REFUGEE CONNECTIONS SPOKANE: Form 990EZ, tax year 2015
View the entire original 990 at ProPublica ↗
- Organization
- REFUGEE CONNECTIONS SPOKANE (EIN 90-0652201)
- Tax period
- 2015-01-01 to 2015-12-31
- Filed
- 2016-11-15
- IRS object ID
- 201623209349207557
- Schema version
- 2015v2.1
- Source
- Download XML · Original 990 at ProPublica
Every field in the e-filed return. Faint text is the IRS element name, for citing.
Return header ReturnHeader
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Return | 2016-11-15T17:37:39-08:00 | ReturnTs |
| Tax Period End | 2015-12-31 | TaxPeriodEndDt |
Preparer Firm PreparerFirmGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparer Firm EIN | 352191732 | PreparerFirmEIN |
Preparer Firm Name PreparerFirmName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Line1 | LORI A PIERSON CPA | BusinessNameLine1Txt |
Preparer US Address PreparerUSAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | PO BOX 6466 | AddressLine1Txt |
| City | SPOKANE | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | WA | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 992170908 | ZIPCd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Return Type | 990EZ | ReturnTypeCd |
| Tax Period Begin | 2015-01-01 | TaxPeriodBeginDt |
Filer Filer
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| EIN | 900652201 | EIN |
Business Name BusinessName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Line1 | REFUGEE CONNECTIONS SPOKANE | BusinessNameLine1Txt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Control | REFU | BusinessNameControlTxt |
US Address USAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | COMMUNITY BUILDING W 35 MAIN 205 | AddressLine1Txt |
| City | SPOKANE | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | WA | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 99201 | ZIPCd |
Business Officer BusinessOfficerGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Person | FRANCIS ADEWALE | PersonNm |
| Person Title | CHAIR | PersonTitleTxt |
| Phone | 5092092384 | PhoneNum |
| Signature | 2016-11-15 | SignatureDt |
| Discuss With Paid Preparer | Yes (true) | DiscussWithPaidPreparerInd |
Preparer Person PreparerPersonGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparer Person | LORI PIERSON | PreparerPersonNm |
| PTIN | P00358786 | PTIN |
| Phone | 5094650762 | PhoneNum |
| Preparation | 2016-11-15 | PreparationDt |
| Self Employed | Yes (X) | SelfEmployedInd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax | 2015 | TaxYr |
| Build TS | 2017-02-10 21:41:12Z | BuildTS |
Form 990-EZ IRS990EZ
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Method Of Accounting Cash | Yes (X) | MethodOfAccountingCashInd |
| Website Address | WWW.REFUGEECONNECTIONSSPOKANE.ORG | WebsiteAddressTxt |
| Organization501c3 | Yes (X) | Organization501c3Ind |
| Type Of Organization Corp | Yes (X) | TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd |
| Gross Receipts | $65,826 | GrossReceiptsAmt |
| Info In Schedule O Part I | Yes (X) | InfoInScheduleOPartIInd |
| Contributions Gifts Grants Etc | $51,554 | ContributionsGiftsGrantsEtcAmt |
| Fundraising Gross Income | $14,145 | FundraisingGrossIncomeAmt |
| Special Events Direct Expenses | $5,992 | SpecialEventsDirectExpensesAmt |
| Special Events Net Income Loss | $8,153 | SpecialEventsNetIncomeLossAmt |
| Other Revenue Total | $127 | OtherRevenueTotalAmt |
| Total Revenue | $59,834 | TotalRevenueAmt |
| Salaries Other Comp Empl Bnft | $26,700 | SalariesOtherCompEmplBnftAmt |
| Fees And Other Pymt To Ind Cntrct | $5,730 | FeesAndOtherPymtToIndCntrctAmt |
| Occupancy Rent Utlts And Maint | $6,454 | OccupancyRentUtltsAndMaintAmt |
| Printing Publications Postage | $3,866 | PrintingPublicationsPostageAmt |
| Other Expenses Total | $9,593 | OtherExpensesTotalAmt |
| Total Expenses | $52,343 | TotalExpensesAmt |
| Excess Or Deficit For Year | $7,491 | ExcessOrDeficitForYearAmt |
| Net Assets Or Fund Balances BOY | $12,794 | NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt |
| Net Assets Or Fund Balances EOY | $20,285 | NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt |
| Info In Schedule O Part II | Yes (X) | InfoInScheduleOPartIIInd |
Cash Savings And Investments CashSavingsAndInvestmentsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $12,703 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $19,842 | EOYAmt |
