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North Sound ACH

North Sound Accountable Community of Health

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Partner Spotlight: Thriving Communities

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Partner contributed

Thriving Communities held our first ThrivingFest in August, bringing together hundreds of supporters to highlight the organizations and people of South Whidbey.

Thriving Communities team and several Advisors at our ThrivingFest event in August on Whidbey Island.
Back row, from left: James Skeet, Michael Maine, Joyce Skeet, Eden Trenor, Jim Anderson, Cathi Lehn, Rhea Miller, Clauda Costa, Carolyn Tilden. Middle row: Marcela Veron, Sandy Bishop, Diana Lindsay. Front row: Pam Schell, Jerry Millhon, David Bestock. Photo by Bill Phillips.

Our community showed up generously in support of ThrivingFest. While this event wasn’t intended as a fundraiser for Thriving Communities, but rather to highlight the nonprofits on Whidbey Island that deserve support, we raised over $40,000 from over 75 donors, and over $30,000 in value from sponsors, in-kind gifts, and volunteers. Thank you to every single person who donated – whether volunteer time, in-kind professional services, space, or financial support.

What a tremendous experience – to gather in deep, focused attention, listening for what our community needs and what each one of us can contribute to a thriving future. To celebrate the lives of both Lynn Willeford and Nancy Nordhoff and the impactful imprint they left on so many hearts, minds, and organizations. To feast together, in the sun, with neighbors, friends, and collaborators, new and old. That was ThrivingFest, our first-ever community event that wove together film festival, community visioning, celebration of life, and intentional collective action. 

Over 250 RSVPs for ThrivingFest showed us that, yes, even a community as close-knit and resourced as South Whidbey Island deserves a mirror held up every once in a while to see our beauty and power, celebrate how far we’ve come, and dream together into the next ten years. And perhaps most importantly, what we’re ready to do in order to get there, together. 

A handful of amazing stories we’ve heard so far about what ThrivingFest has already inspired to catalyze:

  • After hearing about the reality of the housing needs, someone donated an entire cabin and the land it sits on to a nonprofit.
  • One Whidbey resident expecting to have to move off-island into assisted living is now exploring a new project that would provide housing to young families while directing rental revenue to opening a new, local assisted living site so she and others can age on the island.
  • Two Executive Directors for nonprofits in the social support sector took steps to collaborate with each other for the first time
  • Others jumped in to volunteer or become donors for the first time

As we wrap up the very first Thriving Fest, our team is looking ahead to a period of transition. Our beloved founder Jerry is stepping back to support new leadership, and we are restructuring to sustain and grow this work and continue serving community needs, both on Whidbey Island and everywhere Thriving Communities is connected.

The seeds have been planted, and our magical team of humans is nurturing the next phase of this organization’s growth – truly common people doing uncommon work for the common good.

ThrivingFest by Thriving Communities. Photo by Bill Phillips.

As we ride the high energy of ThrivingFest into a thriving future, please join us in welcoming a new member to the Thriving Communities team: our new Steward of Resources and Relationships, David Bestock.

David is a lifetime Seattleite, raised on the trails of the Cascades, Olympics, and Mount Rainier. He has always worked in support of nonprofits and education, finding joy in storytelling and connecting communities around arts and justice-based work. Over the past 15 years, David has worked across fundraising, partnerships, and organizational leadership – most recently as Executive Director of the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association in Seattle, and as an auctioneer and fundraising consultant supporting nonprofits throughout the Pacific NW region.

Officially beginning his journey with us just before Thrivingfest, here is what he shares about his experience with us at ThrivingFest:

“Thriving Fest! Wow! What a beautiful event. Seeing the way Thriving Communities and the deep web of people and organizations surrounding it showed up for this festival was inspiring. I was moved by the films, the range of speakers and topics, and the way even hard stories were met with uplifting, solutions-oriented energy.

I joined the Thriving Communities team well into the planning of Thriving Fest and was given the gift of simply showing up and witnessing. I arrived to learn about Lynn Willeford and her incredible legacy on Whidbey Island, and was amazed by the staying power of her efforts. We connected over food, heard heartfelt stories about Lynn, and I was honored to be welcomed into the community.

The festival was a celebration and a crash course in how South Whidbey organizations are working together to support quality of life for island residents. It offered both a look back and a vision for how we can do even more together. And for me, it was a beautiful introduction to the Thriving Communities team – seeing the amazing work of Jerry, Eden, Kate, Aimie, and so many others, and how seamlessly everyone came together to make a big event happen.”

