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  • Planned Giving Donations | Believe in Me

    Everything You Need to Know about Planned Giving Donations What are Planned Gifts? Planned gifts are contributions that you can arrange in the present and are paid out in the future. Planned gifts may include charitable trusts, annuities, and other tools that provide a steady income to donors while they are still living. Our legacy planned gift program is built on strong relationships and provides you with support to help navigate the set-up of your planned gift. Life Income Gifts Life income gifts are unique because you can donate your assets to Believe in Me (the Foundation) now and provide yourself or others with an income stream for a period of time before the Foundation is permitted to utilize your gift. Life income gifts can be made by transferring securities, cash, or other property to Believe in Me or a trustee. The Foundation or trustee will then manage the investment of the assets and pay a scheduled income to you, your designated beneficiaries, or both. Income payments can continue for up to twenty years or the remaining life of the beneficiaries. As Chief Executive Officer, I am the person responsible for cultivating relationships with individuals who may be interested in planned giving. I work alongside our board to develop and carry out our strategic plan that includes mechanisms for potential donors to make planned gifts. My perseverance, commitment to the mission, and passion for nonprofit work is what fuels our success. I’d be happy to sit down, get to know you in person, and share more information about our planned giving program with you. If you’re interested in learning more about planned giving, let’s have lunch soon! Schedule a Lunch Julie Wukelic, MBA Chief Executive Officer Meet Our Chief Executive Officer Types of Life Income Gifts Charitable Gift Annuities With a charitable gift annuity, you make an upfront charitable donation to the Foundation in exchange for a fixed annual payment paid to you or your beneficiaries for life. Charitable Remainder Unitrusts When you form a charitable remainder unitrust, you and your designated beneficiaries will receive variable annual payments from the Foundation for life or a specified period of time. The assets remaining at the end of the term will be transferred to the Foundation for the purposes you designate. Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts Donors who create a charitable remainder annuity trust benefit from fixed annual payments for life or a specified period of time. The remaining assets at the end of the term are transferred to the Foundation for the purposes you designate. Pooled Income Funds With a pooled income fund, your donation is placed into an investment fund that operates similarly to a mutual fund. The returns from your investment are paid to you or your beneficiaries for life. Upon your death, the donation is withdrawn from the pooled income fund and used to support your designated purpose at Foundation. Other Types of Planned Gifts Charitable Lead Trusts A charitable lead trust provides annual payments to Believe in Me for a specified period of time. Once the term ends, the remaining assets will transfer to your children or other designated beneficiaries. Donor Advised Funds If you’re not sure exactly how you’d like the Foundation to use your donation, you may want to consider a donor-advised fund. These provide a way for you to establish a fund with your tax-deductible gift now and advise us later on how you’d like the funds allocated. With a donor-advised fund, at least half of the gift must be designated for the Foundation and the remainder may go to other charities of your choice. Planning Your Gift With so many options for planned giving, it can be overwhelming to decide which direction to take. We are here to support you in your planning journey and are happy to assist you with providing financial planning and legal services. We want to ensure your plan is set up according to your wishes while maximizing your future income streams and tax savings. The Believe in Me Foundation offers a few different types of life income gifts. As Development Director I oversee all of the organization's fundraising and help manage relationships with our company's financial partners. My quests include planning fundraising events, interacting with new & former donors to encourage ongoing contributions, and helping seek out opportunities for financial support through grants, sponsorships, long-term giving - qualified charitable distribution, and more. I enjoy collaborating with others on projects and use my attention to detail to help coordinate large-scale events. I also want to maintain a respectful reputation for our Believe in Me Foundation and any nonprofit we represent. After all, it is all about giving back to those kids less fortunate than ourselves. Schedule a Lunch Paul Sorensen Development Director Meet Our Development Director

  • Youth Empowerment | Believe in Me

    Love & Belonging Like a warm hug, these programs support vulnerable children who have been removed from their homes, cradling them with unyielding affection. Caregivers receive guidance to craft nurturing environments and preserve sibling bonds. Special advocates offer unwavering support, while the gentle presence of animal companions lends a hand in healing. Care packages and moments of respite stand as poignant symbols, affirming that every step of their journey is embraced with deep compassion and belonging. > Example Love & Belonging Programs FAMILY • FRIENDS • ADVOCATES Every child deserves love, inclusion, and care – our Love & Belonging Pillar of Caring fosters healthy connections and provides constant reminders that they're valued. Basic Human Needs Amidst challenging times, these programs stand as pillars of support, meeting kids' fundamental needs with essentials like food, shelter, clothing, or vital documents. They also extend emotional refuge, providing solace for intense feelings, and create a haven of comfort as they transition to new environments, offering safe havens adorned with beds, blankets, toys, and more. Through these steadfast endeavors, a message of unyielding care shines, illuminating their path during the most trying moments. > Example Basic Human Needs Programs ESSENTIALS • COMFORT • SAFETY Every kid deserves a chance to thrive, finding solace and comfort in our Basic Human Needs Programs that provide everyday essentials, emotional support, and a safe haven during challenging times. Education Program Nurturing a spirit of endless possibilities, these programs are guiding lights for kids to conquer anything, building success in education and equipping them with life skills like budgeting, cooking, and cleaning. Offering a bridge to knowledge and access to technology, they weave tutoring and career readiness into the journey. From leadership lessons to school supplies, these youth empowerment initiatives pave the way, cultivating a profound sense of brilliance and lighting a flame of hope for the future. > Example Education Programs LEARNING • EMPOWERMENT • SELF-ESTEEM Every child deserves to feel smart and rise to the challenge; our Education Program Pillar of Caring fuels their self-confidence, nurturing futures that shine with endless potential. Community Support With care and kindness, these programs are beacons of light for youth facing challenges. They offer things like comfort, transportation, or legal guidance through tough experiences like trauma, abuse, or substance use. This lifeline doesn't stop when they come of age—it's a constant source of support, guidance, and help. As they enter adulthood, they find support for living independently, obtaining an education, and embarking on careers within a steadfast, supportive community. > Example Community Support Programs HEALING • RESILIENCE • TRANSITION Every kid deserves the chance for healing and growth, and our Community Support Pillar of Caring offers unwavering support and a pathway to a brighter future. Enrichment Program Every child deserves to conquer challenges and rise regardless of their journey. In these youth empowerment programs, young heroes who've triumphed over adversity connect, share stories, make friends, and embark on adventures that light up their lives. Through diverse, enriching activities like music, theater, sports, and art, they explore passions that fuel their spirits. With mentors as guiding constellations, they chart a course toward a brighter, promising future of self-discovery and boundless growth. > Example Enrichment Programs CONNECTION • EXPLORATION • FUN Every kid deserves to soar beyond their struggles, our Enrichment Program Pillar of Charing uplifts kids by building friendships, unleashing creativity, and guiding them towards a realm of endless possibilities. Nonprofits We Support Youth Empowerment 5 Pillars of Caring Youth Empowerment Changes Lives From meeting basic needs to fostering a sense of belonging, your support creates transformative experiences for the kids who need it most. These initiatives provide everything marginalized youth need to overcome adversity and pursue their dreams. Your support cultivates life-changing connections and youth empowerment, instilling hope and confidence for the future. Let's dive a little deeper into our 5 Pillars of Caring.

  • Donate Your Expertise | Believe in Me

    Who can I give life insurance to? A beneficiary can be an individual, charity, a company or trust. If your beneficiary is an individual, they can be related to you, one of your kids, a husband or wife, a friend or or anyone else you happen to know. Charities are a common type of beneficiary as well. What value is used to determine my tax deduction if I change the ownership of my life insurance policy to a charity? The paid in cost basis of the policy or the fair market value of the policy, whichever is lower. How to gift life insurance proceeds without tax As long as your life insurance has not converted to a modified endowment contract, there will not be any tax due. Who pays tax on personal life insurance given as a gift? No one will be required to pay tax on personal life insurance given as a gift. Do colleges like receiving life insurance as charitable gifts? Yes. Other nonprofits, like Believe in Me, also enjoy the benefits of receiving life insurance proceeds as a charitable gift. Is a life insurance planned gift revocable? If you own the life insurance policy, you are able to change the beneficiary at any time. if you are changing ownership of the life insurance policy to a charity to gain the tax benefits, you will not be able to revoke your planned gift. Can you deduct life insurance premiums + gifting? You can maximize your tax savings if you make a cash donation to the charity, restricting use to making premium payments on your life insurance policy. Can a fractional part of a life insurance policy be gifted? Yes. You may gift a % or the entire policy to charity. Can you gift life insurance premium payments? Yes, but you can maximize your tax savings if you make a cash donation to the charity, restricting use to making premium payments on your life insurance policy. Learn How To Donate Your Expertise How To Become a Believe In Me Volunteer Becoming a volunteer at Believe in Me (the Foundation) is very similar to applying for a job. After reviewing the open opportunities and reviewing our policies and procedures, the next step is to submit your resume for review. Your education, work experience, and skills will be reviewed and if you match to an open volunteer position, you will be contacted via email to set up an interview. If all goes well during the interview process, you will receive an email including a link to start your Volunteer Application. Once your application is reviewed and you are selected to volunteer, you will receive an official offer including information about when your orientation will occur. The amount of time this process takes varies, depending on how quickly you respond to email correspondence, etc. It’s as simple as that! Believe in Me is a mission-oriented organization and serves a very vulnerable population: disadvantaged youth. Background checks are necessary to protect the individuals being served by our programs and to ensure we remain eligible for continued funding. Screening our prospective volunteers also helps us to protect our assets, mitigate risk, and avoid potential liability lawsuits. Requiring background checks for all our internal stakeholders is a proactive way for us to protect the important work we are doing to help kids. Why Do We Require An Application and Background Check? If your interview goes well, you will receive an email asking you to complete the Volunteer Enrollment Form, sign the waiver of liability, submit a copy of your driver’s license, and undergo a background check. Step 5: Complete Your Volunteer Application If selected for an interview, be sure to come prepared. We are looking for candidates that are aligned with our mission and vision. You may want to prepare some samples of your work to share with the CEO. Step 4: Conduct an Interview Submit Your Resume Once submitted, your resume will be reviewed by the Foundation CEO, who is an advocate for this work. If you're a good match for one of our volunteer opportunities, the CEO will reach out to schedule an interview. Step 3: Submit Your Resume Read the Policies and Procedures for Believe in Me to see if we’re a good fit. Step 2: Review the Policies and Procedures We have so many exciting volunteer opportunities to fit a range of unique and valuable skill sets. Explore some of those volunteer opportunities below. Step 1: Explore the Volunteer Opportunities Tracking Time for Our Volunteers Current volunteers, we appreciate you more than you know! Your time is valuable to us and we want to make sure we represent your commitment when presenting to our Board Members. Volunteer tracking also allows us to dream big as we strategize for the future. With that in mind, please track your hours accurately and consistently. If you have any questions about tracking, please reach out to admin@believeinme.org for assistance. Track Your Hours