Other Assets Total Detail OtherAssetsTotalDetail
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $163 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $525 | EOYAmt |
Form990 Total Assets Form990TotalAssetsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $12,866 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $20,367 | EOYAmt |
Sum Of Total Liabilities SumOfTotalLiabilitiesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $72 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $82 | EOYAmt |
Net Assets Or Fund Balances NetAssetsOrFundBalancesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $12,794 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $20,285 | EOYAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Info In Schedule O Part III | Yes (X) | InfoInScheduleOPartIIIInd |
| Primary Exempt Purpose | REFUGEE CONNECTIONS SPOKANE (RCS) IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHICH WORKS TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS BARRIERS TO THE SUCCESSFUL RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS IN THE SPOKANE AREA. RCS ALSO STRIVES TO INCREASE AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, AND APPRECIATION OF THE CULTURES AND TRADITIONS, RESETTLEMENT EXPERIENCES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS. THIS MEANS WE WORK WITH REFUGEE COMMUNITIES AND OTHER REFUGEE SERVICE PROVIDERS TO DEVELOP PROJECTS, PROGRAMS, AND RESOURCES WHICH BENEFIT REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS IN THE SPOKANE AREA. | PrimaryExemptPurposeTxt |
Program Srvc Accomplishment ProgramSrvcAccomplishmentGrp (4 entries)
| Description Program Srvc AccomDescriptionProgramSrvcAccomTxt | Program Service ExpensesProgramServiceExpensesAmt |
|---|---|
| REFUGEE ELDER OUTREACH AND TITLE V PROGRAM THIS PROGRAM IS DEDICATED TO THE EMPOWERMENT OF REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS WHO CAME TO THE UNITED STATES LATER IN LIFE. IN ADDITION TO ENSURING THAT ELDERS ARE INCLUDED IN OTHER RCS PROJECTS, RCS COORDINATES ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS SPECIFICALLY TAILORED FOR REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT ELDERS. THESE INCLUDE: BASIC ESL CLASSES; CIVIC-ORIENTED "SETTLING INTO SPOKANE" FIELD TRIPS; TRAINING IN THE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION; NUTRITION EDUCATION; AND PARTICIPATION IN A COMMUNITY GARDEN. | $10,730 |
| WORLD REFUGEE DAY REFUGEE CONNECTIONS SPOKANE (RCS) TAKES THE LEAD IN COORDINATING WITH NEARLY 12 OTHER LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO HOST A COMMUNITY-WIDE CELEBRATION OF LOCAL REFUGEES FOR THE ANNUAL UNITED NATIONS WORLD REFUGEE DAY. THE EVENT INCLUDES TRADITIONAL FOODS, HAND-MADE CRAFTS, CUSTOMARY DANCES, AND A CITIZENSHIP SWEARING IN CEREMONY. | $4,238 |
| HARVEST PROJECT THE HARVEST PROJECT CONNECTS REFUGEES WITH DONOR FARMS AND GARDENS TO HARVEST FRUITS AND VEGETABLES THAT REFUGEES THEN DISTRIBUTE FREE OF CHARGE IN A LOW-INCOME SPOKANE NEIGHBORHOOD. THE PROJECT WAS INSPIRED BY A FORMER REFUGEE WHO SOUGHT A WAY FOR REFUGEES TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT HAS OFFERED THEM A SAFE HOME. IT HAS HELPED TO PROVIDE SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND FREE HEALTHY PRODUCE TO REFUGEES, IMMIGRANTS, AND LOW-INCOME NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS SINCE 2011. | $4,237 |
| AMERICAN LAW AND JUSTICE WORKSHOP THIS EVENT IS DEDICATED TO: 1) FOSTERING A POSITIVE VIEW OF THE U.S. LEGAL SYSTEM, GIVEN THAT MANY REFUGEES COME FROM PLACES WHERE AUTHORITY IS A SYMBOL OF THREAT; 2) EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND HOW IT FUNCTIONS; 3) IDENTIFYING KEY CIVIL RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES; AND 4) PROVIDING INFORMATION - IN WRITING - TO EACH PARTICIPANT ABOUT WHERE TO SEEK HELP IN PROTECTING THOSE RIGHTS. RCS HAS COLLABORATED WITH OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO PRESENT THREE WORKSHOPS SINCE 2013. POLICE POTLUCK RCS COORDINATES WITH THE SPOKANE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO BRING OFFICERS TOGETHER WITH REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES FOR AN INFORMAL MEAL. THESE GATHERINGS PROMOTE POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN