Every year nonprofit leaders from across Washington come together in Olympia for the Annual Nonprofit Legislative Reception. They often meet with their legislators earlier in the day and then gather at the Governor’s Mansion to mingle with elected officials, connect with peers from across the state, and celebrate the accomplishments of nonprofits. The refreshments are excellent and the company even better.
We asked three Washington Nonprofits members at the reception this year to tell us what they want their legislators and community to know about their mission. Here are their mini-member spotlights!
The Pierce County AIDS Foundation, through education and service, prevents HIV infection, assists persons affected by HIV/AIDS, addresses related health problems, and combats associated stigma and discrimination. In their 30 year history, over 2,700 people diagnosed with HIV/AIDS have come to the organization seeking services and thousands more have been reached through prevention messaging and outreach. Erick Seelbach is the Executive Director and also serves on the board of Washington Nonprofits. Located in Tacoma, WA, the Pierce County AIDS Foundation has been a Washington Nonprofits member since 2016.
2-1-1 is a free confidential community service and your one-stop connection to the local services you need, from utility assistance, food, housing, health, child care, after school programs, elder care, crisis intervention and much more. Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Washington State and you will reach a highly-trained information and referral specialist who will assess your needs and provide a list of referrals to available resources in your community. Washington 211 has a database of over 27,000 resources to help you find the right services. Teresa Sanchez is the 2-1-1 Mobility Manager in Yakima, WA. Washington 2-1-1 serves the state of Washington. They have been a Washington Nonprofits member since 2019.
In 2005, while constructing a road on a hillside overlooking the Wenas Valley, the left front leg (Humerus) bone of a mammoth was uncovered. The Wenas Mammoth is unusual because it is well preserved, at an elevation well above the Missoula Flood deposits. The mission of the Wenas Mammoth Foundation is to promote, preserve and utilize the Central Washington State dig site and its natural science and history to inspire the pursuit of educational opportunities throughout Washington State. Bronwyn and Douglas Mayo discovered the mammoth and founded the Wenas Mammoth Foundation. They have been a Washington Nonprofits member since 2018.
Thank you to Erick, Terri, and Bronwyn for sharing your stories!