I am excited to start working with tribes to identify QEW’s and provide consultation and assistance. I will also be working with the AGO to establish a process and protocol for obtaining a QEW and with DCYF field staff for consultation and training.
I attended Washington State University (Go Cougs!) in Pullman and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. I was hired by my Tribe in the Social Services department in 1996 as a children’s services caseworker. After three months, I was promoted to the Indian Child Welfare worker position. As an ICW worker, I investigated reports of child abuse and neglect, worked to reunite children with their parents or place with relatives, submitted and presented reports to the Tribal court, and responded to Indian Child Welfare Act inquiry letters. During this time, I was introduced to the Division of Children & Family Services (now DCYF) to request monthly LICWAC staffing of cases involving Indian children.
In 2002, I was hired by DCFS in the Clarkston office as a CPS worker. I also worked CFWS and Guardianship cases. In the summer of 2007, I attended the Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP) through Eastern Washington University to obtain a Master of Social Work degree. In September 2007, I was hired in the Indian Child Welfare unit as the CPS supervisor, and during that position I became aware of the Washington State-Tribal agreement and how important it is. I also worked closely with R1 Tribes (through current 10.03 policy) and was introduced to the two Recognized American Indian Organizations (RAIOs) in Spokane. In 2012, I returned to the Clarkston DCYF office as the supervisor of their programs (CPS/FAR/CFWS).
Outside of work, I like to spend time with family, attend powwows, rodeos, concerts, WSU football games, nieces and nephews’ sporting events, annual trips to Las Vegas with my husband of 18+ years, Tim, play bingo, and support my sister’s Tribes by gambling at their casino.
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Welcome Danica Sessions, Communications Consultant (Tribal Communications Specialist)
My name is Danica Sessions, and I was hired at the beginning of June as a Communications Consultant in the Office of Public Affairs. My primary task will be providing support to the Office of Tribal Relations, assisting with both internal communications to DCYF staff and external communications to tribes, community partners, stakeholders, and the families we serve.
Before coming to DCYF, I worked as Communications Manager for Skagit County. There, I was responsible for all communications coming out of the County Commissioners’ Office and also provided assistance to our other varied departments. During the pandemic, I was the lead communications staff for the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out and oversaw a variety of communications campaigns, both print and digital.
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My background is in education, communications, and community engagement, having received a master’s degree in museum education from Baylor University and a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of North Texas. I began my career in museum work but quickly shifted to working in prevention and health promotion following a job I took as an advocate working in a women’s domestic violence shelter. I have been passionate about the power of prevention ever since.
I am a wife and the mother of three small children living in Mount Vernon, Wash. I am committed to this work, understanding that the health and vitality of our committees lies in the foundation of healthy and happy families and children. I am excited to join DCYF and look forward to working with you all!
Children and Youth Resilience Challenge
Children and youth in the United States are experiencing a profound mental health crisis. The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory reports rising rates of psychological distress, including anxiety, depression, and other emotional and behavioral symptoms among children and youth. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) launched the first-ever Children and Youth Resilience Challenge, a prize competition for innovative community-led solutions to advance mental health in children and adolescents, birth to age 24, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters. Watch this short video to learn all about the Resilience Challenge.
A community-led solution engages community members who work together―or in collaboration with other entities―to identify goals and develop plans that build on community strengths and implement those plans to achieve the goals. HHS strongly encourages proposals from community-based organizations serving children, youth-led organizations, and teams that partner with community-based or youth-led organizations. Proposals may involve new solutions or existing, innovative community practices.
The Resilience Challenge will include a proposal phase and a pilot phase for selected finalists. The 14 Phase 1 finalists will receive $25,000 each in the fall of 2023. One grand prize winner will receive $300,000 and up to two runners-up will receive $175,000 each in the spring of 2024.
Proposals are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, July 7, 2023.
Have Questions?
Download the new Frequently Asked Questions document for answers to common inquiries. HHS will post updated questions and answers to the FAQ tab on Challenge.gov.
Send your questions via the Challenge Contact tab or email at ResilienceChallenge@hhs.gov.
Follow the Resilience Challenge with your email address or a free Challenge.gov account to get updates.
$11 Million to Improve Health Outcomes Through the Healthy Start Initiative
HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau is pleased to announce the Healthy Start Enhanced (HSE) funding opportunity, with $11 million available for up to 10 awards. The purpose of HSE is to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy and reduce the racial/ethnic differences in rates of infant death and adverse perinatal outcomes.
HSE uses two approaches: (1) providing direct and enabling services and (2) establishing Community Consortia to advise and inform programmatic activities. HSE project areas are expected to be communities experiencing rates of infant mortality, low birth weight or preterm birth that are 1.5X the national average or greater and that do not already have access to Healthy Start services. Any domestic public or private entity can apply. Domestic faith-based and community-based organizations, Tribes, and tribal organizations are also eligible to apply.
Applications are due July 17, 2023.
For more information, or to apply to HSE, visit the funding opportunity on grants.gov. If you have any additional questions, please contact MMorrison@hrsa.gov.
