Big Table brings support, resources to INW’s restaurant industry

As the fourth largest employment sector in Spokane County, the restaurant and hospitality industry employs nearly 24,000 people. These hardworking individuals provide a crucial service to our community every day, but according to Big Table of Spokane, nearly half fall below the “survival” income line set by economists. Many struggle with drug and alcohol addiction and have limited access to health care providers and insurance coverage.

That is where Big Table steps in to provide support, encouragement and hope.

Big Table is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring those in the hospitality industry have access to the care and resources they need, regardless of their situation. While this need was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic as much of the hospitality industry was shut down, the demand for a dedicated support system was present before and continues now.

Big Table’s unique care model allows colleagues, patrons or supervisors to refer an individual they see in need, for whatever reason, to receive support and partnership at Big Table. Whether that need is to meet an immediate crisis, such as housing, or to connect individuals with providers in the community such as doctors, dentists, therapists, auto mechanics or lawyers, Big Table is able to provide a wide range of services thanks to their many partners in the community.

Big Table recognizes that their care recipients need more than just emergency support if they are to be set up for future success. Once their immediate concern is addressed, Big Table offers longer term coaching and mentoring to all recipients to help prevent future hardships.

Watch the video above to hear more about the amazing work Big Table does for the Inland Northwest community and the moving story of one care recipient.

Learn more about Big Table and how to support their work by visiting their website.

“Partnering for healing and a healthy future” is MultiCare’s mission, and it inspires us to form connections that help improve the quality of life for our communities. Community organizations all around us are doing amazing work, and we’re inspired and excited to support that work.

Stories from our Community is an ongoing series conceived to dive into some of these organizations*, bring their stories to life and spread the word about how they are making our communities better.

*Some of the organizations profiled in this series are recipients of MultiCare’s Community Partnership Fund, which awards funds to nonprofit organizations working on initiatives, programs and projects that improve our community.