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James Donaldson Creating Campaign for Greater Awareness on Mental Health

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One In 5 College Students Suffered Suicide Thoughts
James Donaldson notes: I am turning more and more of my time and efforts towards mental health issues, especially pertaining to our young people and student-athletes.


Having gone through a recent bout of depression and suicidal thoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle

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A quarter of college students were diagnosed with mental health conditions within the past year, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. The report was released in the journal Depression & Anxiety on Thursday.

After surveying more than 67,300 students across 108 colleges in the U.S. during the spring semester of 2015, researchers found one in five students had suffered suicidal thoughts while nine percent reported having attempted suicide. Nearly 20 percent of those surveyed had inflicted harm of some sort on themselves.

Researchers said the startling numbers of students suffering from a mental health conduction was likely a factor of overwhelming stress after 75 percent of students reported facing at least one stressful event over the course of a year. A fifth of them reported battling at least six significantly stressful instances within the same time period.

Although stress, mental health conditions, suicidal thoughts, and self-inflicted harm were reported among all students, researchers found minorities of all races and genders to be at a higher risk. The study found transgender and bisexual students, in particular, were more vulnerable to suffering from mental disorders and suicidal thoughts after two-thirds reported harming themselves, while more than a third said they had attempted suicide.

The survey asked students how often they experienced stress, depression and anxiety in their daily lives and questioned if they had been diagnosed with mental health conditions in the past year. Stress-factors were based on traumatic events and moments of difficulty—whether personal or academically related—including financial hardship, career-related struggles, family disparities, self-esteem issues, health problems, trouble sleeping, intimate and social relationships and loss of a loved one.

A Centers for Disease Control report released in June said nearly 45,000 people in the U.S. died from suicide in 2016. The department found suicide was up all across the states between 1999 and 2016 while more than half of the U.S. saw a 30 percent increase in suicide. Of the deaths, more than 50 percent didn’t suffer from known mental health conditions.

The City of Seattle Awards $400,000 to Help Improve Digital Equity

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The Technology Matching Fund grants will be offered for the 21st year in a row to organizations in Seattle working on improving lives through technology literacy

Photo courtesy YouthCare, a 2018 recipient

The Seattle City Council unanimously approved $400,000 in Technology Matching Funds be awarded to 12 local organizations. These grants are given out annually to uphold the commitment by the City of Seattle as outlined in the Digital Equity Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to improve connectivity, digital skills training, and provide devices, and technology support to communities that might not have equitable access.

“Furthering technology equity and access is an important way to create opportunity for historically underserved neighborhoods,” said Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. “These investments allow our communities to capitalize on technology and job training while making a more inclusive city.”

This year, projects receiving funds will support a broad range of community-driven, collaborative solutions to achieve digital equity in Seattle. They will reach over 8,300 residents, including immigrants, refugees, seniors, youth, and people with disabilities.

“It’s a pleasure to be part of this process each year as we build this relationship with organizations that are making a difference in making technology more available to everyone,” said Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell. “We inch closer to digital equity each year when we allocate this funding. I’m especially pleased to see this funding package emphasizes programs that work with adults and youths experiencing homelessness.”

One recipient is YouthCare which will use their award of $49,940 to help young people experiencing homelessness with their employment and education goals.

“YouthCare is excited for this opportunity to use technology to help young people experiencing homelessness achieve their employment and education goals,” said Development and Communications Manager Jody Waits. “Lack of access to technology can be a significant barrier that homeless young people must navigate, and overcome, in their path to stability. This grant will allow YouthCare to bridge the digital equity gap so that homeless young people can have the tools and skills to get off the streets and find lasting career opportunities.”

City funding for the awards is matched by the community through additional cash, donations of hardware, software, supplies and labor. A one-half to one match is required of each organization receiving funding; however, the community contribution is often greater than the City’s support. This year’s projects are projected to provide more than $300,000 in community matching resources.

“It’s a pleasure to award these grants that help build vital skills like job hunting, helping kids with homework, and accessing government services,” said Tracye Cantrell, Acting Director of Seattle Information Technology. “Through increased outreach to the community, we saw a greater number of submissions this year from a diverse pool of applicants, which is exciting.”

Literacy Source received $32, 379 will expand their digital literacy classes to serve more adults with limited English proficiency.
“We’re thrilled to receive this grant to continue our work improving the literacy skills of the community we serve,” said Literacy Source Executive Director Lynn Livesley. “Developing these skills is critical to the personal growth of an individual and to the community’s overall economic outlook.”

The 2018 Technology Matching Fund award recipients and their projects:

Photo courtesy YouthCare, a 2018 recipient
  • Community Passageways: Technology Equity for Young Adults of Color
  • East African Community Services: 2018 Technology Matching Fund
  • Garinagu HounGua: Garifuna Digital Literacy Workshop Series
  • Helping Link: Mobile Computer and iPad Literacy Lab
  • Literacy Source: Open Doors – Increasing Basic Digital Literacy
  • Millionair Club Charity: Computer Lab Expansion/Update
  • PROVAIL: Adaptive Technology for Children with Disabilities
  • Seattle Neighborhood Group: Building Our Bridge: Crossing the Digital Divide
  • Somali Family Safety Task Force: 2018 Digital Literacy in West Seattle
  • South East Effective Development: Technology Builds Community
  • United Indians of All Tribes Foundation: Broadband and Public Computer/Internet Access
  • YouthCare: Employment Technology Supports for Homeless Youth (pictured above)

To learn more about the City of Seattle’s commitment to Digital Equity and the Technology Matching Fund, visit http://www.seattle.gov/tech/initiatives/digital-equity/technology-matching-fund.

Neighborhood & Community Arts grant

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Seattle offers an extraordinary array of arts and cultural events throughout its diverse neighborhoods and communities. The Office of Arts & Culture’s Neighborhood & Community Arts (NCA) Program supports creativity at a grassroots level by investing in recurring festivals or events that promote arts and cultural participation, celebrate diversity, build community connections, and enhance the visibility of neighborhoods through arts and culture.

Program Overview Workshops

Tuesday, August 28, 5:30-7:00pm
Douglass Truth Library 2300 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122
RSVP Here

Thursday, September 6, 5:30-7:00pm
Northgate Library 10548 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125
RSVP Here

Saturday, September 8, 11:00am-12:30pm
Southwest Branch Library 9010 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126
RSVP Here

Saturday, October 6, 11:00am-12:30pm
Rainier Beach Library 9125 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
RSVP Here

Want to cuddle a kitten? Come to “Kitty Hall” on Thursday, Aug. 30

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City Hall to become “Kitty Hall” for the day

Fifth annual Kitty Hall event return to raise awareness and encourage cat adoptions

CORRECTED: This post originally listed the event ending at 1:30 p.m. This has been updated to 1 p.m.

The kittens are back! The fifth annual Kitty Hall returns to Seattle on Thursday, Aug. 30. Mayor Jenny Durkan will issue a proclamation renaming City Hall as “Kitty Hall” for the day, and the public is invited to meet, greet and, of course, cuddle kittens.

WHAT: Seattle Animal Shelter’s Fifth Annual Kitty Hall
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
WHERE: Seattle Kitty Hall’s Bertha Knight Landes Room, 600 Fourth Ave.

Seattle Animal Shelter, which hosts the Kitty Hall event, will provide at least two tents where the public can spend a couple of minutes with roaming kittens. Also returning this year is the “Kitty Council,” which features adoptable adult cats vying to be named the “Kitty Council president.” The event will include a kitten photo booth and educational displays about the Seattle Animal Shelter and its programs, and Seattle residents will be able to purchase pet licenses for their cats and dogs.

