Showing posts with label social services. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social services. Show all posts

Meeting our Neighbors at St. Margaret’s Place

Sunday, September 22, 2024

St. Margaret's on Aurora

Story and photos by Tamara Burdic

Frying an egg for breakfast brought Suzi Strain to tears – tears of gratitude. 

It was her first morning to wake up in her new apartment at St. Margaret’s Place

Residents Suzi Strain and Malcom Welch
 “For me it’s been survival for my whole life, since I was a little street kid in pigtails. This is the happiest I’ve ever been – I get to live. I don’t have to worry where I’m going to lay my head at night,” she says. 

Ms. Strain moved into her apartment last December. 

St. Margaret’s, at 198th and Aurora, is a designated permanent housing facility with 100 units, and serves tenants who are exiting homelessness, or are in danger of becoming unhoused.

The lobby is light and airy with a community gathering space featuring game tables.

Today, Suzi Strain relishes her newfound stability and community. At age 57 she aspires to write a book to help people by sharing her experiences. 

“Nobody knows the story– what it’s like to be us, until they become us. We are not ‘lesser than.’ Everyone is one step away from homelessness. I want Shoreline residents to know that St. Margaret’s is a great addition to the community – because it makes a lot of people stable, who might not have been stable before.”

Malcom Welch is a veteran who organized a support group for the other veterans at St. Margaret's

Malcolm Welch, one of the founding residents, agrees. “This place feels like home,” he says. “It’s like a beacon of hope for other people who want to change their lives.” 

Mr. Welch is a 67 year-old veteran who lives on the 5th floor, where all of the units are occupied by veterans. 

There is a community garden and a covered back patio for residents

He is the leader of an informal support group that he organized for fellow vets on-site. 

“We are a unique portion of society who understand each other and what we are going through.” 

Having stable housing gives Mr. Welch time to pursue his dream of becoming a counselor. He is working on his credentials through a workforce development program –  Aspiring Social Service Employee Training Program. (ASSET).

St. Margaret's has 100 units and sits on land donated by the City of Shoreline

In his downtime, Mr. Welch likes to relax in front of the apartment building, (which faces Aurora Avenue and 198th) and talk with people who walk by. He takes great pride in his building –”You have to take care of your place and it’s up to us residents.” 

He has no patience for those disrespecting his home. “It’s okay to dig through the garbage, but don’t dump your trash. I’ll tell them!” Around the back of the building there is a covered patio, a dog run, and a small community vegetable garden.

The building has a commercial kitchen

The lobby is light, airy and welcoming. There is a community kitchen and comfortable gathering areas to socialize and hang out. The front desk and office areas are staffed with four to five case managers at all times. 

“They have our backs here, 24/7. They go out of their way to support us and help us accomplish what we need done,” says Ms. Strain.

One of the Resident Staff Support workers, Justine, adds, “I’ve also been homeless and was in addiction recovery. I love coming to work every day and supporting the residents – letting them know that they are seen.”
Suzi Strain and volunteer Steve Polich

There are many ways for Shoreline residents to connect with members of the community living at St. Margaret’s, especially with the fall and winter holidays coming up quickly:

Volunteer:
  • Cook a meal in the on-site kitchen
  • Help with holiday parties, game nights and movie nights–a great way to mingle with the residents!
Donate:
  • Clothing
  • Food
  • Money
  • Hygiene products
  • Holiday gifts
Volunteer Pat Deagen talks with Suzi and Malcomb

If you would like to be involved, please contact Gina Fudacz, Program Manager at GinaFu@ccsw.org or 206-677-1359

St. Margaret’s Place was created through a collaboration with Catholic Housing Services and King County, with land provided by the City of Shoreline.


Read more...

King County Sheriff’s Office highlights National Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week September 15 - 21

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Photo courtesy KCSO
As part of the International Co-Responder Alliance (ICRA) National Co-Responder and Crisis Responder Week, the King County Sheriff’s Office is highlighting the importance of its Therapeutic Response Unit (TRU).

