Honoring Legacy & Healing
Pasco, WA On July 24, community leaders, partners, and organizations gathered to celebrate the Joe D. Shelton Memorial Award and the lasting impact of service, compassion, and community.
The award honors the life and teachings of Joe Shelton, a gifted farmer and leader who devoted his life to serving others at Broetje Orchards. Joe believed leadership was rooted in service—showing up for people, building relationships, and helping communities grow stronger.
Through the Broetje Family Trust, the Joe D. Shelton Memorial Award carries Joe’s legacy forward by recognizing organizations that reflect his commitment to compassion, partnership, and caring for others. The award supports organizations that meet people where they are, build trust, and walk alongside individuals and families through challenging seasons.
Supporting Mental Health and Healing
This year’s gathering focused on the importance of mental health and the vital role community organizations play in bringing hope, healing, and support to individuals, families, and communities.
Through meaningful conversation, attendees explored trauma-informed care, culturally responsive services, and the lasting impacts of intergenerational trauma. The discussion highlighted that while trauma can affect individuals and families across generations, healing is possible through connection, culture, relationships, and community.
Recognizing Community Impact
This year’s Joe D. Shelton Memorial Award recipient, Frontier Behavioral Health, was recognized for its commitment to trauma-informed care, behavioral health services, and community partnerships. Their work helps individuals and families access compassionate support, promote recovery, and strengthen the wellbeing of the communities they serve.
The evening also highlighted Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations, whose work provides culturally centered healing and support for Native youth. Through the Joe D. Shelton Memorial Award grant, Healing Lodge helped relieve suffering and restore hope for Native American and community youth through holistic treatment rooted in culture, connection, and belonging. Their approach recognizes the impacts of trauma and creates pathways toward healing through traditional values and compassionate, evidence-based care.
Guests also learned about the important work of the Spokane Tribe, whose behavioral health, prevention, and family support programs promote wellness while honoring cultural traditions and strengthening community connections. A previous Joe D. Shelton Memorial Award helped support the Tribe’s crisis stabilization services for women and girls impacted by community loss and trauma. This investment demonstrates how the award continues to strengthen community-led efforts that provide healing, hope, and culturally responsive care.
Together, these organizations demonstrate that lasting healing happens through relationships, trust, compassion, and collaboration. Their work reflects the belief that when communities invest in people, hope grows and lives are changed.
Continuing Joe’s Legacy
Joe Shelton believed that investing in people creates lasting change. His legacy continues through organizations and community partners who serve others with compassion and purpose—bearing fruit that will last.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful evening and to the partners who continue to make a difference every day.
To learn more about the organizations featured during the event, visit Frontier Behavioral Health, Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations, and the Spokane Tribe.
Stay tuned for more stories highlighting the people and partnerships working together to strengthen our communities.
