Director's Blurb
Happy almost Summer!
Once again, it’s that time for our monthly newsletter and I hope you look forward to them as much as we do! This upcoming month is going to be a busy one! We are currently— and will continue to be—knee-deep in HR-related paperwork ensuring that we construct our 4.5 FTEs according to the tasks outlined in the strategic plan. We’re also working on ensuring our timelines and work-plans are laid out well so that we can hit the ground running when we onboard our new teammates. We started that work in April, scheduling a full day to do some team building; strengths (and weaknesses) assessments; and timeline planning so that when the time came, we welcome our teammates intentionally. We want to continue to have a great work culture where we value each person for who they are and what they bring to the team and leverage each other’s strengths.
You’ll also continue to see some fun social media posts as we try our hand at Tik-Tok and continue to build our web presence. You’ll have a sneak peak to my outdoor adventures outside of work! Tune in!
María Sigüenza
It has been an incredibly busy year! I have many updates and information to share. Let’s start with social media. We are excited to share that we are now on TikTok @somoscha.
Our goal is to grow engagement with our Latine youth, and what better way than to spend some time on this platform. One of the cool draws is that folks can ask us questions using the Q&A feature. We then answer later, and everyone can see the question and answer. For those who are shy but curious and want to learn more, this is a great way to get informed. We are keeping it lighthearted and fun but raising awareness around important topics affecting our community. Make sure to follow us and heart our content.
Not on TikTok? Not a problem. We are also on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. If you are doing a social media cleanse but still want to stay connected to us, you can always check out our website, cha.wa.gov. You will find tremendous information, from our news and community event blog to our employment blog, research, and much more! Clearly, you are subscribed to our newsletter; feel free to share our newsletter far and wide and let folks know to subscribe as well.
Last month our Executive Director, Maria Siguenza, shared that we are GROWING by 5! We are getting ready to start recruiting our new team members, four will be joining the Communications and Outreach team, and one will be joining the Olympia HQ as an Office Assistant. We have an ambitious strategic plan to execute, and we look forward to this new chapter of the CHA team.
Stay connected. Stay informed. Let’s be social.
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The Next Generation Financial Leaders workshop is scheduled for Monday, July 24 – Thursday, July 27.
Monday and Thursday of the workshop will be conducted at Highline College in Des Moines, hosted by DFI. They will have several informative sessions and panels with industry and regulatory leaders sharing openly about their career path, hiring processes, and information to help students feel safe and confident in this industry. Tuesday and Wednesday of the event will be hosted onsite at local banks and credit unions.
The goal is to have 15 students (18 or older) attending the event, and they are also going to have mentors engaged with them throughout.
Students do not have to be a business school major. We welcome all college students or rising college students to apply who have an interest. Students may apply online here.
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 Be aware of Medicaid renewal scams.
During the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) the Health Care Authority (HCA) extended coverage for all Apple Health (Medicaid) clients. This extension has now ended due to the Consolidated Appropriation Act of 2023 and HCA resumed normal operations on April 1, 2023.
Washington has received reports of fake texts and phone calls to Medicaid clients about renewing their Apple Health coverage. We’re asking Apple Health (Medicaid) clients to be aware of suspicious contact seeking money to maintain their health coverage.
Clients should not share banking or credit card information with anyone claiming to be from HCA or Apple Health. If they receive a phone call or text message, they think is a scam, they should hang up and report this to Apple Health customer service at 1-800-562-3022.
For more information about changes to Apple Health continuous coverage, visit hca.wa.gov/phe.
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Wildfires in Washington have become more severe and more frequent; a trend likely to continue with the changing climate.
The smoke wildfires generate is particularly dangerous for people who work outdoor jobs like construction, agriculture, roofing, roadwork, and certain other industries. When they breathe in the tiny particles carried by the smoke, it increases the risk of reduced lung function, aggravated asthma, heart failure, and even early death.
To protect these workers, this week the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries filed proposed permanent wildfire smoke rules and launched a formal process for public input.
Read More.
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 Juniors: Get ready to get ready. College or career training is only a year away!
As summer nears, junior year is almost over. Take a few simple steps now to prepare yourself for bigger steps during senior year.