Formed in 2023, TRU partners mental health professionals with King County Sheriff’s deputies to respond to calls for service where de-escalation support would be most beneficial. These responses may also include behavioral health referrals and social service connections.

Two federal grants of close to $1 million each, will help the unit add at least five more mental health professionals to the current staff of two. Further expansion is planned after this year.

“The Therapeutic Response Unit is a necessary and evolving part of the Sheriff’s Office,” said Susie Kroll, Therapeutic Response Unit Program Manger & MHP. 
“Our goal is to continue to assess the needs of our communities, focus on where we can best serve, and get people the services they need as quickly as possible.”

Currently, the two-member TRU works Tuesday through Friday 7am to 5pm. Ideally, increased staffing will eventually lead to services daily from 7am to 1am, with a concentration on the locations in need of TRU the most.

The American Psychological Association estimates that 20% of all 911 calls are related to mental health and substance use issues.

“This is a program that, during what may be the hardest moment of someone’s life, can help provide the necessary support, while law enforcement can manage the public safety aspect of the situation,” said Kroll.

TRU supports all unincorporated King County, and most contract cities, including Metro and Sound Transit. In less than two years, TRU has met with more than 300 people and organizations to establish community partnerships, analyze needs, and foster social services connections.

See more about the Therapeutic Response Team and their work here.

Anyone with questions about TRU and the services provided can email kcsotru@kingcounty.gov.


Read more...

Compass Housing: Corinne McKisson honored by Fox 13

Sunday, September 1, 2024


From Compass Housing

Corinne McKisson is the program manager at Compass Housing Alliance's Ronald Commons and Broadview affordable housing communities. 

She is a Shoreline original and was featured in a story from FOX 13 Seattle "Good Day Seattle."  Corinne has such a big heart, and it shines in this wonderful story. 

Her story starts right around 23:35 into the broadcast.  Thank you, Fox 13!



Read more...

Shoreline Library Resource Fair Thursday, August 29, 2024

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Shoreline Library Resource Fair
Thursday, August 29, 10:00am – 2:00pm

Social service providers will be available to help connect attendees with resources such as healthcare, education, legal clinics and more! 

Participating agencies may include: 

Read more...

‘Operation Safe Transit’ initiative focused on transit and transit locations

To deter and respond to security challenges, Metro more than doubled the number of Transit Security Officers, expanded their areas and routes, and moved to 24/7 coverage. They are adding more Metro Transit Police officers, too. Photo courtesy Metro Transit

King County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) announced four arrests as part of a larger public safety initiative to make transit safer, combat crime, and provide behavioral health supports and resources, particularly along the transit corridor in downtown Seattle.

The larger initiative, known as “Operation Safe Transit,” was launched by KCSO on May 1 as a pilot program focused on targeted work on transit and at transit locations such as bus stops and station platforms.

The enforcement completed on Wednesday is an example of the type of efforts Operation Safe Transit includes and resulted in arrests of four individuals, three of whom are known drug dealers. The fourth suspect had a warrant for assault. Deputies also recovered drugs and two handguns, one of which was stolen.

Operation Safe Transit leverages years of experience and knowledge from security officers, co-response teams, and law enforcement to effectively increase public safety and combat crime. 

The Seattle Police Department, King County Metro, Sound Transit, and other partners are collaborating with KCSO on this initiative. At the request of KCSO, the King County jail has made exceptions to bookings for misdemeanor crimes committed in the transit system since the operation began in May.

“Public safety requires a multi-faceted approach, with agencies, branches of government, and jurisdictions working in concert, and that is the approach we are taking to challenges at or near transit facilities in downtown Seattle,” said Executive Constantine.
“Seattle streets host Metro bus stops and Sound Transit rail stations, and we are building seamless collaboration across local governments, departments, and agencies to ensure those stations, stops, and streets are clean and safe.”

