Our Roots Run Deep
Stories From Our Founding Members
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.
Russell Lidman
Russ has been a continuous member of Temple Beth Hatfiloh since 1974 and was a representative of the Temple in the 1980s when it joined IW.
Patrick LaVoilette
Pat represented St. Michael’s Catholic Church in the 1980s and served as its board president from 2000-2001 when many new faith communities were becoming part of the organization.
Mustafa Mohamedali
Mustafa was an IW board member from 2009 – 2011. He helped to start the First Friday open house at the Islamic Center of Olympia to promote engagement with and understanding of the Islamic community.
Meg Martin
IW Director of Integrative Services 7/2024-present, IW Executive Director, 2020-7/2024. Prior to that, she oversaw the organization’s homeless services programs, helping in the transition from providing emergency rotating shelter to the full breadth of services offered today.
Lawrence Naputi
Lawrence is a former guest at the IW Emergency Overnight Shelter. He now works at Sergio’s, a day center operated by Interfaith Works designed to connect people with vital services and overnight shelter during hazardous weather and short-term emergencies.
Kathy Erlandson
IW Executive Director, 2000-2010, and volunteer since 1986. During Kathy’s tenure, the organization began sheltering people experiencing homelessness in churches around Olympia.
Gary Warnock
Gary Warnock took office as Thurston County Coroner in 2007. His inspiration led to IW’s Day of Remembrance, held annually to honor the lives of people who have passed and whose remains have gone unclaimed.
Danny Kadden
IW Executive Director, 2010-2018. During Danny’s time, Interfaith carried on its tradition of providing an anchor for new initiatives, in particular shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
Clark Gilman
Clark is a member of First Christian Church, which hosted the IW Emergency Overnight Shelter from 2015 to 2021. He has been a Olympia City Council Member since 2016.
Rev. Carol McKinley
Rev. McKinley is the Affiliated Community minister at the Olympia Unitarian Universalist Congregation. She has conducted numerous moments of blessing for those who have passed due to violence.