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You are here: Home / 2017 / Archives for April 2017

Archives for April 2017

Join Amara, NAAM, and others in the community in a conversation addressing the needs Black children in foster care. Saturday, May 6 at NAAM.

April 25, 2017 by NWFacts 2 Comments

iStock_000013464254XLargeIn our community, children unfortunately end up in foster care when their parents are not able to care for them.
We rely on foster families to provide the love, support, and a stable home they need until they can safely return home or when they are adopted.

There is a critical need for Black families to become foster parents. In our State, around 9,000 children are in foster care. Of these children, 16% are Black but only 6.5% of foster families are Black. Research shows that kids do better when they maintain their cultural identity.

Anyone can be a foster parent – you just need an open heart and mind. You can:

  • Be single or married, or have a partner
  • Rent, live in an apartment/condo, or own your home
  • Have an income that is at or above the rate set to qualify for state benefits. For a family of two, this is $20,472.

Have questions? Join Amara, NAAM, and others in the community in a conversation about how we can address the needs of Black children in foster care.  The event is on Saturday, May 6th, from 10am-noon at NAAM.

Or if you have space in your home and life for a child in foster care, please contact Amara for more information (206-260-1700, amara@amaraparenting.org )

Filed Under: African American, Community, Community News, Featured Stories, Front Page Slider, LifeStyle, News, Northwest

Increasing odds of success for those leaving prison – Reentry Day and one-year report highlight state’s recidivism efforts

April 23, 2017 by NWFacts 1 Comment

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Melissa Jolley knows firsthand that serving your time and being released from prison do not mean you get a clean slate.

Jolley, 43, was one of those parents who showed up to all of the PTA meetings and sporting events to cheer on her three kids. But behind closed doors, she was on a dangerous downward spiral that she says led her to the “loneliest, hardest road there is for people who want to make a change.”
Jolley ended up in the criminal justice system for property crimes she committed while battling addiction. She said she turned to drugs after an abusive relationship left her with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Jolley served more than four years in prison, but relapsed immediately following her release and was returned to custody within months. She was most recently released last summer.
Her story is a common one. The state Department of Corrections has nearly 17,000 individuals in custody, and nearly 7,800 of them will be released from prison this year. Around one-third of individuals released from prison eventually go back, meaning more crime, more costs to the state and more broken families.
Like Jolley, 55 percent are parents. They will struggle with finding a job, housing, transportation and community support when they are released. The reasons are varied but one thing has become clear for state leaders: incarcerated individuals who enroll in training or education programs in prison and receive support for housing and employment after their release are less likely to commit new crimes.
In 2015, Gov. Jay Inslee signed Executive Order 16–05, “Building Safe and Strong Communities Through Successful Re-entry” one year ago to improve how agencies work together to help people successfully return to their community after leaving prison.

The order directs state agencies to develop reentry-focused orientation programs for every released individual and develop a statewide correctional post-secondary education and apprenticeship plan.
This week, the governor’s office released its first annual report highlighting the progress of each state agency’s work since the executive order was signed. Some of the achievements of this Executive Order include the Department of Corrections developing release plans, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges helping individuals learn more about the internet and computers, and the Employment Security Department implementing workforce re-entry programs.

Filed Under: Community, Community News, News, Northwest, Politics

Inslee names Lisa van der Lugt director of Commission on Hispanic Affairs

April 23, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

 Lisa van der Lugt director of Commission on Hispanic Affairs
Lisa van der Lugt director of Commission on Hispanic Affairs

Gov. Jay Inslee today named Lisa van der Lugt director of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs. Van der Lugt has served as acting director since December when Uriel Iniguez resigned to take a position with the Department of Labor and Industries.

Prior to joining the commission, van der Lugt served as manager of the state efficiency and environmental performance program at the Department of Enterprise Services. Her extensive experience in state government includes directing special projects for Results Washington, serving as special assistant to Inslee and working as federal and small business liaison at the Employment Security Department. Van der Lugt also served as chief of staff to Melinda Gates at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and worked for Inslee when he was a member of Congress.