“The Seattle Animal Shelter provides some amazing services for both the people of Seattle and all of their furry friends,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “Whether you’re looking to find your lost pet, purchase or renew a pet license or adopt a new pet for your family, the Seattle Animal Shelter is there for you. We are always looking for ways to make sure people are aware of the great work the shelter is doing in Seattle, and Kitty Hall is the PURR-fect opportunity to bring our pet-loving community together – and hopefully find good homes for some adorable kittens.”

Kitty Hall highlights the shelter’s foster care program and promotes shelter cat adoptions. Most of the kittens and the cats at Monday’s event will be available for adoption, and potential adopters at Kitty Hall can place “first choice” holds on their favorite kitten or cat.

“Kitty Hall is an amazing way for the Seattle Animal Shelter to highlight our adoptable kittens and cats and raise awareness about the lifesaving work that we do,” said Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter executive director. “But we also love this event because of the joy it creates. It’s a family-friendly place where you can cuddle kittens – what’s not to love?”

For cat-lovers who are unable to attend Kitty Hall in person, online voting is available for the Kitty Council President election. Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/kittyhall2018 to cast an online ballot. The Seattle Animal Shelter will also be live streaming parts of the event on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SeattleAnimalShelter/.

Seattle Animal Shelter created the first Kitty Hall in 2014. At least nine other cities and rescue organizations across the United States have since adopted the idea for their own Kitty Hall events.

The Seattle Animal Shelter, located at 2061 15th Ave. W., is open 1-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday for adoptions and licensing. For more information, call 206-386-PETS (7387) or visit http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

Free Dental, Vision and Medical Services Offered for People in Need

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Seattle/King County Clinic to occur one month earlier, Sept. 20 – 23.

Seattle/King County Clinic returns for a fifth year to KeyArena at Seattle Center with free dental, medical and eye care services for those who struggle to access or afford healthcare. It will be held Sept. 20 – 23, one month earlier than previous years.

The largest event of its kind in the State of Washington, Seattle/King County Clinic brings together over 100 healthcare organizations, civic agencies, nonprofit entities, private businesses and thousands of volunteers to help underserved and vulnerable populations with a goal of helping 4,000 people over the four-day period. Over the past four years, the Clinic has cared for 11,900 patients and provided $14 million in services.

“We’re hearing from the community that people of all backgrounds and circumstances have to make choices between housing, food and healthcare,” said Seattle/King County Clinic Director Julia Colson. “Amid the current affordability crisis in our region, the Clinic provides needed support, now more than ever.”

Statistics from previous years show that many patients who come to the Clinic do not have health insurance (49%), are unemployed (34%), and more than 60% are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. They come from all over the region, representing 262 unique zip codes and speaking 51 primary languages. Patients are parents, children, elders, veterans, immigrants, refugees, people living homeless and, in large part, wage-earners who struggle with the high cost of living.

As one patient last year stated, “We are the working poor and the financial burden of medical care in America is prohibitive. Even for those of us working full-time with very basic health insurance, there are services I need that I can’t afford.”

Here is how Seattle/King County Clinic works:

  • Clinic patients receive treatment on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Patients may park free of charge at two Seattle Center facilities, 1st Ave North and Mercer Street Parking Garages, on each day of the Clinic.
  • A giant heated tent on the roof of Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, located at the corner of 2nd Ave North and Thomas Street, serves as the ticket waiting and distribution area. Organizers distribute free admission tickets for the day beginning at 5 a.m. Tickets are limited.
  • Doors to KeyArena open at 6:30 a.m. Patients are admitted by ticket number into the Clinic.
  • Patients register as they enter. They do not need to show identification or proof of immigration status. Services are not limited to residents of Seattle and King County.
  • Inside KeyArena, all procedures and services are provided free of charge, and interpretation services are available for those who need them.
  • Patients cannot receive both dental and eye care in one day. They may return to the Clinic on other days for additional services.