In upcoming news, Thriving Communities is deeply honored to partner with Yoga Behind Bars, an extraordinary organization based in Seattle bringing trauma-informed yoga into jails, prisons, and juvenile halls, then supporting those same individuals to become teachers themselves. It’s a radical act. And it works. We are privileged to be trusted to carry this story to the screen.

A Light in Every Cell – a short documentary about the work of Yoga Behind Bars – makes its world premiere at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall on November 13. It will be an evening of art, community, and hope that we won’t soon forget. All proceeds support Yoga Behind Bars and the “preliberated” and “liberated” people they serve. Will you join us?

View the film trailer here https://vimeo.com/1213059139?fl=pl&fe=sh

And get your tickets here https://yogabehindbars.org/tickets

– Eden Trenor, Program Leader

Partner Spotlight: Family Promise of North Sound

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Many people know Family Promise of North Sound helps connect individuals and families to shelter, but our work extends far beyond providing a safe place to sleep. We support families through homelessness prevention and diversion, emergency and transitional housing, case management, financial education, housing navigation, and ongoing support.

Family Promise also recently changed our name, from Family Promise of Skagit Valley, to reflect our commitment to growing our reach and serving more families across our region.

One of the cottages for Cottage Village in Sedro-Woolley. Photo provided by Family Promise of North Sound.

We celebrated the announcement alongside the ribbon cutting for the first two cottages in our new Cottage Village in Sedro-Woolley, surrounded by community partners, supporters, volunteers, and local leaders. It was a powerful moment to celebrate how far we have come while looking ahead to the families and communities we will serve in this next chapter. 

Our goal is to walk alongside families at every stage—helping prevent homelessness whenever possible and providing the tools and support families need to achieve lasting stability.

We are incredibly excited about our new Cottage Village in Sedro-Woolley, which will eventually include 14 short-term affordable cottages for families working toward permanent housing. The first two cottages are now on site, with families expected to move in this fall! The cottages provide families with a safe, private home while they continue receiving case management, financial education, employment support, and other services. This project fills a critical gap for families who are ready to move beyond shelter and transitional housing but are struggling to find affordable permanent housing in our community.

From left: Tami Rowe, Family Services Director; Audrea Woll, CEO; Amber Lang, Development Director. Photo provided by Family Promise of North Sound.

Staff highlight: Family Service Director Tami Rowe, and the entire Family Services team. They are truly at the heart of our work, walking alongside families through some incredibly challenging circumstances with compassion, patience, and dignity. This year, the team has navigated difficult situations while continuing to provide excellent care, strengthen our programs, and expand the services we offer in our community. We are incredibly grateful for Tami’s leadership and for the dedication of our entire Services team to ensuring families feel seen, supported, and empowered as they work toward stability.

As we continue developing the Cottage Village and expanding as Family Promise of North Sound, we are looking for partners who want to invest in families and long-term solutions to homelessness. This includes businesses, faith communities, service organizations, volunteers, donors, and community agencies who can provide financial support, in-kind donations, professional expertise, volunteer time, or connections to resources.

The service team visiting West Coast Homes to see the cottages being built. Photo provided by Family Promise of North Sound.

We are especially interested in partnerships that strengthen housing stability, employment, financial literacy, mental health and wellness, and other supports that help families build a strong foundation for the future. Community collaboration is at the heart of Family Promise.

Visit www.familypromiseskagit.org to connect!

–            Amber Lang, Development Director

A Message From Our New CEO

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As summer begins to give way to fall, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has brought North Sound ACH to this moment — and feeling deeply grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer.

I am honored to join a community so deeply committed to advancing health, equity, and well-being across our region.

This season of transition invites us to pause and take stock of where we have been, what we have learned, and what we are carrying forward. For North Sound ACH, that reflection begins with recognizing and honoring the legacy of our founding CEO, Liz Baxter. Liz’s vision, leadership, and deep commitment to community laid the groundwork for what North Sound ACH is today — a trusted, values-driven organization rooted in partnership and equity. Her work helped shape a collaborative infrastructure that continues to benefit communities across our region, and I step into this role with deep respect and gratitude for that foundation.

From my earliest conversations with partners, community members, and staff, one thing has been clear: this work is rooted in relationships. North Sound ACH has built a strong foundation as a trusted convener and connector — bringing together voices across sectors to address the root causes of inequities and improve outcomes for all. I am grateful to be part of that ongoing journey.

As I begin this role, I am listening closely. I want to understand what is working, where we can grow, and how we can continue to align our efforts in ways that are responsive to community needs. The challenges we face are complex, but so is the strength of this network. When we move together — with clarity, shared purpose, and trust — we can create meaningful and lasting change.

