Pay It Forward Stories 2024

Does someone really know how their life will change and the roads they’ll travel when they heed a calling? My wife and I never imagined that our future daughter would be living only a short five-minute walk from our house. Any yet 11 years ago this month we had an exhilarating and anxious first meeting with a six-year-old girl we would later have the privilege of calling “our daughter”. We first met our daughter at Watson Children’s Shelter where she had been a resident for three months. How could we know she was living a short walk from our house under the amazing and crucial care of Watson Children’s Shelter. We are grateful for the wonderful care Watson provided our daughter during her time of need, and it’s a pleasure to support Watson Children’s Shelter with our Pay-it-Forward from the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation.

I used my giving card to donate to the "Angel Fund" at a local vet. This fund is used to help pet owners with the expenses for pet care when they cannot afford it. This fund is often used for emergency pet care. Pets are an important part of my life and I was happy to be able to help another family receive the pet care their animals.

This year I choice to pay it forward to the Union Gospel Mission here in Spokane. Due to the hard times with inflation being what it is and the cost of supplies rising so much in the country

Founded in 1951 by a group of Christian businesspeople, UGM exists to provide food, shelter, and individualized pathways out of homelessness to men, women, and children in need across Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Our services include comprehensive addiction and trauma recovery, legal and financial services, jobs and job-training, one-on-one counseling, and much more.

Partnering with the Inland Northwest to reach the poor with the love and power of the gospel so they may become God-dependent, contributing members of society.

The Mission runs several different non profit businesses to help fund their charity as well. One being Union Gospel Motors where people donate their vehicle to sale. Three years ago I found on of the best buys on a vehicle that is probably a one in a life time find it was a 2012 Chevy Sonic with only 4452 miles on it and I drive it to and from the office here in Spokane.

Here are some of their industries:
UGM Enterprises
UGM Thrift Stores
UGM Motors
UGM Warehouse
UGM Marketplace
UGM Upholstery

This is also a link to their website:
https://www.uniongospelmission.org

I would like to thanks the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for allowing us employees help make a difference in our community.

Thanks You
Sean Maloon
Modern Machinery Spokane

A long time friend and previous coworker unfortunately suffered a stroke while working this year. He was discovered in his truck while delivering in Kalispell, MT. Luckily, he was found in time to be rushed to care. Unfortunately, it has forced his retirement and he is suffering some physical side effects. I used the money to purchase materials to widen his walkway into his front door as well as into his back yard. He was having difficulty using his cane on the uneven surfaces. Some of his recent coworkers from Coca-Cola have volunteered to help with the labor as well. We will take pictures when complete.

I gave the card to a young couple to help with the expenses with their child.

My wife works for the Idaho Youth Ranch and it is one of the only places for at risk youth in Idaho. The Youth Ranch, through my wife, has touched and helped people we know on a personal level and will always be a cause we support. The stories of success from the Youth Ranch are truly remarkable.

I donated the card to Hays House. It is the ONLY shelter in the Valley for homeless or runaway youth.

Below is a thank you letter I received on how the funds were used.

To The Washington Group, Modern Machinery, and Keith Moody,

Thank you so much for your generous support of the youth at Hays House Shelter, an important program of Idaho Youth Ranch, and the Treasure Valley’s only 24/7 shelter for youth.
Hays House provides shelter to youth ages 9-17 who are in need of a safe place to live. Some have been living with homelessness; for some, their home is not a safe place; some need a short respite to provide space from the tension at home – time for the family to improve stability; and some are awaiting foster placement. They all come with a variety of experiences, traumas, needs and strengths. At Hays House, they find safety, acceptance, and a place to grow in their skills and resilience.
The funds you provided were allocated in three significant ways, and i am very happy to share them with you:
First of all, we purchased much-needed poles and gear to enable the youth to go fishing this year. Outdoor activities and discovering new hobbies are central to our recreation program. Your support enabled us to provide a total of 8 fishing poles: three 6-footers, three 5-footers, and two dock-sized poles (approximately 3-4 footers). These varied sizes cater to youth of different ages and sizes, giving them the opportunity to learn. Our first fishing trip is planned for the second week of June!
Secondly, we secured unlimited passes for the youth at Wahooz. The youth have always expressed a desire to participate in all the activities at Wahooz, but due to financial constraints, we couldn’t make it happen until now. Thanks to your generosity, we have scheduled a visit on May 29th, the first Wednesday after school lets out, for a 4-hour block pass. During this time, they will have access to bumper boats, go-karts, and indoor attractions to their hearts’ content. This opportunity is monumental for our youth, many of whom come from backgrounds that cannot afford such activities. You will create lasting memories for them.
Finally, we acquired various yard games for the youth to enjoy while at the house. These items include a skill net for football or baseball throwing, a volleyball net, and pickle ball equipment. We introduced these games during our field day on Monday, May 13. During the event, both staff and youth engaged in various activities, fostering teamwork and camaraderie. Witnessing the youth collaborate and support each other was immensely gratifying. For many of them, it was a novel experience, as they hadn’t previously had exposure to teamwork dynamics. This moment of joy and celebration was much needed in the house, particularly amidst weeks of interpersonal challenges and bullying among the youth. Your donation not only facilitated these activities but also helped bridge the gap between the youth and the staff, fostering a sense of community and support.
Furthermore, your support has had a profound impact on an individual level. We have a youth who struggles with managing his anger but finds solace and motivation in football. He has spent hours utilizing the football skill throw net, using it as a tool to regulate his emotions. This simple piece of equipment has been instrumental in helping him cope during moments of escalation, allowing him to step away from stressful situations and find peace outdoors. It marks a significant milestone in his journey towards emotional regulation and is a testament to the transformative power of your support.
Once again, thank you so much for your generosity and belief in our cause. Your support is deeply appreciated and has made a tangible difference in the lives of the youth at Hays House Shelter.
Sincerely,

Gwen Ray
Recreation Specialist Hays House

First thank you to the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation for this amazing program! It is really amazing!

I donated the gift card to a local family from my wife's school that recently came out of homelessness. They were put into housing, however, they didn't have anything other than a few sets of clothes. After the school did an amazing job gathering items to help furnish the house, they really needed a washer and dryer. We were able to find a functioning washing machine that a family was willing to donate, however we needed the dryer. Insert D&PWF gift card. That gift card helped them purchase a new dryer and my wife and I helped with all the cords, vents, etc. to get everything hooked up.

Thank you again Dennis and Phyllis Washington foundation, that gift helped a family work on getting back on their feet!