Enumclaw’s Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation celebrated a ribbon cutting last week, marking the completion for moving into their new location.
The May 21 event was attended by many of the city’s movers and shakers: elected officials, city administration, and heads and members of the local Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, the Enumclaw Expo Center, the Enumclaw School District, St. Elizabeth Hospital, and more.
The Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation’s move from Cole Street to 1302 Griffin Avenue was in the works for years, and finally became a reality this month.
The move allows the nonprofit to move all of their operations under one roof, instead of being spread out through downtown. Here’s a list of their updated services:
Neighbors Feeding Neighbors
There are numerous meal programs RFWF provides to the public.
One is the backpack program, which focuses on helping local students from low-income families have food over the weekend — to enroll, call 360-802-3206.
There’s also the senior hot meal program, which is a home-delivered meal service for local seniors.
This service recently expanded, thanks to a record-breaking Holiday Fantasy fundraiser gala lat December, allowing RFWF to double the number of seniors able to be enrolled in the program and even expand deliveries into Pierce County.
Finally, the Full Bellies meal program is a free meal program for anyone; it’s held on Thursdays (except the last of the month) at the nonprofit’s new building from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Mental Health
RFWF is partnered with three counselors that work in three Enumclaw School District schools to provide middle and high school students with free mental health services.
More than 200 students have been able to utilize individual and group therapy during school hours on campus, according to the nonprofit.
However, a recent grant boost has allowed the nonprofit to bring on a fourth counselor and can now continue the program during school breaks and over the summer.
To make an appointment for your student, email lead therapist Jessica Eidens at jessica_eidens@enumclaw.wednet.edu.
Healthcare access
Last but not least is Rainier Foothills’ Care Van, which helps anyone with transportation needs with their various medical needs, be it doctor appointments, prescription pickups, lab work, and more.
The Care Van serves both the Enumclaw and nearby Pierce County areas like Buckley.
To schedule a ride, call 360-802-3206.
Holiday Fantasy
While not an assistance program, the annual Holiday Fantasy Gala is a big part of how RFWF funds its programs, as the proceeds make up about 40% of the nonprofit’s budget.
This year’s gala will be on Dec. 4 at the Muckleshoot Event Center, as the event has become too popular for the Thunder Dome Car Museum.
Ticket sales open Oct. 1, and because of the different venue, there is no limit on the number of attendees.
Check out the Rainier Foothills’ website (rfwellnessfoundation.org) for updates about the event.
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kerry Solmonson, Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation Executive Director Sara Stratton, Program Coordinator Deanna Kuzaro, Board Vice President Tammi Voorhees, Treasurer Pat Kollen, President Suzanne Lewis, Elaine Parks, and Becky Olness celebrate the nonprofit’s new location on Griffin Avenue with a ribbon cutting. Photo by Ray Miller-Still
Molly Dacey and Addy Wooldridge scoop some Neapolitan ice cream into small bowls for people attending the Full Bellies free meal event on Thursdays. Photo by Ray Miller-Still
