June - August 2026 Newsbriefs

• Scale House Market opens its summer season - Saturdays and Sundays > October 11
• Resource Directory goes to print the end of June
• Fig Tree prepares for its annual meeting - June 4
• Habitat-Spokane's Blitz Build is June 3 to 12
• Area Jewish Family Services raises funds - June 7
• LCSNW presents foster family information - June 30
• Local groups coordinate World Refugee Day - June 20
• United Methodists awards peace grants
• Women's relief society serves, builds faith
• SNAP names Amber Johnson CEO
• Spokane Riverkeeper kicks off cleanup - June 13
• MLK Center hosts Juneteenth celebration - June 19
• NAMIWalks raises support for mental health - June 20
• B.C. Canoe journey highlights Sinixt culture - June 26 - July 1
• Thrive hosts youth soccer camp in July - July 27 - 30
• Local groups, leaders rally to support Spokane 3

Scale House Market opens its summer season

The Scale House Market at 4422 E. 8th Ave. in Spokane Valley opened its 2026 Outdoor Market Season in May, welcoming visitors to enjoy local farms, food, artisans and small businesses.

Open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through October 11, it offers space for farm stands, artisan goods, handcrafted products, prepared food, baked goods and small businesses rooted in Spokane.

It also offers live music and gathering spaces.

The Scale House Market indoor merchants are open year-round, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday to Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For information, email brittany@fourroots.org or visit thescalehousemarket.com.

Resource Directory goes to print the end of June

Deadlines drive the final content for the annual publication that comes with the double awareness of what a powerful tool it is for resource seekers and service providers, and awareness that once it is in print there are updates. There are always revisions because the nonprofit, faith, human service, communities and governments are in continual flux with never-ending changes in staff and services to meet the ever-shifting needs.

June is directory editor Malcolm Haworth's time to include final updates, ads and community partners in the print edition. The plan is to print 18,000 to 22,000 depending on funds.

"Uncertainty nonprofits and businesses are facing with funding has led some to hold back on advertising, so we are asking some who have said no to larger ads to consider smaller ads, or a donation," said Marijke Fakasiieiki, development and editorial associate. "We would like commitments from community partners before printing, to include their logos, but if some cannot meet the deadline, there will be other ways to recognize them.

"In addition, we invite all directory supporters to consider an extra donation to be sure we can print enough copies to meet the demand," she added.

"We are now able to publish the sections online so we can update the online version soon after printing," said Malcolm.

"We remind the faith and nonprofit community in particular to envision themselves as a small town. The more times funds circulate and stay within that community, the more robust its economy will be," said Fig Tree editor Mary Stamp. "That's not just for our appeal, but also a call to keep supporting all faith and nonprofit communities."

To support, call 535-1813, mail donations to The Fig Tree, 1323 S. Perry St., Spokane, WA. 99202, or donate online at thefigtree.org/donate.html

Fig Tree prepares for its annual meeting

The Fig Tree will hold the Annual Meeting of its Board of Directors from 1 to 3 p.m., Thursday, June 4, on Zoom.

At the meeting, there will be elections of new board members and the officers for the coming year, and members will review last year and look ahead.

"As of press time, we have two new board member candidates confirmed and are waiting to hear back from several others who have been invited to serve as liaisons for their denominations or organizations," said editor-publisher Mary Stamp.

"We will also look at our financial standing in the midst of the uncertainty of these times affecting the funding of other organizations," she added. "We are pleased to be maintaining our income through the year, but realize some find it hard to make commitments."

The Fig Tree's goal is to reach $60,000 in sponsor donations by the end of June, a month when many donors provide support through the summer months. Nearly $50,000 of that amount has been received.

The Resource Directory has commitments for $41,800 of $44,500 budgeted for advertising and for about $15,000 of $21,000 budgeted from community partners.

"We seek to confirm directory income as soon as possible in June to decide if we need to print fewer pages or copies," said Mary. "We are re-approaching some we already asked and pursuing new sources."

For information, call 951-2860 or email mary@thefigtree.org.

Habitat-Spokane's Blitz Build is June 3 to 12

Habitat for Humanity Spokane celebrates its 25th annual Blitz Build June 3 to 12 in Spokane Valley, brings together hundreds of volunteers, sponsors, businesses, future homeowners and local leaders to build and to celebrate the milestone in building safe, decent, permanently affordable homes.

The build at 228 S. Carnahan Rd. on land donated by Spokane Valley and with support from the Washington State Department of Commerce through the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program and Housing Trust Fund ends with a community block party and barbecue lunch with neighbors and partners on Friday, June 12.

"Blitz Build shows what it takes to create affordable homeownership in today's Market," said Michelle Girardot, CEO of Habitat-Spokane, adding that for two weeks the community sees homeowners preparing for the purchase, volunteers giving their time, sponsors investing, and public partners removing barriers.

