Of all the photos taken of Companis Workers from our archive, this one stands out (with credit going to Lupe Carlos). It exquisitely documents the compassion and caring of Karen Carlos as she works with a client at Hilltop, a senior residence in Seattle. In this moment, as seen in Karen’s expression, the heart of Companis is captured: Where compassion meets action.
Karen’s placement during Companis’ inaugural year was among Founding Director Craig Darling’s firsts. And it would last. Hilltop brought her onto their staff following her one-year Companis commitment. At the end of April, Karen will retire from her distinguished career as Resident Life/Service Coordinator at Hilltop, and we salute her! She’s directly touched and improved thousands of lives.
As we celebrate our 30th birthday in 2024, Karen’s story is but one of literally thousands from our history of volunteer matchmaking and community service. Since 1994, Companis has made over 1,400 placements across 221 nonprofits in Seattle/King County and Snohomish County. Some, like Karen, launched careers through their placements. Others extended them, and many discovered new aptitudes and aspects of their professional skills by stepping forward into Companis service.
How are we celebrating 30 years? In many ways!
First, we’re celebrating our Workers during April by sharing some of their stories during International/National Volunteer Month. We’ll also be highlighting our 30th birthday with our spring online fundraising campaign that culminates during National Volunteer Week, April 22nd to April 26th.
Then make sure to save the date for our annual donor and volunteer appreciation event, Companis Spotlight. It’s a 30th Anniversary Reunion on Sunday, July 21st, from Noon to 2 p.m. at the new studios of nonprofit public radio station KNKX, sitting above the gorgeous Seattle waterfront, and adjacent to the Pike Place Market. We’ll be sending out invitations for this event in late April, so hold the date now!
We’ll also be recording Companis memories during the reunion, and will be sharing a number of the stories at our annual Companis Showcase event on Thursday, October 10th, at Town Hall Seattle.
Companis is excited for the next 30 years, as we build on our growth and reach more of our neighbors who want to serve their community by sharing their talents and care for others. This is where Companis stands: Addressing our community’s needs, one placement at time.
Thank you for being on this journey with us, whether it’s been for a few weeks or 30 years. As the wise saying goes, “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.”