We would like to give a warm welcome to Christine Kapral, EIS’ new Program Manager.  Christine has lived and worked in both rural and urban areas of Eastern Washington State for much of the past decade.  She has 26 years of experience as a mental health clinician working with children, adults and families.   Christine is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who received her Master’s degree in Psychology from Seattle University. 

Christine is “very excited” about her clinical management position at EIS and the opportunity to continue working with “dedicated, qualified staff who value experiential education.”  Christine has traditionally practiced evidenced based modelsof therapy, a focus of the family-centered entrepreneurial business practice at EIS. 

Christine has a zest for life infused by her dedication for working with all ages of trauma survivors “who can heal, play, find joy and meaning in their lives.” 

Christine enjoys collaboration with community providers “who are faced with the daily challenges, of providing quality services, to individuals and families who are stressed by the rigors of a changing world…we have to be more creative and not lose focus on the importance of working to help children and families evolve, feel empowered, to know that they can make healthy choices to effect success and change.”

January 2012

Sometimes a work week begins in ways that illustrate the profound need for community and belonging for all creatures.

One early morning during a meeting, staff watched through the window as a mama cat and her three little kittens came out of the bushes by our front entryway.  All appeared starving and the kittens were obviously struggling to explore their new world-- being blinded by eye infections.

They could not stay in this place where children play. Eager to help, the EIS staff gathered the little family into a box and called local animal help shelters, only to learn that because of their unhealthy condition, they would be euthanized.

That did not seem like the best option for the newly-adoptive “parents”, so we pooled time and money to get them necessary supplies and vet care.  As a foster home was now needed where they could be nursed back to health before adoption, I was lucky to have an unused guest room and a loving family of animal supporters to provide attention and care.  One little fellow even needed to be handfed for a bit.

The kittens are now on their way to being well, and we are seeking loving permanent adoptive homes where they can continue to thrive.  They found a community where belonging offered them another chance at life. 

By April Cathcart October 2011

Summer brings many special consider-ations for family wellness and child safety.  At EIS, we care to see that every family involved in services receives information about attainable summer camp and care options.  Thera-pists are busy teaching caregivers and children about water safety, bicycle safety and healthy meal planning for camping trips.  Children and adults alike are learning how to make nutritious AND fun snacks and easy, inexpensive summer meals. 

Because doing is part of learning, our belief in experiential education techni-ques lead our therapists to chose creative ways to facilitate teachable moments all summer long. 

Children are out of school, so home visits can be set during the school day, leaving family time to practice new skills in summer’s warmth.

In the meantime, the legislature in Washington State has passed a bill that begins the rapid process of testing and implementing the privatization of child welfare.  Our agency is staying abreast of industry changes while we continue to focus on the constant improvement of service delivery, providing quality experiential learning opportunities for our participants.  

By April Cathcart July 2009

We are celebrating our anniversary!  EIS has now been operating for two years, and our non profit Empowering, Inc. has been serving for a full DECADE.  With the input, support, ideas, time and commitment of countless people, we are proud of the organizations that have come to fruit.  We are celebrating this anniversary during Child Abuse Prevention Month, April, and holding a number of events.  We hosted a service learning field trip on site, partnering with local non profit CoMP (Community of Montessori Parents) and Spokane Public Schools.  Nearly 60 youth in grades 4^th through 6^th joined us to experience the games we use to teach skills and practice experiential art by making May Day paper flower baskets of hope for local homeless youth and families. 

We are holding a private anniversary celebration.  We have a FREE public celebration scheduled for May 1^st from 5-8PM.  The Northwest band Backadit has donated a gig, local catering and restaurant businesses have donated the hors d’eourves, and multiple local businesses have donated items for our silent auction. Children can enjoy free face painting.   We are holding a juried art show showcasing 14 local artists who are supporting our cause…..the proceeds of art and auction sales benefit the non profit library. 

Last, but not least, we are taking action to voice our concerns for the maintenance of child safety programs by continuing our letter writing campaign, Green Lights On for Child Safety.