  • Programs We Support | Believe in Me

    We are very proud of the programs we currently support. They align with our mission and are forever changing the lives of kids in the community. Get to Know the Awesome Programs & Charities We Support Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girs Scouts offers the experience to children in Title 1 schools, low-income rural communities, and community centers the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts for free. The organization is focused on community and sisterhood, appreciating everyone’s unique value, celebrating their differences, and supporting one another through obstacles and conflict. Girls Scout teaches girls about how best to develop and maintain healthy relationships. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. See Girl Scouts in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and North Idaho website Camp Fire Inland Northwest Camp Fire creates powerful youth experiences that change lives for the better, and these experiences are outlined in its program framework. Thrive{ology} is the primary method we use to achieve these experiences for Camp Fire youth. This approach enables youth to achieve their full potential through four components: Identifying sparks, growth mindset, goals, and reflections. Camp Fire's trained, caring adult leaders play a vital role in building developmental relationships critical to a thriving mindset. Youth need people in their lives who challenge growth, provide support, share power and expand possibilities. By providing this support and challenge, Camp Fire's leaders are foundational in building the youth's ability to thrive. See Trive{ology} in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Camp Fire website Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County The program Keystone originated as the organization adapted to meet the needs of youth during the covid pandemic. They had plans to open a new Club at that location before their capital campaign was put on hold. We pivoted and worked with the Central Valley school district to put their program in place for those youth who needed extra support with online learning. We continue working with Central Valley students in an after-school capacity. See Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore the Boys & Girls Club website Attend an event Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. To this end, Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin has 33 Site Coordinators serving students and families in 34 schools across five districts in our region. Their staff walks alongside youth daily to address the barriers they face both in and outside of school. Whether it's a lack of stable housing, an untreated mental health condition, the death or incarceration of a loved one, lack of family support related to sexuality or gender identity, the fear of deportation, a hungry belly, or multiple placements in the foster care system, or an unsafe home environment; our staff is there to listen and address the unique need(s) of every student we serve. Investing in intensive Motivational Interviewing training will undoubtedly produce improved engagement and goal outcomes for the students we serve. See Communities In Schools of Benton-Franklin in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Communities in Schools of Benton-Franklin website Attend an event Southside Christian School Southside Christian School enthusiastically provides a Christ-centered, loving environment for children to experience academic excellence and spiritual development. They hold to the belief that God is the source of all truth and that education is an exciting adventure. See Southside Christian in Action Schedule a tour of the school Explore Southside Christian School website Transitions The emphasis of all services at Transitions is to work to end poverty and homelessness for women and children in Spokane. No woman has ever been turned away due to gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ethnicity, or disability. The organization pursues this mission through the operation of Women’s Hearth, Transitional Living Center, EduCare, Miryam’s House, New Leaf Kitchen & Café, and Home Yard Cottages. See Transitions in Action Meet with the CEO to learn more Explore Transitions website Spokane Angels Spokane Angels' mission statement is to walk alongside children, youth, and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship. Believe in Me is supporting two programs: The Love Box program provides fostering families with community and holistic support. This support enables caregivers to continue to do the important and meaningful work of being foster parents. parents feel supported and children gain a greater sense of normalcy, relational permanency, and self-confidence. The second one is Dare To Dream, with the goal to walk alongside youth as they navigate through life's challenges like a new school, starting a career, following their dreams, and having the support to achieve them. See Spokane Angels Programs in Action Schedule a tour Explore Spokane Angels website Embrace Washington In 2019, CASA estimated that at least 2/3 of children entering foster care have a sibling and more than 50% of siblings are separated. The emotional power of sibling relationships is critical in maintaining a child's psychological health and well-being. Because of limited bed space in foster homes, DCYF has resorted to housing children with supervision in hotels where no foster home placement is available for siblings, the average cost of a stay was $2100 per night in 2020. The Sleep Safe Program provides beds and bed linens to foster families within a 72-hour window for children in their care. The Sleep Safe Program not creates a cost-effective, child-centered solution for DCYF, but also ensures siblings who enter foster care stay together. DCYF reports this program has effectively eliminated this issue by providing beds in a timely manner to foster families and kinship families who are taking placements in Region 1. See Embrace WA in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Embrace WA website Attend an event College Success Foundation The College Coaching Program helps youth from low socio-economic backgrounds complete college. They provide life skills coaching as well as community building, career exploration, and financial aid support through 1:1 and group meetings, workshops, webinars, online resources, and ongoing communications. College Success Foundation uses a strengths-based, personalized approach that gets to the heart of the issues faced by individual students in 7 main areas: education, cultural identity, employment, housing, life skills, physical and mental health, and community connections. Coaches work with students at nine colleges including the Community Colleges of Spokane, Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, Gonzaga, and Whitworth. See College Success Foundation in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore the College Success Foundation website Attend an event Family Promise of Spokane Kids Crew is an enrichment program that helps mitigate the trauma FPS’s children face while experiencing homelessness and empowers them to develop into healthy, capable adults. Kids Crew serves youth ages 4-17 and provides group-based activities that prioritize cooperative learning, building friendships, and obtaining new social and emotional skills. Kids Crew allows youth to connect with others who have shared life experiences in an environment that fosters personal and developmental growth. Moreover, Kids Crew allows parents to have uninterrupted time to utilize FPS’s wrap-around case management services, focus on their personal goals, and move toward permanent housing. See Family Promise of Spokane in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Family Promise of Spokane website Attend an event Meet The Alumni Programs We Have Supported In The Past Partners With Families and Children In this proposal Partners requested support to implement a No Hit Zone. A No Hit Zone is a designated safe environment where no hitting is allowed. No child will hit a child, no child will hit an adult, no adult will hit a child, and no adult will hit an adult. A No Hit Zone brings awareness to ending corporal punishment and presents opportunities to talk with caregivers about trauma informed and evidence based alternative discipline methods. This encourages the modeling of healthy, non-violent behaviors and expressions of emotions. See Partners With Families and Children in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Partners With Families and Children website Attend an event Spokane Youth Symphony The Spokane Junior Symphony was born on July 28, 1949, as a nonprofit organization formed to promote a junior symphony in Spokane. Since its humble beginnings, the Spokane Youth Symphony has grown to include four, and at times five, orchestral groups of graduated playing abilities, as well as several short-term string quartets and wind quintets. Through the years this youth symphony has been fortunate to share the spotlight with hundreds of exceptional musicians, actors and dancers featured as guest artists joining them on the stage. Believe in me is supporting them to get back to the regular four-concert series at the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox to cover the expenses involved in using the theater. See Spokane Youth Symphony Programs in Action Schedule a tour Explore Spokane Youth Symphony website The Jonah Project The Jonah Project advocates for survivors of human trafficking and at-risk women and children through direct advocacy and education. For them, it is vital to provide an environment that teaches them what FREEDOM looks like. Believe in Me is supporting the Freedom Railroad program and Amarillo Advocacy program, and marketing awareness projects. The Freedom railroad programs allow to safely send clients of all ages to other geographical areas called HUBs for their healing and ensure that they receive continuity of care, trauma-based and transparent support. The second program, Amarillo Advocacy, will meet an immediate need such as food or clothing, or a longer-term need such as safe relationships, we are there for our survivors. Finally, we want to expand the knowledge of the Jonah Project and create awareness so marginalized youth know there are resources available to them. See The Jonah Project in Action Schedule a tour Explore The Jonah Project website Attend an event College Success Foundation College Success Foundation coaches and supports students from low socioeconomic backgrounds to prepare for and graduate from college as transformational leaders in order to forge a just and equitable society. CSF measures student progress by increases in college awareness and knowledge; completion of financial aid, scholarship, and college applications; graduation from high school with plans to enroll in college and college enrollment. See College Success Foundation in Action Meet with the CEO to learn more Explore College Success Foundation website Dishman Hills Conservancy The mission of the Dishman Hills Conservancy is to permanently protect the Dishman Hills while connecting people to nature through conservation, education, and recreation. DHC envisions a vibrant, continuous ecosystem from the Dishman Hills Natural Area. Youth who have limited opportunities will have the option to explore nature, observe, be creative, and get coached in outdoor activities. See Dishman Hills Conservancy in Action Meet with the CEO to learn more Explore Dishman Hills Conservancy website YWCA Spokane YWCA Spokane is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, standing up for social justice, helping families, strengthening communities, and promoting peace, justice, dignity, and freedom for all. We empower women, families, and communities through a combination of prevention, education, outreach, and response work. Each year, the YWCA serves approximately 15,000 women, men, children, and families who are impacted by intimate partner domestic violence, homelessness, and unemployment through their free, trauma-informed, confidential programs and services. See YWCA in Action Meet with the CEO to learn more Explore YWCA website Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane County We believe students cannot meet their academic goals without developing strong social-emotional skills, having their physical and mental health needs met, and feeling safe in a culturally sensitive environment. The 21 Century Enrichment program provides a holistic approach to solving these problems by providing educational opportunities to families and after-school and summer programs for students at no cost. In addition, the College Coaching Program helps youth from low socioeconomic backgrounds complete college. They provide life skills coaching as well as community building, career exploration, and financial aid support through 1:1 and group meetings, workshops, webinars, online resources, and ongoing communications. We use a strengths-based, personalized approach that gets to the heart of the issues faced by individual students in 7 main