Lean In Olympia

On this episode of Lean In Olympia Meg sits down with the President of the Sandy's Flats Resident Council, Rio Stevensen. The two sit down for a discussion about his life and journey from houselessness to now running Resident Council at the Sandy's Flats permanent supportive housing project. If you like this podcast, please make sure to like, subscribe, and share with others.  Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwhomelessservices/  

Part two of the Lean In Olympia candidate forum features city council candidates Clark Gilman, Robert Venderpool, Caleb Gieger, and Wendy Carlson to discuss pressing challenges in Olympia, including those surrounding substance use and mental health services, climate resilience, housing and transportation, Tribal engagement, and local governance. This forum offers voters a closer look at each candidate's vision and priorities for Olympia's future. Listen on the Go: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mu422nv4 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/yxmuneum Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwhomelessservices/

In part one of this special Lean In Olympia, city council candidates Justin Stang and Paul Berendt discuss key issues facing Olympia, including public safety, police staffing, homelessness, mental health services, climate change, Tribal engagement, and community affordability. This forum offers voters a closer look at each candidate's vision and priorities for Olympia's future. Listen on the Go: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mu422nv4 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/yxmuneum Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwhomelessservices/  

In this episode of Lean In Olympia, Corey sits down with writer and advocate Kevin Nye to explore the intersections of homelessness, public policy, faith, and human dignity. Kevin is the author of Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness and joins us to discuss what it means to center grace, not merit, in how we serve unhoused communities. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

Pastor Mark Rambo of First Baptist Church of Olympia shares a heartfelt journey through nearly three decades of ministry, community engagement, and radical hospitality. He reflects on the evolving challenges of homelessness, the church's long-standing commitment to compassion, and its renewed partnership with Interfaith Works. Pastor Mark speaks candidly about hope, spiritual leadership, and what it means to welcome all with dignity. Watch this episode on our Youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworksthurstoncou4970 Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

In this episode, Meg is joined by Ti'eri Lino, Director of Homeless Services at Interfaith Works, to dive into the incredible work happening at Sergio's, a community resource hub that offers vital services to those in need. Join us as we discuss the power of hope, community, and the difference these services make in people's lives.  Check out ways to get involved at https://www.iwshelter.org/get-involved.html Watch this episode on our Youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworksthurstoncou4970 Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

In this episode, Corey sits down with artist Joe Seymour to explore his connection to Coast Salish and Acoma Pueblo traditions. From carving paddles and making drums to large-scale public art installations, Joe shares his journey of cultural reclamation, artistic expression, and the responsibility of passing knowledge to future generations.   Check out Joe's work here: https://joeseymourart.com/ Views on Fifth Salmon Project: https://joeseymourart.com/portfolio/views-on-fifth-salmon-project/   Watch this episode on our Youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworksthurstoncou4970 Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA  

It's 2025 and we're kicking off the new year with Meg Martin and returning guest Keylee Marineau, Homeless Response Coordinator for Thurston County, to discuss topics of homelessness as a public health crisis and methodologies in counting those sheltered and unsheltered. Thurston County's Winter Clothing Drive is now collecting donations at the Old Olympia Fire Hall from 10am to 2pm on Fridays, until Jan. 24th, 2025.  Find out more: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedWayThurston/photos/winter-clothing-drivedonate-new-or-slightly-used-winter-clothesthurston-county-p/992497409576165/?_rdr   To get involved, check out https://www.facebook.com/icountthurston/ or https://www.unitedway-thurston.org/volunteer for upcoming volunteer opportunities.    Watch this episode on our Youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworksthurstoncou4970 Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA  

In this episode, Corey sits down with Lara Crutsinger-Perry, a Pastor at United Churches of Olympia to discuss the work of the organization and Lara's experience and relationship with faith and religion as a queer woman. Watch this episode on our youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworksthurstoncou4970 Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA  

In this episode, we sit down with Katie Strozyk to discuss current trends in the opioid crisis, overdose prevention, and current resources for support. Get involved at https://www.thurstoncountywa.gov/departments/public-health-and-social-services/disease-control-and-prevention/opioid-response/opioid-response-task-force

WE'RE BACK!    It's been a few months, but Lean in Olympia is back! We're refreshed, we're renewed, we're in a new location, and we're ready to connect with you!   Today, we're diving into what's been going on behind the scenes, as well as the future of the podcast. We also tease up what you can expect at the 50th Anniversary Celebration for Interfaith Works coming up later in September!  

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Olympia City Council Member Clark Gilman shares his experience volunteering with his church, First Christian Church, which hosted the Interfaith Works Emergency Overnight Shelter from 2015 to 2021, and the congregations dedication to discipleship and living as disciples of Jesus.  For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: www.interfaith-works.org Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworks or Listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts  Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Russ Lidman reflects on what got him involved in the ideal of social responsibility and how he became involved with Interfaith Works. How his faith's ideals of Charity and "Repair of the World" propelled him into community care and connection. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: www.interfaith-works.org Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our YouTube page: youtube.com/interfaithworks Or Listen on: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/56npj4u7 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Patrick LaVoillette reflects on the struggles Interfaith Works faced in the early days. From issues on securing funding, to the struggles of balancing the differing dynamics and beliefs of different faith based organizations working together. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: www.interfaith-works.org Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our YouTube page: youtube.com/interfaithworks Or Listen on: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/56npj4u7 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

Hey everyone! It's been a while. But we haven't gone anywhere. We're back with a quick update to tell you about some of the changes in the format to upcoming podcast episodes, as well as reflect a little on this past season. Stay tuned for more soon! Listen on the Go: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mu422nv4 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/yxmuneum Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA  

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, the current Director of Integrative Services for Interfaith Works, Meg Martin shares her experiences, the struggles and triumphs, around working with the community to open the first permanent shelter in Olympia, and how the connection with the faith community and Interfaith Works made that mission possible. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: www.interfaith-works.org Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our YouTube page: youtube.com/interfaithworks Or Listen on: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/56npj4u7 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Lawrence Naputi shares some of his story. From receiving a permanent bed in the shelter, to now working at Sergio's to help others experiencing homelessness, by showing the same kindness, empathy, and care that was shown to him. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: www.interfaith-works.org Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworks or Listen on: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/56npj4u7 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA  

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, former Executive Director of Interfaith Works, Kathy Erlandson (2000-2010) reflects on the first winter, when a member of her congregation suggested opening the church as an overnight shelter during the cold weather months, and celebrates the progress Interfaith Works has made in the 24 years since that night. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: www.interfaith-works.org Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworks or Listen on: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/56npj4u7 Apple Podcasts : https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA  

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock speaks to why, in 2014 in partnership with Interfaith Works, he initiated the Annual Day of Awareness in Thurston County to honor those who died, but who's remains where unclaimed. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: www.interfaith-works.org Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworks or Listen on: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/56npj4u7 Apple Podcasts : https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA  

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, the former Executive Director of Interfaith Works, Danny Kadden (2010-2018) shares how Interfaith stepped forward and began providing leadership on Homelessness in Thurston County. For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: www.interfaith-works.org Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our youtube page: youtube.com/@interfaithworks or Listen on: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/56npj4u7 Apple Podcasts : https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA