Healthy Foothills Communities
Since 1982, our volunteer board of community members has worked in partnership with caring individuals, community groups, business leaders and generous donors to raise more than $5 million to support the programs that make the Foothills Communities healthy and safe havens to live, work and play.
RFWF carries out its mission through community-wide core initiatives, including the Care Van and Neighbors Feeding Neighbors; initiatives designed to meet emerging needs, including mental health and integrated student supports; mini-grants to other organizations that align with our mission; and by providing meaningful opportunities for caring citizens to serve and financially invest in their community.
Serving Rural Communities in King and Pierce Counties
Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation fills the gaps around the basic needs of the most vulnerable population groups across the Plateau, serving both King and Pierce County.
Service boundaries include the cities of Enumclaw and Black Diamond in King County as well as Buckley, Wilkeson, Carbonado, South Prairie, and Greenwater, all located in Pierce County. We are the only non-profit and service agency that crosses the county line to better serve all populations in the rural communities where many reside.
Through The Years
1982
Community and business leaders created Enumclaw Hospital Foundation as a tax-free avenue for donors to support the purchase of equipment and to build an emergency room for the rural hospital.
1987
The Foundation purchases the first Care Van, serving 844 riders in its first year.
1989
The Foundation partners with Enumclaw Rotary to raise funds to support the hospital in the first Duck Race down the Green River.
1992
The Dwight Garrett Emergency Room opens with $350,000 in matching funds from the Foundation.
1999
The Foundation hosts its first Holiday Fantasy.
The Foundation partners with the Enumclaw School District and launches Books for Babies.
2007
RFWF is directed by its donors to expand its focus.
At the first community Health Summit donors and community leaders direct RFWF to focus on...
Access to healthcare
Availability of needed services
Mental health services
Alcohol and drug abuse
Domestic violence
2008
Foundation hosts 2nd Health Summit further expanding on services, mental health and alcohol and drug abuse.
Foundation purchases $496,000 state-of-art digital mammography equipment for hospital.
2010
RFWF moves from hospital to downtown location.
3rd Health Summit takes place.
Foundation donations $600,000 to St. Elizabeth Hospital capital campaign through the Franciscan Foundation.
LINCCK merges with RFWF to get out "Domestic violence has no place in our community" message.
2011
Foundation brings Dental Van to community.
RFWF receives Catholic Health Initiatives grants from Franciscan Foundation to prepare for federal drug and alcohol education grant.
4th Health Summit spurs partnership with Enumclaw School District's Rachel's Challenge.
2012
RFWF rolls Care Van back into service.
RFWF celebrates 30 years and raising more than $4 million in that time channeled toward finding solutions to our area's healthcare issues.
2013
5th Health Summit focuses on Mental Health.
RFWF receives federal Drug Free Communities Grant worth $1.25 million over 5 years.
Neighbors Feeding Neighbors begins serving hot meals to home-bound seniors and food to under-privileged children on the weekends.
RFWF transports more than 2,300 riders across the Plateau on the Care Van.
2014
New Name! Rainer Foothills Wellness Foundation.
2018
Launched two-year partnership with CHI Franciscan to increase integrated supports for Enumclaw and White River middle school students. This included the launch of a new mentorship program in partnership with Big Brother Big Sisters Puget Sound.
2020
To date, RFWF has raised more than $5 million to provide critical programs and services to those in need.
2021
RFWF launches groundbreaking In-School Mental Health Therapy program
2022
40 years of addressing hunger, access to healthcare & student supports
Community Impact
For 40 years, RFWF has worked with community partners, volunteers, and donors to meet the needs of our neighbors across the Plateau. Beyond meeting direct needs, we also deliver preventative services to help ensure that every member of our community has the opportunity to flourish and lead a healthy, full life.
It is our pleasure to share with you highlights of the many accomplishments and life-changing work we have done over the years; and how, with your help, we continue to provide unparalleled service to our community.
Past Events
30 Year Celebration
Donor Appreciation Night