Seattle/King County Clinic transforms the form and function of KeyArena. The licensed healthcare professionals and general support volunteers who staff it donate their time and expertise. Patients receive real, and in many instances, extensive care including dental fillings and extractions, eye examinations, physicals, behavioral healthcare and social work, prescription eyeglasses, immunizations, laboratory tests, mammograms, ultrasounds and x-rays and much more. Additional information is available at: www.seattlecenter.org/patients.

Seattle/King County Clinic is made possible through thousands of donated work hours as well as cash and in-kind contributions. Donations are accepted at: www.seattecenter.org. Healthcare professionals and general support volunteers may sign up for a variety of work shifts through an online registration system at: www.seattlecenter.org/volunteers.

“Seattle/King County Clinic is a beacon of caring and generosity,” says Christine Lindquist, Executive Director of Washington Healthcare Access Alliance. “It provides immediate dental, vision and medical care, and connects patients to resources beyond the clinic walls. It also raises awareness about who is left out of the current healthcare system and demonstrates the good we can accomplish when we work together as diverse partners to serve others and affect change.”

Learn more about Seattle/King County Clinic at www.seattlecenter.org/skcclinicor by calling (206) 684-7200.

Homes over Home Runs!

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Seattle Times reporter Danny Westneat and others have brought to light the absurdity of taxpayers paying $185 million for upgrades and luxury amenities to Safeco Field to enrich the wealthy owners of the Mariners.  Westneat Times article: Let’s listen to Seattle’s ‘real-estate rainmaker’ when he says $800M Safeco Field deal is terrible  Times article:  Safeco Field lease agreement too favorable for Mariners and must be redone, ex-PFD member says
Thank you to King County Councilmembers Larry Gossett, Jeanne Kohl-Wells and Dave Upthegrove for supporting $150 to $160 million of hotel motel tax revenue to be allocated for affordable housing that is desperately needed in King County.
Please contact  King County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci, Rob Dembowski, Kathy Lambert, Petter von Reichbauer, Joe McDermott, and Reagan Dunn.  Contact Info.  Ask them to support $160 million for affordable housing. This still leaves $25 million available to cover basic maintenance to Safeco Field stadium.
Count Us In, the 2018 point-in-time count for Seattle and King County, found a total of 12,112 people experiencing homelessness countywide. With the housing crisis, we must look for revenue sources to build low-income housing that is so desperately needed.

Pierce College at Puyallup ranking as one of the top 10 community colleges nationwide.

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How much is higher education worth? Judging by Census Bureau data quite a bit. The average associate’s degree holder earns 18% more than the average high school diploma holder. In dollar terms, that’s a difference of $5,400 per year. And while $5,400 may not seem like a life-changing amount, over time $5,400 per year can mean extra money in your savings account which can then be invested, either on your own or with a financial advisor. With the costs of four-year colleges rising, affordable community colleges are becoming increasingly attractive. But not every community college offers the same value.

 Pierce College at Puyallup ranking as one of the top 10 community colleges nationwide.

Last but not least is Pierce College at Puyallup. This community college serves students in Puyallup, Washington, a city about 10 miles southeast of Tacoma and 35 miles south of Seattle. Students who attend this college have about a 75% chance of graduating or transferring to a four-year institution.

However access to such high-quality education will cost a bit more than some of other schools in this study. The cost of in-state tuition for two semesters is just over $3,800, the highest sum of any school ranked in the top 10. That means students here may need to take out a larger student loan, but our analysis suggests the extra debt is well worth the education Pierce College at Puyallup provides.

 

Below we look at data on three separate metrics to find the best community colleges in America. We compared 798 community colleges across three metrics: graduation and transfer rate, cost and student-to-faculty ratio. Check out our data and methodology section to see where we got our data and how we put it together to create our final score.

This is SmartAsset’s fifth annual study of the nation’s best community colleges. Check out the 2017 version here.

