When superheroes join forces, powerful things happen. The Avengers, X-Men, Doom Patrol or even Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are stronger together and can combat greater needs working side-by-side. Locally, three dedicated regional nonprofits have united to form the League of Foundations. The Firefighters Community Foundation, 4 the Love and TOGETHER! will deepen already existing partnerships to support each other’s mission and goals.
This newfound alliance combines resources, reach and heart by co-hosting events, sharing fundraising efforts and building strong outreach networks throughout the community.
The Firefighters Community Foundation: Combining Strengths Means Meeting Greater Needs
Donovan Cathey, president of the Firefighters Community Foundation, explains that their organization supports school pantries in Olympia and Tumwater, hosts a Coats for Kids program and responds to urgent, unexpected needs of local families. “We’ll do whatever it takes to help people get back on their feet,” he says. “Our goal is to fill gaps quickly and compassionately, especially when no other resources are available.”
Creating the League of Foundations has been growing naturally for some time, says Cathey. “Each organization will continue its unique programs and identity, but now with the added benefit of shared support, communication and coordination,” he adds. “The League of Foundations is about amplifying impact, not changing who we are.”
Cathey and other members of the Firefighters Community Foundation board hope that the new union will grant “greater capacity to dream bigger and act faster to identify emerging needs and work collectively to find solutions that make a real difference.”
4 the Love Foundation: Giving Everyone a Fair Shot at a Better Life
Like the Firefighters Community Foundation, their nonprofit partners in the League of Foundations put children and families first. Tessa Effland is co-founder of 4 the Love Foundation, a group dedicated to providing much needed services that empower the community.
“We chose to partner with TOGETHER! and the Firefighter Community Foundation because we share the same heart for service,” says Effland. “By combining our strengths, resources and networks, we can amplify our impact and fill more gaps for those who need it most. Each organization brings something unique to the table, and by working together, we can create more meaningful, sustainable change in our community.”
4 the Love allows anyone to submit an online request for themselves or others. Whether granting support or resources, the organization offers a vital lifeline. They receive more than 40 requests each month which are tackled by the tireless work of several hundred volunteers, including the leadership board.
Their outreach includes “helping someone find a safe place to sleep, connecting them with medical health support or simply showing up with a meal,” explains Effland. “These acts of love from our foundation to this community are ways we can give back and provide hope to others.”
TOGETHER!: Igniting Community Change Through Social, Health and Educational Equity
Under the leadership of co-executive directors Sierra Abrams and Kahlo C. Flores M., TOGETHER! mobilizes the community on behalf of our youngest members. They have helped more than 1,000 local children stay housed with their families and distribute more than $100,000 in emergency needs assistance annually.
Abrams says that “The need for housing and basic needs support is much larger than any one nonprofit, foundation or social service agency can provide. For the past few years, 4 the Love, TOGETHER! and the Firefighters Community Foundation have worked collaboratively to meet youth and family needs.”
But at the end of the day, says Abrams, it does no good to work within a silo. “In this time where the social safety net is being gutted and our community members fear for their safety, health and wellbeing, it is more important than ever to come together to support each other and the community at large. They cannot take away the love we have for our community and each other, no matter what. And that is what this collaboration is about: leading with love and purpose.”
One for All and All for One with Thurston County’s League of Foundations
If you’d like to learn more about the League of Foundations’ members or make a donation to one of the groups, check them out online. You can follow the Firefighters Community Foundation through Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for their newsletter, find community programs and events or contribute directly.
4 the Love Foundation is also on Facebook and Instagram. Details about events or how to volunteer, fundraise on their behalf or make a contribution are also online.
TOGETHER! is active on Facebook, Instagram and X. Checkout upcoming events and donation options through their website as well.
And in the future, when you see League of Federations fundraisers or activities around town, make sure to thank them for all the hard work. Being a superhero isn’t easy but it’s a vitally important role in every community, even without a cape.
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