Program helps young people mend family relationships, stay out of detention
A young person can act violently in the home for all kinds of reasons. FIRS – Family Intervention and Restorative Services – is an innovative King County program that works to address the underlying issues that led the youth to in-home violence and keep them out of juvenile detention. “Domestic violence can be pretty complex and it’s not just as simple as a kid acting badly and being violent in the home – sometimes it is – but more often there is a bunch of other factors at play,” said Jeremy Crowe,… Read More
First workshop for US–The Untold Story Project is March 29
US-The Untold Story was launched last month as the most recent installment of the Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Literary Project, which uses the empathic power of story to initiate discussions of race and racism. The project aligns with the county’s goal to “confront the historical and racial inequities that continue to exist in our community and our organization.” Such inequities lead to “adverse outcomes and conditions for communities of color compared to white communities.” For this reason, The Untold Story project invites members of communities of color within the community of… Read More
Women’s History Month proclaimed by Council
The King County Council is proclaiming March as Women’s History Month. The vote occurred on the same day the council took yet another significant step in making the county code gender-neutral. The council took the opportunity to celebrate the historic contributions that women of every race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background have made, and continue to make, in the growth, and strength of King County, Washington State, our nation, and around the world. “While celebrating how far we’ve come we must also acknowledge the work that remains to be done,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles…. Read More
Kudos! RASKC assists homeless residents with pets
As part of outreach to local homeless shelters, RASKC received a request for assistance from a homeless-in-cars shelter at Lake Washington United Methodist Church (LWUMC) in Kirkland. LWUMC had been able to secure complimentary dog grooming at a local business for two residents’ dogs, but the dogs required current rabies vaccinations and documentation to attend. RASKC was able to coordinate a veterinarian visit during a Friday commute. This effort further demonstrates King County’s commitment to equity and social justice, and helping people experiencing homelessness to be able to keep their animal companions healthy and… Read More
Op-ed: Our antiquated tax system can be changed and made fair for all
In a joint Seattle Times op-ed with King County Assessor John Wilson, Executive Constantine calls on the Legislature to create a fairer tax system. Here is an excerpt: “Hiking property taxes in Democratic King County was the former Republican state Senate majority’s parting gift — a neat solution to addressing the Supreme Court’s order to better fund schools statewide. While next year the taxes may actually decrease in other areas of the state, higher property values in King County mean that won’t be the case for most of our region’s homeowners. But,… Read More
Public Health program provides education for caregivers, opportunities to succeed for children
Promoting the health and development of children, families and child care staff is a priority for King County. Multiple programs are dedicated to healthy and safe environments for children to ensure their education and well-being. One standout program is the Child Care Health Program within Public Health. The program includes a team of public health nurses, a dietician, mental health consultants and a community health worker who delivers Child Care Health Consultations (CCHC) to child care providers throughout the community. This team has been providing these CCHC services in King County for over 30 years. “In my work I can… Read More
Program building support, opportunity for Muslims and immigrants in our community
King County is committed to ensuring the safety and health of all its residents. This can be done in many different ways, including the recent partnership with the City of Seattle and the Seattle Foundation to provide critical services to immigrants and refugees. This partnership created funding for programs and services, titled the Resilience Fund, to help vulnerable residents whose health, safety and human rights are at risk. The purpose of the Resilience Fund is to support community-based nonprofits who want to address unanticipated and emerging challenges that impact immigrant and refugee communities… Read More
Upcoming Lunch and Learns hosted by Department of Public Health on Feb. 21
The Continuous Journey for Civil Rights Employees are welcome to attend this Lunch and Learn to hear reflections from participants in Project Pilgrimage’s Fall 2017 civil rights pilgrimage to the Deep South. Project Pilgrimage builds interracial and intergenerational communities in Washington state and beyond by studying, understanding, and gaining inspiration from transformational movements and individuals. This presentation will describe Project Pilgrimage, experiences of the Fall 2017 cohort, and discuss ways to engage in and support civil rights. This Lunch and Learn is presented by Devon Love with Vroom Activation and Help Me Grow… Read More
US – The Untold Story Project invites stories from employees of color
As someone who identifies as a person of color, what is your untold or unheard story? This is the question US—The Untold Story Project asks King County employees of color. US-The Untold Story Project is part of the ESJ Literary Project sponsored by the Solid Waste and Wastewater Treatment divisions. The purpose of US is to provide an opportunity for King County employees of color to share their experiences of racism in a space dedicated to their voices. In a system in which they may have felt marginalized as other, employees of color can shift… Read More
Celebrating our county’s namesake
Approximately 400 people attended King County’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at The Sanctuary in downtown Seattle on Thursday, January 11. The celebration acknowledged the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and emphasized the need to continue pursuing peace, equity and justice for all. The event featured keynote speakers King County Executive Dow Constantine and King County Councilmember Larry Gossett, as well as a musical performance by King County employees. Deputies Michael Hepburn and Jill Higgins Hendrix from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney performed a medley of the songs “We Shall Overcome” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”… Read More
