July 2022 Catholic Charities Newsletter |
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This Mission Moment is brought to you by the
Family Services Center
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Thanks to the daily donations from our incredible Spokane community, we were able to once again host a "pop-up shop" that included items such as clothing, blankets, toiletries, and various household goods. Many of our program directors, on behalf of those currently utilizing our services, stopped by the Family Services Center on Thursday, June 23, and gathered together much-needed essentials for their clients in need. Thank you to everyone who set up this amazing event and to everyone who shopped for their clients. |
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Send your Mission Moments to Communications with the subject line: Mission Moment for submission in an upcoming newsletter. |
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This month's WOW Award Winner is
STEVEN FISCHER, Data Services Specialist, IT
Steven's nominator said:
"Steven is a real partner when working on projects across multiple departments. He is prompt, kind, and communicative. He is always quick to help and does a great job making sure everyone is on the same page. We need more Stevens in the world!"
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Would you like to recognize a Catholic Charities staff member for going above and beyond? Complete a WOW Nomination Form and if chosen, the staff member will receive a $25 gift card and will be featured in an upcoming newsletter. Gift cards will be e-mailed once the recipient emails [email protected]!
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The warmest of hellos to you from the newly assembled desk of your newly appointed champion of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion! You may have heard me, more than seen me, these past few weeks hammering together furniture for my office and possibly mumbling something best left unsaid, after breaking my nails while using an Allen wrench (how does that even happen?!). I'd like to thank Will Foster-Dow, who graciously took a day to help me assemble the aforementioned desk and Revel Nail, the dip powder nail kit that I learned how to use during COVID, which continues to save my nails when I dig in the garden and use tools. All construction projects aside, I'm feeling settled and beginning to fill some empty wall space with things that create my version of a warm and productive office space -- stop by for some M.C. Hammer needlepoint inspiration, to borrow a book, or to meet Luke Frywalker and Han Spud-Lo (seriously, they're worth the pop-in)!
This first month has been fulfilling to say the least. Casting an early vision of goals to achieve during my first 90 days at CCEW has provided structure and focus. When we think about Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, let's say it out loud together -- it's overwhelming. The nature of this work and the subject matter of this work means full steam ahead on railroad tracks that you're laying down while being chased by the train. This is all done while also remembering that this field will constantly be changing and morphing. My message to us all though: let's not allow the sense of urgency to create "all the J.E.D.I. things" be a false battle-cry that produces ineffective results.
As we begin to write CCEW's story through a J.E.D.I. lens, I am humbled. The team members I've met, the history I'm hearing, the support I feel, and the questions and conversations that are starting are all telling me that this role, this work, this lens, has been held carefully in the hearts of our collective being as an agency. What a welcome. To hear support is one thing, but to feel it…talk about impactful.
In these first 30+ days, much has been accomplished and started. Here is a quick list of projects that have been started and communication pieces that have been sent:
- Juneteenth - An encouragement and teachable moment piece was sent to all employees the week of June 13th, in honor of this newly appointed federal holiday, back in 2021. Additionally, Human Resources announced Juneteenth as an additional holiday recognized by CCEW, effective 2023, in an all-employee email on June 20th.
- Community Reflection - After the arrest of 31 white nationalists at the Coeur d'Alene PRIDE celebration, a reflection piece and message from myself and Scott Cooper was sent to all employees from Susan Foster-Dow. We encourage you to continue to let love be the reflection in all that you do.
- HR Partnership - Human Resources has been an amazing partner, bringing forth opportunities to collaborate on important documents including the new Employee Handbook, Application for Employment, and revamp to the general Job Description template used for recruitment. We are busily crafting versions of these that not only meet the needs of the agency but speak the language of inclusivity and representation.
- Establishing presence - In addition to internal program relationship building, it has been exciting to represent CCEW in various community and state level J.E.D.I. based webinars and sessions. At the state level, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) has launched a Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Team, dedicated to ensuring that DCYF is an anti-racist organization and I've also learned about how national corporations, such as Bank of America, are lending their expertise in identifying opportunities to bring forth racial equity. Additionally, it has been eye-opening to learn about legislation being brought forth in various state legislatures that would prohibit language and support services being provided to the LGBTQIA2S+ community, specifically targeting transgender folks.
- Learning - Last, but certainly not least, it has been a joy to learn about CCEW and to begin to forge relationships with teammates! This may seem like a natural "thing" you do when you start a new job; however, in this role, relationship building and learning about the culture of our environment is a crucial piece of the puzzle. As we continue to get to know each other, we'll begin to learn about the opportunities that lie within our agency to strengthen us and lead toward prosperous growth!
