On October 16, 2024, Leadership Tri-Cities Class XXVIII attended Human Needs and Services Day, exploring programs that support Tri-Cities families and community members.

Sponsored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties and led by Lisa Godwin (Class XX), the session highlighted local organizations addressing diverse needs.

Insights into Nonprofits and Leadership

The day began with an engaging presentation from Brian Ace, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton and Franklin Counties, who shared valuable insights into nonprofit leadership and board involvement. One participant reflected, “This was a memorable talk—as I inch towards working with a nonprofit board, these are the questions I never knew I needed to ask.”

Columbia Ability Alliance

Michael Novakovich, President and CEO, and a member of Class X, spoke about his organization, Columbia Ability Alliance. This organization empowers individuals with unique abilities and life challenges by offering services such as vocational training, employment assistance, and community resources. Through programs like Opportunity Kitchen and Empowerment Place, Columbia Ability Alliance fosters inclusivity and supports personal success in the Tri-Cities area.

Additionally, they served as the lunch sponsor for the event.

Shining a Light on Critical Issues

Tricia MacFarlan, Executive Director of Mirror Ministries, addressed domestic minor sex trafficking in the Tri-Cities. Her presentation on Mirror Ministries’ mission—to combat domestic minor sex trafficking through education, intervention, restoration, and aftercare—was both sobering and inspiring, leaving participants with a renewed sense of awareness and a call to action.

“Tricia was a great presenter and answered our questions so honestly,” one participant noted. “The information she shared was shocking and truly a wake-up call for me. It was very sad but also inspiring.”

Compassion in Action

Throughout the morning, participants heard from leaders of impactful organizations, including:

• Lori Jackson, Executive Director of Tri-Cities Chaplaincy, who provided an overview of palliative care services. Participants valued her expertise, with one remarking, “I appreciated the overview of palliative care and how it is structured regionally.”
• Shelby Moore, Executive Director of Heartlinks, whose presentation on hospice care and their new support for ALS patients deeply resonated. “Shelby is amazing,” shared one class member. “They are truly angels among us. She seems like an amazing leader.”
• Cynthia MacFarlan, Executive Director of Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities (TROT), shared how equine therapy supports individuals with physical, emotional, and developmental challenges.
• Rosanna Herrera, Program Director of Support, Advocacy, and Resource Center (SARC), provided an overview of the organization’s work in advocating for and supporting survivors of sexual violence.
• Theresa Roosendaal, Executive Director of B5 Learning Center, highlighted the center’s mission to provide educational classes and after-school programs for refugee families as a bridge to their success.

Exploring Autism Awareness

The afternoon included an Autism Panel featuring:

• Jim Pridemore, CEO of Spectrum Studios
• Christine Lindgren, Director of Responding to Autism
• DeAnna Winterrose, Parent Coalition Coordinator at The ARC

Participants praised the panel’s insights and the personal stories shared. “I loved this panel,” said one attendee. “I appreciated that one of the panel members has Autism and was vulnerable in sharing her story. It was eye-opening to hear how businesses can adapt their practices to support individuals with Autism better.”

Addressing Addiction

A diverse panel of experts looked at the complexities of addiction.

• Carissa Lieberman, Clinical Supervisor at PCAP Elijah Family Homes, discussed the organization’s focus on supporting mothers recovering from substance abuse to build stronger family bonds.
• Jason Bliss, Executive Director of WAQRR at Seasons Housing, highlighted their work providing stable housing and recovery resources for needy individuals.
• Pattrisha Pesina, Behavioral Health Specialist and Active Probation Officer with Benton County Therapeutic Court shared her perspective on integrating behavioral health support with judicial oversight to help individuals navigate recovery.

A Day of Impact and Reflection

Human Needs and Services Day left Class XXVIII with a profound appreciation for the dedication and impact of local agencies. As one participant summarized, “So much learned and so much perspective gained—valuable day overall! So many great moments in the day.”