Habitat builds year round but a Blitz Build makes the work visible. Participating individuals, groups and businesses pay $50 to help cover construction and other costs.

Later in the month, Habitat-Spokane's third annual Pride Build will be held Friday to Saturday, June 26 to 27, with local members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and allies working together to build a home and bring awareness to the systemic discrimination that has barred LGBTQIA2S+ families from equitable homeownership.

Habitat-Spokane's Pride Build seeks to create a more inclusive community and highlight everyone's need for affordable housing and the power it has to change lives.

For information, visit habitat-spokane.org

Area Jewish Family Services raises funds

Spokane Area Jewish Family Services (SAJFS) annual Julie Morris Memorial Benefit Brunch is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Sunday, June 7, at Fête, A Nectar Co., 120 N. Stevens St. The event, which celebrates compassion, community and local service, will present Meryl Gersh and Joan Berkowitz with the Julie Morris Outstanding Service Award.

Its seeks to raise $25,000 for SAJFS programs that serve individuals and families, guided by Jewish values of tikkun olam—repairing the world; chesed—loving kindness, and L'dor V'dor—connection across generations.

In 2025, SAJFS provided nearly 2,800 services to more than 350 clients—including monthly senior luncheons, transportation to medical appointments, rent and utility assistance, a food bank, a medical equipment lending closet and a peer caregivers support group.

For information, call 413-8254 or email director@sajfs.org.

LCSNW presents foster family information

Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) is presenting a Refugee Foster Care Information Session at 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave.

The LCSNW Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program serves teenage youth seeking refuge in the U.S. who do not have a family to provide care. It assures that youth are placed in a safe home.

The foster care provides shelter for these refugee youth and an opportunity for them to achieve their dreams.

LSCSW welcomes foster families of diverse religions, sexual orientations, gender identities and citizenship.

For information, call 747-8224 or email theirhope@lscnw.org.

Local groups coordinate World Refugee Day

In observance of the United Nations designated World Refugee Day, Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane (RICS) plans to celebrate the refugee and immigrant community members in the Spokane region.

The free, family-friendly celebration takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Lair Student Center at Spokane Community College on the theme "Everyone Belongs."

Former refugee chefs from Feast World Kitchen will prepare foods for attendees to sample.

Other festivities include a cultural marketplace selling crafts and art created by former refugees, traditional songs and dances from around the world, speeches by local leaders, a new citizen ceremony, a community agency fair to share resources and services in the area and activities for kids.

Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane convenes the planning committee which includes ASAP Translations, International Rescue Committee, Lutheran Community Services Northwest, Manzanita House, Spokane Colleges and World Relief Spokane.

RICS has a safety and security plan to ensure the comfort and safety of World Refugee Day participants. Updates will be posted on RICS' social media in the days leading up to the event, said Renee Kenney, marketing and development director.

RICS empowers refugee and immigrant communities by providing services, fostering community bonds and advocating for refugee and immigrant rights in the Inland Northwest.

For information, email reneek@ricspokane.org.

United Methodists awards peace grants

The Pacific Northwest Conference Board of Church and Society awarded The Fig Tree a $1,000 Peace with Justice Grant to recognize their work promoting media literacy through peace and solutions journalism. The funds will help highlight voices often overlooked in other media.

Other recipients include:

• Leavenworth Community United Methodist Church (UMC) Backpack Program for 75 K-12 students facing food insecurity.

• Mason UMC United Women in Faith programs, including "Blessing Bags" for unhoused persons and work with the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center.

• Aldersgate UMC's "Love Thy Neighbor" project, holding a speaker series on inclusion and providing advocacy materials.

The Fig Tree received one of three stand-alone grants along with Village Cohousing Works of Spokane and Boundary County Victim Services (BCVS).

The Village Cohousing grant supports a leadership development intern to build financial literacy and leadership for first-time homeowners and the community.

The BCVS grant funds volunteer advocate training in trauma-informed skills for its 24/7 crisis line serving those experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, elder and child abuse, bullying and suicidality.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award recipient is the Rev. K. James Davis for decades of ministry and leadership advocating for peace, justice and inclusion in the conference. He will select a congregation or nonprofit to receive a $1,000 Peace with Justice Grant.

For information, visit greaternw.org/news/2026-pnw-peace-with-justice-grants-mlk-award-announced.

Women's relief society serves, builds faith

Women of faith from North Idaho and Western Montana gathered for a Morning of Service and Connection, Saturday, May 2, hosted by the Bonners Ferry Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Participants came from Sandpoint to Libby to serve others, strengthen friendships and build faith. The relief society worldwide brings together generations of women around its mission of charity, compassion and Christ-like service.

The morning included multiple projects to help community members, including assembling socks and care items for seniors, organizing a clothing exchange and supporting a "Just Serve" station to meet community needs.

