INTERFAITH CONNECTION

Interfaith Works is an association of congregations, affiliated

non-profit organizations and individuals. Our purpose is to
promote interfaith understanding, and serve the community through
FEBRUARY 2010 charitable, social and educational endeavors.

CRISIS CLINIC LETTER TO FAITH COMMUNITIES

The Crisis Clinic is a long-standing and valuable
community resource that has been powered by the
community for 38 years. Having re-established the
Clinic as an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) tax
exempt corporation in 2009, we are beginning a
new chapter in our organization and are seeking to
re-establish connections.
The Clinic strengthens our community through
training, by diffusing crises, and by reducing the
load on emergency services. The Clinic occupies a
unique niche within the local health and social ser-
vices. Located at the hub of the service wheel, we
are a 24/7 anonymous and confidential crisis inter-
vention and service-referral phone service staffed
by highly trained community volunteers.
Founded in 1972, we have been here every hour of
every day since then. But it hasn’t been easy. For
instance, back in 1983 the local faith community
came together to financially rescue the Crisis Clinic
during a particularly tight time. At that time we had
hoped to maintain a close relationship between the
Clinic and the faith community. But alas, we
dropped the ball and since that time the Crisis
Clinic has gone through ups and downs.
Around 2000 Behavioral Health Resources (BHR)
came forward to absorb and protect us. Unfortu-
nately the financial crash of 2008 tore funding from
BHR. In order to survive, BHR had to terminate
several services - the Clinic was one of those.
In late 2008 a group of concerned citizens banded
together to try to rescue the crisis service for the
counties. After study and consultation with local
governments and support services, the group real-
ized that they all wished they could help but none
could take over operating the Clinic. With support
from other agencies, we determined that keeping
the Clinic operating might work if we got enough
local private support. So we decided to go it alone
and reincorporate the Crisis Clinic as a stand alone
nonprofit corporation. The group later formed a new
Board of Directors and re-incorporated the Clinic.
The Clinic currently has one regular full-time staff
person and two AmeriCorps members, funded with
current contracts and our current level of donations.
To be a sustainable Clinic, we need a second full
time staff person, additional contracts and grants,
and to grow our donor base. We currently have
funds on-hand to operate through the first quarter
of 2010.
The Crisis Clinic is a volunteer-powered, not-for-
profit agency. We are funded by memberships,
(Continued on page 2)

Published Monthly by Interfaith Works, P.O. Box 1221, Olympia, WA 98507

office@interfaith-works.org  (360) 357-7224  www.Interfaith-Works.org
 REMEMBERING MARY FARRINGTON
A dear friend of Interfaith Works, and an amazing Army, Dispute Resolution Center, Community Youth
person known to many in Thurston County, Mary Services, Thurston County Humane Society,
Farrington passed away on December 13, 2009 at Thurston County Retired Teachers Association,
the age of 85. She had been living at Puget Sound Capital Playhouse and many others.
Health Care Center since suffering a stroke in 2003.
A devoted member of St. John's Episcopal Church,
Mary was born in Montana where she grew up and Mary became their delegate to Interfaith Works (then
began college. During World War II, Mary joined the called Associated Ministries of Thurston County) in
U.S. Navy and served from 1944-1946, after which 1988, and served in that position until the time of her
she resumed her studies, earning her BA and MA stroke. In those 15 years she was a valuable re-
degrees. Her first teaching assignment was teaching source in community networking because of her ties
English in Agen, France. In 1952 she began teaching with so many organizations. She served on many
French, Spanish and English at Olympia High program committees, and was particularly active in
School, and taught there for 31 years. Mary organ- rewriting Interfaith Works' Statement of Purpose and
ized many student tours and home stays in France. Vision Statement in 1995, and again in 2002.
She loved travel and lead many other tours in China,
Mary contributed much to our community. Her strong
Russia, Australia and throughout Europe.
advocacy for youth, the underprivileged, the mentally
After retiring in 1983, Mary served 15 years on the ill and animal rights was a blessing to countless indi-
Olympia School Board and became a tireless volun- viduals and families. She will long be remembered
teer in numerous organizations including Salvation by those who knew and worked with her.

Crisis Clinic Letter (Continued from page 1) FEB CLASSES AT

donations, contracts and grants. We are in a two year organizational devel-
THE PRIORY
opment adventure to both maintain this valuable service and stabilize its Stumbling Toward God Feb. 6
funding for the long term. As part of that process the new Clinic recognizes
the importance of not only building contacts throughout the community, but in Creative & Active Praying:
maintaining them. To that end we have set up a plan whereby Clinic volun- Finding God in Movement,
teers annually contact all our supporters to update them on our progress and Writing, Drawing Feb. 13
problems. We are also trying to rebuild our volunteer base. We need Board The Lenten Journey:
members, financial folks, admin assistants, fundraisers, and people to main- God’s Time Feb. 19-21
tain our contacts with community organizations, as well as telephone volun-
teers and financial backers. Journaling as Spiritual
Practice Feb. 20
To that end, through this article, we ask each faith community to consider
incorporating us as a service element of your congregation. We can come Welcoming Prayer Feb. 27
and share with your congregation personally if you wish. Information, costs, and regis-
Community members can contact us through our Membership Chair, David tration at http://stplacid.org/
Lazar, at LZR5@comcast.net or 360-866-1680. Thank You. And remember, sched.html. (360) 438-2595,
if you – or someone you know - needs help, we’re here at 360-586-2800. spiritualityctr@stplacid.org.
2
 COMMUNITY CALENDAR
A listing of some of the activities and events of Interfaith Works members, affiliated organizations, and of general interest.
IW does not necessarily endorse these events. More details and events at www.Interfaith-Works.org.

