Search Results

Empowering People. Strengthening Community. Resources Volunteer Rentals Donate to the LNC Your donation to our capital campaign will be generously matched by lead donor, Rick Steves, thanks to a $1M community match fund. Read more about it by clicking here The excitement and support from local citizens, foundations, and corporations is inspiring. The next step is to build on this excitement and ensure that every business, community group, and individual has an opportunity to be a part of this meaningful project through partnership and financial support. You can make a difference in the lives of your neighbors and ensure that our community becomes even stronger. Now is the time to empower your neighbors to succeed through building a community that thrives from the support and partnership of its members. The opportunities and benefits from such a philanthropic venture are critical to jump-starting a multi-decade community service initiative. Your engagement in this campaign will live on for decades and will see thousands of our neighbors receive the gift of a brighter future. Email us Follow us on social media! Take a walk through the construction of the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center with Rick Steves as he spotlights the promise it holds for a stronger, more connected community. The Lynnwood Neighborhood Center (LNC) is a welcoming, multicultural, and multigenerational gathering space designed to address the critical shortage of human services in the region. Many residents in this area struggle to afford basic necessities such as food, clothing, rent, transportation, utilities, and medical care. These challenges impact not only individual well-being but also the overall health and vibrancy of the community. A collaborative effort between Trinity Lutheran Church & Schools, philanthropist Rick Steves, and Volunteers of America Western Washington, the LNC provides essential services that improve social determinants of health—leading to significantly better outcomes for the people served. By coordinating services, integrating social supports, and fostering connections, LNC is building a more equitable and accessible healthcare and social service network. The Lynnwood Neighborhood Center is designed for service integration, bringing together like-minded partners to support several high-need communities. Developed with direct input from residents, the LNC offers: Access to a Wellness Center Educational Opportunities for Children & Youth Economic Stability & Workforce Development A Stronger, More Connected Community Not just Lynnwood. The Lynnwood Neighborhood Center provides an accessible hub of services and programs to serve Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, and communities across the area. The Center also serves as a welcoming place for neighbors of all ages and backgrounds to connect with services, learn new skills, find new opportunities, and build community. Why VOAWW? Volunteers of America Western Washington has taken the lead on difficult tasks for over 127 years to help the underserved and create safe, stable, and healthy communities. VOAWW is rooted in the longstanding tradition of compassionate, holistic services and creating opportunities to serve one another, leaving a lasting impact on residents in Western Washington and across the state. What Will You Find? Behavioral health Wellness Center Early Learning Support for at-risk teens Technology Lab Adult day programs Community events & gatherings Culturally-specific programs Commercial kitchen & café Classes, trainings & workshops Who Benefits? Over 20,000 community members will be served annually, from the most vulnerable needing support to at-risk children and youth. The Center also serves as a vibrant hub where neighbors can meet, learn, and serve. Future generations will gain from the Center's role in building and sustaining safe, stable, and healthy communities. Your neighbors, Mike and Tina, have been stretched thin in recent years. Their twin girls are now in middle school, still so full of energy and now needing even more time to socialize. Tina’s dear mom Susan moved in with them after the death of her husband, and she needs a lot of care. Susan’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis means she cannot be left alone even for a short while. While they love having their house full of family, the increasingly common demands of growing children, an aging parent, and their busy careers has been a lot to handle. They are exhausted. Imagine Mike and Tina having the support they need in one location in their own backyard. They head to the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center, where they drop the girls off at the Boys and Girls Club for an afternoon of sports and hanging with friends. Susan receives socialization and care at the onsite Adult Day Program. And Mike and Tina can grab a coffee, go on a date, run some errands, or even just rest at home. The whole family is enriched and recharged. Thanks to the programs at the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center, Mike and Tina are able to get some relief just minutes away from home. Their kids are thriving, and Susan has a high quality of life. And while their lives are still busy, the extra support makes all the difference. Our Service Providers The Lynnwood Neighborhood Center is brought to you in partnership by