areas: education, cultural identity, employment, housing, life skills, physical and mental health, and community connections. See Boys & Girls Clubs of Spokane in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore the Boys & Girls Club website Attend an event Communities In Schools of Spokane County We believe that students can't meet their academic goals without developing strong social-emotional skills, having their physical and mental health needs met, and feeling safe in a culturally sensitive environment. We have identified 7 high-need schools in NE Spokane: Garry and Shaw Middle Schools, Lidgerwood, Logan, Bemiss, Whitman, and Stevens Elementary Schools, that are having difficulties engaging students. Our partnership is providing a holistic approach to solving these problems by providing educational opportunities to families as well as after-school and summer programs for students at no cost. A recent survey conducted by the ZoNE, our partner in NE asked parents if their children had participated in after-school programs. See Communities In Schools of Spokane County in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Communities in Schools of Spokane website Attend an event Junior Achievement of Washington JA Finance Park Virtual (JAFP) program will give underserved middle and high school students an experientially based financial literacy program and will contribute to developing multi-generational financially literate individuals & the economic vitality of communities. Schools with the greatest need―those with a high percentage of marginalized students may face budgetary constraints that impact their ability to provide the per-student fee assessed to schools participating in JA FP. Funding will ensure that more young people develop the knowledge, skills, & mindset to become financially empowered adults. See Junior Achievement of Washington in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Junior Achievement of Washington website Attend an event First Judicial District CASA Program CASA is the only organization that provides court-appointed advocates for children in child protective cases. Specifically, the First Judicial District CASA Program provides dedicated, highly trained, Court Appointed Special Advocates for child victims removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, and violence. Advocates investigate and document the circumstances of child protective cases, represent the children’s best interests, serve as their voice in court, and ultimately help find them a safe and permanent home. In 2021, 120 Advocates served 335 children. This project will focus on Advocate retention to grow the local program and ensure every child appointed is served. As part of this, this project will provide monthly continuing education and ongoing Advocate appreciation events. See First Judicial District CASA in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore First Judicial District CASA website Attend an event Lumen Public School The Collaborative Problem Solving program at Lumen High School is more than just a program. It's a skill building, brain building approach that used restorative practices and what is know about the neurological functioning of the brain to create an environment where all staff and students can learn skills, heal their brains and grow both academically and professionally. The collaborative problem solving approach builds empathy in the midst of interpersonal ruptures and creates a culture of trust and belonging. See Lumen Public School in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Lumen Public School website Attend an event Melodic Caring Project In the one-on-one Music Therapy program, patients receive focused individual attention. Their music therapist co-creates a customized music therapy plan with the rockSTARS, determining goals for the patient that can be supported with specific musical interventions. Suppose a rockSTAR’s goal involves getting in touch with their emotions and developing comfort in expressing them, for example. In that case, the therapeutic objective might be “This client will identify current emotion by verbally sharing or singing two times within the 45-minute session with moderate verbal prompting.” The Group Music + Art Therapy sessions facilitate virtual therapeutic group activities that draw on children’s immense capacity for creativity, teamwork, and mutual support. These sessions are designed to reduce isolation and provide social interaction for youth in hospitals or home care dealing with physical pain or illness. See Melodic Caring Project in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Melodic Caring Project website Attend an event Odyssey Youth Movement Odyssey Youth Movement promotes equity for LGBTQ+ youth in the Inland Northwest through youth-driven programs and community education. OYM believes in: Dignity: All people have inherent worth. Community: Human connectedness fosters a greater understanding of self, others, and the world around us. Social Justice: Inland Northwest youth deserve equitable access to resources and opportunities. Their Drop-In Programs have been the cornerstone of OYM's programming. These programs are facilitated by staff and volunteer mentors and include topics such as sexual health, LGBTQ+ history and culture, communication, advocacy, and more. See Odyssey Youth Movement in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Odyssey Youth Movement website Attend an event Playworks Education Playworks partners with schools with a wide variety of needs. Transform schools with a full-time Playworks coach, collaborate with an onsite Playworks recess expert to empower playground teams, or build capacity for positive play with Playworks professional development. The keep Playing is a digital service to help educators incorporate play into every day & provides weekly curated content to assist educators & families. This resource aids in the community’s efforts toward recovery and the school’s return to in-person instruction this year. Keep Playing takes the guesswork out of incorporating play into learning whether that be in person, hybrid, or distance learning environments. Weekly, school staff & families receive clear, concise instructions for games and activities that can be utilized remotely or in the classroom. See Playworks in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Playworks Education website Attend an event Rainier Athletes RA begins the journey with each student in 4th or 5th grade and continues weekly support through the student’s high school graduation. Students are fully sponsored year-round to participate in extracurriculars, paired with a mentor, and motivated to achieve through RA’s classroom engagement and self-advocacy model. RA removes barriers that prevent equitable participation in extracurriculars by funding all costs (registration, uniforms, equipment, team pictures) and supporting with logistics like registration, translation, and transportation. See Rainier Athletes in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Rainier Athletes website Slingshot At Slingshot, they exist to inspire and coach young people with purposeful direction for work and life. Their coaching framework helps them uncover the industries and job types they're passionate about, provides pathways to make meaningful industry connections, and builds a resiliency mindset for being their guide. Funding from the Believe in Me Foundation will support the Slingshot IDEAS framework being embedded in four regional high schools' college/career readiness programs. Slingshot offers training and coaching for staff and students, supporting students' developing purpose and direction for work and life. Staff to deliver the program will be funded by LaunchNW. See Slingshot in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Slingshot website Spokane Hoopfest The Hooptown Youth League, LLC will be a major upgrade to Spokane area after-school basketball for grades K-6th. In partnership with 14 school districts, players will register as individuals with the choice of participating in either recreational, competitive, or advanced competitive divisions. Teams will then be formed based on selected division and their neighborhood school for the 22-23 school year. The purpose of this is to help connect players within neighborhood relationships. The league's cost structure is developed to allow equitable access to anyone who wants to participate with a qualified discount and scholarship fee option. Throughout the season players will have opportunities to meet and learn from their local high school coaches and be provided weekly lessons to promote and increase their knowledge of the game of basketball creating opportunities to learn life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and mental toughness. See Spokane Hoopfest in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore Spokane Hoopfest website Attend an event The Isaac Foundation ISAAC’s Clubhouse has three separate components that work together: 1) Clubhouse, a twice-a-week after-school program for grades 6-12. The Clubhouse provides a safe, supportive non-judgmental space for those with neuro-diversities and other special needs, to give them a feeling of community, as well as opportunities to learn, build self-esteem, and have fun. 2) Discovery Sat - A free monthly program that offers special needs children a place to join facilitators for themed activities that build relationships and foster a sense of inclusion. 3) Studio Events - Monthly events that allow community members and those with special needs to connect with one another and explore interests through fun activities, events, and workshops. This program provides opportunities to network with other families/community members - and allows disadvantaged kids to learn leadership skills, teamwork, spontaneity, and resilience. See The Isaac Foundation in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore The Isaac Foundation website Vanessa Behan Vanessa Behan provides emergency care for children between the ages of birth and 12. Parents seek their help when they are overwhelmed or don’t have a safe alternative for their children so they can take care of critical needs. Children from these families are stressed by poverty, trauma, and unhealthy behavior patterns in their homes. Stress-response systems developed in stress learn unhealthy ways of processing and responding to life . Without intervention, these children will struggle. The coping strategies they’ve developed will not produce healthy results as they grow. To make the most of their time with us, we must develop a culture that supports healthy social and emotional development. Conscious Discipline training (CD) will provide our staff with the tools needed to build resiliency and social-emotional skills in children. Staff will learn how to resolve conflict, create optimal learning environments, support self-regulation and help children build respectful relationships. See Vanessa Behan in Action Schedule a tour Explore Vanessa Behan's website Attend an event Washington Youth Soccer Association Washington Youth Soccer will work with community stakeholders - schools, community centers, and local youth-serving clubs, to operate after-school sport enrichment activities for youth between the ages of 6 and 12 years living within Spokane County. The programs will take place two times per week, for a total of 1.25 hours per day, for a term of 6 consecutive weeks. The Soccer for All program will serve a total of 60 kids per week at each site. Through these immersive experiences, participants will learn new sports skills in a fun, positive, and supportive environment. Children will be introduced to the game of soccer and will be taught basic fundamentals of the sport. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with their peers and learn vital life skills which translate beyond the field and into the classrooms, homes, and communities where the children live and play. Built into the curriculum used at the program are core life skills to benefit youth development. See Washington Youth Soccer Association in Action Schedule a tour Explore Washington Youth Soccer Association website Attend an event The Bridge Music Project Through this project, youth will develop as musicians, build life skills, and create a supportive community. The Bridge is giving two eight-week community songwriting workshops for marginalized youth in Olympia, WA, between the ages of 14 and 21. In each series, youth will participate in eight weekly two-hour workshops at the Capitol Theater in Downtown Olympia. The first portion of each workshop will be dedicated to team-building activities, group lessons, artists, guest speakers, and performance rehearsals. The second portion of each session will be focused on writing collaborative songs in small breakout teams. After the sixth week of workshops, our youth will record their finished music with a professional audio engineer. The workshops will conclude with a high production value final public performance. See The Bridge Music Project in Action Schedule a tour of this program Explore The Bridge Music Project website Attend an event