“Lisa is a great choice for this role. In addition to her years of experience, she has deep roots and working knowledge of issues that impact the Hispanic community. She grew up in Yakima and I know that she understands the needs of all Washingtonians in each corner of this state,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Lisa will work hard every day to make our state more inclusive and ensure that the needs of the Hispanic community are heard and met.”

“Lisa brings a passion for our community with strong experience in public policy and government. I look forward to working together with Lisa to advance issues that are important to Latinos,” Andres Mantilla, Chair of the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.

“We need leaders like Lisa who care deeply for our community and are able to bring diverse stakeholders together in open dialogue and collaboration that address real-life situations,“ said CEO of SeaMar Community Health Centers and University of Washington Regent Rogelio Riojas. “Additionally, Lisa’s strong public policy, outreach and organizational management skills will serve the commission well. I look forward to continuing our partnership with the Commission on Hispanic Affairs.”

“Lisa is a trusted and a well-respected Latina who grew up in the Yakima Valley. She was raised in an activist home, where farm-worker rights and early childhood education were championed at the local, state and federal level. Lisa can be counted on to bring people together to find solutions to difficult problems,” said former state Rep. Phyllis Gutiérrez-Kenney. “Now, more than ever, we need someone in this role who can ensure that those most vulnerable in our community are protected from current efforts that could jeopardize their well-being.”

“I am very pleased to hear of the governor’s appointment of Lisa,” said Jesus Sanchez, senior vice president of economic development and government affairs for SeaMar Community Health Centers. “Her experience at the state and congressional level, and understanding political processes and administrative functions, will serve the office of CHA and the Latino community well. As a former director in Gov. Inslee’s cabinet, I worked with Lisa and know well the strengths and abilities she brings to this office.”

Van der Lugt attended Central Washington University and is active in alumni activities. She serves on the Washington State Business Diversity Subcabinet for Inslee, the Washington State Adult Education Advisory Council and the Washington State Minority and Justice Commission. She is an adviser to the Latino Leadership Network for Washington state employees.

Filed Under: Community, Community News, News, Northwest, Politics

Property taxes due for first half of 2017

April 23, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

 

Property owners in King County have until Monday, May 1 to pay the first half of their 2017 property taxes. After that date, interest charges and penalties will be added to the tax bill.

To make the process easier, King County provides several ways for taxpayers to pay their taxes quickly and conveniently. Tax payments can be made:

Online using King County’s convenient, secure online eTax application. Taxpayers may pay accounts with a credit card or an electronic debit from a checking account.

By mail if postmarked no later than May 1, 2017. Taxpayers should include their tax statement and write the property tax account number on their check or money order. Cash should not be sent through the mail.

At King County Community Service Centers if paid by check for the exact amount due. Taxpayers can find the address, phone number, and operating hours of the center in their area by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/CSC.

In person at Treasury Operations, sixth floor of the King County Administration Building, 500 Fourth Ave. in Seattle. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Friday, April 28, and Monday, May 1, Treasury Operations will be open until 5 p.m.

The online option provides immediate payment confirmation for current year or delinquent year(s) property tax bills. To pay online or view property tax information, taxpayers can visit www.kingcounty.gov/propertytax.

For questions about missing tax statements or other tax payment information, visitwww.kingcounty.gov/propertytax, contact King County Treasury Operations by email at kingcountytreasurer@kingcounty.gov, or contact a customer service specialist at206-263-2890.

Information on senior citizen exemption and deferral programs can be obtained from the King County Assessor’s Office at exemptions.assessments@kingcounty.gov or206-296-3920.

Filed Under: Beauty

Rethinking juvenile justice: state kicks off effort to address increasing racial disparities

April 23, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

unnamed (12)While juvenile arrests in Washington state have decreased in recent years, racial disparity in the system has increased. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice, youth of color are far more likely to be arrested, prosecuted and found guilty of a crime and sent to a state facility than white youth. Despite the fact that black youth make up 6 percent of the population, they now account for 44 percent of cases in juvenile court. It’s a trend that state leaders say is unacceptable and requires action. They gathered to discuss the issue at the Smart on Juvenile Justice Reform project launch at the University of Washington Tacoma on March 30.

