 In this month’s Health and Human Services Committee, in partnership with Director Kelly Rider from the Department of Community and Human Services, we coordinated a panel to provide a briefing on the state of the work force. We honor our human services workers who are on the front lines of helping some of the most vulnerable in our community and have for too long been asked to do so while being paid 37% less than their counterparts in comparable positions. As we work to tackle some of the hardest problems our community is facing, homelessness, caring for our elders and our children, we need to ensure those we ask to do this work are respected, protected and invested in. Watch the committee recording of our HHS committee here!
 South Park Senior Center was among the many recipients of the Vets and Human Services Levy Senior Center Funding that serve residents of District 8!
Photo curtesy of the South Park Senior Center Facebook
In 2017, voters approved the Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy, adding funding for services to King County seniors and their families. In August 2023, over 71 percent of King County voters approved the VSHSL for the fourth time, the highest approval rating in the levy’s history. These funds go to helping improve the lives of residents in the county.
I am excited to share the news about this year’s Senior Center Awards from the VSHSL, totaling $16.6 million to 39 providers, representing 43 senior centers, to create inclusive and vibrant gathering spaces for Seniors and their caregivers across the county. Congratulations to all the awardees who provide services, here are just some of those who provide care and create community in District 8!
Asian Counseling & Referral Service: $533,926
The Club Bamboo Senior Center of Asian Counseling and Referral Service strives to offer a safe and welcoming space for seniors, 55 years and older, to access a range of services, resources, and activities that are nourishing and enriching, and promote healthy aging and wellbeing.
Chinese Information and Service Center: $148,630
Chinese Information and Service Center’s Sunshine Garden Chinese Senior Community Center’s (SGCSCC) mission is to create a welcoming environment that promotes health, emotional well-being, and life-long learning for community members 50+ through activities and social support.
City of Burien Community Center: $229,500
Burien Senior Program is a City of Burien entity that hosts a physical space for seniors (persons 55 and older) to gather and to access services that promote healthy aging and experience life enrichment, empowerment, belonging, and wellbeing.
City of Tukwila Community Center: $229,500
City of Tukwila Community Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors through a quality system of public spaces, programs and events that enhance and promote opportunities for health, and fitness, personal growth, relaxation, community connection, civic engagement, and environmental stewardship.
East African Senior Center – Sound Generations: $306,000
East African Senior Center (EASC), a program of Sound Generations, supports East African seniors (55 and older), and adults with disabilities on their aging journey through community connections, and by providing accessible, equitable and inclusive services in a safe culturally nurturing environment, making the EASC a one-stop center.
Pike Market Senior Center: $827,366
The Pike Market Senior Center (PMSC) strives to make each day better and safer for older adults; we provide services, activities, and support to promote healthier, more self-sufficient and fulfilling lives.
Seattle Indian Health Board Elders Program: $306,000
Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) is a Native-led and operated nonprofit health center with a mission to advocate for, provide, and ensure culturally appropriate, high-quality, and accessible health and human services to American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN).
The Center for Active Living formally known as the Senior Center of West Seattle: $306,000
Senior Center of West Seattle’s mission is to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where people can enjoy warm friendships, healthy activities, joyful experiences, and meaningful engagement as they age.
South Park Senior Center: $306,000
The mission of South Park Senior Citizens (SPSC) is to promote healthy aging by creating a space of belonging that provides culturally responsive support services including sustainable access to nutritious meals, social services, physical activities, continued learning, and social engagement.
Vashon-Maury Senior Center: $306,000
Vashon-Maury Senior Center’s mission is enriching the lives of older adults on Vashon-Maury Island.
Job Opportunity
King County Metro moves our County every day and they've been working hard to increase their workforce capacity to provide the best service possible. They are hiring fulltime bus and light rail operators. If you are interested find out more bellow:
https://kingcountymetro.blog/2024/05/13/king-county-metro-hiring-full-time-bus-and-light-rail-operators-as-network-expands/
Community Spotlight
 The Delridge Neighborhood Development Association is an incredible organization. They've been mixing art and nature at Roxhill Park and will be there the next several Saturdays, except for June 1st (which is White Center Pride) through June 15th. Check them out.
 Thank you for signing up for the #TeresaTuesday Newsletter. We will send you regular updates every other week. If you’d like to reach out or have an issue we can help with, please reach out anytime.
Thank you for allowing us to represent you on the King County Council!
|
