Big Changes at Companis

Companis is an organization that was born out of the dreams of Seattle First Baptist Church in 1994. Since then, thousands of people have provided skilled volunteer service to local nonprofits serving the Puget Sound region. SFBC provided the initial funds, networking, board members, donors and many staff and volunteers for the organization. In the early 2000s, Companis left SFBC’s nonprofit sponsorship to become their own 501(c)3. Rev. Craig Darling was the founding director while he served as a pastor with SFBC. Companis’ second director was Gary Davis, a beloved member of this church, who led the organization to expand into Snohomish County and expand its staff structure.

Recently Companis announced a new chapter in their organizational life. Companis will be joining Project Access Northwest, a nonprofit that provides healthcare assistance to people in need in our community. Companis will no longer be their own 501(c)3 but instead fall under the auspices of Project Access.

Throughout this merger, the name of Companis and the work of Companis will remain the same: helping match skilled volunteers with nonprofit partners in need at low cost to the nonprofits. Project Access has been a beneficiary of Companis’ volunteer support for many years, and now the partnership comes full circle in a new way.

Companis leadership has guaranteed that financial gifts to Companis can still be made to support that work. However, after December 15 of this year, funds will be directed through Project Access to Companis’ division. Additionally, all supporters of Companis are invited to the annual gala on October 3rd which will formally celebrate Companis’ and Project Access’ new relationship.

The Board of Directors of Companis will ultimately be absorbed into the Project Access board. For the next two years, there will be an Advisory Board who will monitor the transition and merger.

Additionally, Companis will be vacating their long-held offices on the 3rd floor of the SFBC “Hospital” building. Their offices will now be in Project Access’s offices on E. Jefferson St. SFBC will be seeking nonprofit partners to rent the space, as rental income makes up a significant portion of our annual income.

On Sunday the 23rd, Jillian Harmon (Executive Director of Companis) and Anne Spangler (Companis board member) joined us during coffee hour for a conversation about this new chapter. SFBC members were able to ask questions and share their thoughts. One member shared that Companis is like SFBC’s child, who has grown so much that they are ready to get married and move out. There is a pride in how the child has grown, but also a real tinge of sadness as we realize that our role has changed. Anyone who would like to talk more about how these changes impact SFBC is welcome to reach out to the pastors.

SFBC, you have done good work in finding ways to support our neighbors through the years. Companis is a big part of that story, but is only one part of the story. This church will continue to follow the way of Jesus by seeking opportunities to use our time, our talents, and our financial resources to help our community.