Key Findings

  • North Carolina gets a good grade – North Carolina is home to six of the community colleges in the top 10. In last year’s analysis, we also found that North Carolina was a great state for community college students.
  • Community college is affordable – Across our 798 community colleges we examined in-state tuition and fees cost about $4,300. In-state tuition and fees at public 4-year institutions cost about 2.3 times as much on average.

1. College of Eastern Idaho

The College of Eastern Idaho, located in Idaho Falls, takes the top spot as the best community college in America. According to our data, 71% of students here either graduate or transfer to a four-year institution.

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) also reports that this college has a student-to-faculty ratio of four. That means any student studying here will have plenty of one-on-one time with their instructors.

2. James Sprunt Community College

James Sprunt Community College comes in second. This community college is located in Kenansville, a small town in southeastern North Carolina. The school ranks so well thanks to high graduation rates and low student-to-faculty ratios. In both of those metrics, it ranks in the top 40.

Plus, you won’t have to clean out your savings account to take classes here. In-state tuition and fees cost only $2,542 for two semesters.

3. Pamlico Community College

Last year’s top community college continues its tradition of being one of the best by taking the third spot in this year’s analysis. Affordability is a top priority for many community college attendees, and it’s tough to beat Pamlico when it comes to price.

According to our data, two semesters at Pamlico Community College will cost just under $1,900. With that kind of price you can get a quality education while keeping your checking account intact.

4. Arkansas State University at Mountain Home

Mountain Home, Arkansas residents looking for an affordable option for higher education don’t need to look too far. The local Arkansas State University at Mountain Home offers high-quality, low-cost education to residents in north-central Arkansas.

This two-year institution’s best grade came in its graduation and transfer rate. According to our data, 76% of students who attend this college either graduate or transfer to a four-year program.

5. East Mississippi Community College

Residents in eastern Mississippi have access to one of the best community colleges in the country, according to our data. IPEDS data shows that two semesters’ worth of classes in Eastern Mississippi Community College will cost $3,240, a relatively high amount for our top 10.

However, East Mississippi Community College gives its students plenty of bang for their buck. This community college has the best graduation and transfer rate in our top 10.

6. Cape Fear Community College

Attendees of Cape Fear Community College have nothing to worry about it when it comes to quality of education. This higher education institute has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12, and a graduation or transfer rate of 65%.

For both of those metrics, the school ranks in the top 50, which is the equivalent of scoring in the top 6%.

7. Montgomery Community College

Montgomery Community College is the fourth of six North Carolina-based schools to rank in this top 10. Located in Troy, the school offers classes in a wide range of subjects. It offers traditional classes in subjects like criminal justice, early childhood education and law enforcement, while also offering classes in atypical subjects like gunsmithing and taxidermy.

So this may be a good option for people looking for an off-the-beaten-path career. Montgomery Community College ranks seventh, thanks to scoring in the top quarter in all of the metrics.

8. Roanoke-Chowan Community College

Roanoke-Chowan Community College takes the eighth spot. This community college has gone by a few different names in the past, but has been around in one form or another since 1967. The school offers students a range of options from skills-based certifications to full two-year associate’s degrees. In total, the college has around 20 curricular programs students can choose from.

This community college ranked really well in student-to-faculty ratio and graduation rate, which is why it claimed a top 10 spot. In both of those metrics, Roanoke-Chowan Community College ranked in the top 80.

9. Western Piedmont Community College

Western Piedmont Community College takes ninth. This institution of higher learning is located in Morganton, North Carolina, a town of around 17,000 residents situated east of Lake James State Park. Western Piedmont Community College’s best scores came in graduation and transfer rate and student-faculty ratio. In each of those metrics Western Piedmont scores in the top 15% of community colleges.

10. Pierce College-Puyallup

Last but not least is Pierce College at Puyallup. This community college serves students in Puyallup, Washington, a city about 10 miles southeast of Tacoma and 35 miles south of Seattle. Students who attend this college have about a 75% chance of graduating or transferring to a four-year institution.