  • Washington Huskies Football | Believe in Me

    Annual Gala A formal black tie affair at an upscale hotel, complete with cocktail hour, formal dinner, and entertainment. In-House Events Monthly gatherings to celebrate our cause while enjoying gourmet food, fine wine, and local artwork. Football Root for your favorite college team alongside one of our board members at a home WSU or UW football game. Basketball Join us as we celebrate Zag success on—and off—the court as we cheer on the Gonzaga men’s basketball team. Baseball Let us take you out to a Spokane Indians ballgame this summer. The hotdogs are on us! Hockey Start growing your playoff beard and attend a Seattle Kraken hockey game with us. Other Fundraising Events Join Us For Washington Huskies Football Washington Huskies Football Tickets Available November 6, 2021 • Time TBD UW v Oregon Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium Husky Heritage Premium Seats Section 106, Row 5 50 yd line tickets Interactive Map Learn More November 13, 2021 • Time TBD UW v Arizona State Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium Husky Heritage Premium Seats Section 106, Row 5 50 yd line tickets Interactive Map Learn More November 26, 2021 • Time TBD Apple Cup Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium Husky Heritage Premium Seats Section 106, Row 5 50 yd line tickets Interactive Map Learn More We Believe in the Value of Community Engagement We believe that there’s no better way to get to know prospective volunteers and donors than to spend some quality time and have a little fun together. For this reason, Believe in Me hosts a myriad of entertaining events throughout the year to allow us to have some fun while getting to know you a little better. All throughout the year, we put a spotlight on the causes that are important to us while letting our hair down, having some fun, and getting to know you! A Note on How Our Events Have Been Affected by Covid-19 Raising funds the traditional way has been challenged by the restrictions COVID-19 has placed on large events and gatherings. For this reason, we are especially grateful for our new space. Believe in Me moved to a new location in June 2020, designed to host small, intimate gatherings where we can safely get to know one another. The space is modern and open, allowing us to make friends while practicing social distancing. We are also innovating to provide a variety of networking opportunities, both virtually and outdoors, to build a robust network of friends who are passionate about helping kids. Cheer for Washington Huskies Football With Us You're in for a treat, whether you're a loyal Washington Huskies Football fan looking for spectacular tickets or are just interested in getting to know us better. We invite you to join us for an entire day where UW Huskies football is the main course in a feast of activities both before and after the game. Join in our traditions, sing the fight song , and show the Dawgs you believe in them! With a minimum donation of $1,000 to Believe in Me, you will receive two tickets to a Washington Huskies Football game of your choice, subject to availability. Not only will you get to experience the game from the 50-yard line, but you'll get a chance to tailgate and cheer side-by-side with our board chairman, David Shriner. Hurry, get your tickets before they're gone and GO DAWGS!

  • Volunteer Your Time | Believe in Me

    Volunteer Networks We Belong To Learn More Find volunteer opportunities in your local area or internationally Learn More Find opportunities that match your volunteer interests, from location to type of work Learn More Federal organization offering volunteer positions across the U.S. Volunteer Your Time to Make a Positive Impact on Kids Why Volunteer? Everyone is busy nowadays, so it’s no wonder that it’s hard to make enough time to volunteer. So why do busy people make the time to volunteer for Believe in Me (the Foundation)? Some individuals believe in our mission, but just don’t have the means to make a significant financial contribution. That’s where volunteering comes in. It’s a great way to donate your time and talents without any out-of-pocket costs. Volunteering also comes with many other benefits! The Impact of Volunteers According to research conducted by the National Center for Charitable Statistics, 25.1% of the US population or roughly 64 million people volunteered in 2017. That’s one out of every four people! These volunteers accounted for 137 million volunteer hours or the equivalent of 5.2 million full time employees and a savings of $195 mil in payroll costs. Volunteers are the backbone of every nonprofit, including Believe in Me Foundation. For every 100 hours of volunteer time you give, the Foundation saves about $2,000 in payroll costs. What Kind of Time Commitment Does Volunteering Require? The Foundation wants your volunteer experience to be fun, similar to a rewarding pastime or hobby, and not just another task for you to check off your to-do list. If you have two to three hours you can spare each week, you have time to volunteer for Believe in Me. This adds up to about 100 hours per year and comes with benefits to both you and the Foundation. By volunteering for just a few hours each week, you can save the Foundation up to $2,000 in payroll costs while also providing value in many different service areas including administrative tasks, event coordination, marketing, finance, and IT. Donate Your Expertise Fun & Fulfilling Environment Advance Your Career Good for Your Mind & Body Make Valuable Connections Benefits of Volunteering When you volunteer, you can make a positive impact on the community while helping yourself in the process. Getting involved with the Foundation can help you make new friends, connect with others in the community, learn new professional skills, and provide an experience that’s relevant to your career path. Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another. —Erma Bombeck Meet Our Volunteers Volunteer Opportunities Donate Your Expertise

