Check out the earlier versions of our eNewsletter!
Here are some of our most recent Press Releases!
February 28, 2019
OnPoint Community Credit Union Awards $1,000 to Innovative Services NW for the A Place for Calm Project
Vancouver, WA – Innovative Services NW is proud to announce a $1,000 grant from the OnPoint Community Credit Union to Innovative’s Early Learning and Childcare program for equipping their new Calming Room. Many of the children Innovative serves have experienced trauma in their young lives, which can result in behaviors which can be disruptive in an educational setting, both for the child and for other children in the environment. The A Place for Calm Project will provide a welcoming, quiet, calm place for a teacher to take a disruptive child for one-on-one support as the child regains their equilibrium and prepares to re-enter the classroom. This will be a vital tool as our teachers work to graduate every child from our program with the skills necessary to successfully integrate into the kindergarten classroom.
Thank you to OnPoint Community Credit Union!
February 13, 2019
Windermere Foundation Awards $2,250 to Innovative Services NW for The Listening Therapy Project
Vancouver, WA – Innovative Services NW is proud to announce a $2,250 grant from the Windermere Foundation to Innovative’s Pediatric Therapy and Neurodevelopmental Center for the purchase of Listening Therapy Equipment. Listening Therapy has been found to help improve brain function, reduce stress, and it trains the brain for the auditory skills needed to effectively listen, learn, and communicate. It affects and improves skills in seven brain focus areas including communication, auditory processing, social/emotional, stress response, motor coordination and creative expression. This generous grant funding provides half the funds required to make offering this therapy a reality for the children we serve.
Thank you to the Windermere Foundation!
February 5, 2019
Autism Speaks Norma and Malcolm Baker Recreation Grant Awards $2,017 to Innovative Services NW for the Employment Services Positive Behavior Support Project
Vancouver, WA – Innovative Services NW is proud to announce a $2,017 grant from the Autism Speaks Norma and Malcolm Baker Recreation Grant fund, in the category of Employment. Individuals impacted with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have immense potential in the workplace and have shown to use their individual unique talents and characteristics to make great achievements. Challenging behaviors associated with ASD however, can be particularly impactful to an individuals’ ability to secure/maintain employment.
The Employment Services Positive Behavior Support Project will offer an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) training to our Employment Services staff, participant families, employers and other community stakeholders. By teaching a basic understanding of positive behavior support de-escalation strategies, the goal is to have supportive community members who know how to respond to quickly resolve challenging behavior, maintain the client’s dignity, and increase the successful employment of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Thank you to the Autism Speaks Norma and Malcolm Baker Recreation Grant Fund!
October 9, 2018
Supervised Visitation Program to Close
Vancouver, WA – Innovative Services NW has been providing a safe, neutral, environment for supervised visits between non-custodial parent(s) and their child(ren) through its Supervised Visitation program for more than 15 years. Unfortunately, funding for this program, through the state, has not had an increase since 2013, even though there have been three mandated minimum wage increases during that time. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to financially support the program it is with a heavy heart that Innovative announces that this program will close as of November 5, 2018. Innovative will be working with both their clients and staff throughout this entire process, providing support and resources and all Supervised Visitation Program staff will be offered other positions with Innovative.
While the program closure is regrettable, Innovative will continue to grow programs that help the community and will be expanding their current Pediatric Therapy program and launching a new Applied Behavior Support Program for children with Autism. We have very much enjoyed the opportunity to support our supervised visitation clients over the years. The program and its clients will be missed.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Dena Strong at dstrong@innovativeservicesnw.org or Melissa Jaacks at mjaacks@innovativeservicesnw.org. Thank you for your understanding and support.