January 22,25 Assured Hospice Volunteer and Comfort Therapist Training. For more information,
Fri. and Mon. contact Therese Wenner, Volunteer & Comfort Therapy Coordinator, Assured Hospice,
9 am—4 pm 2102-D Carriage Dr SW, Olympia, WA 98502. 360-236-9204 or twenner@assured.org.
January 24 Invisible Victims: How Immigration Law Affects Children. Exploring the realities and
Sunday myths of the immigration debate. Speaker Rosalinda Ramos with Catholic Community
10-11 am Services International. First United Methodist Church, 1224 Legion Way SE, Olympia
January 25-29 40-Hour Professional Mediation Training with The Dispute Resolution Center. Learn pow-
Mon-Fri erful skills you can use at home, at work, or as a DRC volunteer helping people to solve con-
8 am—5 pm flicts in a healthy way. Training fee $585. Info: 956-1155, www.mediatethurston.org.

January 25 Faith Communities Disaster Preparedness Workshop. Sponsored by Thurston County

Monday Emergency Management. For information contact Bill Terhune, Chaplain, South Bay Fire
7-9 pm at 360-791-9701 or Vivian Eason, TCEM, 360-786-5243. www.co.thurston.wa.us/em/Faith
January 26 Health Care Forum Series #3: Sen. Linda Parlette & Rep. Doug Ericksen, Republican
Tuesdays Health Care leaders. Discuss local implications of national health care reform. First Christian
6:30-8:00 pm Church, 701 Franklin St. SE, Olympia. Sponsored by IW and downtown congregations. Free.
January 30 Economic Survival Fair. w/ FREE Tax Service (9a-3p). Discover many resources and
Saturday services to help ease the burdens of everyday life. The Olympia Center, 222 Columbia St
10 am—2 pm NW. Send questions to esf2010@volunteer.ws or 741-2604.
February 6 Tom Rawson Folk Music Concert. He has a banjo and he’s not afraid to use it! A peace
Saturday and social justice concert to benefit Olympia Fellowship of Reconciliation. Traditions Café,
7:30 pm 300 5th Ave SW, Olympia. Tickets sliding scale $10-25. www.olyfor.org, 491-9093.
February 10 EARTH CARE SERIES #4: Getting it RIGHT in Carbon Exchanges. Economist Peter
Wednesday Dorman, Faculty, The Evergreen State College, speaking. Discussion follows.
7:00 pm Traditions Café, 300 5th Ave SW. Free, donations accepted
February 16 Interfaith Advocacy Day. All faith communities welcome. Interfaith worship, briefings on
Tuesday legislative session and state budget, meet your legislators. $25 fee includes packet, break-
8:30 am-3 pm fast and lunch. For more information, visit www.thewac.org, or call 206-625-9790.
February 19-20 Sabeel Puget Sound Seattle Conference. “The United States, Israel and Palestine: What
Fri-Sun Does Justice Require of US?”. St Mark’s Cathedral, 1245 10th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102.
Info and registration at http://www.fosna.org/content/seattle-conference-february-19-20-2010
February 21 Community Café. (www.theworldcafe.com). Awakening and engaging collective wis-
Sunday dom through conversations about questions that matter. Enjoy a light meal and meaningful
12:30-3 pm dialogue about immigration. Child care provided. First United Methodist Church, 1224 Le-
gion Way SE. Information: Scott 943-5804, scotts@scattercreek.com
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 Non-Profit Org.
Interfaith Works U.S. Postage
PO Box 1221 PAID
Olympia WA 98507 Permit No. 325
Olympia, WA 98501

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY

Tue., February 16, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The United Churches of Olympia,
110 11th Ave SE
Join Us to Lift Every Voice
All faith communities are welcome!

Support Interfaith Works with a Paid Ad $10

* Participate in interfaith worship
* Briefings on legislative session and state budget
* Meet your legislators * Voice your concerns
A $25 registration fee includes advocacy packet,
continental breakfast and lunch.
Information at www.thewac.org, Washington As-
sociation of Churches, (206) 625-9790.
Sponsored by
Washington Association of Churches,
Lutheran Public Policy Office of WA
and many other faith partners
IW SEEKS NEW DIRECTOR
Interfaith Works Executive Director, Kathy Erland-
son, will retire this spring after having served in the
position for over 9 years. The search committee
expects to select the new Executive Director by
March 15. Applications for the half-time position are
currently being accepted. The job announcement is
posted on the Interfaith Works website,
www.Interfaith-Works.org.