Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) Tri-Cities is thrilled to announce a transformational investment in the future of youth mental health services in the Tri-Cities. An anonymous donor has made a $500,000 gift and committed to a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge of up to $1 million to support the LCSNW Tri-Cities Office Expansion Campaign.

The generous donor, who has a strong connection to the local community, is passionate about youth mental health and recognizes the growing need for accessible, high-quality behavioral health services in the Tri-Cities. Their investment reflects a shared belief that expanding the nonprofit’s facility will directly increase capacity and improve care in a space designed for healing.

“This is a game-changing moment for our organization and our community,” says Tri-Cities District Director Sharon Gentry. “This donor understands our vision. It’s not just adding brick and mortar – it’s setting a new standard for behavioral healthcare in our region and challenging all of us to double the impact.”

Beginning now through March 31, 2027, every dollar donated to the Tri-Cities Office Expansion Campaign will be matched 1:1, up to $1 million. That means a $100 gift becomes $200, and a $5,000 gift becomes $10,000 – accelerating progress toward the campaign goal.

Both the initial $500,000 gift and all matched funds will be used exclusively to support the expansion of LCSNW to a new facility on Canal Drive in Kennewick. LCSNW invites individuals, businesses, foundations, and grant makers to help unlock the full $1 million match. Donations may be made through one-time or recurring gifts, pledges, employer matching programs, donor-advised funds, and planned giving. (See attached Capital Campaign handout.)

Community members can also support the campaign by attending upcoming fundraising events, such as the new LCSNW Pickleball Tournament of Hope on September 19 in Kennewick.

​To learn more or to make a donation, visit lcsnw.org/project/tc-expansion.

3 Rivers Community Foundation (3RCF) continues to help area nonprofits gain momentum and financial stability by making it possible for them to start a named agency fund as part of 3RCF's overall $14 million endowment.

What Is an Agency Fund
An agency fund is a permanent, endowed fund invested for growth by 3RCF on behalf of a nonprofit organization. These agency funds are managed and invested as part of 3RCF's larger pool of endowed funds, creating expanded opportunity for the nonprofit to compound and grow their financial assets without the burden of managing their own fund.

Why It Matters
Partnering with 3RCF to build an agency fund is an accessible, efficient way to build a financial legacy for local nonprofit organizations. 3RCF simplifies the process for nonprofit agencies to start an endowment with low minimums and admin fees.

Currently, 3RCF manages a $14 million endowment, including agency funds for these 15 nonprofit partners: AACCES, Children's Developmental Center, Columbia Ability Alliance, Downtown Kennewick Development E, Elijah Family Homes, Generational Care, Gesa Carousel of Dreams, Leadership Tri-Cities, Mid-Columbia Ballet, Mid-Columbia Mastersingers, Mid-Columbia Symphony, Princess Theatre, The Children's Reading Foundation, Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities, Women Helping Women.

Quote from Agency Fund Partner, Leonard Moore of AACCES

"AACCES wanted to create a long-lasting legacy that will benefit the community and continue well into the future. We are grateful that 3 Rivers Community Foundation is the vehicle that makes this possible. The agency nonprofit endowment process has been very straight forward."

​Quote from Agency Fund Partner, Jessica Parnell of Therapeutic Riding of Tri-Cities (TROT) “TROT is grateful to ensure the Legacy of Therapeutic Riding of Tri Cities by partnering with 3 Rivers Community Foundation. This Endowment will honor our 12 year history and sustain TROT’s future as we continue to improve lives and increase our impact in this community.”

Agency fund presentations from 3RCF can be scheduled upon request for your nonprofit board and staff. Contact Abbey Cameron with questions.

The Children's Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia (CRFMC) is proud to announce it has received a $10,000 grant from Battelle, which operates Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA. This funding will directly support CRFMC's Read Up! Stop the Summer Slide program, an annual effort to get more than 10,000 books into the hands of children who need them most across Benton and Franklin counties.

Research shows that many students, particularly those without access to books at home, lose valuable reading skills over the summer months. CRFMC's Read Up! program combats the "summer slide" by distributing books and providing literacy engagement opportunities at community events and outreach locations throughout the region.

"We are incredibly grateful to Battelle for their continued investment in early literacy and for helping ensure every child enters the next school year ready to learn and succeed," said Leanne Luehrs-Purcell, Executive Director of CRFMC. "This support helps us reach families where they are, in parks, food banks, and schools, with free books and bilingual literacy tools."

