Spring/Summer 2015 | THE LATEST NEWS AND EVENTS FROM TOGETHER CENTER

Co-founder J. Howard Finck celebrates Together Center’s 25th

Vision: Vibrant Infrastructure Helping PeopleNew Touchscreen: Thanks to a partnership of Issaquah Rotary Club and Rotary Club of Redmond, with further support of Microsoft and Puget Sound Energy, Together Center has installed a touchscreen tool in its lobby. Visitors can now select an agency and fi nd arrows directing them to the right suite or identify a particular need (healthcare for example) to see the onsite provider. Area bus routes, key phone numbers and more are now easily at hand. Thanks for partnering!

Improving the one-stop model: CEO Pam Mauk developed a panel discussion at the Nonprofi t Centers Network recent bi-national conference in Vancouver: Beyond Colocation. We are working with others to do even more, better.

Homelessness Task Force: Feel like homelessness has grown? You are not alone. Redmond Mayor John Marchione has formed a task force to look at key issues and develop short and long-term actions related to

Together Center co-founderJ. Howard Finck took little time in reminding participants in

Together Center’s 25th anniversary celebration of his passion for serving people, not entrenched systems. Current needs are signifi cant, he noted, with a troubled economy, struggling social service sector, weakened family supports and increased polarization. “Those we work with and for are fi nding the challenges daunting, and it doesn’t help when the services are fractured, competitive, and based on organization prosperity rather than the common good of those we serve.” Giving guests of our 25th anniversary celebration a front seat look at how agencies came together in the late 1980s, he noted how agency leaders created a shared model of service to meet the many needs one person may bring in seeking help. Of the founders, he noted, “Ordinary people meet great challenges out of necessity and common values, but as Warren Bennis said, unless vision is sustained by action, it quickly turns to ashes. Together Center is clearly about vision and action.”

Making a Difference

Working Together

rain Injury Alliance has returned to the Center moving into suite B-11.

BIAWA provides free services to individuals throughout

Washington whose lives are affected by Brain Injury. “Our vision is a world where Brain Injury is prevented, and every person already affected by its impact benefi ts from resources that maximize his/her quality of life.” Volunteers and staff work collaboratively to increase public awareness, support and hope through education, assistance and advocacy. Call 206-467-5800 or e-mail info@biawa.org for more.continued on page two

ur 25th anniversary celebration was an opportunity to appreciate those central to our past development

and current growth. Gathering were founding agency board members and leaders, our fi rst banker, local elected leaders, Together Center agency leaders and our new guard: ambassadors who fi lled the room with new friends. Some of us who were busy with event details in a fl urry of activity became a bit teary when able at last to pause and appreciate the

many who helped to launch what was once a very new venture. Central to our success has been the contribution made by mission driven volunteers, agencies, local cities and supportive businesses. Property was secured, key messages were spread, and hundreds of thousands of dollars were

From the CEOGathering the Mission-Driven

25th Anniversary Celebration: Thank you!

Speakers: J. Howard Finck, Debbie Wilkinson, Barbara de MicheleVideo: Sermo Digital/ Josh Amato & Matthew LundhVideo Volunteers: Katt Carlson, Joan Carufel, John Curley, Diana Moshe, Toby Nixon, Grace Reamer, Ross Marzolf, Deb SoggeMusic: Victor JanuszA/V: Matthew LundhPhotography: Nicola KingCoordinator: Ross MarzolfTable Captains: Chandra Latourelle, Hank Myers, Sondra Sciola, Paul Winterstein, Toby Nixon, Doreen Marchione, Chris Mann, Barbara de Michele, Margaret Moore, Azim Walli, Danelle Coley, Grace Reamer, Ross Marzolf, Michael Johnson, Rob Forenza, Kathleen Huckabay, Pedro Castro, Nicole Yurchak, Byron Shutz, Tom Vance, Tom Odell, Dan Vache, Pat Vache, Barbara Thompson, Joan Carufel and John RittenhouseCenterpiece Sponsors: Joan Carufel, Barbara de Michele, Kathleen Huckabay, Margaret Moore, Dr. Alan Nohr, DDS, John Rittenhouse, Allison & Isaiah Stewart, and Wendy Dean ColePresenting Sponsor:

The Cornerstone Fund: Barb de Michele introduced the Cornerstone Fund at our event. What’s a cornerstone? The cornerstone (or foundation stone) is the fi rst stone set in the construction of a foundation, important since all other stones will be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure.

“As we look ahead to the next twenty-fi ve years, with a desire to continue a legacy of caring and concern for the greater Eastside community, Together Center is also recommitting to its cornerstone...a vision of easily accessible services, available to all who need them, available when and where they are needed. Please support Together Center’s Cornerstone Fund.”

donated early on to launch an innovative organization and turn a failing strip mall into a one-stop center to help people. We are seeking now to expand on the legacy of such vital volunteers by building a larger volunteer base. Join us in the essential work of the next 25 years.