October 4, 2018
New Program Leaders at Innovatve
Vancouver, WA – Innovative Services NW is excited to welcome Scott Sitton as the new General Manager of Innovative’s Janitorial Services program. Scott is a 22-year veteran of the US Army Military Police Corps. Since his retirement in 2014, Scott has been an Operations Manager for a Commercial Carpet and Floor Cleaning Company and a Director of Operations for a Transportation Company. Scott shared, “My military experience has prepared me for management; it’s about taking care of others and giving them the tools to succeed.” Scott’s wife, June, is a school teacher in the Washougal School District and they have three young adult children. The family loves to get out and enjoy hiking all over the Pacific Northwest and playing with their two crazy Miniature Schnauzers.
Also, please join us in congratulating Catrina Williams on her recent promotion to Program Manager for Innovative Services NW’s Employment Services program. Catrina joined Innovative earlier this spring as a Job Coach, has more than eighteen years’ experience supporting adults with disabilities, and is a Certified Employment Professional. Catrina is a Southwest Washington native who is passionate about advocating for an inclusive workforce in Clark County and spends her personal time chasing her two children.
May 14, 2018
Community Foundation for Southwest Washington
Grants $25,000 to Innovative Services NW for the
Positive Behavior Support in Early Childhood Project
Vancouver, WA — Innovative Services NW has received a $25,000 grant from the Community Giving Fund, a charitable fund at the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, which will support the Positive Behavior Support in Early Childhood Project. This project will provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) related techniques for children with behavioral challenges, whether due to developmental disabilities such as autism or to the environmental risk factors such as developmental delays, family violence, homelessness, chemical dependency, CPS involvement, incarcerated parents, or foster care.
Through a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), ABA studies the behavior of a child in order to apply interventions to bring about meaningful and positive change in the child’s behavior including academics, social skills, reading, communication, and adaptive living skills. Innovative’s new BCBA, Lori Moorehead, said, “I’ve been working with children for over 20 years and there is no other treatment available that makes as significant progress as ABA does, for the maximum potential of the child in everything they do. It also gives families the tools, support, and guidance on how to continue to teach and advocate for their child for the rest of their lives.”
Innovative’s Positive Behavior Support in Early Childhood Project will help low‐income and at-risk children in Clark County by alleviating barriers to their full functionality, helping them to succeed in reaching their full potential in an educational setting and in life.
May 14, 2018
The Giving Gala Raised $76,805 Net for Innovative Services NW’s Clients & Families!
Vancouver, WA — Innovative Services NW is pleased to announce that the Giving Gala event held on April 27, 2018 at the Heathman Lodge, Vancouver raised $99,555, netting $76,805! These proceeds will go directly to support Innovative’s programs that serve children, adults, and families in our community who have disabilities or other challenges.
Rod Hill, KGW Meteorologist, was the M.C. for the evening and Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle lead the paddle raise. Guests who attended the Giving Gala event enjoyed an elegant plated dinner, wine & wishing walls, delightful games and activities, sensational raffle prizes, including a Coach Purse and a Green Mountain Grill, and an inspiring program featuring stories of individuals who have received services from Innovative. Throughout the night, they celebrated 55 years of service in Clark County and 10 years in the Mary Firstenburg Family Center with CEO Emeritus, Launda Carroll, as guest of honor.
Innovative is grateful to everyone who attended the event, contributed generously, and to the sponsors who supported the event including Presenting Sponsor: Pacific Lifestyle Homes, Hosting Sponsor: RSV Building Solutions, Co-Sponsor: The Vancouver Clinic, Supporting Sponsors: Columbia Credit Union, Christenson Electric, JD Fulwiler & Co. Insurance, Pacific Office Automation, Subaru, Sustainable Wealth Management, and Umpqua Bank, and Media Partner, Vancouver Business Journal.
For more information about Innovative Services NW or to schedule a tour, please contact Dena Strong, President and CEO dstrong@innovativeservicesnw.org.
April 3, 2018
Innovative’s Giving Gala will be a Lovely Night (in Black & White)!
