Will add executive director, more needed services
The Lookout Coalition, which has been providing free, in-home medical and social support to anyone in the Methow Valley facing difficult health challenges for 16 years, is evolving and expanding the services they provide.
The coalition was founded in 2010 by people in the valley who believed that community members dealing with serious illness, aging, dementia, caregiving, grief, and end-of-life decisions deserved care rooted in dignity, compassion, agency and human connection — with no financial burden. The coalition helps everyone, regardless of age or financial status.
Since then, the coalition has grown — in the past year, they’ve doubled both the number of people they serve and the number of volunteer service providers. Last week, the coalition became a charitable nonprofit with 501(c)(3) status, meaning all contributions are tax-deductible.
The transition reflects the strength of the program and the evolving needs of the Methow Valley’s older adults, families and caregivers, Lookout Coalition Director Raleigh Bowden said. The reorganization creates more opportunities to deepen services, respond to emerging needs and ensure longterm stability for a program that has become essential to many people, she said.
In the past, the coalition partnered with other nonprofit organizations in the valley to coordinate its services and manage contributions, most recently with Methow At Home. Now, they’re recruiting for an executive director and will have their own board to oversee operations.
Skilled team
The team consists of volunteer licensed health care professionals including physicians, nurses, and social-service and mental health providers.
The coalition also provides occupational therapy, guidance in mindfulness, spiritual care and end-of-life support for patients and their loved ones. They’ll arrange for help from neighbors or through the Guardian Angel program, particularly for someone who lives alone. This year they’ve added a chaplain who provides grief support.
When a need arises, the coalition conducts an initial evaluation and creates a plan. They can help navigate the healthcare system and explain medical diagnoses and options. They’ll assist with transition from a hospital to home. They’ll see a client as long as support is needed and wanted.
The coalition also helps with end-of-life planning, including preparation of a will and medical directive, said Jane Gilbertsen, incoming president of the Lookout Coalition’s new board.
Gilbertsen brings a deep, personal understanding of the value of the organization, which assisted her twice with end-of-life care for a loved one — and provided practical and emotional support for herself.
Many people don’t realize how complex and confusing it can be to care for and support someone through a serious illness and the end of life, Gilbertsen said. The team also supports caregivers and survivors after the death of a loved one.
“Care is better when you know more and understand what’s happening and how people can help — the Lookout Coalition has the ability to respond to needs in the moment,” Gilbertsen said. Having the coalition’s support significantly reduced the trauma of coping with illness and loss, she said.
The Lookout Coalition is a partner in the Methow Valley Elder Care Coordination Network, another local organization that assists people with chronic illness. The network aims to provide better care to elders and to reduce the burden on 911 and Aero Methow Rescue Service in assisting people with frequent needs, network Director Easton Branam said.
The other network members are Methow At Home, Aero Methow, Room One, Jamie’s Place, Family Health Centers and the Methow Valley Clinic. All these organizations used to work in isolation, and the network has helped make everything more efficient, Branam said.
“We are really lucky to have this pool of talent of people with huge hearts. It’s a huge time commitment — and all free and volunteer,” Gilbertsen said.
If you need service from the Lookout Coalition, call Methow At Home at (509) 996-5844.