Making a Difference: continued from page one

homelessness. The group meets at Together Center. Read more at the CEO’s blog at www.togethercenter.org/blog, and follow the task force’s work at http://www.redmond.gov/Residents/HomelessnessInRedmond/task_force_on_homelessness/

Make More Happen Award: Thanks to Board Secretary Danelle Coley and her work at Omega Financial and Insurance Services, Together Center was selected as the only organization in Washington State to be part of Safeco’s celebration of local insurance agencies and their volunteer work. Together Center will receive $3,500.

CEO Pam Mauk, celebrants with Ambassador & Table Captain Byron Shutz, event guests, Past Chair Barb de Michele

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Business Sponsors & Grantmakers: Microsoft Corporation grant, event sponsorship, volunteer time & matching gifts/Jim Stanton ($13,986), The Foster Foundation ($10,000), Sermo Digital (video: $4,000 inkind), Safeco Make More Happen ($3,500), Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation ($2,500), Columbia Bank/Chris Mann ($2,500), Rainier Welding ($2,000), Sound Mental Health/David Stone ($1,000), Falco Sult/Bruce Falco ($750), Swedish-Redmond/Nicole Yurchak ($500), Magellan Architects/Pedro Castro ($500), Omega Financial/ Chris & John Storbeck ($500), Driftmier Architects/Rick Driftmier ($500), TRC Insurance/Scott Roberts ($500), Applied Capital/Rob Forenza ($500), Cashman Consulting/Judy Cashman ($250), Marriott Redmond Town Center/Amy Wilson (inkind $250), Sequoyah Electric/Dave Nichols ($200)

Cities: City of Sammamish ($2,000)

Civic Clubs/Faith Communities: Rotary Club of Redmond ($2,500), Overlake Christian Church ($1,000), Redmond Presbyterian Church ($219), Sammamish Kiwanis ($250)

Investors ($1,000 - $4,999): The Benjamin Family Fund, Margaret & Bob Moore, Don & Mary Fowler, Barb de Michele, Sam Alexander

Collaborators ($500 - $999): Nicola King, Doug Wyatt & Maureen Stone, April Stevens & Paul Bruno (in honor of Stan Stevens, John Innis, Constance & Fred Stevens), Michael Johnson, Paul & Michelle Winterstein, Teresa A. Olson, Tom & Janet Cathcart, Lesley Austin, John & Margaret Williams, Bill & Nancy Way

Partners ($250 - $499): Merdie Muller, John Spangenberg, Bill & Maggie Blackburn, Danelle Coley, Carolyn Mansfield, Byron Shutz, Marty

Thank you for your support!We are grateful for all gifts received since our last newsletter!

Steele, Dorothy Wong, Andy Pletz, Liz Marx, Anne Heartsong, John Traeger, Deana Hale, Helen Banks Routon, Angela Kennedy, Ross Marzolf, Mike Maggart, Leah Lewis, Kim Loveall Price, Tom Ehlers, Bob Keller, Kathy Huckabay, Denise Nichols, Pam Mauk & Mark Cross, Dan & Carolyn Vache, Miles Otoupal, Ava Frisinger, Ruth & Tom Odell, Norma Morris, Diane Mertens, Judy Pigott

Builders ($100 - $249): Lon Lindo, Bradford Brumfiel, Isaiah & Allison Stewart, Katie Graham, Robin Johnson, Joan Carufel, Ann Oxrieder, Sally & Tom Montgomery, Teresa Pletcher, Judy Brewer, Karen Rubin, Brett & Janae Muhlestein, David Downing, Christina Brandt, David Irons, Melani McGrath/AT&T, Jeannette Mitchell, Judy & Steve Love, Steven & Mary Ann Henderson, Sheridan Hopper, Howard Finck, Cliff Warner, Nancy Nicholas, Sam Henry, Claudia Balducci, Chandra Latourelle, Tina Butt, Scott Construction/Marv Scott, Hank Myers, Mary Lou Pauly, Stacy Goodman, Megan Hurley, Marnie Maraldo, Nathan Hartman, Linda Benson, Lauren Thomas, Penny Sweet, Toby Nixon, Dave Asher, Doreen Marchione, Jim Stanton, Richard Haines, Paula & John Matthysse, Arzu Forough, Stan Kehl, Susan Kuflik, David Fujimoto, Lisa & Bryan Callan, Chris Kelly Storbeck, Azim Walli, Galen Golay, Abbie Webb, Eric & Erin Horner, Grace Reamer, Sylvia Fuerstenberg, Gestin

Suttle Skaggs, Lori Sotelo, Jill Esau, Sheryl Hamilton, Scott Harlan, Bruce Watterson, Robert Culleeny, Edna Hurst, John Plovie, Brad & Susan Lehrer, Rob Forenza, Larry Crandall, Janice & Richard Schindler, Pedro & Juliana Castro, Abbott Construction/Ron Nelson, Tom Bordner, Prah Wahi, Siri Bliesner, Peg Hunt, Sam & Brooke Buckingham, Angela Birney, Kristina Williams, Tom Vance, David Mayer, Raymond Wong, Joan Carufel, Pat Vache, Josh Halpin, Lynn Ellis-Gray, Jan Olson, Toby Nixon, Michelle McKeag