Get ready to apply for financial aid
Set up your FSA ID: Create an account on studentaid.gov to receive your Federal Student Aid identification number (FSA ID). Parents should create their own account, too. Your FSA ID will help prepare you to apply for state and federal financial aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Look into WASFA: The Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is for people who are undocumented or who do not qualify for federal financial aid because of their immigration status, and can be used in limited circumstances by others who cannot or choose not to file a FAFSA. The WASFA is an application for state and institutional financial aid only. Not sure whether you should use the FAFSA or the WASFA? Complete the WASFA questionnaire.
Learn about WA Grant: The generous Washington College Grant (WA Grant) can help pay for many types of education beyond high school, like certificate programs, job training, apprenticeships, or college. There’s no separate application for WA Grant—just complete a FAFSA or WASFA to find out how much money you can get for college or career training.
Keep up with graduation requirements
Make sure you are keeping up with your class's graduation requirements. Talk to your counselor about potential additional requirements.
Read More.
Washington State is working to create a safety and well-being helpline available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to address a spectrum of youth safety & well-being concerns and connect youth with appropriate resources.
We want to create a helpline that:
> Believes law enforcement and police don’t always need to be called
> Can be used for all types of youth-related safety and well-being concerns
> Provides support for everyone under 25 years old
> Doesn’t want to get you in trouble
Last year, we conducted two surveys to gather input from Washington youth on key features of the helpline, including naming. You can see the survey results here.
Based on your feedback, we developed three potential names for this helpline, and this survey is designed for you to select your preference. This survey should take around 10 minutes to complete. When you complete the survey, you will be eligible to enter a drawing to receive a $20 gift card.
This survey will take about 10 minutes to complete. This survey will run through June 9, 2023.
Any questions email: youthprogram@atg.wa.gov
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 This month we will be running a green space campaign. We to encourage the Latine community to make use of all the green spaces that Washington has, like parks, lakes, rivers and trails. Make sure to follow us in our social media outlets and stay informed.
Remember spending time outside in nature helps manage stress, supports emotional and mental wellness.
 A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). One pass can be transferred between two vehicles. The fees are as follows (add transaction/dealer fees, $5 for the annual Discover Pass and $1.50 for the one-day pass.):
- Annual pass: $30
- One-day pass: $10
EXEMPTIONS
Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, you do not need to purchase the pass under the following circumstances:
- If you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, including vacation houses, environmental learning centers, yurts, and cabins, you will not need a Discover Pass for access to the state park where you are staying for the duration of your stay. If you visit other state parks in the area or other state recreation lands managed by WDFW or DNR, a Discover Pass will be required.
- Disabled veterans and other Washington State Parks pass holders registered through Washington State Parks do not need to purchase a Discover Pass for access to Washington state parks. A Permanent Disability Parking Permit, issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing, also entitles you to free day use. You will need to purchase the Discover Pass for access to lands managed by WDFW and DNR. To apply for a State Parks pass, complete and submit the appropriate pass application. For more information please visit the Discover Pass website.
 Keep plastics out of compost
Preventing plastic contamination in yard debris and food scrap bins benefits soil
Composting is a great way to turn yard debris and food scraps into a valuable soil amendment that enriches soil. Remember to keep the compost "clean" by not including contaminants like plastic packaging and wrappers. Recycle your plastics or place them in a garbage container.
Just like other recycling systems, depositing plastics in your organics collection bin can contaminate a truckload of material. This causes nutrients that could have enriched the soil to be lost.
No one wants plastic-filled compost
Many types of materials can contaminate compost. Plastic, glass, and metal clog and break composting facility machinery. These contaminants also make it hard for facilities to sell the finished compost.
“Any material that doesn’t belong in a compost pile is not good, but plastic is very problematic,” said Michelle Andrews, Organics Specialist at Ecology. "Plastics, like single-use plastic bags, food packaging, and produce stickers cause major headaches when they’re mixed in material received by compost facilities."
More Information.
LGBTQ Pride Month
The Washington State LGBTQ Commission, in collaboration with RAIN and the Office of the Governor, will host the annual Raising of the Pride Flag on the Capitol Campus to mark the beginning of LGBTQ Pride Month. The event will take place on the flagpole between the Capitol Building and Temple of Justice on Thursday, June 1st at noon.
More information and details on speakers visit lgtbq.wa.gov
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Juneteenth
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