The keynote, Sister Sarah Tobey Roos, a marriage and family therapist, spoke on creating places where individuals feel "seen, valued and loved," emphasizing the importance of meaningful connection in homes, communities and churches.

For information, call 879-5608.

SNAP names Amber Johnson CEO

The Boards of SNAP and SNAP Financial Access (SFA) announce that Amber Johnson is the next Chief Executive Officer of both organizations. She brings 19 years of nonprofit management experience and understanding of the agencies.

"Amber's experience, leadership and commitment make her the right person," said SNAP and SFA board chairs Rose Wear and Nancy Isserlis.

Amber will serve as incoming SNAP/SFA CEO from June 1 to Sept. 30 and becomes CEO on Oct. 1. Current CEO Julie Honekamp will stay on staff, in a new role from Sept. 30 to Jan.1, 2027, to support Amber.

For information, visit snapwa.org.

Spokane Riverkeeper kicks off cleanup

The Spokane Riverkeeper's Summer Kickoff Cleanup will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at 820 E. Spokane Falls Blvd., at the University of Washington's School of Medicine parking lot.

This is an opportunity to keep the Spokane River clean by volunteering to remove litter and debris from the downtown river corridor, to give back to the river that gives so much to the community and to connect with fellow river stewards.

Participants are to wear sturdy walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring sunscreen, gloves, a reusable water bottle and—if possible—a trash picker.

For information, visit spokaneriverkeeper.org

MLK Center hosts Juneteenth celebration

The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center will host the annual community Juneteenth celebration, commemorating June 19, 1865, when formerly enslaved people in Texas learned they were free—two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, June 20, at the center, 500 S. Stone, it will include food, music, prizes, and vendors offering resources and activities. There will also be time for reflecting on the continued march toward justice.

For information, visit mlkspokane.org

NAMIWalks raises support for mental health

NAMIWalks Spokane 2026, which starts at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 20, at Riverfront Park's North Bank Shelter, is a community celebration of hope, connection and support for mental health.

Individuals, families, friends and partners come together in a fun afternoon to raise awareness, reduce stigma and fund free mental health programs, said Chauntelle Lieske, executive director of NAMI Spokane.

For information, call 838-5515 or visit namispokane.org.

B.C. Canoe journey highlights Sinixt culture

The Kootenay Lake Canoe Journey, a Sinixt cultural event, will take place from Kaslo to Nelson, B.C., from Friday to Wednesday, June 26 to July 1, with Indigenous paddlers stopping at Garland Bay and Kokanee Creek before community celebrations at Lakeside Park in Nelson on Wednesday.

The multi-day celebration features traditional Sinixt cultural sharing, paddling and gatherings.

For example, a workshop from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, at Capitol Theatre will demonstrate plant remedies used for millennia to treat ailments and maintain health. Sinixt knowledge keepers Faith Zacherle and Kalaya Love Zacherle will lead this workshop to share about the medicinal properties of local plants and three processes to make salves, tinctures and toners.

For information, visit nelsonkootenaylake.com/events/sinixt-canoe-journey-lakeside-park/2026-07-01.

Thrive hosts youth soccer camp in July

Thrive International will hold its Thrive Nation Youth Soccer Camp for children from kindergarten through the 12th grade Monday through Thursday, July 27 to 30, at Franklin Park.

Spokane's 90+ Project youth soccer organization will provide leaders to manage the daily camp with the support of Rayonier, Spokane Police Foundation, CHAS Health, Numerica Credit Union, Bethany Presbyterian and volunteers.

The event is limited to 250 youth on a first-come-first-served basis.

For information, email connie@thriveInternational.org or visit thriveint.org/thrive-nation-youth.

Local groups, leaders rally to support Spokane 3

Supporters of the "Spokane 3" showed up throughout the federal trial to express solidarity in court from May 18 to 27, at rallies with speakers and by making public statements to share online.

On May 28, the jury found the three guilty of federal conspiracy charges. Their defense attorneys say they will ask for a judgment of acquittal and appeal the verdict.

In a press conference on the opening day, the Rev. Walter Kendricks of Spokane Coalition Against Racism and City Council member Paul Dillon called the charges against Bajun Mavalwalla II, Jac Archer and Justice Forral unjust.

They had joined hundreds from the Spokane community in a spur-of-the moment protest on June 11, 2025, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained two young asylum-seekers. Both were since released because they were here legally. Community members gathered nonviolently to demand their release. ICE refused and physically interacted with protesters.

Walter and Paul praised the community support for the constitutional rights of citizens and immigrant neighbors. 

The Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane invited people to make videos stating why they support them. Information is at pjals.org/spokane3.

Jeff DeBray of Fuse Washington encouraged supporters to donate to local immigrant and refugee groups. For information, email jeff@fusewashington.org.

As a monthly, The Fig Tree will follow up, but for details suggests spokesman.com/stories/2026/may/28/former-leader-of-federal-prosecutors-in-spokane-cr.