Overlake Service League becomes Bellevue LifeSpring |REPORTER Q/A

It’s a “new” day at Overlake Service League. The century-old social service agency has a new name, new symbol and a new CEO. However, the goal remains the same: “to guide our direction to the next century of service,” President Trish Carpenter said.

July 23, 2012 3:12 pm
Steve McGraw and Trish Carpenter stand at the entrance to LifeSpring’s Thrift Store at Bellevue Square. Kemper Freeman
Steve McGraw and Trish Carpenter stand at the entrance to LifeSpring’s Thrift Store at Bellevue Square. Kemper Freeman

It’s a “new” day at Overlake Service League. The century-old social service agency has a new name, new symbol and a new CEO.

However, the goal remains the same: “to guide our direction to the next century of service,” President Trish Carpenter said.

The agency’s new name is Bellevue Lifespring and it will be headed by new CEO Steve McGraw. McGraw comes to Lifespring after 32 years of work with nonprofits, foundations and social service agencies in and around the area, including the Starlight Childrens Foundation, Seattle Aquarium Society and Catholic Community Services, among others. He will be the agency’s first full-time paid executive.

The Bellevue Reporter sat down with Carpenter and McGraw to learn more about the changes.

 

Reporter: Why the changes?

Carpenter: Our new name has helped us overcome confusion with other organizations and resonates more strongly with the next generation of potential volunteers and donors. Our butterfly (the new symbol) represents the empowerment of those served, their metamorphosis, renewal and the launching of a new life through our services.

Reporter: How did the agency get started?

Carpenter: In 1911, three Eastside women recognized that there were families in need in our community. Serving those in need is why we still exist today.

Reporter: How did you become involved?

Carpenter: I was a newcomer to Bellevue in 1987 and was introduced to the work of the organization by a neighbor. I’ll never forget the first time I made a home delivery of a sofa to a family. There was no furniture in the apartment, just a tiny child’s table with two small chairs. It was a young single Mom who had fled a domestic violence situation. She gave me the biggest hug you could ever imagine. That was the first of many such experiences that continually reconfirm my dedication to the work of this organization.

Reporter: Has LifeSpring refocused its goals in light of today’s needs?

Carpenter: Our mission has not changed from solving human problems. Not only is there poverty in Bellevue, but we face the stigma that there is no poverty in Bellevue.

Here are some statistics that may surprise you: Overall, 22.8 percent (4,114) of students in the Bellevue School District participate in the free and reduced price lunch program. Some schools with larger percentages are Lake Hills Elementary (69 percent), Ardmore Elementary (52 percent), Sherwood Forest Elementary (50 percent).

Reporter: What prompted the move to a paid CEO?

Carpenter: The organization has depended on full-time volunteer management which is not sustainable. In addition, the number of families, children and adults living in poverty in Bellevue is growing at a rapid rate. In order to meet the growing need, we hired Steve McGraw, to garner his expertise and experience to lead us into our next century of service.

Reporter: What attracted you to LifeSpring?

McGraw: Bellevue LifeSpring’s programs solve problems and change lives for the better. Their services are integrated into the  schools and other human services for a comprehensive mix to help youth, families and adults in need. Bellevue LifeSpring is about neighbor helping neighbor.

Reporter: What do you see it accomplishing in the next several years?

McGraw: For over 100 years, Bellevue LifeSpring has been about people coming together to solve problems, human problems in Bellevue of and with our neighbors. As Bellevue continues to grow, children, families and adults living in poverty is a growing reality in Bellevue. Bellevue LifeSpring has and will always be there to be the means where people make a positive difference to help our neighbors in need to a productive life.

Reporter: How do you hope to tap into this population/community to move LifeSpring forward?

McGraw: Bellevue LifeSpring Circles are the neighborhood and downtown grassroots level to get involved.  We want to grow existing Circles and create new ones.  Business and community leaders can now become engaged with the Board of Directors to make a leadership level impact on the mission and the community. We will build on our partnership with schools and engage students and their parents.  We will also reach out to area businesses to engage their employees in volunteer opportunities.