Submitted by PeaceHealth
Oasis, a non-profit serving migrant Latinos in northwest Washington, has been selected by PeaceHealth as a recipient of a $35,000 grant. PeaceHealth’s “Women of Peace” movement, which recognizes women leaders and changemakers inside of PeaceHealth, is starting the new year honoring the courageous work of three women non-profit leaders partnering with PeaceHealth to advance health justice and respect for all. The Northwest network recipient is Marcela Leonor Suárez Díaz, Oasis founder.
Oasis was founded in 2024 in response to the great challenges faced by the migrant Latino community that has made the Pacific Northwest their home, especially members of the Indigenous community of México and Guatemala. Suárez Díaz has made it her life’s work to compassionately serve the Latino migrant community to improve their quality of life in Whatcom, Skagit and San Juan counties. She was the long-time Sea Mar Promotores manager and received the 2019 Peace Builder Award, the 2020 Beti Thompson Community Trailblazer Award as well as the 2024 Liberty Bell Award for her service and dedication to health equity.
Two additional organizations led by women in Oregon and Washington will also receive $35,000. Each of the recipient organizations are led by changemakers known for their fierce advocacy and efforts in the care of underserved and marginalized communities.
“Oasis has bravely stepped forward to support our migrant Latino community, and they do so with great humanity and empathy. We’re honored to recognize the work of this important local non-profit,” said Rachel Lucy, community health director, PeaceHealth Northwest network.
“We hope stories like Marcela LeonorSuárez Díaz’s will inspire our own Women of Peace to see the intertwined nature of our shared missions fueled by the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace,” said Sarah Ness, PeaceHealth executive vice president and chief administrative officer. “It’s clear we can accomplish more together. It’s time to soar!”
About Oasis
Oasis believes in offering tools so that individuals can weather crises and come out on the other side stronger and more self-sufficient. Oasis does not work alone and believes the community is best cared for when local organizations are working in synergy to pave sustainable pathways. Oasis team members have firsthand experience, networks, and expertise to connect community members with just and equitable service regardless of how they are perceived in the world. Oasis is dedicated to compassionately assisting the migrant Latino community to improve their quality of life. Visit us online at Oasis.
About PeaceHealth
PeaceHealth, based in Vancouver, Washington, is a non-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. PeaceHealth has approximately 16,000 caregivers, nearly 3,200 physicians and clinicians, more than 160 clinics and nine medical centers serving both urban and rural communities throughout the Northwest. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. The Sisters shared expertise and transferred wisdom from one medical center to another, always finding the best way to serve the unmet need for healthcare in their communities. Today, PeaceHealth is the legacy of the founding Sisters and continues with a spirit of respect, stewardship, collaboration and social justice in fulfilling its Mission. Visit us online at PeaceHealth.
