Jack Green: The Generous and Community-Minded Owner of Green’s Fresh Market

Jack Green Jack Green is the owner of Green’s Fresh Market in the Hillyard neighborhood and has a long history in the grocery business. Some might remember Jack when he owned and operated Piccolo’s Italian Market and when he managed Cassano’s Italian Grocery store in the Chief Garry Neighborhood. As a resident and partner in…

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Rent Increases Dramatically Impacting Northeast Residents

Residents of Northeast Spokane and even some from other areas in Spokane are facing significant impacts to their housing stability as well as their mental health. A recent online survey completed by residents showed that rental rate increases vary wildly and 91% of the respondents told us they were given notice of a rental rate increase. Financial…

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Ronako Mejbon: A Partner with a Passion for Community Health

“I’m honored and grateful that I get to help my Marshallese community.”—Ronako Mejbon Ronako Mejbon has played many important roles in her life – as a daughter, a mother, a community navigator, a nursing assistant and now as a community health worker at CHAS Health partnering with The ZONE at Northeast Community Center. She has…

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Darcelina Soloria: Resident, Advocate, Mother, and ZONE Champion

Darcelina Soloria Stand for Children is one of our ZONE partners, reaching families and helping students gain the academic supports that will propel them to their best life. And representing Stand for Children in Eastern Washington is Darcelina Soloria.  She is a Northeast resident and mom to two children. When her eldest’s school was in…

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New Report Emphasizes Impact of Immigrants in Spokane’s Economy

“All families need access to equitable employment and entrepreneurial opportunities to thrive. The ZONE is committed to working with partners throughout Spokane to remove barriers and create inclusive spaces with our immigrant and refugee neighbors.”— Amber Waldref, Director, The ZONE New research from New American Economy underscores the critical role immigrants in Spokane city and…

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Efforts of The ZONE Honored by Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho

Girl Scouts Executive Director Brian Newberry presenting the Community Award to The ZONE with Amber Waldref, Director and Krysten Proszek, Expanded Learning Coordinator. We were so surprised last week to receive The Community Award from our local Girl Scouts organization! “This Council Award recognizes community groups or businesses who have supported a Service Unit or…

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Resident and teacher Whitney Bowerman asks, “What are YOU going to do?”

Whitney Bowerman Whitney Bowerman was born and raised in northeast Spokane and is proud of her neighborhood and Rogers High School, where she graduated valedictorian in 2005. So proud that she continues to live and raise her family in the neighborhood, is married to another Rogers grad, and is now a science teacher and coach…

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Gonzaga University Wolff Fellows Create Impact in The ZONE

Alexandria Campbell Ellie Hough For the past 3 years, The ZONE at Northeast Community Center has hosted Wolff Fellows from Gonzaga University—students who desire to work at local organizations focused on increasing equity and social justice. The ZONE is happy to receive a Wolff Fellow from Gonzaga University who can spend a year not only…

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