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Director's Note—March 2025
Standing in Solidarity with Our LGBTQ+ Community
Thank you, Mayor Bruce Harrell, for your new legislation to strengthen local protections and safeguard access to gender-affirming and reproductive health care services in Seattle, with a focus on supporting the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirming the City’s commitment to be a safe, welcoming place for all people.
To our LGBTQ+ community: I see you. I recognize the fear and uncertainty you may be feeling, and I want you to know that the City stands with you.
At HSD, we will continue to invest in programs that uplift and support the LGBTQ+ community, funding services that save lives, create belonging, and ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. That is what #OneSeattle looks like in action
March is National Social Work Month
The National Association of Social Workers set this year’s theme as “Social Work: Compassion + Action.” Social Work is more than a job—it’s a way of life! I'm proud to work with the incredible social workers here at HSD who are committed to supporting others in achieving health and stability for themselves and their families.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the social work profession is expected to grow 7% by 2033—faster than the average for all occupations. By then, more than 836,000 social workers will be employed across the country. Social workers undergo years of education and training to support communities and individuals. They excel at meeting people where they are and providing compassionate guidance and help.
March is Women's History Month
It’s fitting that this month also focuses on the vital part women have played in our shared human narrative. Women have played a central role in shaping our country—especially in social work—and too often, our contributions have been undervalued or gone unnoticed.
It is critical that we celebrate the women who brought us to where we are today. I hope you will take a moment to honor the women in your family, community, and organization who helped you become the person you are today.
Best,
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 It's Almost Tax Time!
United Way of King County (UWKC) will provide free tax preparation to those making less than $80,000 a year (or less than $96,000 for non-single filers).
UWKC will help you understand your tax situation, plus take advantage of the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, and the Working Families Tax Credit to maximize your refund.
IRS-certified volunteers are available in person and virtually to prepare your taxes at no cost. In-person sites are open for service through April 19, 2025.
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 March Civic Coffee: Spring Cleanup
Join the Age Friendly Seattle Civic Coffee on Wednesday, March 26, at 1:00 p.m. at Filipino Community Village (5727 37th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118).
Live Interpretation will be provided in Spanish and Tagalog, as we host an informative conversation about the different approaches and benefits of spring cleaning.
Join us virtually online or by phone. Or watch the video recording when it is posted to our YouTube playlist shortly after the event.
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 Employee Spotlight: Vincent Guerra
Vincent Guerra has been part of our HSD team for more than 18 years. Learning from his family and community led him to social work and a commitment to helping other diverse individuals succeed, including now acting as a mentor himself—both to other employees at HSD and to the next generation of students. Visit humaninterests.seattle.gov to learn more about Vincent and his impact on our community.
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 Community Corner: Mentoring Urban Students & Teens (M.U.S.T.)
Since 2012, Mentoring Urban Students & Teens has been working to provide space and the tools needed for Black males to learn, process, and reflect. Visit humaninterests.seattle.gov to learn about how M.U.S.T. is changing the narrative by helping its participants to take control of their own mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual potential through connection and brotherhood.
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Apply Now for the Fresh Bucks Waitlist!
The City of Seattle helps residents access fresh fruits and vegetables at participating retailers, via a $40/month benefit program called Fresh Bucks. Beginning March 3, apply to join the waitlist to recieve benefits when funding is available.
Fresh Bucks enrollment is based on a randomized selection process. All Seattle households are welcome to apply. Eligible applicants who meet one or more of the following priority criteria will receive additional entries in the selection process:
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Lowest household income: households with the lowest income will receive an additional entry in the selection process.
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Non-English language preference: households where a language other than English is primarily spoken will receive an additional entry in the selection process.
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Waitlist duration: households that remain on the waitlist after the first enrollment period will receive an additional entry in subsequent selection processes.
You can apply online at www.seattlefreshbucks.org/apply. The application is available in 12 languages.
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Submit Your SYEP Internship Application by March 21!
Celebrating over 50 years of success, the Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is excited to once again provide youth and young adults with valuable early career development and professional growth opportunities. Interns will receive up to 150 hours of paid work, gaining hands-on experience in government agencies, nonprofits, and local businesses. The program will run this summer from July 9, 2025 – August 26, 2025.
To qualify, intern applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 16 and 24 years old at the start of the Internship program.
- Reside within the Seattle city limits or attend Seattle Public Schools or Seattle Colleges (Seattle Central, South Seattle or North Seattle College).
- Live in a household with an income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income.
Learn more about eligibility and apply via the Youth Portal.
The application deadline for youth to apply online is March 21, 2025.
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Sign up to Volunteer at the 2025 Seattle/King County Clinic!
On April 24–27, 2025, health care professionals from across Washington will offer FREE dental, vision, and medical care to anyone who struggles to access or pay for healthcare at a health clinic at Seattle Center.
The Seattle/King County Clinic depends on volunteers—not only health care professionals but also human services professionals, interpreters, and more. Over nine years, the time, expertise, and care of 31,000+ volunteers have helped to save 30,000 patients more than $26 million in out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Please consider serving a shift or two at this year’s clinic. There are many roles to be filled. Click on the flyer to visit the clinic’s Volunteer Information webpage.
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On AgeWise: Your Voice Matters: Advocating for Aging Services and Support
On Public Health Insider: Shots fired: On the scene with a violence interrupter | Leer en español
From the Office of Mayor Bruce Harrell: Mayor Harrell Delivers 2025 State of the City Address: Seattle on the Rise
From the Office of Mayor Bruce Harrell: Mayor Harrell Proposes Legislation to Strengthen Local Protections for People Seeking Gender-Affirming and Reproductive Health Care in Seattle
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