Catherine Tardif-Douglin, MS, MSW, stands in Elizabeth Gregory Home’s kitchen. Outside the window is a mural by local artist Henry.
Volunteer Story
Posts that show up on the Volunteer page
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Jul 13, 2023
Nick (Xunan) Li remembers as a young child wandering through a large field of peanuts on his grandfather’s farm in China. He loved the feel of the place - something he thinks of often now that he’s volunteering at the Seattle Community Farm. The farm in Seattle’s...
Companis Worker Retreat: Nature and Nurture
Jul 13, 2023
This year’s Companis Worker retreat included insightful workshops, a DIY art table, family-style meals, and time around the campfire. We also welcomed spring sunshine at Rainbow Lodge which is nestled on 40 acres of forestland near North Bend, WA. The purpose of...
Companis Workers Make Happy Volunteers
Mar 14, 2023
By Gary Davis Quick question: What comes to mind when you hear the word “volunteer”? For some, it signals a time commitment that could potentially be overwhelming and difficult to back out of. For others, it signals a fulfilling and joyful experience. Then...
Capturing Special Moments
Feb 23, 2023
The day was cloudy and blustery. But inside Everett Recovery Cafe, a Companis nonprofit partner, there was warmth, laughter, and cupcakes! Companis Worker Nefertifi Gilbert came in with two dozen home-baked cupcakes, along with frosting and sprinkles to set up a...
Say What You Need
Feb 23, 2023
One of the special things we enjoy at Companis is gathering together for Worker Support meetings - a space for connection and reflection with fellow volunteers. Some of these meetings include professional and personal development workshops, guided by people with...
Two Hours a Week Changes Lives
Feb 23, 2023
We’ve all been there. News of a fast-moving tragedy fills our news feeds and we find ourselves constantly checking our phones for updates.That’s what happened to Yulia Tolskaya when she found out about Russia invading Ukraine. “I didn’t want to just stare at the news...
Thank You for Showing Up!
Dec 15, 2022
Our inaugural annual fundraiser, Companis Showcase 2022, was brimming with personal stories from a variety of people who show up for their community. We welcomed Companis Workers on stage to reflect on their volunteer journey with Companis and to hear about the impact...
Translating with Tenderness
Dec 15, 2022
by Jennifer Wing, Associate Executive Director - Programs We've fielded lots of requests these past few months from nonprofits looking for people who are fluent in Russian and Ukrainian. These are organizations that are resettling Ukrainian refugees. Let me tell you,...