  • 2021 Thank You Supporters | Believe in Me

    Jamie Albertini Richard Alex Repp Brennan Ball Rae-Lynn Barden Stuart Barton Garry Benner Shelby Berkompas Caralyn Bess Blake Bledsoe Brandon Bledsoe Amy Bledsoe Gayle Bower Hanna Bradseth Francine Brennan Lorelyn Broderick Loree Broderick Nate Bryant Deena Budano Veronica Burns Jason Burt Anna Centrella Angela Chapman Samantha Clark Rebecca Clemens Delana Combs Bernadette Curry Shawn Davis Melissa Decker Rachael Drennan Gerri Elixman Cameron Ericksen Gina Ferraiuolo Sarai Fesler Tammy Freels Sharon Gard Michael Genova Frank Girardi Rexanne Glockling Justin Hardin Sherryl Hart Craig Hart Andrew Hastings Ryan Heacock Steve Helmbrecht Kirk Impecoven Matthew Jarvis Michael John Dilick III Kate Kamerrer Ronald Kaufman Heidi Kilian Elaine Kingston Jennifer Koenig Chad Kubik Tom LaLone Jeff Lambert Thomas Lambert Ryan Lantz Tanya Larson Sarah Lickfold Jim Lumper Kraig Lutz Jackson Lyne Scott Maloney Ami Manning Ana Matthews Jeannie McCoy Donald McKinney Bradley Mertens Brad Mertens Brian Monk Dana Morris Dylan Morton Jamie Newcomb Lydia Newell Tom Nihoul Jeff Norman James Numata Sandra O'Doherty Chip Overstreet Melissa Owens Lance P Bousley Emily Pack Luke Peterson Lola Phillips Shelby Phillips Nancy Porrino Kevin Porter David Prizer Teagan Purpura Debra Raub Heather Redal Russ Reddinger Richard Repp Aaron Riley Dan Roark Kaitlyn Royer Tanaka Rushwaya Debi Sapp Ronzai Saurombe Margaret Schaefer Nancy Schaub Kathleen Schilb Alexis Schmidt David Shriner Sean Siroshton Daniel Slage Thomas Smart Susan Smith Jo Smon Makena Snider Cody Spencer Mary Stevenson Michelle Stuart Brian Sullivan Chelsea Tawney Dustin Thomas Eric Thun Jeff Underwood Alan Unis, M.D. Terese Van Liew Kevin Van Vleet Adam Wabs Kelly Warren Julie Webster Jared Webster Taylor Webster Jenny Weddle Gregory Witter Jennifer Wittig James Wohrle Julie Wukelic Michael Wukelic Robert Wulf Donors Corporate Sponsorship We appreciate our relationships with local businesses for sponsorship and alignment with our mission. Corporate philanthropy plays an integral role in the strategy of many Spokane companies because customers and employees alike tend to transact positively with organizations that join our cause. Media Partners Media partnerships are collaborations that are can help us to raise the visibility of our cause. These partners are an essential part of our strategy, providing us with space to promote our mission, our grants, and our event. We extend our deepest gratitude for our media partnerships that have helped us in the past few months. The work of The Foundation depends on the commitment and generosity of private philanthropy. We gratefully want to acknowledge the individuals, corporations, and foundations who continue to help make The Foundation work possible. Our volunteers, donors, and partners are helping to fund children’s charities that provide marginalized kids with a safe place to call home, a family that loves them, a feeling of community, and opportunities to learn, build self-esteem, and have fun. Donor Spotlight Sandi and Mike Genova Believe in Me is grateful for the support of donors like Sandi and Mike Genova, who have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of marginalized youth in the community. The Genovas first learned about Believe in Me when they received our annual report via mail. Sandi, interested in learning more about our organization, contact our CEO, Julie Wukelic, for further information. Upon understanding what Believe in Me does for marginalized youth, the couple knew they had to get involved and help our cause. Their passion for supporting the community led them to drop everything they did in Maui and fly to Spokane to attend the 2021 Believe in Me Charity Golf Tournament. Not only did they participate in the tournament, but they also came in as the title sponsor before having ever met any of us in person. It is donors like Sandi and Mike Genova that make our work possible. Volunteers Alexandra joined the marketing committee of Believe in Me in 2020 and has been actively involved in creating social media posts, analyzing marketing data, and writing blogs to spread awareness of the organization's mission. She believes in the power of communication and how it can bring about positive change in society. As a Hispanic woman, her passion for social justice and equity resonates with Believe in Me's core values. She is thrilled to be part of the organization's efforts to improve the lives of marginalized children. Fatima Abd Elmajid Vine Adowei Deepti Aggarwal Jorgelina Alba Arisleidy Amarante Terrica Ashoor Shalini Bhat Ruchita Bhatia Casey Bourque Lori Brennan Cori Bryant Barbara Bullen Malaika Chandler Douglas Copenspire Krista Davis Stacey Davis Casey Dunham Schuyler Dunphy Elizabeth Estevez Ronald Fetters Avonlea Fisher Sarah Folley Ashley Garces Poonam Gillurkar Andrew Goldstein MaryNell Holden Amber Hull Erica Jacobs Arjun Jain Hui Jing Jason Jung Kim King Amylou Largaras Lance Laurier Trupti Lone Ashley Lyon Joshua Mandilk Alexandra Martinez Ernest McLeod Percy Mitchell Mary O'Shea Peishan Ouyang Joseph Parapeedikail Sade Patterson Alexsander Petrenko Shelby Philips Keith Preciados Colin Prestesater Philip Priolo Pooja Purushothaman Preston Robertson Rina Russ Jeremiah Sargent Matthew Schafer Betty Seablom Priyanka Shankar Sonya Shen Mina Shin Emily Shriner Riana Sirmans Andrea Smith Bryan Smith Melissa Smith Makena Snider Shirisha Thunikipati Tai Tran Kaylyn Turnbough Jinoo Varghese Vani Vellaturi Jade Vickery Taylor Webster Andrew Wittwer Michael Wukelic Claire Xiao Volunteer Spotlight Alexandra Martinez Marketing Committee Read Article Thank You To Our Many Generous Supporters

