On October 18, 2023, Class XXVII experienced a day of thought-provoking insights during their Human Needs and Services Day.

The focus of this session was to be introduced to the services and programs that are available to meet human needs in the community, the challenge these agencies face, and how theu plan to improve their services into the future. 

The day featured a comprehensive and engaging agenda, courtesy of our Session Day Sponsor, the Benton-Franklin Health District. We also would like to thank Columbia Industries for providing the session’s meals. 

Benton Franklin Community Health Alliance

Class XXVII started there day with a presentation by Carla Prock, a Class XX alumni member and a Senior Manager of Healthy People & Communities at the Benton Franklin Health District. 

In the presentation, Carla discussed the findings in the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for 2023 -2025. 

As noted in the report, “CHIP establisheds the groundwork for addressing some of the most pressing public health challenges facing our bi-county region to foster more equitable health outcomes and well-being for all resident in our community.” 

The four CHIP priorities included: 

1. Housing and Homelessness
2. Behavioral Health
3. Access to Health
4. Community Partnership Development

Youth Homelessness in the Community

Omar Escalera, the Executive Director of Equity, Partnerships & Family Engagement Migrant Program in the Pasco School District, presented on Youth Homelessness.

At the national level, the McKinney-Vento act is federal legislation that has been in effect since 1987 to support children and youth. 

Mr. Escalera then discussed the challenges the District faces, and the resources they have to ensure that children and youth experiencing housing instability can still access the educational system. 

Support, Advocacy and Resource Center

The Support, Advocacy & Resource Center (SARC) is dedicated to providing trauma-informed crisis services and support to victims/survivors of crime, along with their families and others affected. 

SARC's Executive Director, JoDee Garretson, an LTC Class 2 Alumni, delivered an compelling presentation on SARC's history and service.

 SARC advocates for the rights of all crime victims, offering information, advocacy, crisis intervention, and treatment to those affected. They promote victims' choices in reporting, prosecution, safety, and more, while also working to prevent violence.

Tri-Cities Residential Services

Paul Singer, an LTC Alumni from Class XX, and the Executive Director of Tri-Cities Residential Services, discussed their person-centered approach to teaching vital life skills and offering support to individuals with disabilities. 

TCRS focuses on fostering self-esteem, personal growth, and self-sufficiency, enabling these individuals to function independently. 

Their services encompass supported living and behavior support services.

B5 Learning Center

For more than 13 years, the B5 Learning Center has delivered education classes and after-school programs for refugee families. 

Theresa Roosendaal (Executive Director) and Tho Paw (Family Support Specialist) discussed the history and programs of the B5 Learning center, “since our founding, we have helped more than 2,000 newcomers learn, grow and thrive.” 

The B5 Learning Center offers English classes and digital literacy classes to adults, and after school programs for K-8 and High School students. 

Homeless & Poverty Panel 

Two panelists discussed current challenges and services offered to allievate homelessness and poverty in the Tri-Cities. 

The panelists included: 

1. Heather Shindehite, Ph.D., Program Director, Safe Harbor & My Friends Place
2. Debra Biondolilo, Humans Services Case Management Director, Tri-Cities Union Gospel Mission. 

Columbia Industries

Columbia Industries is a mission-based organization dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities and other challenges.

Columbia Industries CEO, Michael Novakovich, a LTC Class 10 Alumni, spoke about the organization, “One of the core values at Columbia Industries is social inclusion – we want all our people to fell as if they belong to our community.

Youth Services Panel

There were three panelists who talked about youth services in the Tri-Cities.

The panelists included:

1. Brian Ace, Executive Director, Boys and Girls Club, Class XIII
2. Steve Howland, Executive Director, YMCA
3. Amber Gonzalez, Program Manager, Communities in School

Brian Ace finished up with a discussion of donor principles and non-profits.