Seattle Human Services Newsletter – March 2024

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Photo of Tanya Kim by a hedge on a walk way

Director's Note—March 2024

As we embrace longer days this month, and celebrate Women’s History Month, I’d like to take a moment to honor the incredible contributions of women who tirelessly work across our city, within the Human Services Department (HSD) and throughout our network of providers. Their dedication and resilience inspire us daily, driving positive change and progress in our communities. 

  

In line with our ongoing commitment to addressing our city’s most pressing issues, I reflect on the recent priorities outlined by the Mayor in the State of the City address. At HSD, we remain steadfast in our efforts to tackle these challenges head-on, working diligently to create meaningful impact and foster a more equitable future for all.  

 

To advance the City’s priorities, I’m thrilled to announce key leadership changes at HSD. Our new Deputy Director, Maggie Thompson, brings a wealth of experience, with more than two decades of service experience—including government, nonprofit, and community leadership roles—and a deep commitment to our mission.  

 

I want to thank Anne Lee for her interim Deputy Director leadership through a critical time of transition at HSD. Her dedication, steady leadership, and wisdom have been invaluable in steering us through this period of change. 

  

With gratitude for the collective efforts of our team and partners, especially all the strong women, we move forward with hope and determination toward a brighter tomorrow. 

  

In community, 

Tanya Kim 

HSD has a New Deputy Director Beginning on March 27th

Graphic of Maggie Thompson New Deputy Director

After a competitive process, Maggie (she/they) is the newly appointed HSD Deputy Director. As a member of HSD’s Executive and Senior Leadership Teams, she will support three divisions:  

  • Aging and Disability Services 
  • Safe and Thriving Communities 
  • Youth and Family Empowerment  

Maggie’s experience includes service as a policy advisor in the Seattle Mayor’s Office, where she worked closely with the HSD team, and later as Operations Manager for External and Community Services. We are thrilled to welcome her at HSD and look forward to the work she’ll do in partnership with the communities we serve.

Click here to learn more about Maggie 

Spotlights

Employee Spotlight Graphic featuring Dinah Stephens

Employee Spotlight:
Dinah Stephens
 

Meet Dinah Stephens, our Age Friendly Program Manager at Seattle Human Services. Discover how she’s shaping Seattle to be a vibrant community for all ages.
[Learn More] 

Civic Coffee Logo Square

Civic Coffee: Identifying Accurate Information 

Join Age Friendly Seattle’s next Civic Coffee to learn about strategies for identifying and combating misinformation in our digital age. It’s on Tuesday, March. 19 (1:30 –2:30 p.m.). Attend in person at the Chinese Information and Service Center (611 S Lane St, Seattle) and enjoy light refreshments, or join online. [Learn More]

Community Corner Graphic reading learn about Marys Place with Two people sitting at a table

Community Corner:
Mary’s Place

This month, we highlight Mary’s Place, a vital shelter addressing family homelessness. Through partnership with Seattle Human Services, they offer refuge, resources, and hope to families in need. Founded in 1999, they’ve grown to operate five shelters, striving to break the cycle of homelessness. [Learn More] 

Director Kim and Chris Presenting to Council

HSD at the Housing & Human Services Committee

HSD Director Tanya Kim and Homelessness Policy Advisor Chris Klaeysen recently presented a department overview to the City Council—six of nine Council members are new. Their insightful session aimed to foster understanding and collaboration on crucial policies between the Human Service's Department and Council. [Learn More] 

News You Can Use

Are You Eligible to Save Money on Heat and Water? 

Need Help Paying your bills Graphic

If you haven’t looked at Seattle’s Utility Discount Program before, now is a very good time to do so, when you are also gathering financial documents for your federal income tax return. Income-eligible Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities customers can get a truly significant discount on their bills—60% off Seattle City Light bills and 50% off Seattle Public Utilities. [Learn More] 


National Social Work Month: Supporting Those Who Support Others 

Aging and Disability Services—a division of the Seattle Human Services Department that serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle and King County—has been in existence for 51 years. In that time, social workers have been critical to the success of our mission and to the health of our community. Currently, Aging and Disability Services (ADS) has more than 140 staff working in Care Coordination Programs. The vast majority are social workers.
[Learn More] 

Empowering Social Workers Graphic

Final Call! Applications for SYEP internships and employer hosts due March 26 

The Seattle Youth Employment Program’s (SYEP) Summer Internship 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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City of Seattle’s Food Rescue Innovation Grant 

Get funded for innovative solutions that reduce food waste from businesses and increase donated or discounted food for people in need. The City of Seattle’s Food Rescue Innovation Grant aims to keep unsold but perfectly safe and edible food out of garbage and compost. Awardees will receive seed funding to test approaches that could ultimately be scaled or replicated with private sector, nonprofit, or philanthropic funding. [Learn More] 

Vegetables from SPU rescue grant

Around the Blogosphere

HSD Links & Resources

HSD logo in color with tagline: Equity, Support & Community

The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) connects people with resources and solutions during times of need so we can all live, learn, work, and take part in strong, healthy communities. Seattle.gov/Human-Services

Do you need immediate help or resources?

HSD Funding Opportunities
HSD Employment Opportunities
Age Friendly Seattle
Aging and Disability Services (Area Agency on Aging for Seattle & King County)