About Us
WE ARE ON A MISSION
We offer HOPE to women and children of domestic violence, sexual assault and trafficking by providing them with guidance, support, advocacy, education and shelter. We offer our services at no cost to our clients. We build relationships with women and encourage them in their journeys toward well-being.
STATEMENT OF FAITH & PURPOSE
Priest River Ministries is an outreach ministry and non-profit organization whose purpose is to glorify Jesus Christ in our community and world.
We are under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, our Savior and believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God.
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We believe in the trinity, God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit.
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We, as a group, choose to follow God’s Word in Matthew 25:35-40,
The women who come to us are in a fight for their life. We aim to walk alongside each woman and tell her she is not alone, and she deserves to feel safe and happy.
Rhonda Encinas
Founder
“For I was hungry and you gave Me something to ear; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.” The righteous will answer Him, “Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed you, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger and invite you in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?” The King will answer and say to them, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even to the least of them, you did it to Me.”
Local Impact
Priest River Ministries provides a lifeline for women and children in Idaho and the greater Inland Northwest who are impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault & trafficking. We focus on each person and each situation individually and strive to meet the immediate needs of those in crisis.​
In 2020, we accomplished the following:
1750
nights of emergency shelter provided
2,922
Clients assisted in our clothing and supply centers
200
women and children received safe shelter
WHAT WE DO
We found that there are many stress factors that increase the risk for violence. Stress factors include reduced access to resources, financial problems & disconnection from social support systems. We hope to reduce violence by addressing as many needs as we can; decreasing stress=decreasing violence.
DECREASE
STRESS
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DECREASE VIOLENCE
OUR SUPPORTERS
Priest River Ministries Advocates for Women is supported by many local businesses, foundations and generous individuals.
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Idaho State Police Fund
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Alpha and Omega Construction
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Angels over Sandpoint
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Ambrosiani-Pastore Foundation
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Innovia Foundation
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Laura-Moore
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A Community that Cares
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The N. Region Greatest Need in ICF
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7B Women
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Verizon
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Stimson Miller Foundation
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Rathdrum Lions
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Newport/Priest River Rotary Club
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Rathdrum/Spirit Lake Knights of Columbus
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Lake City Church
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Lighthouse Church
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Cedar Hills Church
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Peninsula Union Church
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Trinity Baptist
GRANTS RECEIVED
Priest River Ministries has received funding grants from the following:
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Innovia Foundation
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Verizon
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TCC
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Community Assistance League of Sandpoint
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101 Women
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Avista