However access to such high-quality education will cost a bit more than some of other schools in this study. The cost of in-state tuition for two semesters is just over $3,800, the highest sum of any school ranked in the top 10. That means students here may need to take out a larger student loan, but our analysis suggests the extra debt is well worth the education Pierce College at Puyallup provides.

 

Data and Methodology

In order to create our rankings of the best community colleges in America, we analyzed data on 798 community colleges. We compared these schools across the following three metrics:

  • Student-to-faculty ratio. This is the number of students for every faculty member. Data comes from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and is for the 2016 – 2017 school year.
  • Graduation and transfer rate. This is the percent of students who either graduate from the community college or transfer to a four-year institution. Data comes from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and is for the 2016-2017 school year.
  • Cost of tuition and fees. This is the cost of tuition and fees for in-state students completing two semesters of coursework. Data comes from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and is for the 2017-2018 school year.

To create our final ranking, we gave each community college a score in each of the metrics based on how far above or below the mean they were. We used the sum of these numbers to create our final ranking. The community college with the highest cumulative score received a score of 100. The community college with the lowest score received a 0.

Tips for Maximizing Your Saving

  • Utilize high-yield savings accounts – While community college is a great way to save money on your education there are ways to stretch your savings even further. One way is to move your savings to a high-interest-rate account. Online banks in particular tend to offer the best rates. For example, Ally savings accounts come with a 1.75% APY and no minimum deposit.
  • Look into certificates of deposit – Certificates of deposit (CDs) are another safe investment which offers interest rates higher than your standard savings account. The downside to CDs is that you cannot take your money out until the end of the CD’s term without incurring a hefty penalty. The upside is that CDs typically come with interest rates above 2%. The Capital One 360 2-Year CD Account, for example, offers a 2.5% APY.
  • Get an expert opinion – If you really want to squeeze every last penny out of your savings, it may be a good idea to talk to an expert. A financial advisor can help you decide not only how to maximize your savings but also how to leverage those savings into a secure retirement, or a down payment on a home. Check out SmartAsset’s financial advisor matching tool if you are unsure of where to find a financial advisor. Our tool will match you with up to three local financial advisors who have an expertise in your specific areas of need.

Questions about our study? Contact us at press@smartasset.com.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/JohnnyGreig

DEREK MILLER, CEPF®Derek Miller is a graduate of the University of Edinburgh where he studied economics. He is passionate about using data to help people make better financial decisions. Derek is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance® (CEPF®) and a member of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. He is a data journalist whose expertise is in finding the stories within the numbers. Derek’s writing has been featured on Yahoo, AOL, and Huffington Post. He believes the biggest financial mistake people make is waiting too late to save for retirement and missing out on the wonders of compounding interest. Derek lives in Brooklyn.

Volunteer for the Big Day of Play, our biggest day of free community recreational play!

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Presented by Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Get Moving Initiative with support from Kaiser Permanente, Big Day of Play will be held on Saturday, August 18 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Rainier Community Center and Playfields.

Big Day of Play is a celebration of our City’s diversity and it encourages neighbors, communities and families to have fun, build relationships and be active together.

This event cannot happen without YOU, our special Seattle Parks and Recreation Volunteers!

Make new friends and bond with your community while helping make the Big Day of Play a success. Volunteers will receive free snacks, event swag, and a free swim at Seattle Parks and Recreation’s pools for your time and support.

Volunteers and groups are needed for:

  • Aquatics and Science at the Mt. Baker Rowing & Sailing Center
  • Composting Stations
  • Guest Greeter/Floating Support
  • Surveyors/Data Collection
  • Water Slide and Inflatables Crowd Support
  • Field Activities
  • 1st Aid Station
  • Photography/Videography
  • and much more!

Shifts are available throughout the day! Register for a 2-hour or 4-hour shifts between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., and spend the rest of your day at play. Please click here to register. For more information about volunteering, call 206-233-3955 or email jennifer.romo@seattle.gov.

