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Director's Note—February 2024
In February we highlight Black History Month. I want to give a shoutout to the Mayor’s Council on African American Elders (MCAAE) for advising our elected officials and Seattle Human Services Department’s Aging and Disability Services division. The MCAAE was established in 1995 by then-Mayor Norman B. Rice to inform policymakers and others about the unique needs of older African Americans and advocate on their behalf. Current members have expertise in aging, case management, education, housing, and program administration. They honor Black history year-round, and I am grateful for their leadership.
In February, we also recognize Monday, February 19—the Day of Remembrance that commemorates President Franklin D. Roosevelt's signing of Executive Order 9066, an action that led to forced imprisonment of 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent living on the West Coast. This day reminds us that the civil rights and freedom can be taken away with the stroke of a pen. It’s also a reminder about the impact of incarceration—not only for the people who were forced into prison camps but the generations that have followed.
Greater Seattle should be a place where the richness of our diversity is valued, where all our communities thrive, and where people grow up and grow old with opportunity and dignity. It is on each of us to do what is necessary to connect people with resources and solutions during times of need so we can all live, learn, work, and take part in strong, healthy communities. That is our mission, and I take it to heart.
In community,
Tanya Kim
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In honor of Black History Month, we celebrate the dynamic leadership within the Human Services Department. Meet six of the ten members of our dedicated Senior Leadership Team driving change: Dr. Shukri Olow, Dee Dhlamini, Kamaria Hightower, Mary Mitchell, Erika Pablo, and Kimberly Patterson. Together, they embody the essence of #LivingBlackHistory. Explore their impactful roles at seattle.gov/human-services.
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We’re hiring! to serve as HSD’s deputy director
HSD continues to accept applications for Deputy Director. We are seeking a dynamic individual to provide oversight, leadership, and guidance to three divisions—Aging and Disability Services, Youth and Family Empowerment, and Safe and Thriving Communities. We’re looking for an experienced executive who centers community in their work, mentors other executives, is effective in developing and implementing policy and programmatic recommendations and demonstrates a commitment to advancing racial equity by reducing disparities. [Learn More]
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SYEP applications for summer youth internships and employer hosts now open
The Seattle Youth Employment Program’s (SYEP) Summer Internship program is back! The program provides youth with professional and/or structured paid work settings within City departments, local businesses, and nonprofit agencies to gain hands-on experience, develop professional connections, and build resumes. SYEP is also looking for employers to host interns and support youth and young adults in their career journey by providing in-demand internship opportunities. The deadline for youth and businesses to apply is March 26, 2024. [Learn More]
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Employee Spotlight: Kaylee DiMaggio
Meet Kaylee DiMaggio, a dedicated Program Supervisor of Seattle HSD’s Victim Support Team. Discover her inspiring journey, commitment to community, and the impact of her work. Kaylee joins a growing list of Employee Spotlights on our Human Interests blog. [Learn More]
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Community Corner: YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish
This month we shine a spotlight on YWCA Gender-Based Violence Specialized Services, which reach and service individuals and families at the intersection of racism, sexism, and violence, and the work they are doing to reduce the racial disproportionality of survivors of gender-based violence in the criminal legal system. [Learn More]
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MCAAE Black History Month Panel Presentation
On Friday, February 16, 2024 (2:00–3:30 p.m.), in honor of Black History Month, join the Mayor’s Council on African American Elders for a panel presentation by representatives from organizations that serve African American elders—Margaret Boddie, African American Elders Program; Nathan Yamane, Heart-n-Soul Hospice; and Nacala Ayele, Tubman Center for Health & Freedom. The event will take place at Grace United Methodist Church (722 30th Ave S, Seattle 98144). A reception, including information and resources, will follow the program.
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New funding opportunity: Kinship Care Support Services
HSD is investing approximately $274,000 from State Kinship Navigator and Older Americans Act Title IIIE programs in local Kinship Caregiver Support Services. A Request for Proposal (RFP) was posted on February 5. The RFP combines three related programs for kinship caregiver—the King County Kinship Navigator program, a King County Kinship Collaboration Coordinator, and Kinship Caregiver Support Program services such as outreach, recruitment, support groups, training, and information, referral and support services. [Learn More] |
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Age Friendly Discount Directory—now even more user-friendly!
Our Age Friendly Discount Program and related online Discount Directory provides an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to offer discounts for older people and adults with disabilities, grow their customer base, and build a more age-friendly community. Our redesigned directory includes a map that allows Gold Card and FLASH Card users to see where businesses offering discounts are located, sort in a variety of ways, and get directions. [Learn More] |
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Civic Coffee: Digital Navigation
Join Age Friendly Seattle’s next Civic Coffee to learn about digital navigation and digital equity, with an emphasis on local resources available to older adults. It’s on Friday, Feb. 23 (1–2 p.m.). Attend in person at the Ballard NW Senior Center (5429 32nd Ave NW, Seattle) and enjoy light refreshments, or join online. [Learn More] |
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Are high electricity and water rates getting you down?
Last month we announced that new Utility Discount Program income eligibility guidelines have been posted for 2024. It bears repeating that the program offers a 60% discount on Seattle City Light bills and a 50% discount on Seattle Public Utilities bills for income-eligible households. As you use more energy to stay warm this winter, you may wish to see if you qualify. You would also benefit from lower water rates during the summer. [Video | Learn More] |
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Seattle/King County Clinic Feb. 15–18 offers free dental, vision, and medical care
Seattle/King County Clinic returns to Seattle Center on February 15–18, 2024, offering free dental, vision, and medical care to people in need. Services are extensive, including dental fillings and extractions, eye examinations and prescription eyeglasses, physical exams, behavioral healthcare, social work, immunizations, laboratory tests, mammograms, ultrasounds, x-rays and more. [Learn More]
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On Human Interests: Mayor Harrell proclaims January 2024 Human Trafficking Awareness Month
On AgeWise King County: Affordability: Large or Small, Savings Help
On Public Health Insider: New data dashboards track the impact of climate change on health
News from KCRHA: Data Q&A: HMIS and Homelessness Response
From the Office of Mayor Bruce Harrell: Making Progress Building One Seattle: 2023 Year in Review
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