Gabby Ryan, Community Programs Coordinator, Office of Neighborhood Services, No Phone Number Available
Friday, May 1, 2026 at 9:56 a.m.
For the final week of Spokane Gives, we are highlighting the impacts of reciprocal partnerships between a local nonprofit and law firm. Family Promise of Spokane and Lee & Hayes Firm have developed a meaningful and impactful relationship that has had a positive impact on both organizations.
Tell us about the work that you do in the community and how this partnership came about.
Lee & Hayes: Lee & Hayes is an intellectual property law firm founded here in Spokane, with offices around the country. From the beginning, our founders set a tone of genuine community investment, establishing a culture of giving back that continues to define who we are today. That culture is reflected in our core values of Service Excellence, Relationship Centered practice, and Stewardship, which shape not only how we serve our clients, but how we engage with the community around us. Our partnership with Family Promise of Spokane grew naturally from those values. Their mission to help families experiencing homelessness achieve stable housing resonated deeply with our firm's commitment to stewardship and community investment. Over the years, what began as financial support has grown into a multifaceted relationship — one that includes regular contributions from attorneys and staff, donations of household supplies to help families transition into stable housing, and hands-on volunteer activities such as helping to set up the annual Christmas store and hosting a pumpkin painting event for children at the shelter in the fall.
Family Promise: Family Promise is a nonprofit organization that works to end the cycle of homelessness for families in our community. We focus on getting families housed, and keeping families housed. More importantly, we walk alongside families at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness to ensure they can thrive long-term. Our organization has been in the Spokane community for almost 30 years, and our impact continues to grow as we respond to the evolving needs of local families.
Our partnership with Lee & Hayes formed naturally about 6 years ago and has developed into something truly special. What started as financial support grew into a deeper, more relational partnership. Today, their team shows up in a variety of ways, including volunteer service, in-kind donation drives, and genuine engagement with the families we serve. It has been encouraging to see how this partnership has evolved into a shared commitment to strengthening our community in tangible, lasting ways.
In what ways has the partnership had an impact on your organization?
Family Promise: Our organization has been impacted in many ways through our partnership with Lee & Hayes. Their support goes beyond financial contributions and in-kind donations. Through their consistent volunteerism, they have helped create a sense of connection and community for the families we serve.
We often talk about the underlying causes of homelessness, and one common thread we see is a loss of community. Many of the families who come to us lack a strong support system. Because of that, a key part of our work is helping families rebuild community, so they have people to lean on during challenging seasons. Partnerships like the one we have with Lee & Hayes play a vital role in making that possible.
This partnership has also set an important example for us. It reflects the kind of collaborative, engaged relationships we hope to continue building with others in our community. We want to build partnerships that are not only generous, but relational and invested in long-term impact.
In what ways has the partnership had an impact on your firm?
Lee & Hayes: Our partnership with Family Promise has reinforced and deepened the culture we strive to build at Lee & Hayes. Engaging together as a firm in meaningful volunteer activities has strengthened the bonds among our attorneys and staff in ways that extend well beyond the office. Shared experiences of service have a way of reminding us why the work we do matters and grounding us in something larger than our day-to-day practice.
The partnership has also affirmed our identity as a Relationship Centered firm. Getting to know the families, the staff, and the mission of Family Promise personally has made our commitment feel tangible and real.
What advice do you have for organizations hoping to create reciprocal relationships with local businesses?
Family Promise: As a nonprofit, it can be easy to approach businesses with a specific need in mind, but the most significant partnerships start with authenticity and a shared sense of purpose. Lead with your mission and your values and invite businesses into the “why” behind your work, not just the “ask.”
It is also important to recognize that strong partnerships take time. They are built on trust, consistency, and genuine relationships. Instead of focusing solely on securing event sponsorships or financial support, look for organizations whose values naturally align with your mission and who are interested in being part of the work in a deeper way.
The most impactful partnerships are reciprocal. That means creating opportunities for businesses to engage meaningfully, whether through volunteering, learning more about the families you serve, or seeing firsthand the impact of their involvement. When both sides feel connected and invested, the partnership becomes more sustainable and far-reaching over time.
What advice do you have for businesses hoping to create reciprocal relationships with local organizations?
Lee & Hayes: Start by identifying organizations whose mission aligns genuinely with your firm's values. Not every organization will be a good fit. From there, show up consistently and in multiple ways. Financial contributions are meaningful, but so is the gift of time and presence. When your employees engage directly — volunteering, participating in events, connecting with the people your partner organization serves — the relationship becomes personal, and personal relationships endure.
Finally, work with the organization to find what is most impactful to them. Find ways of collaborating that meet specific, real needs. Listen, ask questions, iterate, and remain flexible. The most rewarding partnerships are those in which both parties work together to develop the relationship over time.
What’s something that you are working on together this year that you are proud of?
Lee & Hayes: This year, we are proud to support Family Promise through "Match Madness," a matching contribution campaign centered around the NCAA tournament. The campaign brings a spirit of excitement and friendly competition to the important work of fundraising, and we are honored to help amplify the generosity of donors across the community through a matching commitment from our firm. It is a creative and timely way to engage people who may be new to Family Promise's mission.
Family Promise: We are especially excited to partner with Lee & Hayes for this year’s Match Madness Campaign! It’s a unique opportunity to invite the broader community into our work, with every gift being multiplied, which really amplifies the impact on the families we serve.
What has been especially moving is how Lee & Hayes has leaned into this effort. They have been thoughtful and creative in exploring ways to engage their staff and even encourage participation beyond their own business. It has been fun to collaborate in a way that not only raises critical support but also introduces new people to our mission.
We are looking forward to seeing both the generosity this campaign inspires and the new connections it creates within our community!
In Spokane
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