Faith Communities

2021-2022 Strategic Plan

Interfaith Works has a legacy of promoting interfaith understanding and collaboration in the community through social justice, community, and educational endeavors.

We create and support the intersection between the values of the world’s wisdom traditions and the public square through diverse programming and ongoing nurturing of relationships across and between faiths. Thus, our work in Interfaith Relations exists to strengthen regional, interfaith communities and as a resource and support for social justice and peace in the wider community.

Homelessness, steep rents, low vacancy rates, domestic and interpersonal violence, substance use, mental illness, and chronic physical health problems have left thousands in our community vulnerable and unsafe.

Through the Homeless Services Program, Interfaith Works offers emergency services and support to our most vulnerable and stigmatized neighbors, not as charity but as an act of social justice. Interfaith Works Homeless Services is rooted in empowerment, social inclusion, and community education to end the unnecessary stigmatization of the most vulnerable. Our ongoing commitment is born out of a rich history of care to those enduring homelessness from the 30+ faith and spiritual communities over the decades.

Our Mission

Social justice and peace through interfaith understanding and cooperation.

Our Vision

Interfaith Works promotes interfaith understanding and serves the community through charitable, social and educational endeavors.

Our History

Interfaith Works evolved from the Thurston County Council of Churches, which was founded in 1969. The first president of that council was Dr. Paul Ellis, a United Methodist Minister and retired Professor of Seattle University.

A letter dated 1973 shows that Pastor Paul Davidson of Lacey Community Church was one of the first to recommend a new cooperative form of ministry in Thurston County, which could take the lead in stronger ecumenical programming. August 13, 1973, the Council chose 'Associated Ministries of Thurston County' as the name for this new organization. The work of identifying goals and objectives, and of writing new bylaws began soon after, and in March 1974, articles of incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State.

Davidson was the first executive administrator of Associated Ministries of Thurston County, but served less than a year, to be followed by Nancy Hoff, a member of St. Michael Parish. Nancy was Executive Director until 1989. Succeeding Executive Directors were Keturah Brown, 1989 to 1991; Ken Schwilk, 1991 to 1994; Cheri Gonyaw, 1994 to 2000; Kathy Erlandson, 2000 to 2010, and Daniel Kadden, 2010-18. Beginning July 2018, a new shared leadership model was adopted featuring Meg Martin Co-Executive Director for Homeless Services, and Lisa Gosiaco Co-Executive Director for Interfaith Relations. In December of 2019, Lisa Gosiaco resigned, and the position was redesigned to a single Executive Director model, namely, Meg Martin.

The first member faith communities of Associated Ministries were Community for Christian Celebration, Evergreen Christian Reformed Church, First Baptist Church of Olympia, First Christian Church, First United Methodist Church of Olympia, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Lacey Community Church, The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, St. Andrews United Methodist Church, St. Michael’s Catholic Parish, Tumwater United Methodist Church, The United Churches, and Westminster Presbyterian Church. Since then, new members have joined and some have withdrawn, and membership has increased to 30 faith communities. Several organizations participate formally as affiliate members, and other individuals and businesses have joined as supporting members but do not have a role in governance of the organization.

Although Associated Ministries called itself an interfaith organization, its membership remained entirely Christian until 1983, at which time Temple Beth Hatfiloh applied for membership and became the first non-Christian member faith community. Since that time other faith traditions have joined including Buddhist, Baha’i, Unitarian, and Muslim.

On April 20, 2004, the organization officially changed its name to Interfaith Works. Its staff and members strive to be inclusive and inviting to all Faith Communities as well as those not affiliated with any faith, and to find ways to serve the greater community together.

Interfaith Works now has many programs and members, all of whom are dedicated to serving the community.