Looking ahead, I hope to be connecting with more of you and to start launching additional pieces of communication and interactive opportunities for everyone to provide feedback and information. It is thrilling to be surrounded by a group so warm and welcoming -- and I can't wait to see what we accomplish, together!
With gratitude,
~Aimee Brayman
Director of J.E.D.I. - Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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- The Annual Report is out! Check it out here.
- New benefits rolled out on July 1! Make sure to read through the new employee handbook and sign the acknowledgment page to be entered to win awesome prizes! Check your email for specific information on prizes!
- Save the Date! Staff Appreciation Party coming 9/8! More information below!
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Farmers market season is here! FFA, KERNEL, Snap Market Match and Senior voucher programs are available at these locations.
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Did you catch the op-ed written by CCEW, GU, Prep and St. Al's? Read it here.
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Check out this awesome video here, highlighted at the Gala on May 13, 2022.
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The Spokane Indians Baseball team is offering CCEW employees game tickets at a discounted rate for several games during the 2022 baseball season. Click here to purchase!
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Interested in learning more about the organization? View our newsletters that are sent to the public.
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Save the Date for the 2022 Staff Appreciation Party! Details below!
Northern Quest Resort and Casino
Thursday, September 8th | 6pm-9pm
Plus ones will be welcome and RSVPS will open beginning of August! There will be food, entertainment, and special prizes!
Room discounts will be available for $139/night plus taxes/fees. Please call 877-871-6772 and ask for the Catholic Charities Event Discount for September 8th!
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AVADE Training is now available! Learn more here.
- HR has a new website on the employee portal! Check it out by scrolling down to the bottom of our website and click the employee portal. Please register using your CCEW email.
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Have a question about your benefits? Get to know your HR resource team here.
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We have a lot of open positions and are looking for great people! Do you know someone who would be a good fit? Recommend a new hire and at six months, receive $100! Current job openings can be found here.
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The Holiday Calendar for 2023 is out! Juneteenth was an added holiday to the 2023 schedule. Check it out here. Click here to see the 2022 CCEW holiday schedule.
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Kudos to Peggy Haun-McEwen, Director of Community at Gonzaga Family Haven
She goes above and beyond at work, she genuinely cares about each and every resident and the children. Is always looking for fun, helpful community activities, she has willingly helped me so much as a new hire, and is truly amazing. Gonzaga Haven wouldn't be what it is today without her. All the children in this community adore her, and all the residents and parents greatly appreciate everything she has done. She is a one of a kind!
Kudos to Ellie Toone, Program Manager, CAPA/Prepares
Ellie goes above and beyond to serve families and makes every parent and child who walks through CAPA doors feel welcome and cared for. She works in managing the Prepares program, leads small groups and classes at CAPA; including Prepared Moms and Circle of Security Parenting, and she is a great supportive team member and collaborator. She always focuses on meeting clients needs first and offers amazing parent support. Especially, as a great listener to those who need their emotional cup filled or are facing an unexpected hardship."
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Have you seen a person, group or department doing awesome work? Email communications, and we will give them KUDOS in the next newsletter.
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The DEI Committee is committed to learning more about the world around us. We would love to share that learning with you. Here are some interesting dates that occur in July that helped shape the world we live in now. Please take a few moments and look up something you didn’t know about one of these holidays and share it with a friend or colleague.
Month-long observances:
- French-American Heritage Month
- Notable DEI dates for July:
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July 1 – Canada Day (Canada)
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July 9 – Eid al-Adha (Muslim)
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July 10 – Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i)
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July 11 – World Populace Day
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July 14 – Bastille Day
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July 18 – International Nelson Mandela Day
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July 24 – Pioneer Day (Mormon)
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July 26 – National Disability Independence Day (commemorates the signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act)
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July 30 – International Day of Friendship
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July 30 – Hijri New Year (Muslim)
The Nelson Mandela International Day campaign remains rooted in the call Nelson Mandela made in 2009 to honor him by working in communities rather than by celebrating his birthday.
The global theme for 2022 is “Do what you can, with what you have, wherever you are.” The context, of course, is a world in which inequality continues to grow and in which the destructive impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed existing disparities and damaged vulnerable communities in all kinds of ways. The call to action is as broad and as inclusive as possible – identify those in need around you and do what you can to make a difference for them.
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Welcome, new
Catholic Charities
team members!
We are blessed to have so many incredible people who have made Catholic Charities their home!
Meet our newest staff members!
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This month our
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
features Jade, Youth Advocate Specialist at the Loft!
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Do you follow us on social media? It's a great time to start! Click on an icon below! |
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