Night Out

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Night Out is a national event promoted in Seattle by Seattle Police Department Crime Prevention. It is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness, increase neighborhood support in anti-crime efforts, and unite our communities.

Night Out is Tuesday, August 7, 2018.

Registration is now open, and will close August 6th, at 5:00PM.

Night Out is August 7, 2018

 

Get Ready for Night Out!

    1. Register for the event
      To participate in Night Out and to have your street closed for the event, you must officially register your Night Out event with the City of Seattle.

      Registration is open until 5:00PM Monday August 6, 2018

    2. Put your event on the map
      Using this form will place your event on a citywide map that other people can view to see the Night Out events around town. Adding your event to the map does not mean you are registered. It may take up to 24 hours for your event to appear on the map. Please keep in mind:

      • Information you provide on the map will be public, including your contact information.
      • Adding your event to the map may increase the amount of media coverage and third party representatives of groups, elected officials and organizations visiting your event.

    3. View the map
      Even if you don’t put your own party on the map, you can see where other Night Out parties are going on around town.

    4. Download Materials
      The Night Out website has Invites, Street Closure signs and Night Out logos you can download and use for your event.

New partnership to provide job training and resources for transgender community

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 Seattle Office of Economic Development announced a first-of-its-kind partnership to support economic development within the transgender community with Ingersoll Gender Center. The partnership will provide Ingersoll with $100,000 in new funding to provide job coaching, training, gender affirming clothes and other support for transgender and gender non-conforming workers in Seattle.

“We are proud to partner with Ingersoll Gender Center, who have been doing incredible work in the transgender community for decades,” said Rebecca Lovell, Acting Director of the Office of Economic Development. “With this new support from the City, Ingersoll will be able to meaningfully expand their vital services and further our shared goal of achieving equity throughout our diverse workforce.”

“Trans and gender non-conforming communities have been navigating barriers to employment like ID documents, discrimination, institutional violence, and harassment for decades,” said Ingersoll’s Economic Justice Coordinator Grayson Crane. “It is exciting to offer resources that allow trans and gender non-conforming people to build our own lives on our own terms which, in this case, includes seeking and obtaining work within their values. Ingersoll envisions a world in which trans and gender non-conforming people are able to build and determine the course of their own lives—this partnership leverages important resources from the city to continue and advance the care work that our communities have created and held.”

Transgender and gender non-conforming community members face barriers in many aspects of their lives, impacting their ability to participate fully in the local economy. According a 2015 report from the National Center for Transgender Equality, 14 percent of transgender and non-conforming respondents in Washington reported being unemployed, compared to the 4.6 percent unemployment rate of the general public. The number was even higher for black respondents, at 26 percent. Further, 16 percent of respondents reported having lost a job in their lifetime due to their gender identity or expression.

This partnership with the City substantially expands the reach of Ingersoll’s Seattle Trans Economic Empowerment Program (STEEP) and invests in strategies that directly address the challenges transgender people face in the workplace. In the next year, Ingersoll will provide individual job skills coaching sessions, host workshops focused on developing soft job skills, support job fairs, and provide access to gender affirming professional attire.

Ingersoll will also host monthly legal clinics focused on addressing issues with legal identity documents, including support for transgender people who have faced criminal charges at some point. At the same time, Ingersoll will expand its education and outreach efforts with local employers to foster safe, supportive work environments for transgender and gender-diverse employees. Businesses can reach out to Ingersoll at info@ingersollgendercenter.org to learn more.

Ingersoll Gender Center is an organization of, by and for transgender and gender diverse people that has been supporting its community since 1977. Up to this point, Ingersoll has been primarily volunteer-driven and had limited staffing and organizational capacity. This new funding allows Ingersoll to substantially build out the STEEP program, creating program metrics, sustainable practices, and sustainable fundraising strategies.