Community West Foundation Annual Report: ‘Work is Love Made Visible’

Click to view Community West Foundation’s 2018 Annual Report

Community West Foundation announces the release of their 2018 Annual Report. The theme chosen is from the words of poet Kahlil Gibran, “Work is Love Made Visible” and captures the sheer joy and privilege the Board and staff feel about the work they engage in at Community West Foundation. These words are certainly alive, active and abundant in the Foundation’s activities.

The Foundation shared $2.1 million in grants that helped 53 local organizations providing for the most basic of necessities helping our neighbors who hunger for food, shelter, health care, emergency assistance and love. The impact can be seen and felt throughout the city. An additional $1.5 million supported the valuable work of Fairview and Lutheran Hospitals. There is no greater gift to our community than to restore the spirit of hope to those who need it most.

Community West received great support and opportunities from a wonderful community of people. The Foundation raised $4.2 million, a reminder that people value the Foundation’s mission and believe in their work. It is clear that donors are impressive in their loyalty, longevity and love for this wonderful west-side Foundation.

You only need to meet the kids to understand the draw! Check out these smiles! You can never have a bad day when you’re working with kids.

The Foundation’s important work is strengthened by the efforts of its Board, donors, partners and grantees all helping to address the needs of our community. We are all so fortunate to live in a community where wonderful individuals and organizations embrace the idea of philanthropy.

Learn more about the Foundation’s inspiring work and you too will be moved to join in and make your love and service visible to others. Visit CommunityWestFoundation.org to read about the 2018 highlights and the power of partnerships.

: NEOCH’s Executive Director, Chris Knestrick, (center) distributes items as part of the Outreach Program. Grant making is an important responsibility of the Community West Foundation. The foundation remains steadfast in support that will help NEOCH expand outreach services to homeless men, women and families in our community.

: The Hunger Network launched the Food Rescue Initiative to ensure that smaller amounts of food can be picked up by volunteers and delivered to food banks and pantry sites quickly, eliminating spoilage and ensuring that those in need get the freshest food possible.

: David and Martha Hessler were presented with a beautiful artwork featuring an original design by Timothy Schmalz of the Homeless Jesus as the 2018 Art of Caring Award recipients. The Hesslers’ example of ‘Work is love made visible’ is a continued blessing and example to all.

: Natalie Leek Nelson brought attention to the sometimes too easily forgotten dangers of poverty, and the children and families who have experienced unimaginable challenges at the Community West Foundation annual meeting.

: A Poverty Simulation offered a firsthand experience of what living in poverty – and trying to obtain assistance – is like. It gave a better understanding and appreciation for the people helped and why the work is so important to our community.

: Hundreds of acts of generosity by sock ambassadors, young and old, are helping to warm the homeless population one pair of socks at a time. The SocksPLUS Program has been a source of tremendous pride. The program reminds all that people truly do care about helping the less fortunate.

: Community West Foundation funded this inspiring piece of art as a reminder of what the organization values. It makes all more aware of the homeless among us. And there are many people, through no fault of their own, that find themselves on very hard times. The statue is a symbol of hope.

: Lakewood Community Services Center is truly a model for others: responsive to the needs of its clients; innovative in developing new approaches to providing services, including being the first social services organization in Lakewood to provide on-site mental and behavioral health services in collaboration with Murtis Taylor Human Services System; and always treating clients as valuable members of the community with dignity and respect as individuals.