Companis Outreach Specialist Cynthia Hunter is ‘on a roll.’ Cynthia (above right with fair participants) helped instigate, organize and participate in a variety of volunteer fairs during 2024. They focused on our newest service areas in Snohomish County. The most recent was the Marysville – Arlington Volunteer Fair on Nov. 9th. The event was a collaboration with the nonprofit Linc NW, a vital human services program based in Marysville and serving a wide area.
The year began with the Stanwood-Camano Volunteer Fair in February, a partnership with the Stanwood Camano Area Foundation. Then, later in 2024, Companis participated at the Edmonds Volunteer Fair, the Verdant Health Volunteer Fair in Lynnwood, and later in Marysville. We also took part as sponsors and as a community participant at the Juneteenth Freedom Festival celebration in Lynnwood, led by Project Girl, and a nonprofit meet-and-greet event in Snohomish, sponsored by the local Kiwanis organization.
“These are important opportunities for us to share the Companis story with organizations and individuals in a way that doesn’t happen in lunchtime or zoom meetings,’ says Cynthia. “The people who come out to those events are curious, and they want connection. So holding these events offers the chance to really connect and talk about the many ways volunteers matter and can truly make an impact through a Companis placement.”
The result of these efforts? Companis increased total our volunteer placements (101 in 2024) by 36% over 2023, and the number of nonprofits served (64) by 20%. (Read about our 2024 program accomplishments here). It takes planning and dedication to the ‘get the word out.’ That’s why we are excited for 2025. This coming year, Cynthia and our team are looking to stage volunteer fairs in Seattle’s Central Area, Renton and South King County. And, we’ll continue our outreach throughout Snohomish County.
The fairs are a great reminder that it truly takes a village to make and promote meaningful connections that benefit the entire community.