Dixie Behn Vice President of Infrastructure 425-212-2908

Sky Valley Haven provides emergency overnight shelter for youth 12-17 and offers daytime drop-in services like case management, homework help, activity clubs, support groups, and mental health counseling. VOAWW Home Location Get Involved Contact Us Sky Valley Haven will offer six beds of emergency overnight shelter for youth ages 12-17. During the day, the Center will provide drop-in services and programming such as case management, homework help, activity clubs, support groups, and mental health counseling. We are currently working on funding to support overnight operations and special programming. Meeting Community Needs The need for this project was identified in 2018 when the Sky Valley Youth Coalition, a program of VOAWW on the VOA Village at Sky Valley, identified that more than half of program participants experienced housing instability or homelessness. The nearest shelter for youth experiencing homelessness is in Monroe and routinely operates at capacity. This leaves Sky Valley youth with limited options to travel far outside their communities for shelter and/or stay locally in situations that are not safe. Our program will work closely with the Sultan School District, Sultan Police Department, and community service partners to identify youth in need of shelter. While participating in shelter services, youth will have access to wraparound support, including case management and access to on-site services for mental health services and referrals for health care services. Sky Valley Haven 1st Floor Plans Sky Valley Haven 2nd Floor Plans Sky Valley Haven 1st Floor Plans 1/2 Design The main floor of the Haven offers social spaces for youth including a gaming area, a large kitchen, computer room, storage lockers for shelter guests, laundry, and staff offices. The second floor includes shared bedrooms, a half-bathroom and staff office. The completed facility will be just over 3,200 square feet. Location Location 605 1st St. Sultan, WA 98294 Become a Service Partner We are still in the planning phases and interested in hearing from potential partner organizations who may be interested in providing services on- or off-site to participants. If you’re a partner agency and would like more information about supporting youth as part of our drop-in daytime services, we'd love to hear from you! Email Us about a Partnership Volunteer Volunteers will be needed once the program opens to assist with drop-in center activities, inventory, etc. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit volunteer.voaww.org or email us! Email Us about Volunteering Questions about Sky Valley Haven? Send us a message. We are committed to making this project a success for our youth, neighbors and the Sky Valley community. If you have questions or feedback about the project, please reach out to us. First Name Email Last Name Phone (optional) Message Send Thank you for your message. We will reach out to you soon! Back to Top Empowering individuals. Strengthening communities.

Jessica Moore, CFRE Vice President of Development 425-212-5320

In the Media Twin bridges in the challenging landlord-tenant relationship. Play Video Play Video Gina Breukelman, The Boeing Company Play Video Play Video Fusiontek Partner Testimonial Play Video Play Video Rick Steves LNC Hard Hat Tour Play Video Play Video Rick Steves on the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center Play Video Play Video Western Washington counties work to distribute millions in rental assistance Play Video Play Video Need for rental assistance surges in Snohomish County February 24, 2022 Snohomish County nonprofit to cut off new rental assistance applications Read More February 14, 2022 3,500 households seek rental assistance Read More November 17, 2021 Cold weather shelters open for the changing season Read More October 28, 2021 Washington nonprofit to open massive warehouse to supply food to those in need Read More October 1, 2021 Everett And Snohomish County Begin Welcoming Afghans Read More September 25, 2021 Eviction mediation program comes to Skagit County Read More September 22, 2021 Letting people know 'It's OK to not be OK' Read More August 29, 2021 ‘Letters to Myself,’ a VOA effort, aimed at suicide prevention Read More August 19, 2021 Fewer renter protections after Monday, but help is available Read More August 19, 2021 Hundreds of Arlington students receive school supplies thanks to VOAWW and local churches Read More

