The Seattle Storm and Swedish Edmonds teamed up to support the Nourishing Network earlier this summer. $2,500 was raised by fans sinking shots at a “pop & shot” basketball booth at the season opener. Go fans! The Nourishing Network was selected as the non-profit beneficiary of a community partnership between Swedish Edmonds and the Storm to promote health and wellness in our region.

“When we looked at an organization to support, the Foundation for Edmonds School District and the Nourishing Network just stood out,” said Sarah Zabel, Chief Operating Officer at Swedish Edmonds.

Foundation Executive Director Deborah Brandi was Honorary Coach at the August 2nd Seattle Storm game versus the Washington Mystics. She was recognized for her leadership and community contributions through the Foundation and its programs serving students, families and teachers in our district. Deborah was one of 19 honorary coaches selected this season by the Storm in partnership with Swedish Medical Center.

In photo from left to right: Sarah Zabel, Julie Norman, Deborah Brandi, Sherry Williams 

The Foundation has received a $75,000 grant from the Whitehorse Foundation and a $15,000 grant from Safeco Insurance to expand the Whole Families, Whole Communities program serving vulnerable students and families in the Edmonds School District. With this funding the program will expand into more schools, making comprehensive services available for an estimated 300 students and families district wide.

Whole Families, Whole Communities is a collaboration between nearly one dozen partner organizations designed to stabilize families experiencing poverty and that are at risk of homelessness. Coordinated services provide emergency assistance as well as financial, educational and health-related support intended to improve household stability over time.

“By focusing on targeted needs of families, the ultimate goal of this program is to improve students’ academic success and long-term quality of life,” said Foundation Executive Director Deborah Brandi.

Launched in 2018 with $175,000 in funding from the Whitehorse Foundation and the Elizabeth Ruth Wallace Living Trust, Whole Families, Whole Communities assisted 200 families in its first year of
implementation at five of the Edmonds School District’s highest needs schools, including: Alderwood Middle, Beverly Elementary, Cedar Valley Community, Cedar Way Elementary, and College Place Elementary.

The Nourishing Network’s Summer Meal Program has so far served more than 3,000 free, healthy lunches to children in our community and is on pace to double the number of meals served last year. Nearly 33 percent of students in the Edmonds School District qualify for federal free and reduce lunch programs. The summer meal program fills a nutrition gap for more than 400 children each week.

Staff and volunteers at five locations across Lynnwood provide lunch and learning activities for kids ages 5-18, Mondays to Thursdays through August 22nd. Weekly themes feature guests from community organizations that have included the South Sound Fire Department, Lynnwood Police K-9 Unit, Sno-Isle Library on Wheels, Woodland Park Zoo and Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Edmonds School District’s Move 60! program is at South Lynnwood Park each day to get kids moving and active, and Clothes for Kids is providing back-to-school clothes. The Foundation thanks our community partners as well as the YMCA of Greater Seattle and Fare Start, our meal partners.

Registration is open and teams are forming for the 11th Annual Celebrate Schools Monster Mad Dash 5K. Join us on Saturday, October 5th at Alderwood Mall for a morning of Spooktacular fun that includes a costume contest, battle of the bands, prizes and giveaways. Presented by Virginia Mason, this family-friendly run/walk raises funds to benefit students and children in our community.

Last year, Celebrate Schools 5K grants funded projects benefiting thousands of students at all grade-levels throughout the Edmonds School District. Just a few examples include afterschool reading and math tutoring, a Festival of Cultures, 5th Grade Law Day, Family Math Madness, school clubs including STEM, gardening, running and board games, and new library books.

The event is organized by the Foundation in partnership with supporting sponsors, the City of Lynnwood and Brookfield Properties. Event proceeds fund Foundation programs focusing on academic enrichment, career and college readiness, and the Nourishing Network.

Mmmm, cookies!

Throughout the month of September, the Foundation is the beneficiary of Lynnwood Chick-fil-A’s Cookies for Kids campaign. For every chocolate chunk cookie purchased, 25 cents will be donated to Foundation and Nourishing Network programs. Thank you, Paul Rosser and the team at Lynnwood Chick-fil-A.

Our vision is that every student in our district has the resources to learn, thrive, and contribute to our vibrant community. Gifts to the Foundation can be made online or mailed to P.O. Box 390, Lynnwood, WA 98046