FāVS Religion News Roundup: Dec. 20
News Story by FāVS Staff
New YMCA of the Inland Northwest CEO announced
The YMCA of the Inland Northwest has named Kaylan Sisco as its new chief executive officer, effective Feb. 17, 2025. Sisco, who currently serves as CEO of the Tillamook County Family YMCA, will succeed retiring CEO Alan Lesher. The appointment follows a two-month national search led by the Y’s Board of Directors.
With over 20 years of YMCA experience, Sisco brings a strong track record of organizational growth and community impact. At Tillamook County Family YMCA, he increased the endowment fund by 380% during his nine-year tenure. Katie Burton, CEO search committee chair, cited Sisco’s energy, vision and passion for the YMCA’s mission as key factors in his selection. Drawing from his personal experience with childhood food and housing insecurity, Sisco expressed enthusiasm for continuing the Y’s work in providing critical services to youth, families and individuals in the Inland Northwest region.
Red Kettle funding shortfall: Donations still needed
The Salvation Army Spokane’s Red Kettle campaign is short $80,000 from its goal of $320,000. The campaign ends on Christmas Eve. The funds go toward work they do at Christmas and throughout the year for local children and families through numerous free services and programs.
The Salvation Army provides gifts, food and shelter to vulnerable local families at Christmas and beyond. Those interested can donated at a live kettle or online visiting The Salvation Army’s virtual Red Kettle at www.makingspokanebetter.org.
Addiction Recover Center expansion in the works
Spokane Falls Recovery Center, founded in 2019 by Brandon and Corrie Sturm, is undergoing a multimillion-dollar expansion to meet the growing demand for addiction treatment, reports the Journal of Business. The facility, located in North Spokane, will add a 9,400-square-foot detox and residential treatment building with 16 beds, increasing capacity from 6 to 22 individuals. This expansion, designed by Tony Rosetti of Form Architecture, aims to provide a healing, open atmosphere with features like a gym, dining area and family spaces. The Sturms, both in recovery since 2007, emphasize personalized care and a holistic approach, incorporating medical, mental, and self-care support. The expansion follow their desire to help more people.
‘Peace Light’ from Bethlehem arrives in Spokane
The “Peace Light,” a flame from Bethlehem symbolizing unity and hope, has arrived in Spokane, thanks to Pastor Gretchen Olson of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 316 E. 24th Ave. The flame originates from the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem and travels across Europe to New York, where it is distributed to U.S. congregations. This year, Olson discovered the flame hadn’t reached the Pacific Northwest and drove 1,400 miles to Salt Lake City to bring it to Spokane in time for Advent, reports KREM. The Peace Light now resides at St. Mark’s, offering hope and connection. The church plans to become the region’s permanent “Keepers of the Flame.”
Idaho bans DEI programs in the state’s public universities
The Idaho State Board of Education approved a resolution that bans diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at the state’s public four-year universities, reports Higher Ed Dive. The resolution prohibits the creation of DEI-related student resources, policies or initiatives, and bans the requirement for students and staff to share pronouns. It also prohibits considering personal identity characteristics, such as race, gender or sexual orientation, in hiring or educational decisions. The Board defines DEI ideology as prioritizing personal identity over individual merit. Idaho’s four public four-year colleges are Boise State University, the University of Idaho, Idaho State University and Lewis-Clark State College. They must comply to the resolution by the end of June 2025.
UGM hosts free dinner for those in need on Christmas Eve
The Union Gospel Mission, 1224 E. Trent Ave., will host an evening of “good food, great company and holiday cheer as we celebrate Christmas with those in need” on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. For those who are unable to come inside to eat, UGM will provide to-go meals. More information can be found on this event’s Facebook page.
Some summaries created with help of AI. Staff still carefully edited material for content quality and publication standards.