Brian Smith President/CEO 425-212-3928

Olga Fedorovski Vice President of Human Resources 425-212-5354

John Ng Chief Financial Officer

Nelia Viloria Executive Assistant

DONATE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT Steve Corsi, Psy. D. President/CEO Welcome, As we enter into recovery from the COVID pandemic, Volunteers of America Western Washington looks to our community for guidance on how to serve them in meaningful ways, for it is those who are in need that guide our mission and direct our purpose. When we paused to listen, we heard numerous times that the gap was closing. Hope was just around the corner. Stability was in sight. In response, our Hunger Prevention team responded by cutting the ribbon on a 60,000-sf food distribution center in Arlington supporting our food bank coalition partners in moving 5.4M pounds of food into homes where it’s needed most. Our Behavioral Health team responded by expanding to include tribal crisis services for our Indigenous friends and neighbors and began preparation to launch 988, a state-of-the art, one-stop, suicide prevention hotline. Our Early Childhood team, with their ECEAP low-income preschools and wraparound services, responded by opening 20 additional slots in an underserved area to guide young learners in a path of readiness for kindergarten and their parents toward self-sufficiency. The Housing Services team, long in hibernation, rapidly reassembled to respond to need and fully mobilized in July by expanding their team ten-fold to connect residents to $54M in rental assistance benefits. Our Dispute Resolution Centers responded by introducing the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP), facilitating tenant-landlord agreements to prevent evictions. Our senior programs, youth coalition, and community resource centers (CRCs) responded by providing individuals a safe place to be seen, heard, and taken care of. These are a few of the meaningful ways our VOAWW family has cared for, advocated for, and delivered services to over 315,000 people in Washington over the past year. I have personally witnessed people with tears running down their face as our team put boxes of food in their car who have told us, “I never thought I would have to go to a food bank,” or others who have said, “If VOA had not been there for us, my family would be homeless right now,” or, “I made the call and she talked me into staying alive one day at a time, and it’s been years now.” I am inspired by the way our staff and volunteers show up and respond each day, in ways big and small across eight very diverse service programs to create a foundation of hope where a life of stability is possible. Please join me in revisiting 2021, where I hope that you also find inspiration in the stories and achievements we are honored to share. In His service, Steve Corsi, Psy.D. Suzan Sturholm Board of Directors Chair IN PURSUIT OF STABILITY As the COVID-19 pandemic moves from global crisis to recovery, so does the physical, mental, and social health of the local communities we serve. Last year, rising vaccination rates literally opened doors to opportunities for employment, education, fellowship, and revitalizing a weary economy. Though moving in the right direction, progress is slow, and stability remains elusive for many. Volunteers of America Western Washington is devoted to supporting those in pursuit of healthy, independent lives. With 8 service areas, 483 employees, and 247 active volunteers, we carry on VOA founder Ballington Booth's mission to "go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand." We have continued to expand our services, pivot our response to areas of critical concern , and strengthen our foundation of providing for basic needs like food, shelter, wellness, education, and a sense of belonging. Here is a look back at how we answered the call for our most vulnerable neighbors in 2021. VOA opened a new 55,000 sf food distribution center in Arlington in October 2021. This expansion provided a more efficient way to move out 5.4M pounds of food to the communities we serve, representing 4.5M meals in homes where it is needed most. FOOD Housing Services mobilized in July and grew from a team of 8 to 84 housing navigators. Rapid Rehousing launched in 2021 to help households to quickly exit homelessness and return to permanent housing by supporting financial independence. HOUSING A total of 270 children were served through the Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program (ECEAP) preschool in Sultan, Monroe, and Everett. PRESCHOOL Across Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan counties, we fielded 32,342 calls for referrals to resources to provide assistance in a time of need. This amounts to more than 130 calls every business day. NORTHSOUND 2-1-1 In Arlington, we disbursed $4.85M in direct