“We recognize how the situation in this part of downtown is affecting the public, as well as employees and we are taking every step possible to help improve safety in this area,” said Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindal. 

“The ultimate goal here is to abate crime and fear of crime on our transit system. We are doing whatever we can to remove potentially threatening and harmful situations and take the most dangerous people off the streets, the trains, and the buses. We want our message to be clear – if people don’t behave lawfully, there will be consequences.”

Transit riders will see increased police and security presence around Third Avenue, the King County Courthouse, Metro bus stops, and the downtown transit tunnel. Bike teams from Metro Transit and Sound Transit will also play a significant role, as their visibility often serves as a crime deterrent.

Over the past year, Metro has successfully implemented several key strategies to improve safety on transit. The agency engaged with thousands of people through the Safety, Security and Fare Enforcement (SaFE) Reform Initiative, and heard a clear desire for an increased safety presence and appropriate support for community members in need.

Metro’s “Care and Presence” approach includes more than doubling the number of transit security officers to 170, establishing a group of 17 Metro Safety Ambassadors to assist riders, and coordinating with King County’s Department of Community & Human Services to deploy a team of 14 behavioral health specialists. Since its launch, the behavioral health team has made over 7,621 contacts and responded to 396 crisis or de-escalation events.

“Communities have made it clear to us that there is a need for both security and compassionate support for those who need it,” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison.
“Based on what we heard from you, we developed an approach to keep riders safe that focuses on ‘Care and Presence.’ We have more than doubled the number of Transit Security Officers and added Metro Safety Ambassadors to engage with riders. We also deployed Behavioral Health Specialists, who provide de-escalation, resources, and support.”

Aside from Wednesday’s work, Operation Safe Transit has resulted in 82 arrests. Half of those came from deputies who viewed criminal activity directly and made arrests in real-time. This operational work will continue to ensure those who live, work, and visit downtown see and feel the enhanced public safety impacts.


Read more...

North Helpline celebrates 35 years with fundraising dinner September 7, 2024

Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Raffle baskets at North Helpline Benefit Dinner

Join North Helpline in celebrating their 35th anniversary addressing food access and homelessness prevention in our community!

On Saturday September 7, 2024 from 5 to 10pm, our community will gather to celebrate 35 years as neighbors. We will learn what's in store for the next chapter of North Helpline.

Join in for dinner, raffles, and more, at the North Star Benefit Dinner!

Event Information:

Read more...

DSHS Mobile Community Service Office at Shoreline Library July 25, 2024

Tuesday, July 9, 2024


DSHS Mobile Community Service Office
Thursday, July 25, 10am-2pm
Shoreline Library’s lower parking lot

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Mobile Community Service staff will be available to assist with:
  • Application interviews for food, cash and select medical assistance
  • Yearly eligibility and mid-certification reviews
  • Questions and answers about active cases or about any DSHS services
Registration not required.


Read more...

Friendship Academy celebrates a fun Festival of Cultures Saturday, July 13, 2024

Monday, July 8, 2024


From 12 - 4pm on Saturday, July 13, 2024 the Friendship Academy at 1204 N 185th St, Shoreline WA 98133, will hold a Festival of Cultures with entertain, food, and prizes.

$5 per person. Pre-register here.


Read more...

Making a Difference: Volunteer opportunities at North Helpline

Washington Summer is in full swing and with folks traveling and kids out of school means we have lots of opportunities for you to get involved at the North Helpline. 

No better time to get started than this week! 

They have a high need for volunteers this Wednesday and Saturday at Lake City and Bitter Lake food banks.

Learn more about our volunteer positions here


Read more...

Free online: Positive Discipline parenting classes from the Center for Human Services

Tuesday, June 18, 2024


Want to connect with other parents and explore ways to strengthen your family relationships? Participants of our program have reported increased knowledge of parenting and child development, parental resilience, and positive communication.