Friends (up to $99): Kaia Fit Redmond/Patrick & Shawna Tomaselli, Theresa Chambers, Phil Parrish, Jocelyn Bakker, The Hansen Family in honor of Arianne Burnham’s birthday, Jocelyn Bakker, Patricia Hebner, Ken & Cindy Taylor, Target, Claudia Grauf-Grouds, Richard Ruhland, Linda Smedes, Glenn & Bertha Eades, GE Foundation matching gift, Alex O’Reilly, Barbara Hagel, Debra Cayz, Nicky Pat Castillo, Renee Zimmerman, Nicky Beedle, Barbara Leen, Barbara Thompson, Theresa Chambers/Recognition Works, Judith Clibborn, Leonard & Lillian Hansen, Victor Janusz, Kristin Pitt, Sondra Sciola, Thomas Sherrard, Lisa St. Antoine

As a result of Together Center’s nomination,

Microsoft was named Business of the Year at the Alliance of

Eastside Agencies Awards Luncheon. Jim Stanton has

been a tremendous partner, and Microsoft has supported

our innovative organization from our launch.

Save the Date: September 24, 4 - 6 pmWe’ll be sharing stories and celebrating our community on September 24, 4 - 6 pm on the Together Center campus. Join us!

Become an Ambassador: It’s easy! Join us for a Lunch with Leaders tour, and then come for an hour’s training over coffee with other interested volunteers. It’s fun!

Join us for Lunch with Leaders: Come take a tour of the campus and follow-up with a casual lunch with other community leaders. Ask to be added to the list, and we will share dates: info@togethercenter.org (425- 869-6699).

Together Center provides both formal and informal waysfor agency staffs to gather, including a monthly Cuppa & Cruller. Five agencies are represented in this photo.

We create access to human services,so people can find help when they need it.

T O G E T H E R … A h u n d r e d w a y s t o h e l p

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16225 NE 87th Street, Suite A-5Redmond, WA 98052

Together Center Association

A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH)Alliance of Eastside Agencies

Brain Injury Alliance of WashingtonChild Care Resources

Cultural Navigator Program - Chinese Information & Service Center

Friends of YouthHealthPoint Dental & Medical

India Association of Western Washington King County Veterans Program

Leadership EastsideLearning Disabilities Association of Washington

LWSD Transition AcademyLifeSPAN

National Alliance on Mental Illness EastsideNourishing Networks Central

Public Health Seattle & King CountySound Mental Health

Washington Autism Aliance & AdvocacyYouth Housing Connection

The centerpieces for our 25th anniversary celebration? Plastic wrapped baskets full of items requested by Together Center agencies. This trolley-full of hygiene items was delivered to support homeless youth in Friends of Youth’s overnight shelter, whose staff posed with the gift items, while Lauren

Wallace, left, picked up books and other diversions for children treated in HealthPoint’s medical clinic.

News in pictures - more inside

Together Center is proud to announce three new Board

Members: (clockwise from bottom left): Rob Forenza, Principal, Designated Broker, Applied Capital; Pedro Castro, Founder & Principal, Magellan Architects; Ross Marzolf, King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert’s office.

One of the first nonprofit centers in the nation,Together Center works collaboratively to ensure people find the

help they need. Our sustainable one-stop model is a more efficient way for agencies to operate and makes it easier for people to connect face-to-face to assisters and multiple critical programs. We provide information, advocates for special needs, and supports for language barriers. Tens of thousands of people each year receive help from 20 essential agencies, including medical

and dental care, youth shelter, counseling, housing and homelessness supports, child care, programs for the disabled, mental health services, and much more.

Board of DirectorsChandra Latourelle, Chair, The Bank of WashingtonJohn Rittenhouse, Vice Chair, Issaquah Food & Clothing BankChris Mann, Treasurer, Columbia BankDanelle Coley, Secretary, Omega Financial and Insurance ServicesHank Myers, Immediate Past Chair, Redmond City CouncilPedro Castro, Magellan ArchitectsBarbara de Michele, HealthyYouth Initiative, Issaquah Schools FoundationRob Forenza, Applied CapitalKathleen Huckabay, CPA, CFP, Samammish City CouncilRoss Marzolf, King County Council Member Kathy Lambert’s OfficeMargaret Moore, Issaquah School District, retiredGrace Reamer, TeslaJohn Spangenberg, Urban Connections

Chairs Emeriti J. Howard FinckJohn Spangenberg

Pam Mauk, CEO pamm@togethercenter.orgSondra Sciola, Operations Coordinator/Relationship Manager operations@togethercenter.org Celebrating 25 years: vision + action