Vancouver, WA — Innovative’s Giving Gala will be held on Friday, April 27th, at The Heathman, Vancouver. They are celebrating 55 years of service in Clark County and 10 years in the Mary Firstenburg Family Center with CEO Emeritus, Launda Carroll, as guest of honor. KGW Meteorologist, Rod Hill, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Also joining, to lead the paddle raise, will be Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle! Tickets are $75.00 each and include: an elegant plated dinner, wine & wishing walls, delightful games and activities, sensational raffle prizes, including a Coach Purse and a Green Mountain Grill, and an inspiring program. Reservations can be made online at www.innovativeservicesnw.org.
Innovative’s Giving Gala is generously sponsored by: Presenting Sponsor- Pacific Lifestyle Homes; Hosting Sponsor – RSV Building Solutions, and Co-Sponsor – The Vancouver Clinic. Supporting Sponsors are: Christenson Electric, Inc., Columbia Credit Union, JD Fulwiler & Company Insurance, Pacific Office Automation, Subaru of America, Sustainable Wealth Management, and Umpqua Bank.
Funds raised at Innovative’s Giving Gala help support their mission: “Creating opportunities. Achieving results. Changing lives!” Innovative’s programs serve children, adults and families, offering services including early learning, child care, and pediatric therapy for children; employment training and job support adults with disabilities or other challenges; and intervention, education and support for foster youth and families.
For more information about Innovative Services NW or to schedule a tour, please contact Dena Strong at dstrong@innovativeservicesnw.org or (360) 823-5175.
March 15, 2018
Passion to Grow a Strong, Dedicated Team
Vancouver, WA — Please join us in congratulating Michael Zahniser on his promotion to Human Resources Director for Innovative Services NW, effective February 26, 2018. Michael has made it his mission to be a “People Builder.” He fulfills his passion by striving every day to build teams that positively impact their communities. “Organizational growth does not happen without a strong, motivated team, and a leader who’s influential in transforming culture and performance,” Michael said.
With over fifteen years of experience in the human resources industry as a Certified Staffing Professional, more than ten years serving on multiple nonprofit boards, and a degree in Criminology and Advance Crime Analysis, Michael brings comprehensive knowledge and experience to his new position. In this role, Michael will lead change-management initiatives to unprecedented growth, including strategy, vision, and results throughout our organization.
A Southwest Washington native, Michael resides here with his wife, a local business owner, and their three sons. Michael enjoys spending time with his family and strengthening our communities.
February 2, 2018
Leadership Changes at Innovative Services NW
Vancouver, WA — Please join us in congratulating Dena Strong, our former VP of Client Services, for her promotion to Innovative’s new President & CEO, effective January 1, 2018. Innovative’s Board of Directors unanimously selected Dena, with her experience in business strategy, executive management, and organizational leadership and efficiencies to lead this 54 year old nonprofit into the future. Dena will be replacing Launda Carroll, now CEO Emeritus, who will be retiring after more than 33 years with the organization. Launda will continue to be available to assist with the leadership transition and other assigned projects until her retirement, June 30, 2018.
We would also like to welcome Melissa Jaacks, joining Innovative as our new VP of Operations. A Washington native, Melissa began her career at Microsoft, administering the supplemental employee benefits and giving programs and then working in several marketing positions. Upon moving to Portland, Melissa worked for branding and advertising agencies for the last 13 years and held the positions of Director and VP of Operations. Melissa is thrilled to join the team at Innovative and shift her focus to mission-driven work.
Bobbi Heitschmidt, Innovative Service NW Board Co-Chair shared, “Innovative’s board has full confidence in our new leadership. We know their skills and experience will help us continue to provide high quality services to the community and expand the number of lives our organization impacts every day!”