assistance to aid in housing, utilities, transportation, and childcare. The Lake Stevens Community Resource Center opened in January 2021 and provided 3,055 individuals with nearly $2.1M in subsidies. In Sky Valley, more than $1 million in direct assistance and 276,152 pounds of food were distributed. COMMUNITY RESOURCES East Snohomish County hosted two cold weather shelters for nights when the temperature fell to 3 4º or below. Safe haven was given to 81 individuals in Monroe and 63 in Snohomish. A total of 909 bed nights were provided during the season. Maud's House emergency shelter housed 21 mothers and 27 children. SHELTER Last year, in partnership with the City of Everett, VOA took over the operations for the Carl Gipson Center on a 14-year lease that will connect seniors and community members to social interaction and physical fitness. In Sultan, the Sky Valley Elderly Nutrition Delivery (S.E.N.D.) program provided 42 homebound seniors with 14,452 prepared meals delivered to their door, all year long. LIVING WELL Total chats received from imhurting.org, our 24-hour crisis chat support, exceeded 12,000 last year. This is in addition to the 105,24 1 calls that were made to across four staffed crisis lines. The Washington Indian Behavioral Health Hub was launched, serving as a central access point for those affiliated with the Native American and Alaskan Native Communities, from helping navigate Joel's law to providing culturally appropriate resources to overcome barriers to assistance. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH VOA operated 31 houses to provide in-home care to 92 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Direct Service Professionals spent 428,900 hours to help clients develop skills for healthy, meaningful lives. PERSONAL SUPPORT DISPUTE RESOLUTION CENTERS LEAD THE WAY COVID-19 changed the way of life for so many. Suddenly, the guarantee of a job turned to uncertainty. A sense of home and safety began to crumble without access to reliable income. In 2021, the pandemic was clinging to its second year, and as eviction moratorium protections began expiring, The State of Washington recognized that gaps remained. To help families avoid homelessness and bankruptcy, state lawmakers looked to impartial mediators to help bridge the financial divide before eviction cases made their way to court and launched the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP). Volunteers of America Western Washington's Dispute Resolution Center was founded in 1982 as the Rental Housing Mediation Service. In 1986, it became the first dispute resolution center in the State of Washington. Uniquely qualified for this large-scale endeavor with more than 30 years of preparation behind us, we rolled out the ERPP program in July 2021 and became the first of its kind in the nation. And, because participation in the ERPP is voluntary, free, and confidential, it empowers renters who need support to champion their independence and take ownership of their future. Likewise, landlords experiencing ongoing challenges could also seek help, avoiding an uncertain fate. every number is a home in need of hope. 1,118 individuals directly served 97.2% tenancies sustained 716 settlements reached 30.37% living 300% or more below federal poverty level Combined with this program, Housing Navigators connected 6,566 households to $57.1M in rental assistance. Housing Services and the Dispute Resolution Centers worked together to provide a path to hope and stability in a time of critical need. From scaling up a team ten-fold to rolling out the nation's first-ever program to prevent an eviction crisis, Volunteers of America Western Washington paved a way through unpredictability for thousands who had nowhere else to turn. "Stability is peace that flows from the knowledge that tomorrow will not be desperate or trying. From early childhood to old age, VOAWW reminds people that stability is just ahead." - Aaron O., Development Team Edelia Edelia Mendoza* (not pictured) is a single mom. A college student pursuing a nursing degree. An immigrant. A survivor of domestic abuse. Edelia Mendoza is persistent. In 2020, a new job at Boeing as an electrician suddenly evaporated. “In June, there were rumors of layoffs because of COVID,” she remembers. “It was in order of seniority, and I was one of the newest employees, so they let me go.” That was in July. By September, she was falling behind on rent. Unemployment benefits were not enough to support herself and her son Mateo. “I was visiting the food banks to get meat and vegetables, so I could cook. But there’s still the car, phone, rent, insurance, and everything else that needs to be paid.” And the need was dire. Edelia faithfully made rent payments of what she could afford, but the partial amounts couldn’t prevent the balance from ballooning to