SPD OFFICERS AND THE REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES. TRANSLATOR/INTERPRETER COURSE TO INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OF CERTIFIED LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS, RCS HAS COLLABORATED WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO RE-ESTABLISH REGULAR LANGUAGE CERTIFICATION TESTING IN EASTERN WASHINGTON, AND TO PREPARE BILINGUAL REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS FOR THIS TEST. THROUGH OUR ADVOCACY, THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT AND SOCIAL HEALTH SERVICES (DSHS) NOW OFFERS REGULAR LANGUAGE CERTIFICATION TESTING IN EASTERN WASHINGTON. IN ADDITION, WE HAVE WORKED WITH COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS TO PRESENT A COURSE TO PREPARE BILINGUAL REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS TO TAKE THIS TEST. THIS MEANS MORE INTERPRETERS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO HELP THOSE REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH SKILLS TO COMMUNICATE WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS. PATIENT PASSPORTS RCS CREATED AND NOW DISTRIBUTES HEALTH-RECORD BOOKLETS FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS TO BRING WITH THEM TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND DOCTORS' OFFICES. EACH BOOKLET IS IN ENGLISH AND ONE OF NINE DIFFERENT TRANSLATED LANGUAGES. PATIENT PASSPORTS HELP PEOPLE WITH LIMITED ENGLISH SKILLS TO COMMUNICATE WITH HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO ENHANCE THEIR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. WE MAKE THIS RESOURCE AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE. RCS RELIED HEAVILY ON THE MANY VOLUNTEERS FOR MANY FUNCTIONS OF THE ORGANIZATION. THERE ARE ABOUT 100 VOLUNTEERS WHO PROVIDE SUPPORT. AS A YOUNG ORGANIZATION, VOLUNTEERS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE ORGANIZATION CARRYING OUT THE ORGANATIONS PROGRAMS. | $12,031 |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Program Service Expenses | $31,236 | TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt |
Officer Director Trustee Empl OfficerDirectorTrusteeEmplGrp (7 entries)
| TitleTitleTxt | Average Hrs Per Wk Devoted To PosAverageHrsPerWkDevotedToPosRt | CompensationCompensationAmt |
|---|---|---|
| FRANCIS ADEWALE | ||
| CHAIR | 2.00 | $0 |
| TARIG ZAKI | ||
| BOARD MEMBER | 1.00 | $0 |
| MARLA HERNANDEZ-PECK | ||
| BOARD MEMBER | 1.00 | $0 |
| EVELYNE ELLO-HART | ||
| BOARD MEMBER | 1.00 | $0 |
| KEN ISSERLIS | ||
| BOARD MEMBER | 1.00 | $0 |
| MEGAN BALLARD | ||
| BOARD MEMBER | 1.00 | $0 |
| ANNA BONDARENKO | ||
| EXEC DIR, IN | 40.00 | $0 |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Activities Not Previously Rpt | false | ActivitiesNotPreviouslyRptInd |
| Chg Made To Orgnzng Doc Not Rpt | false | ChgMadeToOrgnzngDocNotRptInd |
| Organization Had UBI | false | OrganizationHadUBIInd |
| Subject To Proxy Tax | false | SubjectToProxyTaxInd |
| Organization Dissolved Etc | false | OrganizationDissolvedEtcInd |
| Form1120 Pol Filed | false | Form1120PolFiledInd |
| Made Loans To From Officers | false | MadeLoansToFromOfficersInd |
| Engaged In Excess Benefit Trans | false | EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd |
| Prohibited Tax Shelter Trans | false | ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd |
Books In Care Of Detail BooksInCareOfDetail
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Person | ANNA BONDARENKO | PersonNm |
US Address USAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | 35 W MAIN AVE STE 205 | AddressLine1Txt |
| City | SPOKANE | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | WA | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 99201 | ZIPCd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 5092092384 | PhoneNum |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Financial Account | false | ForeignFinancialAccountInd |
| Foreign Office | false | ForeignOfficeInd |
| Donor Advised Fnds | false | DonorAdvisedFndsInd |
| Operate Hospital | false | OperateHospitalInd |
| Tanning Services Provided | false | TanningServicesProvidedInd |
| Related Organization Ctrl Ent | false | RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd |
| Transaction With Control Ent | false | TransactionWithControlEntInd |
