WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 10, 2018) – Last year, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) nominated local Hutton Settlement employee, David Milliken, for the Excellence in Mentoring Awards through MENTOR: The National Mentorship Partnership. Last month, David was announced as one of the nation’s four recipients of this distinguished honor and will make a trip to Washington, D.C. this month to accept his award and be recognized for his incredible commitment to his community and the young people in it.

“It is incumbent upon each of us to be doing our part to make a positive impact in our community, and David is a perfect example of that here in Spokane,” said McMorris Rodgers. “Too many youth in our community face unimaginable hardships and often have no one to look to for advice, for an example, or for mentorship. But when they have no one to look to, people like David step up to serve as a positive and often life-changing force to help guide them along their journey. I want to thank David for his unwavering commitment to the Spokane community and to our area’s youth. Congratulations on this important and well-deserved honor!”

“With 20 years of service at Hutton Settlement, David Milliken has truly shone as a mentor to our youth,” said the Hutton Settlement. “His leadership inspires children to be change-makers within our community and he consistently and enthusiastically encourages youth to feel empowered, heard and loved. The majority of the children coming to Hutton have experienced severe trauma. David makes certain that every child coming through our doors is able to participate in activities that bring them joy, positive childhood memories and lifelong relationships. David’s goal is to transform the children in our care from receivers of services to givers of services by the time they graduate and his efforts have proven to be very successful. We are honored to have David as an employee of Hutton Settlement and excited that his efforts are being recognized nationally. He is truly deserving. We’d also like to thank Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers for recognizing David’s service to the community by nominating him for this prestigious award.”

NOTE: David joined the Hutton Settlement in June, 1997.  After his military service and higher education, David spent years in various child welfare roles at Hutton including case management, youth development, education and now organizational leadership. He has a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in Organizational Leadership.  David’s interests include fly fishing, international travel, and permaculture gardening.

Established in 1919, the Hutton Settlement is a neighborhood of care in the Spokane community. They provide safe and healthy living opportunities for children, ages 5 to 18, in need of a long-term alternative home. For more information visit their website here.

You can view David’s full nomination here.

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