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Director's Note—June 2024
June presents a powerful opportunity to embrace and uplift two significant observances: Pride Month and Gun Violence Awareness Month. The first offers us moments to celebrate and both are an opportunity to honor, reflect and act towards a more inclusive and safer community for all.
Seattle’s rich history of advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ rights are something we can all take pride in. The Human Services Department (HSD) remains steadfast in its commitment to creating an environment where everyone can live authentically and fearlessly. I look forward to seeing HSD employees and community partners participate in events and activities happening throughout the city this month, including the Seattle Pride Parade and PrideFest. These celebrations are about more than visibility; they are a testament to our unwavering dedication to equality and justice for all.
June also brings our attention to Gun Violence Awareness Month. Friday, June 7th is designated as Gun Violence Awareness Day. This is a solemn time to acknowledge the deep impact gun violence has on our communities and to strengthen our resolve to create a safer Seattle. The Human Services Department invests in community violence intervention programs that include critical incident response, trauma-informed case management, and hospital-based intervention.
I invite you to join me in wearing orange from June 7th to June 9th as a simple yet powerful act of solidarity. By doing so, we honor the lives lost to gun violence and raise awareness of this pressing issue. Let’s also take this time to engage in meaningful conversations about how we can collectively address this issue and support survivors.
Finally, on June 19th for the third consecutive year, the City of Seattle will recognize Juneteenth as a formal holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and is a symbol of the resilience of the Black community. There are several events marking this day of significance, hosted around the City:
These events, among others, offer us a chance to honor our past and look forward to a unified future.
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 Employee Spotlight: Adam Aba-Husain
Meet Adam Aba-Husain, a dedicated public servant in HSD’s Aging and Disability Services (ADS) Grants and Contracts Unit. His work is driven by a passion for human rights, racial equity, and gender equality. As a Kuwaiti immigrant and Seattle resident, Adam believes in connecting people with resources and fostering positive relationships. Explore Adam’s journey and contributions. [Learn More]
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 Employee Spotlight: Alexis Izor
Meet Alexis Izor, a Senior Grants and Contracts Specialist in HSD’s Youth and Family Empowerment (YFE) division. With a strong background working with nonprofits, Alexis is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities. They valuetheir roles, contributing to HSD’s goals of equity and inclusion. [ore]
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 Employee Spotlight: Shawn Neal
Meet Shawn Neal, the Grants and Contracts Supervisor for the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (MODVSA) team in HSD’s Safe and Thriving Communities (STC) division. With 11 years in nonprofit work focusing on HIV prevention and case management, Shawn continues to serve the community in new ways. Shawn is a co-founder of the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group at HSD, committed to racial equity and creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ staff to discuss intersecting identities. [Learn More]
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 Community Corner: GenPride
This month, we spotlight GenPride, dedicated to ensuring that older LGBTQ+ adults in Seattle and King County live with pride and dignity. GenPride promotes, connects, and develops programs and services to enhance belonging and support, eliminate discrimination, and honor the unique lives of our community’s elders. By providing wellness programs, daily living assistance, and culturally competent training to health providers, GenPride is a beacon of hope and support for LGBTQ+ elders across the region. Learn More]
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New City Investments in Post-Overdose Recovery Facility
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Mayor Bruce Harrell announced new City investments in post-overdose recovery facilities and enhanced mobile addiction treatment services. This initiative, deploying a new mobile medical van to Pioneer Square and piloting post-overdose services starting this month, is backed by $7 million in capital funds aimed at facility improvements. [Learn More] |
Civic Coffee: Nutrition
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Join Age Friendly Seattle’s next Civic Coffee to learn practical tips to help you maintain a healthy and balanced diet. It’s on Monday, June 10th (1:30–3:00 p.m.). All are welcome! Attend in person at the Ethiopian Community in Seattle (8323 Rainier Ave S, Seattle) and enjoy light refreshments, or join online. [Learn More] |
Increasing Alzheimer’s Awareness among People of African Descent
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Alzheimer’s disproportionately impacts Blacks, African Americans, and Indigenous persons, who are twice as likely to receive a dementia diagnosis compared to non-Hispanic whites. The Washington State Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias 2023–2028 underscores the need for health equity. Memory Sunday, observed on the second Sunday in June, raises awareness about cognitive health within Black and African American faith communities. Join us in spreading awareness and supporting equitable brain health initiatives. [Learn More] |
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