Memorable

Events

State of Women & Children Night!

October 28, 2025

Panel discussion with five women seated on stage in front of a blue screen displaying photos and names of four panelists, including Dr. Mable Dunbar, Chrystal Ortega, Kerra Bower, and Sabrina Votava.

It was a delight to share our message of hope, empowerment, and healing at the Women Helping Women Fund State of Women and Children panel.

Women Healing and Empowerment Network (WHEN) founder Mable Dunbar, Ph.D., joined a panel of experts from Feed Spokane, FailSafe for Life, and Little Scholars Development Center. They shared new statistics and information on the challenges facing women and children in our area.

Attendees learned about WHEN's focus on preventing violence and healing from abuse. Other panelists shared their work to end suicide through community and connection, safely rescue quality food for those who most need it, and eliminate the suppression of quality education to Black students.

WHEN is grateful to continue building a safe, inclusive community that honors and protects the most vulnerable.

Thank you, Women Helping Women, for this fantastic opportunity to share, learn, and grow.

A woman standing at a wooden podium, smiling, in a conference room with a beige wall and ceiling lights.
A woman seated with her hands pressed together in a prayer or thankful gesture, wearing a black outfit, with a notebook on her lap, and a presentation slide behind her displaying text about women's empowerment.

Hope Center Purple Ribbon Cutting

May 29, 2025

After much anticipation, WHEN is pleased to announce the official opening of the Hope Center, celebrated with supporters, friends, and family. The ceremony included the symbolic cutting of the purple ribbon, marking the successful establishment of this significant center.

The Hope Center represents a collaborative effort between Airway Heights Police and WHEN, aimed at supporting individuals seeking protection from violent relationships. In addition to providing essential food and household goods, the center offers access to programs such as the West Plains Victim Services and the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD). Both programs, funded by grants, deliver advocacy, case management, and resources for victims of violence and those facing challenges related to behavioral health or substance misuse.

Services provided by Cleone’s Closet include clothing and household goods by appointment only on Wednesdays from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Call 509-321-7071 to make an appointment. The Hope Center is located at 13326 W. Sunset Highway in Airway Heights.

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Give Like a Woman Event

May 21, 2025

Group of five women standing behind a table with informational materials at a Women's Healing and Empowerment Network (WHEN) booth, with banners and a floral arrangement.

Spokane’s Women Helping Women Fund (WHWF) celebrated Airway Heights-based nonprofit Women's Healing & Empowerment Network - WHEN (WHEN) and its program Frieda’s Healing Center at its annual Give Like a Woman event on May 21.

"To see all those women and their passion and to know they are looking out for an organization like ours was just amazing,” said WHEN founder and Chief Executive Director Mable Dunbar.

WHWF awarded grants to area nonprofits. WHEN received $20,000 to expand and improve Frieda’s Healing Center. The safe house offers counseling and support for women recovering from trauma, violence, and difficult life challenges.

"Frieda's Healing Center provides everything for women through different programs, our food bank, and clothing closet," explained Dunbar. "We also work in connection with victims' services and the Airway Heights Police Department as part of a network that provides healing and help to victims of domestic violence in the West Plains and even across the country.”

The WHWF event offered WHEN representatives the chance to educate about the center’s holistic healing services, including counseling, support groups, workshops, and wellness activities designed to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

"We are grateful to the Women Helping Women Fund," Dunbar said. "It was a wonderful experience to be a part of a chain of diverse organizations and grantees with the purpose of building up women."

A woman is giving a presentation on stage at a conference or event. There is a large screen with the word 'TRUST' in bold letters. The audience is seated at round tables, some with drinks and floral centerpieces. The stage has curtains in purple and black, with a podium decorated with colorful graphics.
Group of diverse people on stage smiling, with purple curtains in the background during an event or celebration.
A collage of logos from various organizations including Kids & Girls Clubs of Spokane County, Embrace Washington, Family Promise of Spokane, Joy Child Development, Maddie's Place, Manzanita House, Partners with Families & Children, Thrive International, Vanessa Behan, Women & Children's Free Restaurant Community Kitchen, When Women's Healing & Empowerment Network, and YWCA Spokane.
Brochure for Women Helping Women Fund with the slogan, 'Turning good into greater good. It's why we give together,' featuring colorful abstract patterns and leaves on a dark background.
Four motivational posters with purple, pink, and white themes displayed on a black wall. The top left poster features a yellow coin and the text "Small Acts Make Big Impacts." The top right poster says "Your Voice Shapes The Future Speak Up Inspire Change." The bottom left poster depicts two stylized human profiles connected by a continuous line with the words "Interconnected" and "Women Helping Women Fund." The bottom right poster reads "You don't need to be perfect. Be imperfect, be authentic, be authentic and then tactical. Show up anyway."

The Spokesman Review

Inland Northwest Women of the Year: Mable Dunbar

Congratulations!

A woman with short dark hair sitting at a table with baked goods, smiling at the camera, wearing a gray sweater in a dark room.

As a counselor, Mable Dunbar has empowered and healed countless women throughout her life. Nearing retirement, she founded a nonprofit called the Women's Healing and Empowerment Network (WHEN). She raised the funds to found Cleone's Closet food/clothing pantry in Airway Heights and also hosts an annual conference highlighting women's issues that helps fund Frieda's Healing Center, a long-term residency home in a secured location that Dunbar founded for women escaping domestic violence. (DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW)

Read more by Roberta Simonson