2023-2025 WSDA Farm to School Purchasing Grant
The WSDA Farm to School Purchasing Grant is a competitive reimbursement grant available to schools and childcare centers for the purchase and use of Washington-grown foods in child nutrition programs.
Who Can Apply in Round 1
- Active program operators of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP - childcare), and school districts who operate the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) or Seamless Summer Option (SSO).
- Community-based SFSP operators are eligible to apply in Round 2 for Summer 2024.
- Tribal schools and Tribal early learning centers.
Timeline
There will be two separate application periods. Applicants awarded in Round 1 are not eligible to apply for Round 2.
Round 1 Grant Period: Nov. 1, 2023 to June 30, 2025
- Application opens - August 2023 (exact date TBD)
- Applications closes - September 25, 2023 by 5 p.m.
Round 2 Grant Period: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025
- Application Opens - Spring 2024
- Application Closes - Spring 2024
Key Changes in this Grant Round
- The application will not be in iGrants. The application will be in a new online application portal. Check the WSDA Farm to School Grants webpage for more information and the link in August.
- No reimbursements will be paid through OSPI apportionment. All reimbursements will be paid from WSDA through an Electronic Funds Transfer. Grantees will be required to have a Statewide Vendor/Payee Number to be paid.
Getting Ready to Apply
- Engage your staff, students, and community. Find out what new food and recipes they want to try. Discuss educational and other engagement activities.
- Visit the WSDA Farm to School Toolkit for tips on Getting Started.
- Estimate how much local food you plan to buy. Explore sources and prices. Look for farmers in your area using the Washington Food & Farm Finder, visit local farmers markets, or contact WSDA if you need help.
For more information, visit the WSDA Farm to School Purchasing Grant webpage or contact Claire at (360) 974-9752 or farmtoschool@agr.wa.gov.
Prime Time Family & Preschool Funding Opportunity
Humanities Washington is accepting applications to host Prime Time Preschool and Prime time reading. These programs promote the love of reading, skill development, and school readiness. These grants include funding, materials, and assistance to these programs. Prime Time Preschool grants also allow hosts to provide meals, purchase gift books, and gift cards. Programs are available in an English-only or bilingual (Spanish/English) format.
The application period closes June 30, 2023.
Early Childhood Equity Grant Opportunity
It is not too late to apply for the Early Childhood Equity Grant. The grant application remains open until Friday, June 30, at 5 p.m. PDT.
Eligibility is open to:
- Licensed, certified, or certified for payment only child care providers with an open license in good standing.
- License-exempt Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers serving children receiving state subsidies.
- Licensed ECEAP/Early ECEAP sites.
- ECEAP/Early ECEAP contractors.
- Play and Learn Group Host Organizations recognized by Child Care Aware of Washington (CCA of WA) and currently receive funding and/or direct programming support from CCA of WA to actively provide direct and virtual education and materials to parents and FFN caregivers. This is the result of a contractual agreement between CCA of WA and the State of Washington and applies to Play and Learn Groups.
If you have any questions, please email ccsg@imaginewa.org.
Bureau of Justice | Office of Justice Programs Grant Opportunities
Children’s Bureau Seeking Subject Matter Experts
The Children's Bureau (CB) is seeking qualified subject-matter experts (SMEs) with relevant work experience to participate as grant peer reviewers. CB provides discretionary funds competitively to state, tribal and local agencies, community organizations, and faith-based organizations to improve the safety, permanency and well-being of our nation’s children and families.
If you are interested in serving as a grant reviewer, please visit the Children’s Bureau webpage to create your profile by clicking "Join CB." Applications are due by June 30, 2023.
You will be asked to upload your résumé or curriculum vita (CV) in addition to responding to a few questions and detailing your areas of expertise, experience, and education. Serving as a peer reviewer is an equal opportunity experience. Non-federally employed SMEs may receive monetary compensation for their participation on a review panel.
For more information on Children’s Bureau grant reviews, please contact CBReview@grantreview.org.
Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) Seeking Applicants
The Early Learning Advisory Council (ELAC) is looking for two candidates to serve on the council, representing the “Sovereign Tribal Government” and “Sovereign Tribal Government and Tribal ECEAP or Head Start (IPEL)” sectors. These seats were formerly filled by Sheryl Fryberg, Tulalip, and Nigel Lawrence, formerly representing Suquamish.
ELAC serves as an advisory body to DCYF on statewide early learning issues that contribute to the ongoing efforts of building a comprehensive system of quality of early learning programs and services.
Members serve two-year terms. ELAC members are expected to attend the majority of meetings and be prepared to actively participate. Membership seats are unpaid positions, although non-governmental members may be eligible for compensation and reimbursement for travel expenses incurred while carrying out ELAC duties. Members may be eligible for lived experience compensation.
For more information, visit Early Learning Advisory Council | Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families.
Please contact Chelsea Thompson at chelsea.thompson@dcyf.wa.gov for any additional questions.
“Two Spirit Family Joy” Community-wide Pride Celebration
Come celebrate Two Spirit LGBTQ+ pride on June 29, 2023! Featuring guests of honor Felipa De Leon-Mousseau (Oglala) and Monique 'Muffie' Mousseau (Oglala), co-founders of “Uniting Resiliency” and change agents in social justice and equity.