Read the rest of this story on Medium.com/wagovernor.

Filed Under: Community, Community News, News, Northwest, Politics

GOVERNORS URGE QUICK RESOLUTION OF FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID TOOL OUTAGE Millions of college applicants potentially affected by service interruption between now and Fall 2017

April 23, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

 

Gov. Jay Inslee
Gov. Jay Inslee

The National Governors Association (NGA) today released a statement on the Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the IRS estimate will be offline through the fall:

“Governors agree it is critical to secure taxpayer information and understand the challenge of maintaining strong data systems. The nation’s governors call on the IRS and ED to leverage all available resources and bring the DRT back online before the fall. In addition, all possible options should be explored to provide students and institutions with a short-term solution until this issue is permanently resolved.

As governors work to make college more affordable and expand access to higher education, the FAFSA DRT outage creates a significant barrier for millions of students and their families. Those burdens and the institutional verifications triggered by the absence of the DRT could delay or hinder the federal student aid process at colleges and universities across the country. Delays could also complicate state-based financial aid awards because of states’ reliance on federal student aid data to make determinations. No matter how quickly the issues with the DRT are addressed, NGA asks the ED specifically to take the following actions to mitigate the effects of this outage on students and institutions:

  • Provide clear step-by-step guidance for students completing FAFSA applications and institutions that will be asked to verify student FAFSA applications to assist each with the application process until the DRT is restored;
  • Take additional steps to prepare the Federal Student Aid Call Center for an increased volume of student and institution inquiries and ensure operators are equipped to walk applicants through DRT alternatives; and
  • Increase institutional flexibility for student income verification requirements while colleges and universities experience a likely increased volume of verifications during the DRT outage.”

Filed Under: News, Northwest, Politics

Mayor Murray debuts What Works Cities film on Seattle’s efforts to improve contract performance of homeless service providers

April 23, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

 

Mayor Ed Murray debuted a Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities film in New York City featuring the City of Seattle’s first effort in a decade to re-bid all homeless service contracts to better ensure providers meet performance goals and have a proven, data-driven record of placing people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing. In 2016, Mayor Murray created the Performance Seattle team to increase accountability in carrying out day-to-day City business and to give City departments the tools and information to become more efficient, effective and accountable. The team has been working with Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab to pilot a new approach with how the City contracts with homeless service providers. Working with a small number of providers, the team has worked to consolidate contracts with service providers, restructure contracts to prioritize placement into permanent housing, and improve the use of data to pinpoint, and fund, what works.
Mayor Murray is in New York City this week attending the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities 2017 Summit, which brings together leading city policymakers from across the country to discuss, share, and explore best practices that increase performance and effectiveness of local governments. Founded in 2015, What Works Cities is a national initiative to help American cities enhance their use of data to improve services, inform decision making, and engage residents, ultimately helping leaders identity and invest in what works.

Filed Under: Community, Community News, News, Northwest

Neighborhood Matching Fund Announces Upcoming Workshops for Community Groups

April 23, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Neighborhood Matching Fund Staff
Neighborhood Matching Fund Staff

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is hosting three workshops for community groups interested in learning more about ourNeighborhood Matching Fund(NMF). This year, NMF will award 3.2 million dollars to community-led projects that strengthen our communities, such as cultural festivals, improvements to community spaces, public art, community organizing, and much more. Several enhancements have been made to the Fund this year including a simpler application, added flexibility, increased access to the funds, and faster review and award processing.

Each workshop will provide an overview of the program requirements and application process. The workshops occur from 6 – 7:30 p.m. To RSVP, call 206-733-9916 or go online at surveymonkey.com/r/8WF9SYK. The dates and locations are as follows:

Wednesday, May 17
Greenwood Senior Center (525 N 85th St, 98103)

Thursday, June 1
Columbia City Library, Columbia Room (4721 Rainier Ave S, 98118)

NMF has two funds – the Small Sparks Fund and the Community Partnership Fund.

