Foundation Flash

June 2022

As we eagerly wait for spring to turn to summer, we want to share a brief update about the incredible ways philanthropy is impacting health care in our local community.

Thank you for your continued support!

Colleen M. Fox

Chief Philanthropy Officer

B.E.S.T. program expansion will increase access to pediatric mental health services

The B.E.S.T. program (Behavioral and Educational Skills Training) provides intensive therapeutic day treatment services for children 8 to 12 with behavioral issues related to past trauma and mental health. As the only program of its type in the region for this age group, there is often a 4 to 6 week wait time to begin services. This can be especially concerning for children who are leaving in-patient adolescent psychiatric programs at Sacred Heart and Kootenai Medical Centers.

A $1.7 million grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce will fund remodeling of a building on the Holy Family campus, allowing the program to move from existing space on the Sacred Heart campus and nearly tripling the useable space. It is anticipated the new location will be ready by the summer of 2023. Senior Behavioral Health Manager Katie Morris says the new location will double the number of children currently served, reduce or eliminate wait times and provide space for much-needed breakout areas for small groups.

“We are thrilled that the foundation was able to secure funding to address such a critical need in our community, and look forward to seeing how this program will continue to impact children, now and in the future,” says Melanie Lambrecht, director of corporate and foundation relations.

We are still seeking funds to complete this project – your donation can help kids facing behavioral health challenges. 

Donor Spotlight - Marie Lamfrom Foundation

Marie Lamfrom served in World War I as a nurse on the Russian front at the age of 18. After the war, she returned home to Germany, married and had three daughters. As the Nazis rose to power, Marie and her family fled to Portland, Oregon where she and her husband, Paul, founded Columbia Sportswear. 

The Marie Lamfrom Foundation, established in 1998 to honor her life, recently granted funds to support the work of the Providence Community Clinic. This clinic brings medical and behavioral health services to our community's most vulnerable population -- those experiencing chronic homelessness. It is located in downtown Spokane and provides a safe place to access care and connect with resources to address a wide range of issues.

The Lamfrom Foundation funds are being used to provide needed medical equipment and supplies, including wheelchairs, walkers, blood pressure cuffs and a panoptic ophthalmuscope, as well as bus passes, clothing, cold weather items such as gloves and hats, fanny packs and more. 

We are honored to partner with the Lamfrom Foundation, recognizing our shared values as evidenced in their purpose statement: "We facilitate and nurture human connection, learning, healing, and joy; pursue partnerships that value and empower those involved; to yield ongoing positive outcomes, alleviate human suffering, and promote thriving communities." See below for more about the Providence Community Clinic or to make a donation.

CMN partners: Every dollar makes a difference 

As you eat and shop around the area, we hope you will support these generous Children's Miracle Network (CMN) corporate partners and participate in their campaigns.

Walmart – June 13-July 10. Donate any amount at the register.

Dairy Queen – June 1-July 28. Purchase a CMN balloon icon and receive DQ coupons for food and treats. Some locations also have round up at the register.

Panda Express – Round up all year.

In 2021, CMN partners cumulatively raised over $1.69 million to support kids in our community. 100% of the money stays local, funding specialized life-saving equipment, charitable care for families needing assistance, advanced education and unique supportive programs that ease the patient and family experience.

Our 2022 CMN Champions, pictured here, are twins Jack and Liam Kelsey. Born at 29 weeks and weighing just over 2 pounds each, they spent 78 days in the NICU at Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital. As you can see, they are now healthy, happy 4-year-olds. 

Roll over your IRA for good 

The IRA charitable rollover gift permits individuals who are 70½ to roll over up to $100,000 from their IRA to charity, free from federal income tax.

An IRA rollover gift also may qualify for your required minimum distribution (RMD), permitting you to lower your income and taxes while supporting the Providence Inland Northwest Foundation’s mission. By taking a distribution from your IRA this year, you will likely pay more in taxes and may even reach a higher tax bracket. Compare the impact of taking your RMD versus the benefits of making an IRA charitable rollover gift to us: 

Taking Your RMD – You pay income tax on your distribution; you may not need or want the money; you are limited by the RMD rules

Making an IRA Gift – You will pay no income tax on your gift; you can help support your favorite causes; your gift can help build your charitable legacy; you can use your IRA in the way you want

An IRA charitable rollover gift can benefit both you and our mission! Contact your IRA administrator to get started with your gift. While you will not receive an income tax deduction, you will not pay taxes on any distributions made to us. If you have questions, or want to inform us of your plans so we can direct your gift toward the causes that mean the most to you, contact our Planned Giving Officer Dennis Reed at dennis.reed@providence.org or call (509) 474-4656.