Join us for one of our annual events and help us continue our mission in Washington State’s South Sound Region!
Family Education & Support Services’ special events help raise much-needed funds that support our vital programs and services, and increase our exposure to the community, to educate and promote the valuable work we do.
Join Us!
We love our sponsors and volunteers! If you would like to volunteer at or sponsor an upcoming event, please contact Lynsi Polanco at lynsip@familyess.org
Upcoming Events
Stronger Together: Unity in Action. The Thurston County DV & SA Response Summit is an opportunity for anyone working with domestic violence and sexual assault case to come together and learn how it takes each of us and all of us to support survivors and their families, ensure accountability for harm, and create a community where everyone can feel safe and whole. Together we can contribute to a Thurston County that has a robust and reliable safety net of care. Join us for an engaging day of learning, sharing, and networking.
Our Annual Strengthening Families Conference is back! We will be sharing details about this event soon.
This year the dates will be October 8, 2026 and October 15, 2026.
Check back for details soon!
Our Annual Coat & Sock Drive is happening soon! Donations collected during this drive are distributed to families within their respective counties. This year we will have drop off locations in Thurston, Mason, and Lewis Counties!
Check back for a list of 2026 businesses with drop off locations.
Check back for details soon!
Past Events
Over 250 guests joined us for Seeds of Hope 2026, a night where purpose met celebration — and every moment helped strengthen families and inspire brighter futures for children across our community.
Each ticket didn’t just provide a seat — it helped fund essential programs that offered families housing and utility assistance, parenting support, hygiene supplies, and hope when it was needed most. The night was filled with purpose and joy, featuring a delicious dinner, live jazz by Eden Lane, and the excitement of both silent and live auctions — all in the spirit of connection, community, and giving back. A no-host bar was available throughout the evening.
This semi-formal celebration provided the perfect opportunity for guests to dress their best, enjoy great company, and make a lasting difference for families in our community.
Strengthening Families: Community Conversations provided an opportunity to discuss best practices and tools for parents, kinship and foster caregivers, early childhood, home visiting, family support and other human service professionals.
Thank you to our event sponsors: Molina Healthcare, Choice Community Health, WSECU, OlyFed, Community Foundation, Shocking Difference, Seattle Children’s, and WA State Dept. of Children, Youth & Families
The 2025 Seeds of Hope Gala was held on Saturday, Feb. 8 at SPSCC. Over 250 people joined FESS to celebrate a quarter of a century serving our communities, where an impressive $151,000 was raised! That couldn’t have happened without such caring individuals in our wonderful community! We are beyond thankful for the valuable difference being made in our community. Collectively, we are working together to empower participants to reach their full potential and create pathways to success.
