Interfaith Coalition Newsletter

July 2025

Our Neighbors Need Our Help

Interfaith partnering with Catholic Community Services to provide emergency assistance to Migrant Worker families

Our neighbors need our help! Did you know that Whatcom is home to over 70,000 migrant farmworkers - an essential workforce keeping our farms flourishing? 

Many of these families are facing emergency situations with recent changes in public policy. 

In response, we have partnered with Catholic Community Services to extend our Beacon of Hope program to be able to provide emergency rental assistance to help keep this vulnerable population housed. 

Your help is needed, please consider a gift today so that we can have adequate resources to support those in need.

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Other Member News

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.

Welcome two new board members, Donna Gawron and Susan Kincaid.

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.

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 last Board Meeting, they made a commitment and set the path forward.

Upcoming Events

  • Clergy Connection Luncheon

    Thursday, August 7 - 11:30 AM

    495 E Bakerview Road - Bellingham, WA

    (First Christian Church, Fellowship Hall)

    The Interfaith Coalition of Whatcom County invites all local faith community leaders to meet, greet, and connect over lunch. Plus, hear from our featured guest speaker, Terry Kylo (Paths to Understanding.)

    RSVP by August 4th via email or phone.

  • Member Liaison Meet & Greet

    Saturday, September 6th - 10 AM

    495 E Bakerview Road - Bellingham, WA

    (Interfaith Coalition Office)

    Join us for this opportunity for member liaisons to connect, collaborate, share resources, and spread the word about the many great things their congregations are working on. Want to learn more about our coat drive? This is the place to be!

    RSVP by August 29th via email or phone.

  • Annual IFC Meeting

    Thursday, September 18th - 6 PM

    495 E Bakerview Road - Bellingham, WA

    (First Christian Church)

  • Winter Coat Drive 2025

    It's time to start thinking about our annual coat drive! Interfaith will be collecting coats now through October 7th.

  • Choir Fest 2026

    Saturday, February 7th - 2 PM

    2401 Cornwall Avenue - Bellingham, WA

    (First Congregational Church)

    Now collecting groups interested in participating! This is a multi-faith event in which churches (or individuals) perform a song or two & additionally come together for a single whole-group song.

    Let us know you’re in via email.