Stories of Impact
ZONE Nominee Wins 2024 Chase Youth Award
Northeast Spokane did well at the Chase Youth Awards last night (April 23, 2024). Three awards went to leaders making an impact here in our community: Yasuhara Middle School student, Ester Mutano, won the Personal Achievement Award Stevens Elementary School Counselor, Fondra Magee, won the James E. Chase Adult Award The ZONE Youth Resident Steering…
Read MoreFebruary Newsletter
Celebrating Our 2023 Award Winners! On February 7, we gathered together to celebrate our 2023 Accomplishments and our award winners for all they have done. It was a great night, with many of our partners gathering together. Read more here. Resident of the Year: Shanda Blunt Agency of the Year: NEST Coalition (Lorraine Holokai) Partner…
Read MoreJene Ray Delivers TEDx Spokane Talk: Our Community’s Opportunity Cost of Unstably Housed Students
In this impactful talk, ZONE Director, Jene Ray, addresses the critical issue of housing instability among students and its profound impact on academic success. Ray explores the unseen obstacles faced by students navigating housing insecurity and presents a groundbreaking solution involving Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Ray delves into the academic consequences of housing instability, revealing…
Read MoreJuly Newsletter
There is so much good happening in The ZONE. Kids in free after school and summer programming, adults compensated to attend pre-employment courses, and households receiving ongoing support with their personal goals so that all family members can thrive. Our Resident Steering Committee has elevated needs this year directly to the State Board of Education,…
Read MoreJanuary 2023 Newsletter
Thank you for joining us to celebrate collective impact and action in NE Spokane. It was meaningful to reflect on the past 5 years of passionate visionary work fostered by Amber Waldref’s leadership, and to recognize residents and partners who have made our outcomes possible. Read More
Read MoreJene Ray’s Interview with Skils’kin
Jene Ray, Associate Director of The ZONE, recently sat down with Steve McBride of Skils’kin for an episode of their new podcast, Good Gab. They talked about challenges during the pandemic, and exciting new plans! Check out the entire interview!
Read MoreStory of Impact: Patricia Castaneda
In the two and a half years since she arrived in Spokane, Patricia Castaneda has already made herself a familiar and admired face in many different circles. She is a frequent chef at Feast World Kitchen, has been an integral staff member at World Relief, and is hard at work founding Manzanita House, a new…
Read MoreTienaya Sigmund-Godes: Inspirational Northeast Mom Receives Unsung Hero Award
There are few people who embody the strength, compassion, and drive of Tienaya Sigmund-Godes. She is a champion of Northeast Community residents with an incredible list of accomplishments in advocacy, leadership, and community-building, in addition to the time she spends raising her six children. Tienaya’s optimism, resilience, and hard work have not gone unnoticed. She…
Read MoreStory of Impact: Lori van Anrooy
Lori van Anrooy Lori van Anrooy, Program Manager and Educator with Food$ense/SNAP-ED, has many years of experience in bringing nutrition education to youth and adults in Spokane County, including in the ZONE. Lori originally found an interest in cooking in the mid-1990s, and leading cooking classes for high schoolers led her to pursue more nutrition…
Read MoreStory of Impact: Nakia Arquette
Nakia Arquette Nakia Arquette is a Program Manager with Communities in Schools of Spokane County, a partner in The ZONE. Nakia grew up in Spokane and returned after going away for college to earn her degree in Elementary Education. “Education definitely wasn’t my hyperfocus initially,” she said. “I always found myself wanting to work with…
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