Lean In Olympia

In this episode of Lean in Olympia, Corey talks with Chris Hyde about building community through food, kindness, and radical generosity. Chris reflects on the inspiration behind Souper Sunday and how a single act of sharing soup became a growing movement supporting people experiencing food insecurity and isolation. This conversation reminds us that small acts of care can create real hope and lasti...

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Meg sits down with Natalie Beatty of Familiar Faces and Travis Sullivan of the Crisis Response Unit about their work responding to people experiencing urgent crises, including mental health distress, substance use challenges, housing instability, and other immediate needs, as well as providing ongoing, peer-based case management for people with comp...

In this episode of Lean In, Meg Martin sits down with Interfaith Works Mental Health Specialist Ollie Smyer to explore a low-barrier approach to mental health care for people experiencing homelessness. They discuss how bringing flexible, person-centered therapy directly into shelters and housing programs is transforming access and healing in the community.   If you like this podcast, please make s...

In this episode of Lean In , Chris Harnish reflects on his lived experience and the work of supporting people through housing, harm reduction, and community care at Sandy's Flats. This conversation explores how dignity, relationships, and understanding shape more effective responses to homelessness and addiction.   If you like this podcast, please make sure to like, subscribe, and share with other...

This month, Meg Martin talks with Brock Schafer and Denver Roth from Interfaith Works' Training Team about what it takes to support frontline staff serving people experiencing homelessness. The conversation explores training, harm reduction, community care, and how hope shows up in the day-to-day realities of this work.   If you like this podcast, please make sure to like, subscribe, and share wit...

Guest host Ti'eri Lino is joined by Linnea Baier and Samuel Bubenzer to share what day-to-day work looks like at Sergio's Service Center, where people experiencing homelessness can access showers, laundry, and connections to care through local partnerships. They also speak to hazardous weather response, the realities and misconceptions of homelessness in Olympia, and the importance of showing up f...

On this episode of Lean In Olympia Corey sits down with the Ivy Ayers, the Director of Administration at Interfaith Works. The two sit down for a discussion about the Sandy's Flats in Olympia. From its beginnings as a iconic motel to it's new life as a permanent supportive housing project operated by Interfaith Works. If you like this podcast, please make sure to like, subscribe, and share with ot...

On this episode of Lean In Olympia Meg sits down with the President of the Sandy's Flats Resident Council, Rio Stevensen. The two sit down for a discussion about his life and journey from houselessness to now running Resident Council at the Sandy's Flats permanent supportive housing project. If you like this podcast, please make sure to like, subscribe, and share with others.  Socials: Facebook: h...

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Russ Lidman reflects on what got him involved in the ideal of social responsibility and how he became involved with Int...

In part one of this special Lean In Olympia, city council candidates Justin Stang and Paul Berendt discuss key issues facing Olympia, including public safety, police staffing, homelessness, mental health services, climate change, Tribal engagement, and community affordability. This forum offers voters a closer look at each candidate's vision and priorities for Olympia's future. Listen on the Go: S...

Part two of the Lean In Olympia candidate forum features city council candidates Clark Gilman, Robert Venderpool, Caleb Gieger, and Wendy Carlson to discuss pressing challenges in Olympia, including those surrounding substance use and mental health services, climate resilience, housing and transportation, Tribal engagement, and local governance. This forum offers voters a closer look at each candi...

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Patrick LaVoillette reflects on the struggles Interfaith Works faced in the early days. From issues on securing funding...

Hey everyone! It's been a while. But we haven't gone anywhere. We're back with a quick update to tell you about some of the changes in the format to upcoming podcast episodes, as well as reflect a little on this past season. Stay tuned for more soon! Listen on the Go: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mu422nv4 Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/yxmuneum Socia...

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, the current Director of Integrative Services for Interfaith Works, Meg Martin shares her experiences, the struggles and...

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Lawrence Naputi shares some of his story. From receiving a permanent bed in the shelter, to now working at Sergio's to...

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, former Executive Director of Interfaith Works, Kathy Erlandson (2000-2010) reflects on the first winter, when a member...

In this episode of Lean In Olympia, Corey sits down with writer and advocate Kevin Nye to explore the intersections of homelessness, public policy, faith, and human dignity. Kevin is the author of Grace Can Lead Us Home: A Christian Call to End Homelessness and joins us to discuss what it means to center grace, not merit, in how we serve unhoused communities. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook...

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Thurston County Coroner Gary Warnock speaks to why, in 2014 in partnership with Interfaith Works, he initiated the Annu...

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, the former Executive Director of Interfaith Works, Danny Kadden (2010-2018) shares how Interfaith stepped forward and b...

Pastor Mark Rambo of First Baptist Church of Olympia shares a heartfelt journey through nearly three decades of ministry, community engagement, and radical hospitality. He reflects on the evolving challenges of homelessness, the church's long-standing commitment to compassion, and its renewed partnership with Interfaith Works. Pastor Mark speaks candidly about hope, spiritual leadership, and what...

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Olympia City Council Member Clark Gilman shares his experience volunteering with his church, First Christian Church, wh...

In this episode, Meg is joined by Ti'eri Lino, Director of Homeless Services at Interfaith Works, to dive into the incredible work happening at Sergio's, a community resource hub that offers vital services to those in need. Join us as we discuss the power of hope, community, and the difference these services make in people's lives.  Check out ways to get involved at https://www.iwshelter.org/get-i...

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW. In this episode, Reverend Carol McKinley shares the powerful "Moment of Blessing" ritual, created to transform sites of violence into sp...

In this episode, Corey sits down with artist Joe Seymour to explore his connection to Coast Salish and Acoma Pueblo traditions. From carving paddles and making drums to large-scale public art installations, Joe shares his journey of cultural reclamation, artistic expression, and the responsibility of passing knowledge to future generations.   Check out Joe's work here: https://joeseymourart.com/ V...

It's 2025 and we're kicking off the new year with Meg Martin and returning guest Keylee Marineau, Homeless Response Coordinator for Thurston County, to discuss topics of homelessness as a public health crisis and methodologies in counting those sheltered and unsheltered. Thurston County's Winter Clothing Drive is now collecting donations at the Old Olympia Fire Hall from 10am to 2pm on Fridays, un...