  • Wealth Management Partners | Believe in Me

    Wealth Management Partners Make the Most of Your Donation Our board of directors has been entrusted with the stewardship of the Foundation’s donations. We have partnered with three local organizations that are helping us to do more with what you donate. These trusted advisors manage a substantial portion of our nonreal estate portfolio of assets and provide income from interest payments, dividends, and capital gains collected upon the sale of securities or other assets. Our investment time horizons are prudent and long-term in nature. We maintain adequate liquidity and cash on hand to provide for both our current and anticipated long-term needs. Investing to Make the Most of Your Donations Mercer Advisors Craig Hart at Mercer Advisors has been a steward of the Believe in Me's wealth for over four years. His time-tested, value-oriented investment philosophy and proprietary research has endured through multiple market cycles. Their independent research and decision-making model offers maximum flexibility in today’s rapidly changing investment environment and reflects their commitment to our financial success. Learn More U.S. Bank Believe in Me benefits from tailored, leading-edge wealth impact strategies for uninterrupted continuity of the Foundation’s legacy. U.S. Bank’s wealth professionals focus on helping the Foundation make an impact where it matters most—now and for generations to come. Their disciplined investment strategy is a critical component of our comprehensive wealth management plan. U.S. Bank believes that consistency over the long term improves the likelihood of success in achieving the Foundation’s investment goals. That’s why they apply a uniquely tailored approach to curate a mix of assets across global capital markets that align with our financial objectives and risk profile. Their goal is to develop a highly personalized investment portfolio that inspires lasting confidence. Learn More

  • History | Believe in Me

    The Beginning: 2006 Believe in Me has been dedicated to supporting and improving the lives of marginalized youth since 2006. Our history as an organization began with the Morning Star Boys' Ranch Foundation, which was founded to raise money for the Morning Star Boys' Ranch, a group home providing shelter, education, health care, and emotional and spiritual support for troubled boys. In 2009, our name changed to Morning Star Foundation. History 2006 - Present The Next 10 Years The next decade saw us expanding our reach to include serving girls and other charitable activities that benefit children and young people in need. This included supporting local organizations offering mentorship programs, educational assistance, and general support for underserved children. Believe in Me: 2021 In 2021 we announced a new platform designed to provide even more comprehensive support and resources for marginalized youth. We officially changed our name to Believe in Me, aligning with the organization's new vision to help every kid develop the self-confidence they need to succeed. Present Today, Believe in Me has become a leading advocate for the equity of all young people across the country. Our continued commitment is to use our platform to positively impact the lives of children and teens from all backgrounds by providing them with access to programs that will help them reach their full potential. We believe every child deserves a chance at a successful life no matter their circumstances.

  • How to Make Non-Cash Donations | Believe in Me

    Save Money on Your Taxes with Non-Cash Donations As Chief Executive Officer, I am the person responsible for cultivating relationships with individuals who may be interested in donating a gift-in-kind. I work alongside our board to develop and carry out our strategic plan that includes mechanisms for potential donors to make planned gifts. My perseverance, commitment to the mission, and passion for nonprofit work is what fuels our success. I’d be happy to sit down, get to know you in person, and share more information about our in-kind gifts program with you. If you’re interested in learning more about donating gifts-in-kind, let’s grab a cup of coffee soon! Let's Grab a Coffee Julie Wukelic, MBA Chief Executive Officer Meet Our Chief Executive Officer Making an In-Kind Gift The process for making an in-kind gift is different depending upon the type of in-kind gift. If the nature and purpose of your gift are large, you will be asked to sign an in-kind gift document that outlines the intended purpose of the gift and expectations for how the Foundation will fulfill this purpose. For smaller donations, an online form will help to provide a description of the gift and its fair market value. The Foundation will provide you with a gift acknowledgment form to document your gift for tax purposes. If you’re considering making an in-kind gift to Believe in Me, please contact our Chief Executive Officer to make an appointment to discuss the details of the asset transfer. Gifts from donors can come in many different forms. In-kind gifts are donations of goods, services, or time, in lieu of cash. In-kind gifts can be both tangible and intangible. Gifts-in-kind are an important source of revenue, especially during times of economic downturn. In-kind donations are also a good way to cultivate support and build capacity for Believe in Me (the Foundation) while freeing up our cash for other operating expenses. Examples of In-Kind Gifts Equipment: capital assets, expensed equipment, office equipment, machinery, computers Services: printing, marketing, accounting, videotaping Loaned Labor: a type of corporate sponsorship whereby an employee with a specific skill or expertise is loaned out to a nonprofit to work on a short-term project or program Auction Items: new or used items are donated to a nonprofit to be auctioned off at a fundraiser Giveaway Items: tchotchke given to the Foundation to place inside giveaway bags for door prizes, etc. What are In-Kind Gifts? Give In-Kind As Development Director I oversee all of the organization's fundraising and help manage relationships with our company's financial partners. My quests include planning fundraising events, interacting with new & former donors to encourage ongoing contributions, and helping seek out opportunities for financial support through grants, sponsorships, long-term giving - qualified charitable distribution, and more. I enjoy collaborating with others on projects and use my attention to detail to help coordinate large-scale events. I also want to maintain a respectful reputation for our Believe in Me Foundation and any nonprofit we represent. After all, it is all about giving back to those kids less fortunate than ourselves. Let's Grab a Coffee Paul Sorensen Development Director Meet Our Development Director

  • A Place to Call Home - Gingerbread Charity Event | Believe in Me

    Saturday December 7th, 2024 For times, see detailed event schedule Join the Livestream Event Gift Registry Gingerbread Decorating Event This holiday season, join Believe in Me in spreading joy and hope while promoting housing stability for children in our community. A Place to Call Home celebrates the spirit of giving, bringing families together to decorate gingerbread houses and create cherished memories. While the details of our event have shifted, our mission remains steadfast: ensuring that every child has access to a safe and stable place to call home. With childhood homelessness impacting thousands of young lives, events like these support our efforts to bring security and joy to kids in need. Thank you for your support — this event is SOLD OUT but you can still join our livestream! Register Now GINGERBREAD DECORATING EVENT A Place to Call Home Bringing Holiday Joy to Marginalized Youth Click to Register Sign Up To Volunteer Be a part of the magic by volunteering your time to help us deliver kits, coordinate with local nonprofits, or assist with event preparation. Together, we can make the season brighter for children across our community. Sign Me Up Corporate Sponsorship Options North Pole Adventure Sponsor $5,000 Featured in the event video Outdoor billboard coverage Logo on the event page Included in event press release Weekly social media posts Quarterly newsletter (8) Gingerbread House Kits Get Flyer Santa’s Village Sponsor $2,500 Outdoor billboard coverage Logo on the event page Included in event press release Social media posts Quarterly newsletter (6) Gingerbread House Kits Get Flyer Home for the Holidays Sponsor $1,000 Logo on the event page Included in an event press release Social media posts Quarterly newsletter (4) Gingerbread House Kits Get Flyer Merry & Bright Sponsor $500 Logo added to event page Quarterly newsletter Social media posts (2) Gingerbread house kits Get Flyer For Nonprofits Serving Marginalized Youth If your organization works with marginalized youth in Spokane and you’d like to provide them with free gingerbread decorating kits, please email us at admin@believeinme.org to receive a personal invitation and discount code. Supplies are limited, so reach out soon! Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors!