As one parent shared, “It was a total game changer and a beautiful reminder that my kids are valuable as they are. It has influenced me to develop stronger family bonds and smoother communication between family members.”

Join our free Positive Discipline parenting class summer series!

Graduates of the program will receive the Positive Discipline book by Jane Nelson. Enroll today to secure your spot! Information on flyer.


Read more...

Silje Sodal recognized with Dorrit Pealy Award at Center for Human Services annual gala

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Silje Sodal with the Dorrit Pealy Award
Photo courtesy NUHSA

Center for Human Services held its annual gala on May 4, 2024 celebrating with a Kentucky Derby theme and raising funds for its essential services.

During the program, NUHSA Executive Director Silje Sodal was recognized with the Dorrit Pealy Award for Outstanding Community Support.

She has been with NUHSA since 2018 and is a longtime volunteer in the community, currently the Chair of the Board of Directors of Third Place Commons

Affordable Housing operator Housing Hope was also recognized for their efforts in providing affordable housing and tailored services to reduce homelessness.


Read more...

Volunteers of America breaks ground for a community service center in Lynnwood

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Volunteers of America Western Washington marked a significant milestone in its journey towards creating stronger, more connected communities in south Snohomish County. After years of dedicated efforts in fundraising and planning, the highly anticipated groundbreaking event for the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center took place on April 18, 2024.

The facility will sit adjacent to Trinity Lutheran Church on a site purchased and donated by local author, writer, and Trinity Lutheran member Rick Steves

In partnership with other organizations, like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County, it will become a hub of support for the local area including Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, and surrounding neighborhoods.

With an estimated annual reach of over 20,000, the center will play a crucial role in filling a service gap by offering accessible health and human services, educational programs, adult activities, and event spaces for meetings, celebrations, and fellowship.

The event also launched the community campaign, which invites individuals and businesses alike to invest in the final stage of the project through donations, volunteering, and engagement to shape the services and experience the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center will have to offer.

Speakers at the event included Rick Steves and former Washington State Representative Ruth Kagi. 


Read more...

NUHSA meeting Wednesday April 24, 2024 features speakers on youth supportive services

Monday, April 22, 2024

NUHSA focus on youth services April 24
NUHSA members and community partners!

Please join us next Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 9 - 10:30am via Zoom for our next member and community partner meeting - all are welcome!

Our speakers this month will focus on youth supportive services, and we are thrilled to welcome Friends of Youth, Lambert House and the Y Social Impact Center to share about their programs and services in our north-end communities.

We'll also welcome Tambi Cork, Kenmore's Housing & Human Services Manager, who will provide a sneak peak of the preliminary human services needs assessment results that the city is conducting and will finalize later this spring - don't miss it!

Register here. And feel free to bring your organization's updates and announcements.


Read more...

Aegis Living appoints renowned pulmonary and sleep expert Dr. Raj Dasgupta as Chief Medical Officer

Monday, March 18, 2024

Dr. Raj Dasgupta, Aegis
Chief Medical Officer
Aegis Living
, a national leader in senior assisted living and memory care, has appointed Raj “Dr. Raj” Dasgupta MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). 

Dr. Raj’s appointment strengthens Aegis’ healthcare expertise to further integrate wellness and longevity into the care of its residents, families and team members.

“Dr. Raj’s clinical and research background will influence a variety of scientific and evidence-based strategies that transform how we approach health and wellness in senior living,” said founder, chairman and CEO Dwayne Clark. 
“We are committed to elevating our care for residents; we are designing an approach to experience better overall health and well-being as they age.”

While one’s lifespan defines how long they will live, healthspan is the quality of life that Aegis Living aims to impact. 

This includes intervening lifestyle and behaviors to adjust and address a resident’s needs with a highly personalized approach. Initial programming will focus on sleep hygiene, cognitive behavioral therapy, heart health and more.

