Interfaith Coalition Newsletter

Executive Director Hired

We are excited to introduce to you our new permanent Executive Director - Jen Callaghan. Jen has served on the Board since October 2024 and provided Interim ED support during this transition - along with Shawn Dooley - who worked tirelessly in his role as co-interim ED. Jen joins us with 20+ years in managing non-profit organizations. We are confident that Jen will provide long term stability and a path forward as we go through this season of our organization to keep Interfaith Coalition moving ahead with high impact programs.

Housing Units are Full!

We have secured a partnership with Lydia Place to fill our remaining housing units! We are so excited to be fully occupied with families in need. By the end of this month, we will be 100% full. Please consider a donation of household items to Habitat for Humanity Restore (designate Interfaith Coalition when doing so) so that we can pass vouchers forward to these families as they get settled in.

Two New Board Members join the Interfaith Board

Donna Gawron has years of experience in the nonprofit sphere, and in 2003 founded a firm Bellingham-based that designed and delivered web-based software for small, volunteer-run nonprofits, serving thousands of clients across the country. She has served as treasurer for several small nonprofits, including being past treasurer for two faith communities here in Whatcom County. Donna's experience is a welcome addition to the board as our new Treasurer.

Dr. Susan Kincaid is a professor emeritus of Human Services from Western Washington University. Susan co-authored a book on learning and trauma that is used throughout the country in partnership with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Susan has also facilitated numerous presentations and consultations for public school districts worldwide regarding education and childhood trauma. She provides a unique perspective, having grown up with both Indigenous and Christian values, and looks forward to celebrating the great work that is underway at Interfaith Coalition.

If you are interested in joining the Board, please complete the volunteer application here.

Document Revisions Underway

As we prepare for the Annual Membership meeting, our legal council has advised us of necessary updates to our Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws to be consistent with the nonprofit statutes of Washington State. It is expected that these revisions will be ready for voting on at the September annual meeting. If you have any questions about this requirement, please contact Jen.

Board Adopts Guiding Principles and 2025/2026 Strategic Goals

Good governance and stewardship starts with a great plan and strategy. The Board has spent the last six months soliciting input from you and evaluating where we can make the most impact. At the June Board Meeting, they made a commitment and set the path forward. Next up will be to adopt action items to fulfill these goals.

Governing Principles

Purpose (The feeling we experience when we accomplish the mission - why we exist / our core motivation; the impact we seek in the world - outward looking)

Interfaith Coalition exists to bring member faith communities together to meet human needs in Whatcom County.

Mission (The road map - what we do, who we serve, and how we achieve our purpose - inward focus)

To identify human needs in Whatcom County that are of concern to our member faith communities, assess the collective time, talent, and financial resources available, and design and administer service programs and community partnerships that utilize these gifts to improve the quality of life in Whatcom County.

Vision (The picture - our future state / ultimate outcome if we achieve our mission)

A community of many faiths working together to improve the quality of life for our neighbors in need in Whatcom County.

Values (Core principles guiding our work)

• We harness the power of diverse faith communities working together.

• Our services are offered without regard to religious affiliation or belief.

• We center Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Inclusion (DEAI), and anti-racism in all that we do.

• All people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

• We seek collaboration in addressing the needs within our community.

• We strive to unite faith communities-regardless of theology-in a shared purpose.

2025/2026 Strategic Goals:

Programs

• Effectively implements/grows/improves/supports the existing slate of programming:

  • Winter Coat Drive/Project Warmup

  • Holiday Joy

  • CAST (as fiscal sponsor)

  • Beacon of Hope

  • Choir Fest

• Considers opportunities that we can secure (or have) resources for that are member driven & supported.

Finance & Fundraising

• Develop and maintain a sustainable and achievable operating budget.

• Create and implement a realistic, program-centered fundraising strategy.

Governance & Management

• Establish a governance model that enables meaningful decision-making and proper oversight by the Board-without placing undue burden on individuals board members.

• Create committees that align with IFC's strategic goals and support the Board's oversight responsibilities.

Engagement & Outreach

• Provide opportunities for faith communities to connect and collaborate.

• Develop and implement an effective communication plan to keep members informed and raise awareness about IFC and its programs across Whatcom County.

• Create and execute a marketing strategy to attract and invite more faith communities to join in our collaborative efforts.

• Serve as a resource to member communities by supporting their programs.

• Initiate long-term planning in collaboration with our faith-based membership.