January 2, 2018
Innovative Services NW Promotes Susan Veneruso to Vice President of Internal Operations
Vancouver, WA — Innovative Services NW is pleased to announce that Susan Veneruso has been promoted to Vice President of Internal Operations. This position will add responsibility for Facilities, Risk Management, IT and Contracts to her former responsibilities of Marketing, Grants, and Systems/Processes. Susan has an MBA and a Masters of Technology Management from Washington State University, Vancouver. She is a Leadership Clark County alumni, Class of 2016, and participates in Vistage, an advisory & executive coaching organization. She has three children in college and has lived in Vancouver, WA for more than 20 years. Susan has been with Innovative almost 14 years and is passionate about the children, adults, and families Innovative serves.
October 27, 2017
Innovative Services NW’s Board of Directors Welcomes Dena Strong, as Innovative’s New CEO
Vancouver, WA — The Innovative Services NW Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Dena Strong has been selected to be Innovative’s new CEO, beginning January 1, 2018. The board began their search for a new CEO in the spring. After reviewing eight candidates, the board unanimously selected Dena, with her experience in business strategy, executive management, and organizational leadership and efficiencies to lead this 54 year old nonprofit into the future. Dena has been Innovative’s Vice President of Client Services since September of 2016.
Dena has a Bachelor’s from Washington State University in Business Administration. Early in her professional career she worked for fortune 500 companies in retail and banking. She spent 9 years working for a custom manufacturing company with headquarters in Vancouver, Washington, where she held numerous positions, eventually working her way through the ranks to become President and CEO. Dena is married, has three young daughters, and has lived in Clark County her entire life.
Dena will be replacing Launda Carroll, who will be retiring after more than 33 years with the organization. Launda will continue to be available to assist with the leadership transition and other assigned projects until her retirement on June 30, 2018.
Innovative’s Co-Board Chair said, “We all look forward to Dena’s continued growth as a leader in our community and raising awareness of the great services Innovative Services NW provides to Clark County.”
October 20, 2017
Kaiser Permanente Grants $15,000 to Innovative Services NW for Positive Behavior Support in Early Childhood Project
Vancouver, WA — Innovative Services NW is proud to announce a $15,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente for the Positive Behavior Support in Early Childhood Project. Innovative’s Early Learning Program provides quality education and day care for children, ages 1-5 years old. Our Pediatric Therapy and Neurodevelopmental Center provides physical, speech, occupational, and specialty therapies for children, birth through age 20, and Early Intervention services for children, birth through age 3. These programs serve a variety of children with extreme behaviors, whether due to developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or to the environmental risk factors like family violence, homelessness, chemical dependency, or CPS involvement.
This grant award allows us to offer Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) related techniques in an educational setting for at-risk, low-income, behaviorally challenged children in our Early Learning program and ABA therapy for children with ASD or other developmental disabilities/delays, particularly those on Medicaid, through our Pediatric Therapy
Program. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst will launch the pilot in our Early Learning program, working with the most behaviorally challenged children and training our teaching staff in ABA supportive techniques. These techniques establish new neural pathways through intensity and repetition of desired patterns. For children with ASD, these treatment techniques are now considered to be at the forefront of therapeutic and educational interventions endorsed by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The future educational outcomes for all of these children would greatly benefit from intervening early in the life of the child with challenging behaviors using ABA therapy or ABA related techniques in the educational setting. Implementation of this program will decrease disruption in the classroom, resulting in all our children being better prepared for kindergarten and better educational outcomes for all.
Thank you to Kaiser Permanente!
June 19, 2017
Columbia Credit Union Grants $10,000 to Innovative Services NW for Technology Improvements
Vancouver, WA — Innovative Services NW is proud to announce a $10,000 grant from Columbia Credit Union toward Technology Improvements. Part of this grant, $3,500, will complete the $107,300 needed for Innovative to purchase/implement a new software for Accounting, HR and Fixed Asset system, along with the required hardware upgrades to accommodate the new software. The new software will provide the management team with accurate, detailed, timely information to help Innovative increase their effectiveness and sustainability. The remainder of the funds will be used toward the project to update Innovative’s billing and scheduling software, primarily used by their Pediatric Therapy Clinic. Innovative has been serving Clark County since 1963. With growth in programs and clients served over the last several years, the organization has grown beyond the capabilities of their current outdated systems. These technology upgrades will allow Innovative’s programs to better serve even more children, adults, and families in need in our community.