more than $13,000 as the pandemic continued into its second year. Luckily, the staff at the HNN Communities property where Edelia lived were compassionate and knowledgeable about residents in similar circumstances. They helped her connect to Volunteers of America through 2-1-1. She worked closely with her housing navigator and learned she qualified for rental assistance, giving her the freedom to stay enrolled in school while being at home to care for Mateo as he attended school remotely. Edelia is now caught up on her rent. She is still in school and looks forward to a career as an RN. A career with a future, “so this doesn’t happen again.” Meanwhile, she drives for Uber part-time and was just offered her job back by Boeing. The other side of stability is in sight, and VOA was there to fill in the gaps to reach it. *All names have been changed to protect confidentiality. FINANCIAL SUMMARY View in PDF <1% Program & Other $748,686 1.7% Private Support $1,659,774 (Individuals, Corporations, Organizations & Foundations) In-Kind $11,951,264 12% 85.6% Public Support $85,407,646 (Government Contracts & Grants) Total Support & Revenue $99,767,370 >1% Fundraising $792,802 93.9% Programs & Services $93,943,685 Promoting Self-Sufficiency $79,692,850 Fostering Independence $11,410,849 Encouraging Positive Development $2,839,986 5.3% Management / General $5,308,189 Total Expenses $100,044,676 Ellie & Dixie Ellie the potato puller. Ellie the Christmas Elf. Ellie the recipient of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for the last nine years running. Ellie Behn grew up in the halls of VOA. She has volunteered with us since the age of four, when her mom, Dixie, began work here more than twelve years ago. Dixie says that without VOA, Ellie wouldn’t love service as much as she does. Ellie admits, “Asking me my favorite part of volunteering is like asking about a favorite child. But pulling potatoes was probably the most fun I’ve had.” Then, turning to her mom, “When can we do that again?” "That day was spent pulling potatoes and chasing voles,” Dixie says with a smirk. “She had a blast.” Both have spent their lives serving others, whether as a vocation or a volunteer. Dixie’s jobs in the court system, adult probation, and emergency dispatching often saw her helping the same people time and again, most of whom were struggling with chemical dependency and mental health. After ten years, her realization that these struggles “...were really a basic needs issue. Basic needs weren’t being met. I knew I had to be in a line of work that targeted the root cause of so much suffering.” After managing a drug and alcohol treatment facility in Everett for 10 years, everything suddenly changed when the facility closed. Without an income, Dixie sought help from VOA for rent and utilities. “It was about two months in when my case manager told me they were hiring for a receptionist. It was only ten dollars an hour, but it was something. And I knew I could make a difference.” She extended that belief to her children, repeating her mantra that one hour of service can change a life. With Ellie in tow, Dixie has changed positions throughout her tenure, each with progressive responsibility. Over those years, Ellie has volunteered in myriad ways from the Stuff a Bus event to the Meaningful Day Program to an annual tradition of acting as the VOA Christmas Elf. Dixie now serves as the Director of Property Management, while Ellie is entering her Senior year of high school with sights set on the University of Washington for a degree in clinical psychology, so she can return to VOA in our crisis services. Dixie says the future of VOA is full of opportunity. “With our leadership, the amount of ideas, the expansion, we are finding more ways to help and continue to grow. Too many still don’t know who we are, but I see so much possibility to reach more outlying communities and spread the mission.” For those who ask what our organization is about, she tries to offer a concise way to describe it. “I used to say, ‘We are a social services agency that assists the community through food banks, ECEAP preschool, dispute resolution, and go on to list everything we do. Now I say, ‘Wanna know what we’re about? Come volunteer with us.’” Chimes in Ellie, “We aren’t just a food bank.” Dixie and Ellie Behn have given of their time to VOA, Lake Stevens, and other Snohomish County communities to make them better places for having served. Their story was featured as part of 2021's "I am VOA" campaign. PO Box 839 Everett, WA 98206-0839 info@voaww.org 425.259.3192 Financial data in this report are preliminary and subject to change upon audit. More detailed financial reporting available upon request.

Cory Armstrong-Hoss Executive Director, Senior Services 425-818-2785

Rick Schoentrup Executive Director, Dispute Resolution Center