Click to download our latest newsletter!

The Corey Story

About 5 years ago, someone dropped off a big cat named Corey at our Group Home in Edmonds; Corey became a beloved addition to the home, regularly sleeping with the residents, sitting on their laps in their wheelchairs, and putting up with their sometimes awkward movements in petting him. Bernice, a 62 year old long time resident, was particularly fond of this kitty.

Recently Corey, who is a young cat, developed a bladder obstruction that was resistant to all efforts on the part of the vet to fix. After amassing a large vet bill, we learned that Corey's only hope was a complicated, specialized, and very expensive surgery. Neither the residents nor the agency had the available funds for this surgery, and it appeared that Corey might have to be euthanized - a decision that no one wanted to make.

As a last ditch effort, our administrative staff told of Corey's plight in a letter asking for help, which was faxed to every vet in the area that we could find in the phone book. To our utter relief, VCA Alderwood Companion Hospital of Lynnwood contacted us and agreed to do the surgery pro bono. Drs. Jill James and James McGill did the surgery - which happily was successful - and Corey was returned to his home recently after a two week recovery at the hospital.

As an interesting corollary, Bernice, Corey's biggest fan, was simultaneously having a life-saving surgery of her own to correct a gastrointestinal problem. Knowing that Corey was also in the hospital getting an operation gave her comfort. After a six hour surgery, Bernice has now recovered and is happy to be reunited with Corey.

We have been so touched that in these difficult economic times, these doctors recognized the value of this animal's life to our vulnerable residents, and came forward. It's been a lesson in kindness that has benefitted us all.

This story was recently written about in The Herald newspaper. Check it out!

Holiday Letter

Dear friends and family:

2008 has been an exciting year for Smithwright Services!

As we move into the holiday season and a new year, it's a good time to reflect on our accomplishments and changes - but more importantly, to give thanks for the continued well being of all of our clients. Smithwright Services is receiving much praise and recognition for the quality of services provided, our individualized approach to client care, and the professionalism of staff. I am proud to say that all the individuals in our care are in good hands.

These are some of the highlights from the year:

• Smithwright Services administrative offices moved to a better office space in order to accommodate agency growth
• A new client joined our Supported Living Program
• Early in the year we opened our third children's home in Bothell (called Olympic House). The house has a capacity of four, and we currently have three children there
• In July we had our first Open House at the administrative office, in an effort to reach out to friends, family and community
• The Director of Wellness position was created, and Deb Corlis moved into that role; overseeing medical processes in all the programs
• An Administrative Manager position was created, and Deana Peterson-Lindstrom moved into that role. She worked with an artist to design our website, and this was recently successfully launched (www.smithwright.org)
• Loretta Kreeger was hired as the new Group Home Director
• We began setting the stage for a 2009 remodel of the Group Home bathrooms, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment

We are currently developing goals for 2009 - but chief among them will be a drive for donations and grants. With the economic climate being what it is, we are facing the possibility of cutbacks - so a fundraising campaign becomes all the more necessary.

May your holidays be warm and safe, and may 2009 be a fulfilling and peaceful new year for us all.

Warm regards,
Liz M. Braun, Ph.D.
Executive Director

July Open House

On July 10, 2008, we hosted our first Open House since moving in to our new offices. Please enjoy these pictures from our event: