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North Sound ACH

North Sound Accountable Community of Health

partner spotlight

Partner Spotlight: Thriving Communities

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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

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: 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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