Stories of Impact
July 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…
Read MoreEssential Skills: 2021 Program Outcomes
The Essential Skills Program was developed by ZONE partners to provide the knowledge and tools necessary to apply for a job or training program. We are very pleased to celebrate the completion of our first pilot with amazing graduates! 2021 Program Outcomes The curriculum builds self-confidence through career exploration, matching aptitudes, interests, and a clear path…
Read MoreThe Gathering ZONE: Connecting people and opportunities at the Hillyard Community Campus
Residents, agencies, and leaders came together as the new construction was being completed on the Hillyard Community Campus to create a plan that builds support and opportunity for everyone that gathers here. Our efforts and early successes are ensuring that preschoolers, families with school-aged children, seniors in the community…and you, are all welcome here. Watch…
Read MoreJack 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…
Read More