| Political Campaign Acty | false | PoliticalCampaignActyInd |
| Lobbying Activities | false | LobbyingActivitiesInd |
| School Operating | false | SchoolOperatingInd |
| Trnsfr Exmpt Non Chrtbl Rltd Org | false | TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd |
| Part VI Of Comp Of Hghst Pd Empl | NONE | PartVIOfCompOfHghstPdEmplTxt |
| Part VI Hghst Pd Cntrct Prof Srvc | NONE | PartVIHghstPdCntrctProfSrvcTxt |
| Filed Schedule A | Yes (true) | FiledScheduleAInd |
Schedule A IRS990ScheduleA
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Organization170 | Yes (X) | PublicOrganization170Ind |
Gifts Grants Contri Rcvd170 GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $10,950 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $10,625 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $42,716 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $38,136 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $51,554 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $153,981 | TotalAmt |
Total Calendar Year170 TotalCalendarYear170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $10,950 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $10,625 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $42,716 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $38,136 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $51,554 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $153,981 | TotalAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Support Total170 | $153,981 | PublicSupportTotal170Amt |
| Total Support | $153,981 | TotalSupportAmt |
| Gross Receipts Rltd Activities | $14,272 | GrossReceiptsRltdActivitiesAmt |
| Public Support CY170 | 1.00000 | PublicSupportCY170Pct |
| Thirty Thr Pct Suprt Tests CY170 | Yes (X) | ThirtyThrPctSuprtTestsCY170Ind |
Schedule B IRS990ScheduleB
Contributor Information ContributorInformationGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Contributor | RESTRICTED | ContributorNum |
Contributor Business Name ContributorBusinessName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Line1 | RESTRICTED | BusinessNameLine1 |
Contributor US Address ContributorUSAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | RESTRICTED | AddressLine1 |
| Address Line2 | RESTRICTED | AddressLine2 |
| City | RESTRICTED | City |
| State | RESTRICTED | State |
| ZIP Code | RESTRICTED | ZIPCode |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Contributions | RESTRICTED | TotalContributionsAmt |
Schedule O IRS990ScheduleO
Supplemental Information Detail SupplementalInformationDetail (9 entries)
| Form And Line ReferenceFormAndLineReferenceDesc | ExplanationExplanationTxt |
|---|---|
| FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 8 | MISCELLANOUS OTHER INCOME 127 TOTAL 127 |
| FORM 990-EZ, PART I, LINE 16 | EXPENSES PROGRAM PROMOTIONS 269 SUPPLIES 3,032 INSURANCE 2,297 EQUIPMENT RENTAL, MAINT 776 GIFTS AND GOODWILL 50 BUSINESS REGISTRATION/LIC 185 MEALS/MEETING EXPENSES 972 BANK CHARGES 82 TRAVEL 747 DUES AND REFERENCE MATER. 45 PROGRAM REFUGEE SUPPORT 563 CONFERENCE/ MEETING EXP 50 NON-INVESTMENT DEPRECIATION 525 TOTAL 9,593 |
| FORM 990-EZ, PART II, LINE 24 | FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT 163 1,049 LESS ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION 0 524 TOTAL 163 525 |
| FORM 990-EZ, PART II, LINE 26 | ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES 72 82 |
| FORM 990-EZ, PART III | REFUGEE CONNECTIONS SPOKANE (RCS) IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WHICH WORKS TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS BARRIERS TO THE SUCCESSFUL RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS IN THE SPOKANE AREA. RCS ALSO STRIVES TO INCREASE AWARENESS, KNOWLEDGE, AND APPRECIATION OF THE CULTURES AND TRADITIONS, RESETTLEMENT EXPERIENCES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS. THIS MEANS WE WORK WITH REFUGEE COMMUNITIES AND OTHER REFUGEE SERVICE PROVIDERS TO DEVELOP PROJECTS, PROGRAMS, AND RESOURCES WHICH BENEFIT REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS IN THE SPOKANE AREA. |
