Who We Are
The Story
Global Neighborhood was founded in 2008 to provide long-term support to the roughly 500-1000 refugees per year that have been resettling in Spokane. In 2010 we earned our 501-C-3 independent nonprofit status and in 2011, we opened Global Neighborhood Thrift & Vintage, a thrift store using a social enterprise business model to provide services to refugees, including employment, job skills training, access to English language education, and other support services. Our retail storefront and Job Readiness Program began as a training for just two refugees and has since expanded into a thriving community organization that has paid out more than $5 million in wages to people who came to the US as refugees. Over the years we have provided short-term job training programming, vocational ESL education, long-term employment and supportive resources to hundreds of people. Global Neighborhood provides a safe and welcoming space for refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants where they gain skills along with a sense of belonging and learn how to navigate life in their new home.
Our Mission
We offer pathways to employment for our neighbors who have come to the Inland Northwest as refugees. Through our sustainable Social Enterprise Thrift & Vintage store, we provide job training, education, income, and a community of support to help refugees rebuild their lives in the U.S.
Our mission is our purpose. It reminds us why we exist and what we are working toward every day. By providing meaningful education, training, and employment opportunities to refugees, we help build a stronger, more inclusive community where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Our Pillars
Our Employees
We exist for our employees. We aim to create a safe, inclusive, stable, and supportive work environment that eliminates barriers to employment and helps people advance.
Our Community
We are interconnected with those around us, and we cannot thrive unless our community does. We work for equality and justice for all members of our community.
Our Planet
We acknowledge that global climate change and refugee flight go hand in hand and cannot separate our employees' well-being from our planet's health. Therefore, we're working to lessen environmental harm and promote sustainability.
Our Values
Connection
Belonging
Communication
Learning
Our Pricing Philosophy
We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where quality products are accessible to all, while also ensuring the sustainability of our business.
Out of respect for our employees and program participants' privacy and their personal stories, we rarely share details of people's lives. If you see someone's story shared on our website or any communication, the person has explicitly stated they wanted to share. Thank you for respecting our shared humanity by not asking for more details.
BOARD
Anni Glogovac | Board Chair | Avista
Oscar Costero | Secretary |
Stephen Barbieri |Treasurer | Goodale & Barbieri
Derrick Oliver | Board Member | STCU
Jasmine Kazuko Linane-Booey | Board Member | Kazuko Wellness
Kastle Enosa Kapono Soliai | Board Member | Better Health Together
Anatoliy Yevtuschenko | Board Member | Cisco