AFHC Board Nominating Period Concludes

Our sincere thanks to all the nominators and nominees who took part in the 2025 AFHC Board Elections Nomination process! Every one of us was impressed by the caliber and experience of each and every individual nominated for a position on the AFHC Board of Directors. As we shared in the announcements and through our process, once the nomination process is completed, nominated individuals are then checked for whether they meet the qualifications for serving as AFHC Board members pursuant to its bylaws.

AFHC bylaws state as follows: “Qualifications to serve on the board shall include:

• Having held an adult family home license for at least 2 years before assuming office

• Have no history of or current substantial enforcement actions or violations with DSHS, L&I, IRS, or other government sanctions against their home.

• Having been a dues paying member of the AFHC for at least 18 months before being eligible for nomination.”

A team of AFHC staff members, guided by two Board Officers not up for election/reelection, reviewed all nominated individuals and reviewed whether each qualified under the bylaw requirements in arriving at a final candidate list of qualified candidates to face AFHC membership voters. Any qualified individuals nominated for multiple board seats are given the option to select the one seat they prefer to be a candidate for.

We are honored to share the following list of Board position candidates that will appear on the 2025 Board Election ballot:

Eyob Gebrekidan: Region Three Delegate (Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom)

Rosalyn S. Benton (Rose): Region Three Delegate (Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom)

Chrysta Brodt: Region Three Delegate (Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, and Whatcom)

Damaris Awungshi: Region Six Delegate (Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, GH, Jefferson, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Skamania, Thurston & Wahkiakum)

Michelle Simmons: Region Six Delegate (Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, GH, Jefferson, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Skamania, Thurston & Wahkiakum)

Paul Galasso: Region Seven Delegate (King)

Kristina Nation: Region Seven Delegate (King)

Dan Puravet:  Region Seven Delegate (King)

Tammy Stimach: At Large Delegate (Statewide)

Hope Reffett: At Large Delegate (Statewide)

Ligia Ognean: At Large Delegate (Statewide)

Candidates have been contacted by email with the opportunity to share campaign information by noon on 12/8/2025 with the staff for inclusion in the election packet.

To ensure members have ample opportunity to vote in this important Board election, we will be opening the voting for a 30-day period. We’ll open the online system the evening of 12/8/2025 and keep the election and voting open through 5pm on 1/8/2026 to encourage maximum opportunity and participation for our valued members.

Thank you for being so engaged and willing to serve our mission focused, member driven organization!

Get Ready: AFHC’s 2025–2026 Legislative Webinar Series

We’re excited to announce that the Adult Family Home Council is launching a comprehensive seven-part legislative webinar series to help providers stay informed and engaged throughout the 2026 legislative session.  Whether you’ve never attended a legislative update or you want a deeper dive into bills, budget and advocacy — this series is designed for you.  

Each webinar is led by our lobbyist Amina Teouri, and offers continuing education credits for full attendance.  

Webinar Schedule:

Dec 12, 2025 — AFHC 2026 Legislative Priorities Overview (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM): An essential kickoff, where you’ll learn how the legislative process works and get an overview of the Council’s 2026 priorities. CEUs: 1.5.  

Jan 9, 2026 — Legislative Session Pre-Filed Bills (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Get an early look at bills pre-filed for the session and their potential impact on Adult Family Homes. CEUs: 1.0.  

Jan 23, 2026 — Virtual Lobby Day Preparation (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Learn how to advocate effectively during Virtual Lobby Day — core knowledge and communication strategies included. CEUs: 1.0.  

Feb 6, 2026 — Legislative Session Bill Updates (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Stay current with bill activity, get updates, and participate in discussion + Q&A as the session unfolds. CEUs: 1.0.  

Feb 20, 2026 — Legislative Budget Overview (11:00 AM – 12:30 PM): Understand the budget process, see which AFHC budget requests were included (or not), and learn how you can advocate for your home. CEUs: 1.5.  

Feb 27, 2026 — Lobby Day Preparation (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): A repeat prep session — this time focused on readiness for in-person meetings during Lobby Day. CEUs: 1.0.  

Mar 13, 2026 — End of Legislative Session Review (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Wrap up the session with a clear overview of what passed, what didn’t — and what still needs attention. CEUs: 1.0.

Why You Should Attend

• Stay informed: Understand how proposed laws and budget decisions could affect adult family homes — before they become reality.

• Get involved: Learn how to participate in virtual and in-person Lobby Day, and advocate effectively for your home and residents.

• Earn CEUs: Each session is credit-approved, helping you stay compliant and current.

• Amplify your voice: As part of AFHC’s community of 2,500+ members, your input helps shape legislation that impacts the entire industry.  Don’t miss this opportunity to build your legislative know-how, ensure your voice is heard, and stay ahead of changes that affect your business and residents.

Choose your webinar sessions and get registered — and mark your calendar for Virtual Lobby Day on January 27th and in-person Lobby Day on March 2nd.  Together we can make a difference!

We’re Planning for 2026—Join the Conversation!

We’re planning for the AFHC in 2026, and we want to ensure our services continue to reflect what matters most to you.

Please take a moment to share what you value and what you’d like to see from your Council membership—whether that’s:

Member Support: regulatory guidance, inspections help, or day-to-day AFH problem-solving.

Education: CEUs, Webinars and other training needs

Marketing & Communications: tools to promote your AFH, elevate the public image of AFHs, and support AFHC membership growth

Your feedback plays a crucial role in shaping our priorities and strengthening the resources we provide on behalf of our AFHC members. Thank you for helping us build a stronger AFHC for 2026 and beyond! Please submit your feedback by December 9th.

Update: Legal Help Toll-Free Number For New Medicaid Residency Agreement

Starting January 1, 2026, you are required to provide a residency agreement for all Medicaid residents per WAC 388-76-10506. The residency agreement must inform each resident that they have the right to free legal assistance to help them respond to any notice of transfer or discharge.

DSHS has provided the toll-free number for free legal help for residents: (888) 437-0017. Residents will be able to reach someone beginning January 5, 2026. To meet the new WAC requirement, you must include this number in any discharge notice given to a Medicaid resident starting January 1, 2026.

The agreement can look like this:

[AFH Name] agrees to comply with the long-term care resident’s rights statute transfer and discharge requirements pursuant to RCW 70.129.

Subject to legislative appropriation, you, [resident name], have the right to a free lawyer to help you in response to a notice of transfer or discharge. If you want free legal help, you must call the long-term care discharge defense screening line at 888-437-0017.

Resident/Resident Representative Signature ______________ Date _______

[AFH Name] Signature ______________ Date ________

Note: Please replace the items in brackets with your AFH name and the resident’s name.

This free lawyer information and phone number will be included on the updated Notice of Transfer or Discharge form from DSHS. Stay tuned for the release of the new form.

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