The Sequim Free Clinic - DVHWC

03/31/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Lesli Mays 💙

Lesli Mays has been volunteering with the clinic for about a year, serving as a CMA in Assessment and helping care for patients from the moment they arrive. After retiring, Lesli was looking for a meaningful way to stay active—and found exactly that at the clinic.

She shares that what she enjoys most is the people, both her fellow volunteers and the patients she serves. One thing that has especially stood out to her is just how grateful the patients are, which makes the experience even more rewarding. Volunteering brings Lesli a deep sense of fulfillment, and she says it simply makes her feel good to give back.

What keeps her coming back is everything—the camaraderie with coworkers, the supportive staff, and the patients themselves. Lesli hopes the clinic continues to be an essential part of the community for many years to come, and she’s incredibly grateful that this special place exists—for both volunteers and the patients who rely on it.

03/24/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Valeria (Val) Siemion, MD 💙

Dr. Valeria (Val) Siemion has been volunteering with the clinic for the past two years, bringing her experience as a retired internist and geriatrician to serve our community. After hearing about the Sequim Free Clinic from a friend following her retirement from practice, she was inspired to contribute her skills in a meaningful way. Val especially appreciates working alongside colleagues who combine professionalism with genuine compassion for patients, and she finds it inspiring to be part of a team so dedicated to community care.

One moment that stands out for her involved helping a woman who had brought her brother with dementia home from a nursing facility and needed guidance managing his medications and care. Being able to spend time listening, providing information, and supporting both the patient and caregiver was deeply meaningful. Through her volunteer work, Val has been struck by how many hardworking community members still struggle to access health care, reinforcing how valuable the clinic is to the region. She hopes that over the next 25 years the clinic will continue providing vital care to those who need it most.

03/18/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Christine Lamphear, RN 💙

Christine Lamphear, RN, has been a dedicated volunteer with the clinic for more than four years, serving as a Nurse Manager and helping ensure patients receive compassionate, high-quality care. She was drawn to the clinic by a desire to continue using her nursing skills in a meaningful way, and her impact has been felt ever since.

Christine shares that what she enjoys most is the people—both fellow volunteers and the patients they serve. While no single moment stands out, she says she consistently leaves each shift feeling grateful that such a special place exists in a small community like ours. She’s been especially struck by the strong sense of community and the wide range of resources the clinic is able to provide.

Volunteering has deepened Christine’s sense of gratitude and connection, especially to those in our community who are underserved. That connection is what keeps her coming back. Looking ahead, she hopes the clinic will continue to be here for the next 25 years, providing vital care and support to all who need it.

03/12/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Jhon Argersinger 💙

Jhon Argersinger is a recent addition to our volunteer team, having joined the clinic about three months ago. He serves in Assessment and also helps with translation, supporting patients from the moment they arrive. Jhon first learned about the clinic through Vivian Brown, who mentioned it to him many times—and we’re glad her encouragement paid off.

What Jhon enjoys most is the teamwork. He describes the clinic as a “well-oiled machine,” where everyone works well together and made him feel welcome right from the start. Even in just a few short months, he says he already has many favorite moments and genuinely enjoys every shift. One thing that surprised him most was just how busy the clinic can be, which only reinforced for him how important these services are for the community.

Jhon says the strong sense of community is what keeps him coming back, and he hopes that over the next 25 years the clinic will be able to expand and open more days to serve even more people. His final thought says it best: he loves being part of this caring team.

03/11/2026

Join us in just a couple of minutes! KSQM 91.5 https://www.ksqmfm.com/live/

03/11/2026

Be it know to all assembled, we do hereby proclaim the first recipients of our distinguished Live United Awards! Join us at the Live United Ball Presented by First Fed wherein the remaining honours shall be revealed during a night of dancing, dinner, wine, spirits, and such mirth and fellowship that may flourish in elegant measure. We remain in eager anticipation of your company!

Event Details & Tickets: https://liveunitedball.givesmart.com
Saturday, April 25 | 5 - 9pm | Naval Elks Lodge

Jim's Pharmacy, Home Health & Gifts The Sequim Free Clinic - DVHWC Lakeside Industries, Inc.

03/04/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Irene Greene
For 15 years, Irene Greene has been a welcoming presence at the front desk of our clinic, serving as a receptionist and often the first smile patients see when they walk through the door. She first learned about the volunteer opportunity at a Safety Fair—and we’re so grateful she did.

Irene shares that what she enjoys most about volunteering is the camaraderie among the team. Being part of a dedicated group working toward a shared mission has been deeply meaningful to her. She’s proud to be able to help our community in this way, and it’s that sense of familiarity, purpose, and connection that keeps her coming back year after year. We are incredibly thankful for Irene’s long-standing commitment and the steady kindness she brings to our clinic family.

02/26/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Jean Pratschner 💙

Jean Pratschner has been volunteering with the clinic since August 2016, serving in Assessment and providing that first warm connection for so many of our patients. As a medical professional, Jean was looking for a way to stay connected to the healing arts—and she has done just that. She especially values the patient contact, taking time to truly listen as people share their concerns, fears, and challenges. Her goal? To leave each person with a smile.

Over the years, Jean has experienced countless meaningful moments—surprises, camaraderie, and the steady support of fellow volunteers. Volunteering keeps her feeling engaged in meaningful work and reminds her that she is making a helpful difference. And while she jokes that “the cookies” keep her coming back, what she truly loves is the family of caring people who make up the clinic—where she feels respected, valued, and part of something important. Looking ahead, Jean hopes to see the clinic continue to grow—perhaps even expanding to three nights a week—so we can serve even more of our community.

02/18/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Julie Ann Koehlinger 💙

Julie Ann Koehlinger serves as Nurse Manager at our clinic, first supporting evening clinics and now helping lead our Chronic Health Care Clinics. She initially discovered the clinic while looking at a list of local organizations to donate to. When she learned there was a need for volunteer nurses, she stepped forward—and we are so grateful she did. Julie Ann especially values the opportunity to provide continuity of care for patients managing chronic conditions, building relationships that truly make a difference over time. She shares that she is always touched when a patient expresses gratitude for the clinic’s care. Although she stepped away from professional nursing, volunteering here allows her to continue using her skills in a meaningful clinical setting. Having joined shortly before the pandemic, she helped navigate the clinic through an especially challenging season and has seen firsthand both the resilience of our volunteers and the significant need in our community. Looking ahead, Julie Ann hopes that one day our healthcare system will make clinics like ours unnecessary—but until then, she remains committed to ensuring we continue serving our community with compassion and consistency.

02/10/2026

Join us tomorrow at 2pm on KSQM 91.5FM

02/10/2026

Volunteer Spotlight: Hazel Blake 💙

Hazel Blake has been a dedicated volunteer with the clinic for more than 10 years, serving as a receptionist for our Chronic Health Care Clinic. She first got involved after a recommendation from a friend from church, and we’re so glad she said yes. For Hazel, volunteering is about doing something useful and meaningful. Being part of the clinic makes her feel needed—and that sense of purpose is what keeps her coming back year after year. We are incredibly grateful for Hazel’s long-standing commitment and the warmth and reliability she brings to our clinic community.

02/04/2026

Thank you to the The Sequim Gazette and Kathy Cruz for this wonderful article.

Volunteer-driven nonprofit will reach quarter-century mark in October