Seattle Human Services Newsletter – April 2024

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Headshot of HSD Director Tanya Kim

Director's Note—April 2024

As we step into April, I’m compelled to recognize the significant strides our city is making in supporting survivors and fostering a safer community. With the Mayor and City Council’s proclamation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to addressing this critical issue.  To further this work, I’m happy to announce Judith Panlasigui is our new manager of the Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (MODVSA), a unit of our Safe and Thriving Communities division.  Learn more about Judith here. 

 

In collaboration with community and City partners, I’m proud to announce the launch of Seek Then Speak, a vital tool aimed at providing support and resources to survivors of sexual assault. This initiative underscores our collective determination to empower survivors and ensure they have access to the help they need. It’s essential that we stand together as a community, amplifying voices, and fostering a culture of support and empathy. 

  

I extend my gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly to make Seek Then Speak a reality and to our dedicated teams at the Human Services Department for their ongoing commitment to serving survivors and advocating for their needs. 

  

Together, let us continue to strive for a city where safety, respect, and dignity are upheld for all. 

  

Best, 

Tanya Kim 


Judith Panlasigui named MODVSA Manager

Headshot of Judith Panlasigui

We are happy to announce that Judith Panlasigui has been named manager of the Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (MODVSA), a unit of our Safe and Thriving Communities division. Read more about Judith and her work at MODVSA.


Join us in recognizing Denim Day on April 24 

HSD Group photo taken for Denim Day 2023

In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Peace Over Violence a sexual and domestic violence, intimate partner stalking, child abuse and youth violence prevention center headquartered in Los Angeles. developed the Denim Day campaign in response to a case whereby a victim of sexual violence was blamed for her assault attributed to the jeans she was wearing. Community members and activists stood by the survivor by showing up the next day in denim. Learn more about the longest running sexual violence prevention and education campaign in history here. On Wednesday, April 24, wear denim!

Spotlights

Meet the Humans graphic featuring Dyllyn

Employee Spotlight: Dyllyn Werthan 

Meet Dyllyn Werthan, our Pre-Filing Sexual Assault Victim Advocate at Seattle Human Services. Learn about her commitment to supporting survivors and advocating for justice in our community. With a year of dedication, Dyllyn brings compassion and expertise to her role, empowering survivors during the law enforcement investigation stage. [Learn More] 

Seek then Speak a self-guided tool Sexual assault information when you need it. Begin reporting when you’re

City of Seattle Launches the Seek Then Speak Website 

In response to the critical need for empowering sexual assault survivors with confidential and trauma-informed reporting options, the City of Seattle is launching a localized version of the Seek Then Speak website. This innovative platform, developed by End Violence Against Women International, marks a pivotal step towards supporting survivors on their own terms[Learn More] 

Community Corner Graphic featuring KCSARC

Community Corner: King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC) 

This month, we shine a light on the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC), a beacon of hope for survivors of sexual assault. KCSARC assists about 5,000 survivors yearly, providing crisis support, advocacy, therapy, and more. Founded in 1976, KCSARC has grown to offer vital services, including bilingual support for BIPOC survivors. Investing in community-led work like KCSARC’s ensures survivors have the support they need to begin their journey towards healing. [Learn More] 

Meet the Humans behind the service graphic featuring Hannah Whitworth

Employee Spotlight: Hannah Whitworth 

Meet Hannah Whitworth, our dedicated Human Services Coordinator with 1 ½ years at Seattle Human Services. She plays a vital role in the Domestic Violence Intervention Project and the Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, collaborating to address critical community needs. Learn about Hannah’s desire to understand and improve the systems that affect our communities. [Learn More] 

News You Can Use

Civic Coffee: Summer Entertainments & Activities 

Join Age Friendly Seattle’s next Civic Coffee to learn about activities that’ll keep you engaged and entertained this summer. It’s on Tuesday, April 23 (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]

Graphic image in purple showing a hot steaming beverage and the word Civic Coffee with HSD and Seattle Public Library logos underneath

Learn More About King County’s New Buprenorphine Hotline 

King County launches a groundbreaking Bup Hotline in an effort to bridge the gap to opioid recovery. If you are 13 or older in King County, you can call 206-289-0287 anytime, day or night, to get a prescription. You’ll have a free phone visit with one of the 13 University of Washington Emergency Medicine physicians. Providers who are interested in learning more about how this call line works can register for an upcoming webinar and Q&A on Wednesday, April 3, at 12 p.m [Learn More]

BUP Hotline graphic 206-289-0287

Applications for SYEP Internships and Hosts Extended 

Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP), a unit within the Seattle Human Services Department, is searching for businesses to host interns during the summer season to support career development and professional growth. SYEP supports youth and young adults who live in and around the Seattle area early in their professional careers by pairing them with businesses in industries that interest them. The goal is to provide experiences to help youth get a head start as they begin their career journey[Learn More] 

SYEP Program logo graphic 2020 color revision

Property Tax Savings Can Help You Stay in Your Home 

Let your older family, friends, and neighbors who are a homeowners with low to moderate income, know that one of the biggest savings available to them is the Senior Property Tax Exemption program administered by the King County Department of Assessments. [Learn More] 

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Around the Blogosphere

HSD Links & Resources

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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

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Aging and Disability Services (Area Agency on Aging for Seattle & King County)