CRFMC partners with Mid-Columbia Libraries to host literacy-rich events, and collaborates with community organizations such as St. Vincent de Paul, Tri-City Food Bank, The Boys and Girls Club, local free and reduced summer lunch programs, and many other community partners to reach families in need.
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To learn more about upcoming locations and events—or to support our mission—please visit www.read20minutes.org.

Trios Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Tayte Koussa, OTD, OTR/L, as Director of Therapy Services. In this role, Koussa will oversee therapy operations across two outpatient therapy clinics and multiple service lines, including Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Lactation Services in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Born and raised in the Tri-Cities, Tayte brings a deep connection to the community and a strong commitment to improving access to high-quality rehabilitation services for local patients and families. She returned to the Tri-Cities in 2021 to join Trios Health after contributing to the development of NICU therapy programs for hospitals in Omaha, Nebraska, and Loma Linda, California.

Tayte earned her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Creighton University and brings a decade of hospital-based rehabilitation experience spanning inpatient, outpatient, and NICU settings. Since joining Trios Health, she has held several leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including Therapy Supervisor and Interim Director of Therapy Services, before being named Director in 2026.

During her tenure, Tayte has led several key initiatives, including the opening of Trios Health’s sixth-floor therapy clinic, implementation of inpatient productivity standards, expansion of therapy leadership support roles, improvements to lymphedema and wound care referral pathways, and support of major operational transitions across the department.

“Tayte’s dedication to patient-centered care and her ability to foster collaboration across disciplines make her an exceptional leader for our therapy services team,” said Jack Janezic, Assistant Administrator, Trios Health. “Her vision and experience will continue to strengthen and expand the high-quality care we provide to our community.”

Tayte is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, strong focus on accountability and organizational culture, and dedication to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. She is passionate about staff development, program growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and addressing the evolving healthcare needs of the Tri-Cities community.

Brantley Gilbert is coming to the Benton Franklin Fair, bringing his hard-hitting country rock sound to the Hayden Homes Summer Concert Series on the ICCU Stage on Tuesday, August 25.

With more than 8.3 billion career streams and seven No. 1 hits, Gilbert has helped define country music’s modern rock edge. His catalog includes fan favorites such as “Bottoms Up,” “Country Must Be Country Wide,” and “One Hell of An Amen.”

An ACM, CMA, and AMA award winner, Gilbert is known for his high-energy live shows and loyal fan base, blending grit, intensity, and storytelling into a performance that connects with audiences nationwide.

Tickets for the concert go on sale Friday, May 15, 2026, and will be available at: www.bentonfranklinfair.com

Other concerts at the Fair include Lee Brice and Skillet, with additional concert announcements to be made in the coming weeks.

The Benton Franklin Fair runs August 25-29 in Kennewick, Washington, bringing together live entertainment, agriculture, and community for five days of summer tradition.
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For more information, visit: www.bentonfranklinfair.com

​HAPO Community Credit Union is proud to support Project Goodwill, a dynamic themed fashion show competition that brings together local high school clubs to showcase creativity, sustainability, and community impact - all while competing for funds to support their programs.

At HAPO, investing in the future of our youth is more than a commitment; it’s a responsibility. Through creative, hands-on educational opportunities like Project Goodwill, students gain real-world experience that builds confidence, leadership skills, and financial awareness in innovative ways.

Project Goodwill challenges students to design and present three original outfits using materials primarily sourced from the local Goodwill Outlet, highlighting the mission of Goodwill Industries and promoting sustainability through reuse and repurposing. “Project Goodwill is about empowering local high school students to build confidence, develop teamwork, and express their creativity in a meaningful way,” said Ashley Sams, Marketing Manager at Goodwill. “Through this unique, student-led fashion show, participants transform materials from our Goodwill Outlet Store into original designs while competing to support their school clubs.”

Each participating club creates:
•Off the Rack Creations using clothing and accessories from the Goodwill Outlet
•Paper Creations made from books, magazines, and paper products sourced from the Goodwill Outlet
•Out of the Box Creations made entirely from items provided in a Goodwill donation box including the box itself

Adding to the excitement, students serve as emcees during their runway walk, sharing vision into their designs, inspiration, budgeting decisions, and creative processes. This interactive element strengthens communication skills and allows students to tell the story behind their work. The much-anticipated event takes place on May 13th at the Red Lion in Pasco, WA.
Beyond sponsorship, HAPO will also lead and manage a dedicated marketing campaign in partnership with participating students. Students will develop a full social media campaign, from concept and messaging to content creation and implementation.

