Our initiatives, Christmas for All (CFA) and Rides For A Reason, have given us a hands-on understanding of the REAL needs facing our community.

In 2019 when we, in partnership with the Coeur d'Alene Press, were reshaping how CFA was operating, we met with 10 strategic partners in our community doing excellent work to help those in need, and we asked them to tell us what their needs were.

Through these conversations, we learned that they don't need more meals or more backpacks. They need access to vehicles to help people trying to get back on their feet to work. Their clients need the opportunity to learn skills that will allow them to support a family. They need employment options for people with no background in work.

We have learned SO MUCH from the organizations in our community which has informed and empowered the efficacy of our work. Through these connections, we have been able to start working at the root cause of needs rather than just putting another bandaid on the issues our community faces.

We believe connections such as these transform how work is done in our community to be more effective, maximizing everyone's resources to best serve our neighbors.