| FORM 990-EZ, PART III, LINE 28 | REFUGEE ELDER OUTREACH AND TITLE V PROGRAM THIS PROGRAM IS DEDICATED TO THE EMPOWERMENT OF REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS WHO CAME TO THE UNITED STATES LATER IN LIFE. IN ADDITION TO ENSURING THAT ELDERS ARE INCLUDED IN OTHER RCS PROJECTS, RCS COORDINATES ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS SPECIFICALLY TAILORED FOR REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT ELDERS. THESE INCLUDE: BASIC ESL CLASSES; CIVIC-ORIENTED "SETTLING INTO SPOKANE" FIELD TRIPS; TRAINING IN THE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION; NUTRITION EDUCATION; AND PARTICIPATION IN A COMMUNITY GARDEN. |
| FORM 990-EZ, PART III, LINE 29 | WORLD REFUGEE DAY REFUGEE CONNECTIONS SPOKANE (RCS) TAKES THE LEAD IN COORDINATING WITH NEARLY 12 OTHER LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO HOST A COMMUNITY-WIDE CELEBRATION OF LOCAL REFUGEES FOR THE ANNUAL UNITED NATIONS WORLD REFUGEE DAY. THE EVENT INCLUDES TRADITIONAL FOODS, HAND-MADE CRAFTS, CUSTOMARY DANCES, AND A CITIZENSHIP SWEARING IN CEREMONY. |
| FORM 990-EZ, PART III, LINE 30 | HARVEST PROJECT THE HARVEST PROJECT CONNECTS REFUGEES WITH DONOR FARMS AND GARDENS TO HARVEST FRUITS AND VEGETABLES THAT REFUGEES THEN DISTRIBUTE FREE OF CHARGE IN A LOW-INCOME SPOKANE NEIGHBORHOOD. THE PROJECT WAS INSPIRED BY A FORMER REFUGEE WHO SOUGHT A WAY FOR REFUGEES TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY THAT HAS OFFERED THEM A SAFE HOME. IT HAS HELPED TO PROVIDE SOCIAL CONNECTIONS AND FREE HEALTHY PRODUCE TO REFUGEES, IMMIGRANTS, AND LOW-INCOME NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS SINCE 2011. |
| FORM 990-EZ, PART III, LINE 31 | AMERICAN LAW AND JUSTICE WORKSHOP THIS EVENT IS DEDICATED TO: 1) FOSTERING A POSITIVE VIEW OF THE U.S. LEGAL SYSTEM, GIVEN THAT MANY REFUGEES COME FROM PLACES WHERE AUTHORITY IS A SYMBOL OF THREAT; 2) EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF OUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM AND HOW IT FUNCTIONS; 3) IDENTIFYING KEY CIVIL RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES; AND 4) PROVIDING INFORMATION - IN WRITING - TO EACH PARTICIPANT ABOUT WHERE TO SEEK HELP IN PROTECTING THOSE RIGHTS. RCS HAS COLLABORATED WITH OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO PRESENT THREE WORKSHOPS SINCE 2013. POLICE POTLUCK RCS COORDINATES WITH THE SPOKANE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO BRING OFFICERS TOGETHER WITH REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES FOR AN INFORMAL MEAL. THESE GATHERINGS PROMOTE POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN SPD OFFICERS AND THE REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES. TRANSLATOR/INTERPRETER COURSE TO INCREASE THE AVAILABILITY OF CERTIFIED LANGUAGE INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS, RCS HAS COLLABORATED WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO RE-ESTABLISH REGULAR LANGUAGE CERTIFICATION TESTING IN EASTERN WASHINGTON, AND TO PREPARE BILINGUAL REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS FOR THIS TEST. THROUGH OUR ADVOCACY, THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT AND SOCIAL HEALTH SERVICES (DSHS) NOW OFFERS REGULAR LANGUAGE CERTIFICATION TESTING IN EASTERN WASHINGTON. IN ADDITION, WE HAVE WORKED WITH COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS TO PRESENT A COURSE TO PREPARE BILINGUAL REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS TO TAKE THIS TEST. THIS MEANS MORE INTERPRETERS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO HELP THOSE REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH SKILLS TO COMMUNICATE WITH SERVICE PROVIDERS. PATIENT PASSPORTS RCS CREATED AND NOW DISTRIBUTES HEALTH-RECORD BOOKLETS FOR REFUGEES AND IMMIGRANTS TO BRING WITH THEM TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND DOCTORS' OFFICES. EACH BOOKLET IS IN ENGLISH AND ONE OF NINE DIFFERENT TRANSLATED LANGUAGES. PATIENT PASSPORTS HELP PEOPLE WITH LIMITED ENGLISH SKILLS TO COMMUNICATE WITH HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO ENHANCE THEIR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. WE MAKE THIS RESOURCE AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE. RCS RELIED HEAVILY ON THE MANY VOLUNTEERS FOR MANY FUNCTIONS OF THE ORGANIZATION. THERE ARE ABOUT 100 VOLUNTEERS WHO PROVIDE SUPPORT. AS A YOUNG ORGANIZATION, VOLUNTEERS ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE ORGANIZATION CARRYING OUT THE ORGANATIONS PROGRAMS. |