In this episode of Lean In, Meg Martin sits down with Interfaith Works Mental Health Specialist Ollie Smyer to explore a low-barrier approach to mental health care for people experiencing homelessness. They discuss how bringing flexible, person-centered therapy directly into shelters and housing programs is transforming access and healing in the community.

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Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwhomelessservices/

In this episode of Lean In, Chris Harnish reflects on his lived experience and the work of supporting people through housing, harm reduction, and community care at Sandy's Flats. This conversation explores how dignity, relationships, and understanding shape more effective responses to homelessness and addiction.

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Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwhomelessservices/

This month, Meg Martin talks with Brock Schafer and Denver Roth from Interfaith Works' Training Team about what it takes to support frontline staff serving people experiencing homelessness. The conversation explores training, harm reduction, community care, and how hope shows up in the day-to-day realities of this work.

If you like this podcast, please make sure to like, subscribe, and share with others.

Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwhomelessservices/

Guest host Ti'eri Lino is joined by Linnea Baier and Samuel Bubenzer to share what day-to-day work looks like at Sergio's Service Center, where people experiencing homelessness can access showers, laundry, and connections to care through local partnerships. They also speak to hazardous weather response, the realities and misconceptions of homelessness in Olympia, and the importance of showing up for our neighbors.

If you like this podcast, please make sure to like, subscribe, and share with others.

Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwhomelessservices/

On this episode of Lean In Olympia Corey sits down with the Ivy Ayers, the Director of Administration at Interfaith Works. The two sit down for a discussion about the Sandy's Flats in Olympia. From its beginnings as a iconic motel to it's new life as a permanent supportive housing project operated by Interfaith Works.

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Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwhomelessservices/

On this episode of Lean In Olympia Meg sits down with the President of the Sandy's Flats Resident Council, Rio Stevensen. The two sit down for a discussion about his life and journey from houselessness to now running Resident Council at the Sandy's Flats permanent supportive housing project.

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Socials: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwhomelessservices/

In celebration of Interfaith Works' 50th Anniversary, we collected stories from those who helped make this organization what it is today. These excerpts provide a glimpse of Interfaith Works as seen through the eyes and hearts of those moved by the efforts of IW.

In this episode, Russ Lidman reflects on what got him involved in the ideal of social responsibility and how he became involved with Interfaith Works. How his faith's ideals of Charity and "Repair of the World" propelled him into community care and connection.

For more from Interfaith Works visit our website: www.interfaith-works.org

Watch our regular monthly podcast Lean in Olympia on our YouTube page: youtube.com/interfaithworks

Or Listen on:

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/56npj4u7

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb

Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

Part two of the Lean In Olympia candidate forum features city council candidates Clark Gilman, Robert Venderpool, Caleb Gieger, and Wendy Carlson to discuss pressing challenges in Olympia, including those surrounding substance use and mental health services, climate resilience, housing and transportation, Tribal engagement, and local governance. This forum offers voters a closer look at each candidate's vision and priorities for Olympia's future.

Listen on the Go: Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/mu422nv4

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4c2c75cb

Amazon Music: https://tinyurl.com/yxmuneum

Socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InterfaithWorksThurstonCountyWA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwhomelessservices/