Letitia Bayer embodied the mission of Children’s Home Society of Washington well before she got involved with volunteering for the Washougal community backpack program and engaging with the organization as part of the Southwest regional community council.

Letitia (Tish) spend 40 years in the Bay area prior to moving to Washington state, where she built a rich fund development and entrepreneurial career working with nonprofit and philanthropic organizations like the Girl Scouts of the USA for 25 years, in addition to owning her own business.

As a mother of two biological children with her husband of 52 years, Tish’s altruistic nature personified in her career path melded into her personal life when her sister-in-law’s sudden passing made her a mother of four overnight. She and her husband took in their interracial niece and nephew, who were 13 and 10 at the time.  “There was no hesitation or question in what we would do,” Tish recounted. “The children needed us, and we became their parents.”

The Bayers’ desire to help underserved youth continued over the years. As an active member of their local church, Tish came to learn of a young girl seeking a foster home due to her parents’ struggle with addiction. “We didn’t adopt her; she adopted us,” Tish said of their strong bond.

Tish was excited to get involved with Children’s Home Society of Washington when she moved to Washington. “I was aware of the organization when I lived in California and when I moved to Washougal, I knew I needed to get involved to help spread the word about this incredible organization in our community.” Tish now runs the backpack program in Washougal along with the CHSW team and has been involved with community engagement and fundraising as part of the community council.  

Tish and her husband have lived in Washington state for 14 years. They enjoy giving back to the community in addition to spending time with two of their children who live nearby and orchestrating large gatherings with all their children and 11 grand kids.