Our History
More Than 75 Years Of Serving Our Neighbors
Since 1951, Partners INW has grown from a small church-supported effort into one of the Inland Northwest's largest social service organizations, helping provide food, clothing, emergency assistance, and essential resources for thousands of individuals and families.
Where It All Began
Partners INW traces its roots to 1951, when ten Protestant churches came together to create the United Church Welfare of Spokane. Their mission was simple: help neighbors facing hardship through a coordinated community effort.
In the early years, food was stored in private homes, clothing was distributed through local partnerships, and volunteers worked together to meet immediate community needs. What started as a small grassroots effort quickly became something much larger.
Growing Alongside The Community
As Spokane Valley grew, so did the need for accessible support services. Over the following decades, Partners expanded its programs to include a dedicated Clothing Bank, Food Bank, emergency assistance programs, and additional community services.
In 1990, these efforts were united under The Spokane Valley Center, creating a single location where families could access multiple forms of support in one place.
Building On A Legacy Of Service
While much has changed since 1951, the mission remains the same: helping neighbors access life's essentials with dignity and compassion.
Today, Partners INW continues expanding programs, partnerships, and facilities to meet the growing needs of communities throughout the Inland Northwest.
Key Moments
1951: United Church Welfare of Spokane is formed by ten Protestant churches.
1960: The Clothing Bank begins serving local families through volunteer support.
1972: The Food Bank opens.
1990: The Spokane Valley Center receives 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
2001: The organization moves to its current Broadway Avenue location.
2007: The Spokane Valley Center becomes Spokane Valley Partners.
2020: Mobile Food Services launch during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2023: Spokane Valley Partners becomes Partners INW.
2025: Partners INW expands into its new campus to increase capacity and serve more families.