“As we enter into a new generation of senior living, how we age is changing. People are living longer and want to live better, longer. We believe we have an obligation to deliver innovative wellness and longevity initiatives that can positively influence the healthspan of our residents,” said Clark.

Dr. Raj will guide Aegis in crafting, refining and enriching its care and programming for residents, and these efforts will also extend to family members. Dr. Raj will lead health education initiatives featuring advice to residents and their families can quickly put into action on subjects like sleep, dementia, and diabetes. 

He will host regular open office hours for residents and families to ask questions and get more personalized advice.

While the primary beneficiaries will be Aegis Living residents and families, Aegis also aims to support and influence team members. To ensure staff are well-versed on important issues impacting older adults, Dr. Raj will conduct regular training sessions that empower team members to support residents day-to-day with practical advice, and also give them tools they can use to improve their own health.

Dr. Raj is an American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) quadruple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, pulmonology, critical care, and sleep medicine. 

“I am honored to join the leadership team at Aegis Living to advance the level of care and wellness not yet experienced in senior living,” said Dr. Raj. 
“From implementing healthy sleep strategies, breakthrough cognitive therapies and even stress management techniques, we can profoundly impact the health and well-being of residents, families and team members’ lives.”

With more than 26 years of industry experience, Aegis Living has built a reputation for being on the frontlines of innovation in senior living. 


Read more...

Get your taxes done for free at United Way of King County's Tax Prep sites

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Stock photo
(SEATTLE) — United Way of King County is offering free tax services to residents who make less than $80,000 a year (or less than $96,000 for non-single filers).

Funded by United Way, the IRS, Washington’s Department of Commerce, and the City of Seattle, the Free Tax Preparation program runs until Sunday, April 21, 2024. 

Services are available at 19 different locations across King County. 

Virtual assistance is also available through online tax site.

United Way tax preparation specialists will help clients understand their tax situation and take advantage of credits like the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, and the Working Families Tax Credit to maximize their refund.

Last year our Free Tax Preparation program helped 13,900 clients claim more than $13 million in state and federal tax credits and refunds. And we look forward to doing it again this year!

Ryan McFerran, United Way Tax Credits & Financial Stability Program Manager said, “The tax season is a time of opportunity for people to receive hundreds or thousands of dollars in refunds and credits. Give yourself a break and let us prepare and file your taxes for you at absolutely no cost.”

Services are both in-person and virtual:
Nearby in-person tax sites on the list
  • Shoreline Hopelink #8
  • Lake City Customer Service Center #11
  • Solid Ground (U District) #18
Note: Tax site hours have hard stops and will not stay open past closing hours. Please come in as close to opening as possible to have the best chance to receive assistance or arrive no later than 45 minutes before tax site closure. If you come later, you may need to return to the tax site at another time to finish your return.

Questions? Email at  freetax@uwkc.org


Read more...

DSHS Mobile Community Service Office at Shoreline Library March 14, 2024

Saturday, March 9, 2024


DSHS Mobile Community Service Office will be at the Shoreline Library’s Lower Parking Lot, 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline WA 98155 on Thursday, March 14, 2024 from 10am - 2pm.

The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Mobile Community Service staff will be available to assist with:
  • Application interviews for food, cash and select medical assistance
  • Yearly eligibility and mid-certification reviews
  • Questions and answers about active cases or about any DSHS services
Registration not required.


Read more...

Local nonprofit raises awareness about food insecurity in Seattle during their 15th annual community meal

Thursday, March 7, 2024


Celebrate 15 years of community meals with North Helpline at their Horizon Community Meal on March 24, 2024. 

Gather with community to raise awareness around food insecurity and raise funds for their essential food access and homelessness prevention programs!

At the Horizon Community Meal, all event attendees will enjoy culturally inclusive soups provided by local vendors, artisan bowls available for sale, a short program about North Helpline’s impact and how we can address food insecurity in our community, a raffle to raise funds, and opportunities for our community to connect.

