What happens when a master crafter brings their inspiring skills to our Companis Worker holiday party? The room overflows with people having fun and making connections. Patrick Green is a holiday tradition for our Companis community. The former longtime Companis...
Our Stories
Bringing you stories of our volunteer professionals and the nonprofits they serve
Say What You Need
Feb 23, 2023
One of the special things we enjoy at Companis is gathering together for Worker Support meetings - a space for connection and reflection with fellow volunteers. Some of these meetings include professional and personal development workshops, guided by people with...
Two Hours a Week Changes Lives
Feb 23, 2023
We’ve all been there. News of a fast-moving tragedy fills our news feeds and we find ourselves constantly checking our phones for updates.That’s what happened to Yulia Tolskaya when she found out about Russia invading Ukraine. “I didn’t want to just stare at the news...
The Value of Reflection
Feb 2, 2023
Author and nonprofit strategist Ashley Fontaine is a big believer in leading with values. In fact, it’s the name of one of her chapters in Unstuck: Disrupting the Status Quo. “The beauty of clear values is that they serve as an anchor and decision-making compass not...
Gary’s End-of-Year Letter
Dec 19, 2022
A few days ago my dad asked me to bring my clippers along for a visit to the assisted living home where he lives with my mom. He told me they both needed haircuts, as their on-site barber had retired. I have the very good fortune, along with my siblings, to be a...
2022 Newell Award for Community Service honors Sarah Speck, MD
Dec 15, 2022
Companis Board President, Anne Spangler, presents the Janet G. Newell Award to Sarah Speck, MD. Sarah has been serving with Companis for nearly two decades. Her work on our Board has been significant, including in recent years when, as President, she encouraged...
Thank You for Showing Up!
Dec 15, 2022
Our inaugural annual fundraiser, Companis Showcase 2022, was brimming with personal stories from a variety of people who show up for their community. We welcomed Companis Workers on stage to reflect on their volunteer journey with Companis and to hear about the impact...
Translating with Tenderness
Dec 15, 2022
by Jennifer Wing, Associate Executive Director - Programs We've fielded lots of requests these past few months from nonprofits looking for people who are fluent in Russian and Ukrainian. These are organizations that are resettling Ukrainian refugees. Let me tell you,...
What Does it Mean to Show Up?
Oct 4, 2022
Companis Worker Chad Kinzel gives a toy to a toddler at Familias Unidas, Latino Community Resource Center in Everett (A program of Lutheran Community Services Northwest).