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Human Interests

Seattle Human Services news and events

Seattle City Council Forum on Homelessness

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On Wednesday, July 25th from 2-3:30 p.m. the Seattle City Council Housing, Human Services, Health, and Culture Committee will meet at Mary’s Place (1830 9th Avenue, Seattle, 98101) to discuss the need for emergency shelter for homeless families.
 
Speakers will include Marty Hartman, Executive Director of Mary’s Place; Dannette Smith, City of Seattle Human Services Department Director; Debbi Knowles, King County Housing and Community Development; Julie McFarland, Catholic Community Services; and Alison Eisinger, Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness. This is a public meeting, all are welcome!

Learn how to avoid scams targeting seniors at July 19th Coffee Hour

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Don’t miss this month’s Senior Coffee Hour and learn how to avoid scams targeting seniors and identity theft. Jean Mathisen, the Project Director of the AARP Washington Fraud Fighter Call Center, will be the guest presenter.

Ms. Mathisen has been working in social services for more than 30 years. She came to AARP from Senior Services of Seattle/King County, where she managed Senior Rights Assistance. Jean often speaks on fraud prevention to community groups in an effort to reduce incidents of financial exploitation. She has devoted her career to non-profit management and has a Masters Degree from the Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington.

Date: Thursday, July 19
Time: 10 – 11 a.m.
Location: Central Building, 810 3rd Avenue (between Columbia and Marion Streets), 1st Floor

Seniors Coffee Hour this Thursday

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Don’t miss this month’s Seniors Coffee Hour on Thursday, June 21 at the first floor of the Central Building, 810 3rd Avenue (between Columbia and Marion Streets) from 10-11 a.m. Jennifer Wieland, Project Manager from Elliott Bay Seawall Project, and Nathan Torgelson, Policy and Development Manager from Seattle Parks Department, will be speaking about the Seawall Project on Seattle’s Waterfront. No RSVP needed; just come on down!

Applications are still being accepted for Health Careers Youth Project

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Our Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) is currently recruiting for its Health Careers Youth Project. This is an educational opportunity that will allow youth to earn college credit and potentially earn their Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) license.

Accepted high school students will be enrolled in an eight-week summer quarter professional level nursing assistant certified (NAC) courses from June 25 through August 20. Two different sites are available with one at North Seattle Community College (NSCC) and the other at Seattle Central Community College (SCCC). All tuition, books and equipment will be covered by SYEP. Students will earn college credits upon successful completion of the course and if approved by their high school counselors, students can earn high school credits. 

Eligibility
  • Will be 17 or 18 years old by June 1, 2012
  • Lives in Seattle city limits
  • Currently attends a Seattle public high school
  • Low-income status
  • Possesses educational and/or employment barriers
  • Must pass a background check
What are education and/or employment barriers?
In addition to the eligibility criteria listed above, youth must possess at least one of the following educational and/or employment barriers:
  • Behind in school credits (not at right grade level for your age)
  • At risk for dropping out of school
  • Failed one or more math or language arts class(es)
  • Have an IEP, enrolled in modified/IEP classes, or have a documented disability
  • Have an identified, documented mental health issue
  • Be homeless or have no stable housing
  • Be in foster care
  • Be a pregnant or parenting youth
  • Live in SHA or Section 8 housing
  • Be affected domestic violence/abuse

How are participants selected?
Youth who:

  • Turn in a complete application (which require current immunizations and a recommendation letter)
  • Pass a math and reading skills test, which will be scheduled by the Coordinator
  • Complete a WIA Application and determined to be eligible
  • Attend a Mandatory Orientation on June 2 (SCCC) or June 9 (NSCC) (the date of the orientation will be determined at a later date).

Applications are available at the SYEP office located in the Central Building, 810 Third Avenue, Suite 420, Seattle, 98104. Applications are accepted until all spaces are filled.

For questions, contact Christine Torres-Clara at 206-386-1383 or christine.torres-clara@seattle.gov.

Somali seniors gather for education and exercise

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Seattle Times photographers offer a glimpse into one of HSD’s funded program, the Somali Community Services of Seattle (SCSS). HSD’s Aging & Disability Services funds their senior lunch program and exercise program. SCSS is a partner with Refugee Women’s Alliance (the contractor). ADS also supports van transportation to and from the senior lunch program through a grant with Senior Services. Check out the photos.