King County Affinity Group celebrates National LGBTQ+ History Month by highlighting activist Dede Oetomo
In honor of October being National LGBTQ+ History Month, the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group plans to celebrate a different individual every week. This week, the group highlights Dede Oetomo, an Indonesian LGBTQ+ rights activist who founded both Lambda Indonesia and Gaya Nusantara, organizations that support LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones. Learn more about Oetomo and other LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history by visiting this calendar celebrating LGBTQ+ History. If you are interested in getting connected to the LGBTQ+ community at King County, consider reaching out to the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group at LGBTQ@kingcounty.gov. Learn more about King County… Read More
School-to-Work program connects students with disabilities to employers
Since 2005, the King County School-to-Work program has been partnering with businesses to hire students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, both strengthening and diversifying their workforce. The effort brings together schools, state, and employment agencies to connect students with employment services while still in their high school transition programs. “Our motto is jobs by June,” said coordinator Richard Wilson, “and the program is designed to assist students to find paid employment before leaving school.” Currently, the School-to-Work program is serving its 18th cohort of students. Throughout the years, they’ve placed students in… Read More
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is Monday, Oct. 10
Starting this year, King County government will observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a new annual paid holiday on the second Monday in October, which falls on Oct. 10 in 2022. This new holiday provides an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history and the institutionalized practices and policies that continue to harm Indigenous people today. It will also help us further our understanding of Indigenous heritage and culture, and the many ongoing contributions of Indigenous people in our region. Look for opportunities to learn more about the heritage and… Read More
Understanding and supporting people with substance abuse disorder
Public Health – Seattle and King County has a training resource hub for understanding and supporting people with substance use disorders (addiction). The site contains short videos, recorded webinars, clinical guidelines, and educational materials. There are also links to order supplies for programs, and a toolkit for providing naloxone (Narcan) training to your team, clients, or the public. Read more.
Community Conversations with Tony Ventrella
Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s Office Weekly Newsletter Local TV personality and host of Community Conversations, Tony Ventrella, recently met with Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall for an episode of Community Conversations, produced by King County TV. Their discussion covered a variety of topics including recruiting efforts by the department, community engagement, and collaboration with local organizations. Watch the entire episode below.
Making a more welcoming downtown civic campus
Updated Sept. 22, 2022 As more employees return to downtown workspaces, additional patrols by King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies around the downtown civic campus are making the area a more welcoming space for employees and community members. Sheriff’s deputies are providing regular patrols on foot and bicycle between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. The three priorities for these patrols are: In addition to public safety, these deputies and sergeants have also helped people who are returning downtown for work and visiting with things like directions to local businesses… Read More
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it’s a reminder for all of us of the importance of checking in on each other and seeking support in times of crisis. This year, the new 988 number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline went into effect. Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need, and sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic only increased the mental health challenges we face. 988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress. That… Read More
September is Nationial Recovery Month — Join Us as #KingCountyGoesPurple
National Recovery Month celebrates all those on a recovery journey and spreads a message of hope to people, families, and communities. At King County Department of Community and Human Services, particularly the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, our shared vision is to ensure that everyone in King County has a path to achieving and sustaining recovery to live full and healthy lives. Read more.
DNRP employees receive praise for considerate customer service
Two employees from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), Parks Division, were recently highlighted on LinkedIn for the positive and friendly way in which they interacted with a King County resident. While replacing old benches with wood repurposed from parks around the county, carpenters Rob Lohr and Wojciech Maciejewski were approached by a resident who enjoyed their professionalism and courtesy. Here is the original recognition posted on LinkedIn, and here is a brief video of the excellent carpentry work they do.
King County’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan survey
King County is starting a once-a-decade update to its Comprehensive Plan, which guides where people live, work, and play in unincorporated King County. To ensure that King County will be a welcoming community where every person can thrive, the 2024 update will focus on policies related to racial equity, affordable housing, and climate change. To achieve this goal, King County employees and residents are encouraged to participate in a survey to provide input. Click here to learn more.
Employee News 