September was a busy month for the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services (VSHSL) Levy! From hosting the Resource Access Fair in Shoreline to making investments in the VSHSL provider workforce and opening several new RFPs, with your help we continue to show what’s possible when we invest in and uplift the communities we serve.  

In this month’s newsletter, learn about open RFPs, our upcoming VSHSL Summit and how to get involved, and much more!  

The Department of Community and Human Services’ Adult Services Division is pleased to announce the release of a new VSHSL Request for Proposal (RFP) for Technical Assistance & Capacity Building (TACB): Support for Regional Human Services Coalitions.  Proposals for this funding opportunity are due on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 by 2:00 pm Pacific Time.  

The TACB: Support for Regional Human Services Coalitions RFP is a new VSHSL investment that aims to support regional human services coalitions to disseminate information on grant opportunities to partner organizations, identify and connect partner organizations with capacity building and technical assistance, and build a conduit between the county and partner organizations to facilitate feedback and other opportunities to improve system delivery and efficacy.  

Human services coalitions in King County are eligible to apply. For full eligibility guidelines and application details, click here.   

CLICK HERE TO APPLY NOW

Where: Double Tree – Southcenter |16500 Southcenter Pkwy, Seattle, WA 98188 

Who: The VSHSL Summit is open to all VSHSL-funded partners and any Human Service Providers. 

Interested in tabling at the Community Resources Fair? 

We are seeking human service providers to table at the Summit Community Resources Fair! Apply to table here! 

Last month, Washington Hall came alive with energy, movement, and community spirit as African American Reach & Teach Health Ministry (AARTH) hosted its Annual Health Fair: Fit for Life. Seniors and families gathered for a free celebration of wellness, active aging, and community care. 

The fair, which was funded through the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (Strategies HL 6 Senior Health Promotion and HS 5Senior Villages), featured an inspiring mix of offerings designed to support holistic health. Guests explored tables of wellness vendors, participated in free health screenings, enjoyed a live cooking demonstration, and connected with community resource providers. Complimentary food and refreshments helped fuel a day of laughter, conversation, and shared learning. 

For AARTH, which was established in 2002, the fair reflects its ongoing mission “to promote positive health outcomes and address inequities in healthcare for people of African descent.” 

Virgina Weihs, a member of the Community Investment Team at the King County Department of Community & Human Services’ Adult Services Division, shared their excitement about the event:  

“Events like AARTH’s Health Fair connect seniors and other community members with important health-related information and resources in settings that are fun, connecting, and community-specific.  This is the everyday work that equips people with the information they need to care well for themselves, combats health disparities, and makes our whole community healthier.” 

About the Strategies  

HL 6 Senior Health Promotion- This strategy funds a diverse set of programs that empower King County seniors to address their health and well-being. From falls prevention and nutrition to unique, culturally informed physical activities, chronic disease management and prevention, and health education, these programs offer seniors the options to make meaningful, lasting changes in their health and lives.  

HS 5 Senior Villages – This strategy supports diverse and low-income seniors to age well in their communities by fostering models that promote mutual support, resource sharing, and social connection among members. These geographically or culturally focused communities enable seniors to remain stably housed and thrive through tailored services and opportunities for meaningful engagement.  

For more information on AARTH programs or to get involved, visit www.aarth.org. 

Last month, Filipino Community of Seattle (FCS) graciously hosted the eight provider organizations funded under the VSHSL HS 5: Senior Village strategy for a gathering to connect with one another and learn more about each other’s Villages. 

The Senior Village model is an evolving community-based approach designed to strengthen community belonging and build the capacity needed to support older adults to live independently in the community of their choice. Senior Villages thrive through volunteer-driven efforts, offering seniors essential supports such as help with errands, small home repairs, transportation and more.  

After a fun game of bingo that served as an icebreaker for the organizations to find out more about each other’s services and activities, the Senior Villages shared additional details about the particular senior communities they serve and the many positive impacts of the Villages on their participants’ lives. Getting to hear about the wide-ranging and creative ways different Senior Villages operate inspired excitement and new ideas among the whole group. The gathering concluded with a brainstorm session about how the Senior Villages specifically help their senior participants to age in place.  The feedback generated in the brainstorm session will help shape future tools that measure the impact of the Senior Village investment. 

Host organization the Filipino Community of Seattle has been a cornerstone for Filipinx Americans and other immigrants across the region for more than 80 years. Born during a time of exclusion and segregation, FCS has consistently provided leadership on civil rights, social justice, and culturally relevant responses to community needs. Today, through senior services (including its Senior Village program), educational programs, and civic advocacy, FCS continues to carry forward its legacy of resilience and empowerment. 

Esther Lee, a member of the Community Investment Team at the King County Department of Community and Human Services’ Adult Services Division, had this to say about the event: 

“This gathering gave a meaningful opportunity for Senior Village partners to connect, collaborate, and reflect on the vital role their work in helping older adults age with dignity, choice, and community.”