2026 past events

On a crisp fall Saturday, runners, walkers, families, and volunteers gathered at Everson City Park for the 2026 Gump Run 5K, a fun run supporting the kids and the mission of A Better Way Out. The course followed the Nooksack River trail and back, with volunteers at every crossing to keep everyone safe.

The park was full of Forrest Gump spirit, from “Life is like a box of chocolates” banners to boxes of chocolates waiting for the finishers alongside the medals. Our tent kept a fire going for anyone who needed to warm up before and after the run.

Thank you to every runner, volunteer, and supporter who showed up. Every step helps us provide mentorship, support, and hope to young people in our community. Run. Support. Transform.

It was not just a beautiful day, but it was also a blessing for us to be able to bless others. We can all do our part, no matter how big or small. Thank you for coming together to help us do what we do.

“It takes a village. When one of us hurts, we all hurt.”

A Better Way Out and the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center collaborated to create a safe space — Support. Listen. Respect. Together.

Subject: stress and how to deal with it. Young people and parents learned healthy ways to manage stress, shared and listened in a safe space, built stronger relationships, and grew together as a community.

You matter. Your voice matters. Our community matters. Stronger together — better together!

Amando Mi Comunidad (Loving My Community) was a free, family-friendly community event held on Saturday, August 1. There was delicious food for everyone and fun activities for kids, while invited organizations shared information about resources, services, and support available for you and your community, including:

• Mental health counselors
• Food bank
• Home weatherization & repair
• Education specialist
• Housing services & support
• Health support
• And more

Special thanks to sponsor Whatcom Community Foundation for supporting this event.

Jam on the River returned to Ferndale’s Centennial Riverwalk Park on June 26–27, 2026. This free, all-ages festival brought the community together along the Nooksack River for a weekend of live music, food trucks, a beer garden, local vendors, and kids’ activities.

A Better Way Out had a booth at the festival, sharing our programs and mission with families who stopped by to say hi.

Our team and volunteers gathered to serve those experiencing homelessness in downtown Bellingham. Volunteers met at noon to prepare food together, then headed out to the Cornwall Alleys area to distribute meals and supplies directly to those in need.

A huge thank you to everyone who showed up with a compassionate heart. Your time and presence made a real difference.

A community Q&A with the Director of A Better Way Out: a chance to learn about our mission, our programs, and how we support people in finding positive paths in life. Attendees asked questions about our mission, met the director and team, and learned how to get involved.

Who attended: youth ages 12 and up, community members, parents and mentors, city officials, nonprofits, and business leaders.

We served those experiencing homelessness in downtown Bellingham. Volunteers met at noon to prepare food together, then headed out to the Cornwall Alleys area to distribute meals and supplies directly to those in need.