We expect to welcome 400-500 community members to the Hangar 30 Bldg in Magnuson Park. This is a family-friendly event!

Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 1 - 4pm at Hangar 30 Building, Warren G. Magnuson Park, 6310 NE 74th St, Ste 109E, Seattle WA 98115

Tickets for sale here - Free 12 and under.

Everyone is invited to attend, enjoy a meal, and learn about the work we can all do together to keep food on the table and a roof overhead for our neighbors.

Rampant inflation, supply chain issues, threats to WIC funding, and the ending of COVID-era funding for programs like SNAP are putting increasing pressure on our Seattle community, as food banks across the King County region are seeing dramatic increases in visits.

North Helpline is a local nonprofit organization that provides access to food through two food banks and a home grocery delivery program. North Helpline also works on homelessness prevention through a direct financial assistance program for rent, utilities, and moving costs.

Information about North Helpline

Read more...

New Vision House Executive Director to continue legacy of impact

Friday, February 23, 2024

Derek Sciba and Melissa Gehrig of Vision House
RENTON, WA, February 16, 2024 – Vision House, a place of hope for unsheltered families in need of housing and support services, announces a transition in leadership. 

After more than two decades of dedicated service, Melissa Gehrig is stepping down as the organization’s Executive Director. We honor Melissa’s transformative impact and celebrate her well-earned retirement.

Vision House welcomes Derek Sciba as our new Executive Director. 

Derek brings a background in journalism, public relations, local and international nonprofit management, and years of service on the Vision House board, including two years as board president from 2020-2022, navigating the complexities of COVID.

Derek comes to us from World Vision, where he was responsible for the marketing of new initiatives across the United States. Previously Derek served as an executive leader at CRISTA Ministries.

In 2021 Vision House built a second building at Jacob's Well in Shoreline
Photo by Mike Remarcke

With Melissa’s leadership came growth and depth in the scope of services provided at Vision House.

Under her guidance, two Diversion Centers were opened, with a third slated to open later this year. These centers provide early intervention for families in crisis, helping families navigate through their current crisis and identify housing options based on their own resources. 

Moreover, the completion of an additional apartment complex has increased the capacity to house families in Vision House’s transitional housing program, bringing the total number of apartments to 44.

Reflecting on the leadership transition, Melissa Gehrig shares “I am so proud to have stewarded the growth of a model that works to end family homelessness. What an honor it has been to work with a dedicated staff passionate about believing in the potential of all people.”

Derek echoes this sentiment: “It’s an honor to follow Melissa as she and the Vision House team and donors have expanded this ministry. 

"It’s my goal to fight for the thousands of other families in the Seattle metro area who need help whom we haven’t yet reached. The need is great, and we have a proven program model to equip families toward sustained housing and health.”

The year 2023 stands as a testament to the impact of Vision House, with services reaching 546 families. With support from Vision House, 57 families secured permanent housing in 2023, 19 families achieved new employment, and 37 residents received counseling from onsite Licensed Mental Health Counselors.

Vision House is a nonprofit organization with transitional housing, childcare, supportive services and donated goods, helping families with children break the cycle of homelessness. Vision House built and manages Jacob's Well in Shoreline.


Read more...

Senator Murray hosts Nutrition Roundtable at North Helpline Food Bank

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Sen. Patty Murray tours the North Helpline Food bank with Executive Director Kelly Brown

On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, hosted a roundtable with nutrition advocates, mothers, and local officials to hear more about WIC implementation in Seattle and the importance of fully funding WIC.

Murray is leading the charge in Congress to protect WIC funding, and as Senate Appropriations Chair, is also leading the negotiations to complete our Fiscal Year 2024 spending bills.

Late last year, USDA revised its initial estimates of funding needed for the WIC program upward; USDA now projects needing an additional $1 billion above the Fiscal Year 2023 spending level due to rising food prices and increased WIC participation.

