by Jim Segaar, Companis Worker Amid the political noise and negativity cast at immigrants these days, you can find examples of individuals and organizations helping people make the difficult transition to life in a new country. In Snohomish County, the nonprofit House...
Our Stories
Bringing you stories of our volunteer professionals and the nonprofits they serve
Mentoring the Helpers
Dec 20, 2021
Viewing refugees through the lens of abundance isn’t what most of us are accustomed to. But Allison Taylor, Clinical Director of Lutheran Community Services Northwest for North Puget Sound, speaks with a sense of awe when describing the strength of those who make this...
Year End Thoughts from Gary: The Enduring Power of Community
Dec 20, 2021
My grandmother became severely ill during the influenza pandemic a century ago when the family lived in rural Montana. She was so sick, her doctor told my grandfather she would not likely make it, and that he needed to quickly find another family to raise their infant...
Jumping In and Finding Joy
Dec 20, 2021
My name is Jensen Nida and I’m a sophomore at Bates College in Maine. This fall, I took a leave of absence and found myself back in my hometown of Seattle itching for purpose. I showed up at the Companis office one day to help prepare newsletters for mailing. I heard...
Catching the Light
Dec 20, 2021
Where do we go to catch the light during these dark, winter months? We asked Companis Workers and staff to send in photos that document a moment in time when light caught their eye and raised their spirits. From giant bubbles to meditation, we received an array...
How Companis Supports Our Volunteers
Dec 18, 2021
Having a worker support group makes a big difference for Companis placements. It creates community and holds space for reflection. Volunteers support each other by sharing their experiences through Companis’ monthly worker support meetings (in-person, when possible,...
Companis Volunteer, Donor, and Nonprofit Trailblazer
Dec 14, 2021
Sumeet Pamma is one of those people powering change. He comes from an agricultural family that emigrated from Punjab, India, and when they landed in California in 1978 his parents resumed farming in their new country. "It's in our blood that we are farmers,” says...
Biennial ’21 – Behind the Scenes
Nov 10, 2021
Producing our first online Biennial was an adventure, to say the least! But we felt supported every step of the way by the Companis board, our ambassadors, our Workers, and our partner agencies. Thank you! Here are a few images from the days leading up to the...
Watch the Biennial ’21 presentation
Oct 23, 2021
If you missed our live stream on October 21st, we bring you the Companis Biennial '21, "Where Compassion Meets Action," in its entirety here! Click on this link to watch! We thank Dr. Ben Danielson, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Washington, for...