KREM 2 Let's Talk Gabriel's Challenge
Gabriel's Challenge One Year In Review
Gabriel’s Challenge was not born in a traditional way. It began from a tragedy that ignited a community through a mother’s love.
The work started the day after Gabriel lost his fight to fentanyl, following a system that did not provide a true warm handoff.
One year later, this story reflects what is possible when community comes together to create change.
Today, Gabriel’s Challenge operates two spaces at Northtown Mall, a community center and a resource hub, helping people find where to start and stay connected to support.
The Community Care Education and Empowerment Center has become a true third place for prevention, health, and recovery, grounded in the Community Solutions Model.
KXLY COVERAGE
Spokane’s first-ever No Wrong Door Summit brought together community leaders, health care providers, law enforcement, educators, faith organizations, and families to confront a growing overdose crisis head-on. Through strategic workgroups and data-driven dialogues, attendees aligned on concrete actions to improve care
In the news
Spokesman‑Review (May 11, 2025): “Gabriel’s Challenge Launches in Effort to Bring the Heart of Family into the Heart of Our City”
Spokesman‑Review (May 11, 2025): “Gabriel’s Challenge Launches in Effort to Bring the Heart of Family into the Heart of Our City”
Spokesman‑Review (May 11, 2025): “Gabriel’s Challenge Launches in Effort to Bring the Heart of Family into the Heart of Our City”
This feature article highlights the official launch of Gabriel’s Challenge as a community-based response to the fentanyl crisis in Spokane.
Spokesman‑Review (May 9, 2025): “Spokane Mom Who Lost Son to Fentanyl Launching Gabriel’s Challenge to Unite Community”
Spokesman‑Review (May 11, 2025): “Gabriel’s Challenge Launches in Effort to Bring the Heart of Family into the Heart of Our City”
Spokesman‑Review (May 11, 2025): “Gabriel’s Challenge Launches in Effort to Bring the Heart of Family into the Heart of Our City”
In this early preview, the Spokesman shares the backstory of Gabriel’s Challenge through the voice of Kitara Johnson-Jones. It explores the events leading up to Gabriel’s death, including treatment barriers, housing gaps, and system breakdowns.
KHQ (Medical Lake – June 2025): “Medical Lake Urges Community Action Against Fentanyl Crisis”Event Name
Spokesman‑Review (May 11, 2025): “Gabriel’s Challenge Launches in Effort to Bring the Heart of Family into the Heart of Our City”
KHQ (Medical Lake – June 2025): “Medical Lake Urges Community Action Against Fentanyl Crisis”Event Name
KHQ reports on a fentanyl awareness campaign in Medical Lake, spotlighting Gabriel’s Challenge as an example of Spokane-based action that could inspire similar efforts across the region. Gabriel’s Challenge is uplifted as a model of what it looks like when grief is met with collaboration, not division.
In Governement
Spokane Valley City Council Invite
Mayor of Medical Lake, Delivers Proclamation (May 6, 2025) Adopts Gabriel's Challenge
Washington State Minority and Justice Commission meeting minutes
At the June 17 City Council meeting, Kitara Johnson‑Jones delivered a presentation during the “Non‑Action Items” segment about Gabriel’s Challenge, The council took note of the campaign’s structure and community goals, highlighting its connection to civic engagement and overdose prevention.
Washington State Minority and Justice Commission meeting minutes
Mayor of Medical Lake, Delivers Proclamation (May 6, 2025) Adopts Gabriel's Challenge
Washington State Minority and Justice Commission meeting minutes
Gabriel’s Challenge is referenced in the July 2025 meeting minutes of the Washington State Minority & Justice Commission. The presentation highlights the urgent need for justice system alignment with behavioral health care and family engagement. The Commission acknowledges the potential of Gabriel’s Challenge to inform policy changes, especially in how courts respond to addiction, grief, and racial disparities in access to care.
Mayor of Medical Lake, Delivers Proclamation (May 6, 2025) Adopts Gabriel's Challenge
Mayor of Medical Lake, Delivers Proclamation (May 6, 2025) Adopts Gabriel's Challenge
Mayor of Medical Lake, Delivers Proclamation (May 6, 2025) Adopts Gabriel's Challenge
The city committed to take part from Mother’s Day (May 11) through Father’s Day (June 15).
- Mayor Cooper encouraged residents to “adopt a block,” connect with neighbors, pray, and be intentionally present in each other’s lives—as local antidotes to overdose and loneliness
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