Historically, no one who qualifies for WIC is turned away—but that could change if WIC programs are not funded to meet projected needs. During the roundtable, Murray reiterated her strong commitment to fully funding WIC even under the extremely difficult funding constraints imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility Act and supporting mothers and children across Washington state and the entire country.

Sen. Murray hosted the Nutrition Roundtable at North Helpline

Murray hosted the roundtable at North Helpline food bank and was joined by 
  • Monique Anair, a mom who’s relied on WIC before; 
  • Paul Throne, Director of the Office of Nutrition Services at Washington State Department of Health;
  • Lannesse Baker, Director of Research and Evaluation at the Urban Indian Health Institute; 
  •  Kelly Brown, Executive Director at North Helpline; and 
  • Chad Davis-Montgomery, Regional Director of the Supplemental Nutrition Division within the Western Region of the Food and Nutrition Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children—better known as the WIC program—serves to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. 

Nearly 40 percent of U.S. infants participate in WIC, including 131,139 mothers, children, and infants in Washington state.

“WIC keeps millions of moms and babies fed in America—when I became Senate Appropriations Chair I made a commitment to make sure the federal government puts kids and families first, so even under really tough fiscal constraints, that’s exactly what I’m fighting to do,” said Senator Murray. 


Read more...

KCRHA names Interim CEO

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

L. Darrell Powell, Interim CEO KCRHA
The Implementation Board of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) is pleased to recommend L. Darrell Powell for the position of Interim CEO, pending approval by the KCRHA Governing Committee. Mr. Powell would replace current Interim CEO Helen Howell.
 
“I’m honored to be considered for the role of Interim CEO for KCRHA,” said Mr. Powell. “This is an opportunity to collaborate with partners, drive change, and make a positive impact for our community.” 

Pending Governing Committee approval, Mr. Powell would join the Homelessness Authority on February 14, 2024, and become Interim CEO after two weeks of overlapping service with outgoing Interim CEO Helen Howell.
 
While KCRHA is currently conducting a national search for a permanent CEO, the priority is to provide interim leadership, reiterate a commitment to a regional approach, and ensure no interruption in services. 

“The Regional Homelessness Authority works throughout our County to deliver for the people we serve, and the addition of Darrell’s leadership during this time of transition will be an asset to the region,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. 
“As the search begins for the next permanent CEO, I also want to thank Helen for her service over the last year, bringing stability and focus when the organization needed it most. King County looks forward to our continued partnership in this critical mission to not leave any of our neighbors behind.” 

In her 9 months as Interim CEO, Helen Howell has focused on getting back to basics—reviewing and improving core agency operations—including changes in response to audits, streamlining processes for contracts and fiscal operations, and improving customer service and relationships with front-line service providers. 
 
“My time at KCRHA has been an incredible experience,” said Ms. Howell. “Moving from the early days of start-up through a variety of adjustments and improvements, I believe the agency is back on the right track. I continue to believe that homelessness is solvable, and that the solutions must match the scale of the challenge, with shared responsibility and a regional approach.” 

As the new Interim CEO, Darrell Powell would bring over 30 years of strategic finance experience, with proficiency in not-for-profit management, financial and property management, strategic planning, and business development. 

He is a seasoned financial leader, and comes to KCRHA from Pinnacle Financial Services, a Certified Public Accounting firm specializing in providing professional financial support to growing businesses. 

He previously served as Chief Financial Officer for Treehouse, College Success Foundation, United Way of King County, and the YMCA of Greater Seattle, and serves as the volunteer President for the NAACP Seattle King County Branch. Mr. Powell is a graduate of Garfield High School in Seattle, holds a BA in Accounting from Tennessee State University and an MBA in Finance from Harvard Business School. 



Read more...
ShorelineAreaNews.com
Facebook: Shoreline Area News
Twitter: @ShorelineArea
Daily Email edition (don't forget to respond to the Follow.it email)

  © Blogger template The Professional Template II by Ourblogtemplates.com 2009

Back to TOP