  • 2021 Annual Report | Believe in Me

    Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Donate to Help a Kid Read More While we had many successes in 2021, it was also a challenging year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Like many organizations, we had to adapt to the new reality of social distancing and remote work. This posed fundraising challenges, and we had to postpone our Tomorrow Never Dies Gala, which has now been rescheduled for Fall 2022. We look forward to a fantastic time and hope you can join us on our mission to help marginalized youth. We also had some changes to our board of directors in 2021. We welcomed a new board president, Aaron Riley, and a new Treasurer, Lori Brennan. Dan Menser also joined our board and joined our meetings remotely from Seattle. We are excited to have them on board and look forward to their leadership and guidance in the future. A Message From The CEO Julie Wukelic Annual Report 2 0 2 1 Grant Awards - $149,000 College & Career Readiness $11,000 Murphy House Therapeutic Behavioral Rehabilitation Services Program $16,000 Motivational Interviewing Program $16,000 Outdoor Enrichment & Education Program $11,000 Morning Star Education Enrichment Program $16,000 Digital Drop-In and Basic Needs Program $8,000 Morning Star Foster Care Program $16,000 Educare Program $9,000 Early Childhood Education and Assistance (ECEAP) Program $14,000 Morning Star In-Home Wrap and Case Aide Program $16,000 College & Career Readiness $11,000 Murphy House Therapeutic Behavioral Rehabilitation Services Program $16,000 Motivational Interviewing Program $16,000 Outdoor Enrichment & Education Program $11,000 Morning Star Education Enrichment Program $16,000 Digital Drop-In and Basic Needs Program $8,000 Morning Star Foster Care Program $16,000 Educare Program $9,000 Early Childhood Education and Assistance (ECEAP) Program $14,000 Morning Star In-Home Wrap and Case Aide Program $16,000 College & Career Readiness $11,000 Murphy House Therapeutic Behavioral Rehabilitation Services Program $16,000 Motivational Interviewing Program $16,000 Outdoor Enrichment & Education Program $11,000 Morning Star Education Enrichment Program $16,000 Digital Drop-In and Basic Needs Program $8,000 Morning Star Foster Care Program $16,000 Educare Program $9,000 Early Childhood Education and Assistance (ECEAP) Program $14,000 Morning Star In-Home Wrap and Case Aide Program $16,000 Education $41,000 Our educational grants engage, empower, and inspire struggling kids to believe in their future Enrichment $35,000 Our enrichment grants nurture curiosity, wonder, and creativity in kids through play, the arts, and outdoor immersion Wraparound Services $32,000 Our wraparound services grants use teamwork and coordinated resources to provide healing for disadvantaged kids Transitional Living $25,000 Our transitional living grants provide support, resources, and a safe place to call home for disadvantaged kids Foster Care & Adoption $16,000 Our foster care and adoption grants help protect, stabilize, and nurture the most disadvantaged children in our community 2021 Grants 47 kids in consistent caregiving 45 foster youth excelling academic goals 131 youth in therapy and healing programs 47 previously homeless kids learning 60 online nature videos for kids Diversity & Inclusion We are committed to building a more just and equitable organization and community where all individual can achieve their full potential. It is the policy of the Foundation to provide and promote equal opportunity for all people without regard for race, color, creed, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, familial status, veteran status, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability. Upcoming Events Fundraising Events Donors → Individuals who have demonstrated their generosity and support to the kids in our community. Sponsors → Local businesses that have sponsorship and are aligned with our mission. Volunteers → Individuals who have donated their knowledge and skills to contribute the Foundation's mission. Media Partnerships → Media partnerships are collaborations that are can help us to raise the visibility of our cause. Thank You! Allow two kids to have access to an online video-based course called Nature at Home, encouraging nature exploration in parks and backyards at no cost Inspire and encourage two youths in a low-income situation to go to college, and support them with the tools and resources they need to succeed Give four kids in low-income families located in downtown Spokane, Airway Heights, and Medical Lake the opportunity to access high-quality education One mom can participate in the parenting skill lab while the child has access to childcare Allows three kids to participate in The Murphy House for therapeutic Behavioral Rehabilitation Service (BRS) Donations Make A Difference Donate Vision Mission Our mission is to fund children’s charities that provide disadvantaged kids with a safe place to call home, a family that loves them, a feeling of community, and opportunities to learn, build self-esteem, and have fun. Our vision is to help every kid to develop the self-coincidence they need to succeed. Stories Of Impact Everything You Need to Know about Inspire Your Heart With Art Day Art is a powerful tool for enriching children’s lives because it builds self-confidence. Whether painting, sculpting or drawing, the finished product always inspires a sense of accomplishment. Read Article By Mary Clare O'Shea Foster Care: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going? The American foster care system looks to provide children with supportive homes and adequate care. It is designed as a temporary solution when children are not receiving the care they need. Read Article By Joshua Mandilk Charity Golf Tournament 2021 Thanks to all 128 golfers, 18 corporate sponsors, and 22 volunteers, it was a huge success. With your generosity, we could bring in $90,316.28, which exceeded our goal by over $15,000. Read Article By Julie Wukelic Name Change for Morning Star Foundation To help the public distinguish between Morning Star Boys’ Ranch and Morning Star Foundation, Morning Star Foundation announces an organizational name change to “Believe In Me”. Read Article By Julie Wukelic The Best Donation! 5 ways to becoming a better donor You’ve decided you want to start giving to your local charities. You're comfortable in your finances and want to put your surplus towards a worthy cause. The question is; how do I give the best donation? Read Article By Bryan Smith Program Expense Ratio 0.72 The program expense ratio is the percentage of our expenses that go towards programs and services rather than overhead or fundraising, and it is important for donors as a measure of how efficiently we are using our resources to fulfill our mission, with a higher ratio generally considered better. Liabilities to Assets Ratio 0.19 The liabilities to asset ratio measures our financial leverage and risk by comparing our debts to our total assets; this metric is important for donors as it provides insight into our financial stability, and a lower ratio is generally considered better. Administrative Expense Ratio 0.13 The administrative expense ratio is the percentage of our total expenses that are spent on administrative and overhead costs, and it is important for donors to understand how efficiently we uses their donations, with a lower ratio indicating more efficient use of funds. Fundraising Expense Ratio 0.15 The fundraising expense ratio is the percentage of our total expenses that go toward fundraising activities, and it is important for donors as a measure of how efficiently we is using our resources to raise funds, with a lower ratio indicating more efficient fundraising practices. Working Capital Ratio 0.37 The working capital ratio measures our ability to cover short-term liabilities with available assets, and it's important for donors as it indicates our financial health; a higher ratio is generally better as it signifies greater liquidity and financial stability. Financial Summary

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