Thank you to Columbia Credit Union!
June 14, 2017
M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Grants $54,000 to Innovative Services NW for Technology Improvements
Vancouver, WA — M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust of Vancouver, Washington, recently awarded Innovative Services NW $54,000 toward their Technology Improvement Project. This grant will allow Innovative to purchase/implement a new software Accounting, Human Resources and Fixed Asset system, along with the required hardware upgrades to accommodate the new software. Innovative, with more than 160 employees and 12 programs, has grown beyond the capabilities of their current outdated systems. The new software will provide the management team with accurate, detailed, timely information to help Innovative increase their effectiveness and sustainability. This will allow them to better serve even more children, adults, and families in need in our community, now and into the future.
ABOUT M.J. MURDOCK CHARITABLE TRUST
J. Murdock Charitable Trust, created by the will of the late Melvin J. (Jack) Murdock, provides grants to organizations in five states of the Pacific Northwest-Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington-that seek to strengthen the region’s educational and cultural base in creative and sustainable ways. www.murdocktrust.org
January 4, 2017
OnPoint Community Credit Union Grants $1,000 to Innovative Services NW for the Pediatric Therapy Assessment/Evaluation Project
Vancouver, WA — Innovative Services NW is proud to announce a $1,000 grant from OnPoint Community Credit Union for the Pediatric Therapy Assessment/Evaluation Update Project. Innovative’s Pediatric Therapy and Neurodevelopmental Center provides physical, speech, occupational, and specialty therapies for children, birth through age 20, and Early Intervention services for children, birth through age three. Quality pediatric therapy for these children with disabilities or delays begins with an accurate assessment of each child’s greatest therapy needs.
Preschool Language Scales, 5th Edition (PLS5), in both English and Spanish. The PLS5 helps therapists assess total language, auditory comprehension, and expressive communication capabilities for children birth to age 5. Expanding and updating our kits helps us meet demand and ensures that we are using materials that reflect current best practices and the newest research. This project is essential because accurate and efficient assessments lay the groundwork for establishing a therapy plan that will help each child maximize their potential. We are very excited to receive this funding.
January 4, 2017
Columbia Credit Union Grants $2,488 to Innovative Services NW for the Pediatric Therapy Assessment/Evaluation Update Project
Vancouver, WA — Innovative Services NW is proud to announce a $2,488 grant from Columbia Credit Union for the Pediatric Therapy Assessment/ Evaluation Update Project. Innovative’s Pediatric Therapy and Neurodevelopmental Center provides physical, speech, occupational, and specialty therapies for children birth through age 20 and Early Intervention services for children birth through age three. Quality pediatric therapy, for these children with disabilities or delays, begins with an accurate assessment of each child’s greatest therapy needs. This grant award will allow us to expand our kits to meet demand and to continue updating our kits to reflect current best practices and the newest research. This project is essential because accurate and efficient assessments lay the groundwork for establishing a therapy plan that will help each child maximize their potential. We are very excited to receive this funding.
Thank you to Columbia Credit Union!
October 13, 2016
Innovative Services NW Welcomes Dena Strong, Vice President of Client Services
Vancouver, WA — Innovative Services NW is pleased to introduce Dena Strong as our new Vice President of Client Services. Dena has a Bachelor’s from Washington State University in Business Administration. Early in her professional career she worked for fortune 500 companies in retail and banking. She spent 9 years working for a custom manufacturing company with headquarters in Vancouver, Washington, where she held numerous positions, eventually working her way through the ranks to become President and CEO. She also worked as a consultant for numerous organizations for the past three years. Through her career she has gained a wide variety of skills including; experience in business strategy, executive management, organizational efficiencies and leadership. Dena has lived in Clark County her entire life and is proud to be a member of this community. Dena is married and has three young daughters. Working at Innovative allows her to give back to her community and fulfill both professional and personal aspirations.
