26Tuesdays6:30-8:00 pm

Health Care Forum Series #3: Sen. Linda Parlette & Rep. Doug Ericksen, RepublicanHealth Care leaders. Discuss local implications of national health care reform. First ChristianChurch, 701 Franklin St. SE, Olympia. Sponsored by IW and downtown congregations. Free.

January 30Saturday10 am—2 pm

Economic Survival Fair. w/ FREE Tax Service (9a-3p). Discover many resources andservices to help ease the burdens of everyday life. The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia StNW. Send questions to [email protected] or 741-2604.

February 6Saturday7:30 pm

Tom Rawson Folk Music Concert. He has a banjo and he’s not afraid to use it! A peaceand social justice concert to benefit Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation. Traditions Café,300 5th Ave SW, Olympia. Tickets sliding scale $10-25. www.olyfor.org, 491-9093.

February 10Wednesday7:00 pm

EARTH CARE SERIES #4: Getting it RIGHT in Carbon Exchanges. Economist Peter Dorman, Faculty, The Evergreen State College, speaking. Discussion follows.

Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW. Free, donations accepted 

February 16Tuesday8:30 am-3 pm

Interfaith Advocacy Day. All faith communities welcome. Interfaith worship, briefings onlegislative session and state budget, meet your legislators. $25 fee includes packet, break-fast and lunch. For more information, visit www.thewac.org, or call 206-625-9790.

February 19-20Fri-Sun

Sabeel Puget Sound Seattle Conference. “The United States, Israel and Palestine: WhatDoes Justice Require of US?”. St Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102.Info and registration at http://www.fosna.org/content/seattle-conference-february-19-20-2010

February 21Sunday12:30-3 pm

Community Café. (www.theworldcafe.com). Awakening and engaging collective wis-dom through conversations about questions that matter. Enjoy a light meal and meaningfuldialogue about immigration. Child care provided. First United Methodist Church, 1224 Le-gion Way SE. Information: Scott 943-5804, [email protected]

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Interfaith WorksPO Box 1221Olympia WA 98507

Non-Profit Org.

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Permit No. 325Olympia, WA 98501

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IW SEEKS NEW DIRECTOR

Interfaith Works Executive Director, Kathy Erland-son, will retire this spring after having served in theposition for over 9 years. The search committeeexpects to select the new Executive Director by

March 15. Applications for the half-time position arecurrently being accepted. The job announcement isposted on the Interfaith Works website,www.Interfaith-Works.org.

INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY

Tue., February 16, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.The United Churches of Olympia,

110 11th Ave SE

Join Us to L ift Every Voice All faith communities are welcome!

* Participate in interfaith worship* Briefings on legislative session and state budget

* Meet your legislators * Voice your concernsA $25 registration fee includes advocacy packet,

continental breakfast and lunch.

Information at www.thewac.org, Washington As-sociation of Churches, (206) 625-9790.

Sponsored by

Washington Association of Churches,Lutheran Public Policy Office of WA

and many other faith partners