  • The Community Partnership Fund provides funding up to $100,000 with two more opportunities to apply in 2017. The next Community Partnership Fund deadline for applications is Monday, June 26 at 5 p.m.
  • The Small Sparks Fund provides funding up to $5,000 per project, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This fund is perfect for community activities forSpring Clean, Night Out, Parking Day, and others.

More than 5,000 projects have occurred across the city since this program began in 1988. To learn more about the Neighborhood Matching Fund and its support to community-initiated projects, visit seattle.gov/neighborhoods/neighborhood-matching-fund. If you have questions about the program, call 206-233-0093 or email NMFund@seattle.gov.

Filed Under: Community, Community News, News, Northwest

People’s Academy for Community Engagement Now Accepting Applications

April 23, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Deadline to apply for Spring Quarter is May 8. Classes begin May 27.

Jamilla-Walk-the-Line-300x200 Andrea-Victor-Deborah-and-Nnenna-300x200Seattle Department of Neighborhoods is accepting applications to the People’s Academy for Community Engagement(PACE), our civic leadership development program for the next wave of community leaders. The Spring Quarter begins May 27 and runs through June 24.

During the 5-week program, 25-30 emerging leaders (18 years and up) will learn hands-on strategies for community building, accessing government, and inclusive engagement from experts in the field. PACE has a strong focus on Seattle’s community and neighborhood organizations and the city’s governmental structure and processes.

Spring Quarter will be held on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. Topics include: Approaches to Leadership, Accessing City Government, Community Organizing, Inclusive Outreach and Public Engagement, Public Speaking, Conflict Resolution, and more.

Tuition for the 5-week program is $100. Tuition assistance is available. To apply, visitseattle.gov/PACE. Applications for all quarters are accepted on a rolling basis. The application deadline for the upcoming Spring Quarter is Monday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m.

Given the popularity of the program, PACE is offered three times a year: winter, spring and fall. For more information, visit our webpage and for questions, emailPACE@seattle.gov.

Filed Under: Community, Community News, News, Northwest

Announcing Our New Community Engagement Coordinators

April 23, 2017 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

NDC-300x300Seattle is a city known for its neighborhoods. We have a long history of outreach and engagement through a system of recognition and support for neighborhood and business associations. This history is valuable. It is part of who we were and who we are.

Our Neighborhood District Coordinators, a key pillar of our outreach and engagement efforts, have played an instrumental role in that history. But as our city and its people continue to grow and change, our outreach and engagement strategies need to change with them. This means looking at what we do, how we do it, and being open to doing things differently.

For the last eight months, we have been working closely with our Neighborhood District Coordinators to do just that. We have refreshed their roles and job descriptions to better capture the important work they do and ensure that we are moving toward more equitable and inclusive outreach and engagement practices.

With that said, we are happy to announce our Community Engagement Coordinators. While their titles have changed, the exemplary service that you are accustomed to will remain the same. Our Coordinators are now housed with the rest of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, but they will still be out in the communities, meeting with neighbors, assisting with groups, and serving as liaisons. They will still be accessible by their same phone numbers and emails. They are still your connection, providing the essential link to government, and responding to your questions and concerns. And yes, they will still be engaging the community just as their title says.

Your designated Community Engagement Coordinator and their contact information is listed below:

North Sector (Council Districts 4, 5, 6)
Laurie Ames, Laurie.Ames@seattle.gov or 206.684.0320

Central Sector (Council Districts 3,7)
Karen Ko, Karen.Ko@seattle.gov or 206.233.3732

South Sector (Council Districts 1,2)
Yun Pitre, Yun.Pitre@seattle.gov or 206.386.1924

Citywide
Capacity Building Support
Thomas Whittemore, Thomas.Whittemore@seattle.gov or 206.684.4096

This is a long time coming, but we are excited about these improvements. This will allow us to be more responsive and better serve the needs of the neighborhoods and communities throughout Seattle.

Filed Under: Community, Community News, News, Northwest

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