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LIFRC Community Update
June 17, 2022
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From the Executive Director
So much of our world seems out of control, as seen with the terror and immense heartache with the senseless loss from mass shootings. This reminds us of the importance of reaching out to support our neighbors, working together to create an inclusive community that welcomes all, and finding innovative solutions that support our youth. It is more urgent now than ever before.
LIFRC knows we need to do more and actively be co-conspirators. We are being proactive working alongside Voices and Visions leaders — talented BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and disability rights leaders whose events and activities are creating new pathways for us to grow stronger together.
This month we are shining the light on bright spots of wellness programs, youth leadership, and Voices and Visions efforts that are shaping a better future. As we travel on this journey, we are always grateful for your incredible generosity, huge hearts and shared vision for a more equitable community.
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—Barbara Schultheiss
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Upcoming Events & Opportunities
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Lopez Community Wellness Summer Session
Wednesdays June 22nd-July 27th from 4:30-5:45pm at Grace Church
Join us to improve your wellbeing through a free program of healthy eating, movement, mindfulness practices and connection with others. More info here.
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Indigenous Celebration
Saturday, July 9th from 12:00-4:00pm at the Lopez Community Center
Come learn about indigenous traditions and culture with Coast Salish leaders.
More info here.
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New Community Health Resource: Lyn Health
LIFRC is partnering with the San Juan County Care Coordination Network to offer the Lyn Health program at no cost to qualifying Lopezians. Lyn provides care coordination, virtual care (medical and behavioral health) and other supports to individuals with chronic illness. More info here.
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LIFRC is excited to announce that we are hiring 15 paid Junior Camp Counselors (JCCs) to assist as youth leaders during our summer day camp. This idea evolved from the initiative older campers took to show their leadership during our summer camp last year. One camper, pictured below, helped inspire the creation of this role by jumping in to read to younger campers without being asked to do so. Read more.
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This opportunity was made possible by Lauren and Jamie Stephens, who have sponsored LIFRC summer workshop interns for more than a decade and are now helping enable the new Junior Camp Counselor positions this summer. We’d also like to add our thanks to all of our generous donors and organizations who make summer camps and scholarships possible so all youth can participate.
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Welcoming Our New Food Share Manager
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 Kate Czaja is returning to the LIFRC’s team as the new Food Programs Manager. A Spring Street graduate and WWU Fairhaven College student, Kate joins the LIFRC team with an interdisciplinary background, having studied Critical Psychology, Social Work, American Cultural Studies, and Social Justice. She believes that food security is a human right and is dedicated to ensuring that all members of our community have equal access to nutritious food.
Learn more about the Food Share and other LIFRC programs for household wellbeing here. |
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Celebrating Pride with the LISD GSA
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LIFRC is a proud partner of the Lopez Island School District GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance). The LISD GSA is a student-run organization that unites LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build solidarity and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities. These talented youth leaders are also members of the Voices & Visions community leadership group. On June 3rd, the GSA organized the annual Pride Parade, a fun and fabulous procession through Lopez Village.
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GSA students led and organized the parade, which has become a yearly tradition.
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A warm and spirited crowd brightened the chilly “Junuary” day.
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Community members of all ages gathered to demonstrate their love and support.
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We caught up with Emma Hatchel, the LISD GSA’s student leader, and Trisha Elliot-Napier, one of its staff co-advisors, and asked them to tell us more about what the GSA does.
Emma:
I would describe the GSA as a safe, welcoming environment for students of all age, gender and sexual orientation. Everyone is welcome to join and be their true selves.
Our biggest project this year was hosting our Mad Hatter Tea Party. We worked so hard to put it on and everyone had so much fun doing it! We had a drag show, an auction, a fun hat contest and even a raffle prize. It was such a successful, amazing event. Definitely one for GSA history!
Click here to read the rest of our interview and see more photos of the LISD GSA's Pride Parade and Mad Hatter Tea Party.
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An update on La Cima Lopez: LIFRC was proud to receive a grant from OSPI's Building Bridges funds to renew our partnership with WA Equity Institute's Brenda Ochoa and Sergio Barrera to continue La Cima Lopez, a bilingual leadership forum supporting Lopez Latinx youth. We can't wait to share more from the student leaders in July!
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Call for Literacy Tutoring Volunteers
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In partnership with LIFRC and Lopez School, the Lopez Library is spearheading a robust and highly customized literacy tutoring program which uses the latest scientific reading best practices. The program will run for six weeks during the summer. We need your help!
Nationally younger elementary students have fallen behind in their reading and writing skills, due to virtual school during 2020 and 2021, and continued in-person absences from COVID and other illness since. As a result, many of the fundamental literacy building blocks were not mastered by students who are currently in 1st and 2nd grade. There is much lost learning to catch up on.
This is where you come in and can make a difference to a young reader! Learn how here. For more information or to sign-up to be a volunteer, contact Katy Hill, LIFRC Early Learning Manager.
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Learning and Advocacy Series
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LIFRC is fortunate to partner with North Sound ACH whose visionary leadership is helping shape our region. We recommend you check out their Advancing a Just and Inclusive Culture: Learning and Advocacy Series. We are grateful for the powerful speakers and leaders that they share with us, providing important learning opportunities for small non-profits like LIFRC.
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Show your pride and support for the Lopez community!
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