Innovative is looking forward to utilizing her skills and experience to help guide the future growth of our organization. For more information about Innovative Services NW, please contact Susan Veneruso, Director of Creative Strategies at 360-823-5173 or sveneruso@innovativeservicesnw.org.
June 6, 2016
Darcey Reed Joins Innovative Services NW Board of Directors
Vancouver, WA — 
Innovative Services NW is pleased to announce that Darcey Reed has joined the Board of Directors. Reed is the Store Manager of the Orchards Umpqua Bank branch in Vancouver. She has been with Umpqua Bank for 4 ½ years, in banking for 22 years, and in management for 28. Darcey holds a certificate in Management and is a graduate of Leadership Clark County, class of 2007. She is a Small Business Expert with a focus on providing banking solutions for her business customers.
Innovative is looking forward to utilizing her skills and experience to help guide the future growth of our organization. For more information about Innovative Services NW, please contact Susan Veneruso, Director of Creative Strategies at 360-823-5173 or sveneruso@innovativeservicesnw.org.
May 2, 2016
Ogden Neighborhood Association and Vancouver Watershed Alliance Partnership Awards Two $1,500 grants for Innovative Services NW’s Natural Playground & Therapeutic Area
Vancouver, WA — Innovative Services NW is proud to announce two $1,500 donations from the Ogden Neighborhood Association, in partnership with the Vancouver Watershed Alliance, for plants, planting materials and bark mulch in our new natural playground and therapeutic area. The Vancouver Watershed Alliance offers grants up to $1,500 for community projects that enhance sustainability through volunteer-driven, on-the-ground environmental work or education through local neighborhood associations in the City of Vancouver. The Ogden Neighborhood Association sponsored Innovative for two of these $1,500 grants for the playground project and acted as the pass through agency for the funds which will enhance our services for the children in our Early Learning program and the children, adults, and families in our Supervised Visitation, Adult Day Health, and Pediatric Therapy programs. Thank you to both the Vancouver Watershed Alliance and the Ogden Neighborhood Association!
April 25, 2016
Kaiser Permanente Gives – Volunteer Grant Program Awards Innovative Services NW $7,997 for the Eyesight is Essential Project
Vancouver, WA — Innovative Services NW is proud to announce a grant of $7,997 from the Kaiser Permanente Gives – Volunteer Grant Program for the Eyesight is Essential Project. The project allows Innovative to purchase an iScreen Vision scanner which captures a digital eye image in a fraction of a second. A report on each child’s pass/fail status on 7 of the most common vision problems and whether parents should consider further vision screening for their child, through their pediatrician or ophthalmologist, is generated almost immediately. The device is child-friendly, portable, and easily administered by staff, even for children who are pre-verbal, non-verbal, or developmentally challenged. Innovative is excited to implement this screening technology with our Early Learning program and we will be offering several free screening events to the public over the next year. Thank you, Kaiser Permanente Gives!
January 19, 2016
Kaiser Permanente Gives – Volunteer Grant Program Awards Innovative Services NW $7,997 for the Eyesight is Essential Project
Vancouver, WA — Innovative Services NW is proud to announce a grant of $7,997 from the Kaiser Permanente Gives – Volunteer Grant Program for the Eyesight is Essential Project. The project allows Innovative to purchase an iScreen Vision scanner which captures a digital eye image in a fraction of a second. A report on each child’s pass/fail status on 7 of the most common vision problems and whether parents should consider further vision screening for their child, through their pediatrician or ophthalmologist, is generated almost immediately. The device is child-friendly, portable, and easily administered by staff, even for children who are pre-verbal, non-verbal, or developmentally challenged. Innovative is excited to implement this screening technology with our Early Learning program and we will be offering several free screening events to the public over the next year. Thank you, Kaiser Permanente Gives!
