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North Sound ACH

North Sound Accountable Community of Health

Partner Spotlight

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.

Partner Spotlight: Lopez Food Share

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Coming soon to Lopez Island residents will be a Lopez Food Center, a need which was highlighted during Covid-19 response and the Stand Up for Lopez campaign.

Stand Up for Lopez donors raised a total of $645,803 that went to farms, restaurants, and food businesses through June 2021, and $25,000 of the donations were for a feasibility study for the Lopez Food Center on how to strengthen our food system for the future, including a new home for Lopez Food Share. This project is well underway now with over $5.7 million raised, land use and building permits submitted, with anticipated completion in December 2026!

Artist rendering of the planned Lopez Food Center. Courtesy of Pedro Mendes, Lopez Food Share

 

Having one food bank that provides the full range of food, allowing Lopez Island Family Resource Center to access state food bank donations, WSDA grants, as well as refrigerated and frozen foods, will serve a great need on the island. They went from inadequately serving 30-35 households per year, to 450-500 households per year with much more food, and healthier local food.

 

Learn more by watching their Stand Up for Lopez video here, and about the upcoming Lopez Food Center here – working for an equitable food system and a strong local food economy through centralized access, sales, and farm services.

 

Partner Spotlight: Setting Sun Institute

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CSSP Launches Indigenous-Led Think Tank and Hosts “Netse Mot” One People Gathering

In October 2024, Children of the Setting Sun Productions (CSSP) hosted four inspiring events in Seattle, introducing the world to their new institute’s mission and vision while sharing CSSP’s enduring message of unity, strength, and hope.

Sky Scholfield, Executive Director of the Setting Sun Institute, speaks at their launch event. Meg Stephenson / North Sound ACH

The first event marked the official launch of the Setting Sun Institute (SSI), an Indigenous-led think tank and initiative of CSSP. SSI aims to elevate Indigenous perspectives in public life through storytelling, collaboration, and education. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with the SSI team, partners, and supporters while engaging in discussions centered around collective vision and the role Indigenous knowledge plays in shaping a more equitable future.

The second event, the One People Gathering, also known as “Netse Mot,” was held at the Paramount Theater and drew in over 5,500 attendees across two performances. Rooted in the Coast Salish teaching of “One Heart, One Mind,” the gathering focused on unity, collaboration, and working together toward shared goals. Dallas Goldtooth, along with a diverse lineup of activists, artists, and storytellers, delivered a powerful day of inspiration and entertainment. Over 1,000 students attended the daytime performance, while more than 4,500 people watched the evening event in person and online. Children of the Setting Sun emphasized the gathering’s core message: the urgent need for communities to come together to confront today’s critical challenges, including environmental justice and cultural preservation.

Coast Salish families shared song and dance with Netse Mot attendees. Meg Stephenson / North Sound ACH

The weekend of events served as a powerful reminder of CSSP’s commitment to a future where Indigenous perspectives are valued and woven into decision-making processes, advancing justice and sustainability for all. The entire Netse Mot event can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/96NBizj1LpQ.

If you would like to reach out to the Children of the Setting Sun please do not hesitate, they can be reached at childrenofthesettingsun.org.

Partner Spotlight: Homage Senior Services

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Homage Senior Services is Snohomish County’s largest provider of services for older adults and people with disabilities! Services provided include including mental health support, food and nutrition, care coordination, transportation, and minor home repairs.

“At Homage, we want more people to know about our Care Coordination Program, especially our Health Home services—a Medicaid-funded program designed to support individuals living with chronic conditions. Through this program, we work one-on-one with clients to help them manage their health, access vital community resources, and improve their overall well-being. Our approach is person-centered, holistic, and deeply rooted in building long-term, trusted relationships,” shared Krissie Dillin, Director of Social Services at Homage.

“We’re in a season of building—and one of the things we’re most excited about is the opportunity to grow our Health Home Care Coordination services to reach more people across our community. In particular, we are hoping to build a meaningful partnership with the Tulalip Tribe. We believe that through mutual respect, trust, and collaboration, we can bring personalized, culturally informed care coordination to tribal members who are navigating chronic health challenges. We know we have a lot to learn, and we’re ready to listen, show up, and work together,” shared Dillin.

They’re always looking for partners who believe that health is about so much more than doctor’s appointments. It’s about connection, culture, community, and care. “We would be honored to collaborate with the Tulalip Tribe, and to work hand-in-hand with tribal leaders, healthcare providers, and family members to offer care coordination that is respectful, responsive, and rooted in relationship. Our goal is never to replace what’s already working—but to support and walk alongside,” shared Dillin.

They would also like to recognize Lillian Kirungi, one of their Care Coordinators, who brings compassion, cultural humility, and deep knowledge of community resources to her role. Lillian’s ability to build strong relationships with clients and advocate for their needs has helped many individuals achieve greater stability in their health and daily lives. One recent success story involved a client struggling with multiple chronic conditions including mental illness and social isolation. Through our Health Home services, our team was able to help connect the gentleman with our Senior Companion Program, and establish a health action plan that is practical and driven by small goals. As a result, the client’s health has improved and he is working on his social skills with the Care Coordinator so he can reach his ultimate goal of making a new friend! It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of person-centered care.

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Partner Spotlight: Kulshan Community Land Trust

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Kulshan Community Land Trust is a housing organization, providing permanently affordable homeownership opportunities to low- to moderate-income community members in Whatcom County.

They broke ground on a new 18-home neighborhood of beautiful, permanently affordable, energy-efficient homes near amenities and public transportation this month! LaFreniere Court will be finished in spring 2025. Check out the Bellingham Herald article by clicking here.

KulshanCLT executive director Rose Lathrop speaks at the LaFreniere Court groundbreaking on March 6. Photo provided by KulshanCLT

They are looking for language access collaborators and community outreach connections to help make sure their services are accessible to every population in Whatcom County. Contact Molly McKinney-Holcomb at molly@kulshanclt.org to get connected!

The KulshanCLT staff team (AKA the gnomes for homes) officially breaks ground. Photo provided by KulshanCLT.

KulshanCLT is also hosting their annual fundraiser on May 14 at the Bellingham Yacht Club. Featuring a live jazz trio and dinner from Storia Cucina, they hope to see you there! Get your tickets by May 2, click here.