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Seattle Human Services news and events

Low-income seniors: Apply now for farmers market produce checks

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MEDIA ADVISORY

April 16, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Michael Taylor-Judd (206-684-0266)

 Low-income seniors: Apply now for farmers market produce checks

Applications are now available for the popular Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which provides low-income seniors with $40 “checks” that can be exchanged for fresh produce at farmers markets, roadside stands, and community supported agriculture programs throughout King County.

Applicants must be King County residents age 60 or older (age 55 or older if American Indian/Alaska Native) and low-income—below 185 percent of Federal Poverty Level (FPL). In real terms, that means someone who meets the age requirement must have an annual income at or below $21,588 (or $1,799 monthly) if he or she lives alone or $29,100 ($2,425 monthly) if he or she lives with one other person. For larger households, the FPL formula adds $625 per month per person.

“Many King County seniors have been inspired by visiting their local farmers market—perhaps for the first time—and eating fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally-grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, and honey,” said Maureen Linehan, interim director of Aging and Disability Services, the agency that oversees the state-funded program in King County. “This has been a great investment in senior nutrition.”

Applications are available online (www.agingkingcounty.org/SFMNP/) or by calling any of the organizations listed below.

  • African American Elders Program: 206-328-6840
  • Asian Counseling & Referral Service: 206-695-7510
  • Chinese Information & Service Center: 206-624-5633 ext 4178
  • Latino Information & Assistance: 206-764-4700
  • Neighborhood House: 206-461-4522
  • Russian Information & Assistance (Irina at JFS): 206-861-8787
  • Seattle Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens: 206-684-0500
  • Senior Information & Assistance (206-448-3110 or 1-888-4ELDERS)

Because funds are limited, a random selection process is used to select recipients. Completed applications must be postmarked on or before May 15, 2014. All applicants will receive mail notification of their status on or before July 1.

A searchable list of local markets can be found on the Washington State Farmers Market Association website (www.wafarmersmarkets.com/washingtonfarmersmarketdirectory.php).

Aging and Disability Services—a unit of the City of Seattle Human Services Department—is designated by the State of Washington as the Area Agency on Aging for King County. The agency plans, coordinates, and advocates for a comprehensive service delivery system for older adults, family caregivers, and people with disabilities in King County. For more information, visit www.agingkingcounty.org.

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Child Care Resources receives funding for child care outreach

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The Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) today announced that Child Care Resources was awarded $148,500 for the Family Child Care Outreach Project. This project will provide outreach and training to 100 Seattle family child care providers who serve low-income children to help providers meet quality guidelines for HSD’s child care subsidy program. The project will also conduct outreach with families who are eligible for HSD’s child care subsidies. The funding award will cover the period of April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015.

Agency helps seniors with estate planning

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Seniors who have questions about estate planning including wills, powers of attorney and health care directives can receive guidance from the Senior Rights Assistance Program. Senior Rights Assistance is a program of Senior Services and is sponsored by the City of Seattle’s Mayor’s Office of Senior Citizens. For more information, see this news release.

$200K to Mary’s Place for homeless families

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Shelter and services for homeless families will begin in April at Mary’s Place. The Seattle Human Services Department announced on February 28, 2014 the award of $200,000 to Mary’s Place for a basic shelter for homeless families in Seattle.  Mary’s Place was awarded the funding, which came from a City Council addition to the department’s 2014 budget, in a competitive “Letter of Intent” funding process. Up to 30 homeless families a month will be referred to the shelter from Family Housing Connection. Families will have access to hygiene services and meals at the shelter; space for the shelter has been donated by PEMCO.  Services will start in April and continue through December 31, 2014.

YouthCare awarded $250K for employment training

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The Seattle Human Services Department announced on March 24, 2014 the award of $250,000 to YouthCare for its Youth Build education and employment training services. YouthCare was awarded the funding in a competitive “Letter of Intent” funding process. Youth Build will provide education and employment training services to low-income black/African American, Latino, Native American and English learning youth, ages 17 – 24.  The youth will gain a GED or high school diploma while learning the construction trades and building or repairing low-income housing.  Services will be provided from April 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

Sr. Coffee Hour: Transportation options

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Gaby Bell, Manager ADA Paratransit Evaluations, at Harborview Medical Center, will provide an overview of transportation options at the next Senior Coffee Hour, Thursday, March 20th, 10 a.m., at the Central Building, 810 3rd Ave. Note that the originally scheduled speaker, City Councilmember Bruce Harrell, had a last-minute conflict and was unable to attend.

 

Helping seniors avoid scams and frauds

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Join the film premiere and celebration for the Senior Money Project .  Please join Cents as they launch this important community project to help senior citizens avoid scams, fraud, and bad deals.  The premiere will take place on April 1, 2014 and feature introductory remarks by Attorney General Bob Ferguson and the Honorable Karen A. Overstreet. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail and hors d’oeuvres in the lounge. They will also give you a free copy of the DVD. 

  • Where: Central Cinema: 1411 21st Avenue, Seattle, Wa 98122
  • When: April 1, 2014, 2:30 p.m.-5 p.m.
  • What: Opening remarks and screen 35 minutes of 90-minute video

RSVP to Denice Campbell (campbelld@lanepowell.com), by March 21, 2014.