“Project Goodwill reflects the values HAPO stands for: education, creativity, and strong community connections,” said Crystal Contreras, VP of Community Engagement at HAPO Community Credit Union. “When we invest in programs like this, we invest in future leaders. Students are learning budgeting, teamwork, sustainability, marketing, and public speaking, all in a way that feels exciting and empowering.”
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HAPO’s partnership with Project Goodwill aligns with the credit union’s long-standing focus on financial wellness, education, and community engagement. Through initiatives like this, HAPO continues to provide innovative learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom and equip students with skills that last a lifetime.

​Tri-Cities Animal Services will host its annual Fur Babies & The Fuzz adoption event on May 9, 2026 from 10:00AM-2:00PM. This family-friendly event gives residents a chance to meet local law enforcement officers and connect with adoptable pets in a relaxed, welcoming setting.
 
Last year, 16 pets found their forever homes at Fur Babies & The Fuzz, and this year, we’re hoping to help even more. You’ll meet dogs and cats of all ages, sizes, and temperaments. Looking for a running partner to keep you active? We’ve got them. Prefer a laid-back companion for the couch? We’ve got those too! Adoption fees are just $50 per pet, regardless of age or size, and every adoptable pet is spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.
 
This event is made possible thanks to participation from Pasco and Kennewick Police Departments, Washington State Patrol, West Richland Police Department, Southeast Communications Center (SECOMM), Dog Haus, and Sweet Squeeze Lemonade.
 
Bring your family, invite a friend, and come spend the day meeting your future best friend. Whether you’re ready to adopt or just want to stop by and say hello, we’d love to see you there.
 

​The Pasco City Council is scheduled to consider imposing a new, 0.1% sales and use tax at the May 4, 2026 Regular Meeting. This tax would be imposed within the bounds of the Transportation Benefit District (which encompasses the entire city) and revenue from the tax would be dedicated to Pasco’s Street Fund.
 
The Street Fund pays for people, equipment, and materials needed to maintain City roads. In the past, this fund has relied on utility taxes and fuel taxes.  However, those sources are no longer enough. As one example, it would cost around $8 million per year for pavement preservation work to keep Pasco’s roads in good condition. Right now, the City budget has about $1 million per year to pay for pavement preservation.  
 
Washington State allows for the creation of a Transportation Benefit District, or TBD, to fund transportation investments within a defined area. Funding can come from an annual vehicle licensing fee, starting at $20 per vehicle, or from a sales tax of 0.1%. A higher sales tax may be enacted with voter approval.
 
On February 17, 2026, the Pasco City Council established a Transportation Benefit District that covers the entire city. On April 20, the Council assumed the powers of the district so that they could take action for the TBD as part of regular City business.
 
On May 4, the City Council will consider imposing a 0.1% sales tax on purchases made within the boundaries of the Pasco TBD. If approved, it will likely take at least six months for the tax to be implemented.

Surf Thru Express is showing appreciation for teachers & educators by offering free Graphene car washes to all teachers on May 2 - 3 at participating Washington locations.

Throughout the weekend, teachers can stop by and receive a complimentary Graphene wash, one of Surf Thru Express’ premium wash packages, as a thank-you for the important role they play in supporting and inspiring local communities.
“Teachers dedicate so much time and energy to shaping future generations,” Surf Thru Express shared. “We wanted to take a moment to recognize their hard work and say thank you for everything they do.”

As an added bonus for the weekend, teachers & educator workers who visit the site will have access to an exclusive, limited-time membership offer—just $9.99 for their first month when they sign up on-site during their visit. This special provides an opportunity to continue enjoying a clean, protected vehicle well beyond the appreciation weekend.

To redeem the free wash, teacher & education workers simply need to present a valid work ID upon arrival.

The Graphene wash includes advanced cleaning and premium protection designed to deliver a high-gloss finish while helping protect vehicles from the elements.

Participating Washington Locations
• 4621 Convention Pl. Pasco, WA 99301
• 624 S. Ely St. Kennewick, WA 99336

Surf Thru Express encourages teachers throughout the Washington area to stop by during the appreciation weekend and enjoy a free wash.