If you are interested in assisting with this event as a helper or if you would like to make a donation, please contact Sarah Sense-Wilson (Oglala), UNEA Chair/Volunteer at (206) 941-0338.
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NK360° Summer Series: Selecting Indigenous Images for Your Classroom
Work with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian to change harmful narratives about Indigenous people. The NK360° Summer Series features knowledge and resources to improve lessons, image selections, and language to better educate your students about Indigenous people. Learn more, and register for one or both webinars today.
Online via Zoom:
- Tuesday, July 11, 4 p.m. ET
- Tuesday, July 18, 4 p.m. ET
This is a free series! Registration is required at: Smithsonian.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RTopTD7rQROdcfuz2zpiZQ
This webinar series will examine why commonly used imagery and language about Native peoples are detrimental to student understanding of Native histories and cultures. Join celebrated Native American contemporary graphic artists Michael Sheyahshe (Caddo) and Dr. Lee Francis IV (Laguna Pueblo) in conversation with Program Manager and Curator Jennifer Shannon.
They will discuss the challenges of navigating entrenched stereotyped images and how they use graphic novels to combat preconceived notions of Indigenous people. The dynamic work of Sheyahshe and Francis is featured in both the museum’s permanent exhibition Native New York and Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°) online classroom lessons. As part of the webinars, teachers will explore how to use these award-winning artists’ NK360° imagery as well as their graphic novel and comic book art in the classroom. For additional questions about this professional development program, contact NMAI-NK360@si.edu.
Upcoming Events Hosted by the Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve
Event details can be found at Hibulb Cultural Center || Events - Calendar. To register, please call (360) 716-2600.
- June 30, Poetry Gatherings Open Mic, 5 p.m.
- July 5, Weaving Gathering, 5 p.m.
- July 8, Kids Craft: Sun Catcher, 3 p.m.
- July 12, Weaving Gathering, 5 p.m.
- July 15, Ribbon Skirts, 12 p.m.
Native American Language Resource Center (NALRC) Summer Series
The Office of Indian Education’s Native American Language Resource Center (NALRC) is featuring Native American language immersion practitioners as part of the free NALRC Summer Series on how to create an immersion school. Join them for five Thursdays as they explore how to start a new program, select partners and an approach, develop K-12 Native culture and language standards, develop curriculum, train teachers, assess language proficiency, and integrate technology. The first live webinar is on Thursday, June 29. All sessions will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. ET. To register, visit: NALRC Summer Series Registration.
ICW Active Efforts Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) - Shelton/DCYF
Position closes 6/29/2023 11:59 p.m.
Apply online: ICW Active Efforts Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3) - Shelton | Apply tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)
Truth and Reconciliation Tribal Advisory Committee Position/Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Position closes 7/07/2023 5:00 p.m.
Apply online: Truth and Reconciliation Tribal Advisory Committee Application (wa.gov)
RFP for a Curriculum Developer for the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and Snoqualmie Tribe Child Development Center/Snoqualmie Indian Tribe
Proposals due by 7/10/2023 12 p.m.
Submit online: RFP for a Curriculum Developer for the Snoqualmie Indian Tribe and Snoqualmie Tribe Child Development Center | Snoqualmie Indian Tribe
Re-entry Intervention Student Asst Specialist/Native American Education Department
Position closes: Continuous
Native American Ed, Re-entry Intervention Stdt Asst Spec - 1.0FTE | Job Details tab | Career Pages (schooljobs.com)
seqacib Instructional Assistant/Native American Education Department
Position closes: N/A
seqacib Instructional Assistant, Native American Ed @ Nathan Hale HS - 1.0FTE | Job Details tab | Career Pages (schooljobs.com)
Tribal Program Specialist (Hybrid/Remote)/Jefferson Consulting Group
Position closes: N/A
Jefferson Consulting | Jobs (agileonboarding.com)
Tribal Program Analyst (Hybrid/Remote)/Jefferson Consulting Group
Position closes: N/A
Jefferson Consulting | Jobs (agileonboarding.com)
Diversifying the Next Generation of Doctors: Annual AAMC Career Fair and Workshops
The annual Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Career Fair and Workshops is taking place on Saturday, November 4, 2023, in Seattle, Wash. This event will help to prepare you for a career in medicine to become a physician/doctor.
Please see the following link for details: https://students-residents.aamc.org/minorities-medicine/diversifying-next-generation-doctors-career-fair-and-workshops-0
NOTE: If you are an Educator/Advisor/Recruiter and plan to bring student groups, please contact Millie Kennedy, Tribal Liaison with UW Medicine, at mkenne2@uw.edu.
WA tribes celebrate as Supreme Court upholds Native child welfare law, The Seattle Times
Supreme Court upholds Indian Child Welfare Act, a victory for tribal sovereignty, Spokesman Review, Similar stories at KIRO 7, KNKX, others
Seahawks Rookies & Muckleshoot Indian Tribe Take To Lake Washington On Tribal Canoes, Seahawks.com
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