Fall also reminds us that transition does not mean starting over. It is about building on what has come before while making room for what is next. That is how I see this moment for North Sound ACH. We will build on the momentum already underway — fostering partnerships, deepening community engagement, supporting community well-being, strengthening networks and capacity, investing strategically, and demonstrating impact and accountability.

I am excited about what we can accomplish together. As we enter this new season for North Sound ACH, I look forward to listening, learning, and building alongside you.

Thank you for the warm welcome — and for the work you do every day to create healthier, more equitable communities across our region.

Arlesia

Partner Spotlight – Triumph Teen Life Center

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Each month, Triumph Teen Life Center’s Café con Pan brings together approximately 50 families for connection, resources, and nutritious food. More than a food distribution, Café con Pan is a welcoming community gathering where families can access support, build relationships, and have their voices heard.

A cornerstone of the program is Triumph’s commitment to supporting the local economy by purchasing fresh produce from BIPOC farmers in our community. By sourcing locally, Café con Pan not only provides families with healthy, culturally relevant foods but also invests in local growers and strengthens a more equitable food system.

During the June event, participants completed an end-of-year survey to share feedback about their experiences, needs, and ideas for future programming. The survey included 20 questions and provided an opportunity for open discussion and community input.

The event was supported by 13 teen volunteers and 4 staff members. Teen volunteers demonstrated exceptional leadership by assisting participants with reading, writing, and completing the survey, while also packaging food, sorting food, helping with childcare, and welcoming families. Their service reflects Triumph’s commitment to developing compassionate, engaged young leaders.

Photos courtesy of Noemi, Triumph Teen Life Center

North Sound ACH Partner Engagement Specialist Daniel VanArsdale attended the event and observed firsthand the positive impact of this collaborative partnership and the leadership demonstrated by Triumph’s youth volunteers.

This month’s food distribution included fresh, locally grown produce such as beets, radishes, zucchini, lettuce, eggs, strawberries, raspberries, and garlic, along with culturally relevant pantry staples including Maseca, flour, rice, and beans.

Through Café con Pan, Triumph Teen Life Center and its community partners continue to create meaningful opportunities for families to connect, access essential resources, support local BIPOC agriculture, and build a stronger, healthier community together.

If you have any questions, or would like to get involved please connect with Noemi Rodriguez (noemirodriguez@triumphtlc.org), Program Director at Triumph Teen Life Center.

Change and Gratitude

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Last week marked the summer solstice and each year it compels me to ponder the place I get to call home. We yearn for the longer days of sunlight noting it as the ‘beginning’ of summer. The solstice is a pivot point – getting to the longest day of sunlight only to begin the journey back toward the winter solstice. For me, the solstice marks those periods of change, the patterns of this planet we call home, a reminder that we also change, day by day. 

June also marked my grandson’s high school graduation, and the prior month was filled with many ‘final’ milestones – the final symphony orchestra concert, the final soccer game, final exams, the final day of school: all of those events leading to the next chapters in the lives of Ian and his amazing group of friends. They give me so much hope for the future and I’m grateful to be along for part of their journey.

And June 30 marks my last day as CEO here at North Sound ACH, with Arlesia Bailey stepping in on July 1 to lead the organization’s next chapter. We will be working side-by-side for a period of time to fully transition the work, but the team and the work are in such strong and creative hands. It gives me excited confidence, and I’m grateful to have been part of this journey to the next chapter.

We’re planning a partner gathering for September 10, so keep an eye out for details in the coming month. We’ll be talking about the importance of connection to each other, and you will be able to officially celebrate Arlesia in her new role, and look back on the past 10 years of North Sound ACH. I plan to be there and hope you will be too. 

Thank you for all you do – these past 10 years have enriched me, nourished me, and inspired me as you all do such amazing things to help people across this region. Thank you for letting me be alongside your journey. 

Share Your Voice – Environmental Impact Survey

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Over the past several years, communities across the North Sound region have experienced significant environmental changes from wildfire smoke and flooding, housing pressures, and food access challenges – all these issues affecting our health and well-being.


North Sound ACH was awarded funding to assess our five-county region on environmental justice – defined as “…when everyone enjoys the same degree of protection from environmental and health hazards and has equal access to the decision-making process to have a healthy environment in which to live, learn, and work.”

We have convened the Environmental Justice Community of Practice (CoP), made up of partner organizations and experts, to gather information on environmental impact. Hearing directly from community members’ voices and experiences through surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions is essential for us to better understand priorities and inform future action.

    How can you get involved?

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    If you have any questions, connect with us at Team@NorthSoundACH.org.

    Complete Survey Today!