November 8th “Homeless in Whatcom County”

“Homeless in Whatcom County”

Greg Winter, director of Whatcom Homeless Service Center at Opportunity Council, will provide an overview of the state of homelessness in Whatcom County. This will include a description of trends, the complexity of housing and services needs for homeless people as well as recent innovations that have made housing stability a reality for chronically homeless people. This client group has been particularly difficult to serve in the past. Greg would like BUF members and friends to watch this video about being homeless in Whatcom County: http://www.whatcomhsc.org/homeless-in-bellingham-film-project/

November 1, 2015 at 9:15 a.m.“Elements of Honor” – Swil Kanim

“Elements of Honor” – Swil Kanim

Swil Kanim is a classically trained violinist, native storyteller and actor. Separated from his parents and the Lummi tribe at a young age, he spent the remainder of his childhood in foster care. After one of his teachers encouraged him to enroll in a school music program, the violin became his passion and he found his path to healing and personal honor.


The Elements of Honor Workshop is an interactive group discussion facilitated by Swil Kanim. He will lead participants through processes and exercises that demonstrate how honor can work in everyone's life. Specific questions the workshop will address:

·      What are the four Elements of Honor?

·      How can social change be ignited through Honor?

·      How can the presence of Honor be increased in your life?

·      In what ways do you see yourself as an agent of social change?

·      How do you plan to recognize and acknowledge Honor in your relationships?

This event is followed by the BUF worship service at 10:30 a.m.

October 25th: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Katie Rose will talk about issues of Domestic Violence, including between LGBTQ couples.She will address questions such as, How do you talk to someone who is experiencing DV? What are the signs? Why do victims return to abusers over and over? What is the cycle of violence?   The agency takes a leadership role in providing collaborative ways to engage the community in becoming active participants in ending domestic violence and sexual assault.

Oct. 18, 2015 9:15 a.m. World Food Day

 In honor of World Food Day Adrienne Renz, Outreach Manager for the Community Food Co-op, will be our presenter. Whether your interest lies in culinary delights, water quality, small farm development or anywhere in the diverse food system there will be something to explore as we look at the current state of our local food system and discuss how to keep it  moving in the right direction for our community and future generations. Meeting may be moved to BUF's Social Hall for better sound. Please check when you arrive.