The Agape House Blog
Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
January 2018
HAPPY 2018 FROM THE AGAPE HOUSE!
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
February 2018
Dear Friends of Agape House,
We want to thank you for your faithfulness to The Agape House. As you are aware we opened our first house September 2017 with 2 young women in the house.
We have also been blessed with a grant writer, Nick, who will help us garner finances to pay approximately 4 staff persons who are presently volunteering their gifts and time.
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
March 2018
On March 1, 2018 Betty Jimerson: the new Chairperson for the newly forming Resource/Fund Raising Committee. On this day A 5 member to 6 members Resource/Fund Raising Committee was constituted headed by Betty Jimerson.
The 1st meeting was an introduction to The Agape House which included a tour of the 1st home.
We will meet again within the 2nd week in April. And at that time I will submit the Committee Members who are serious about supporting and fundraising for The Agape House. We will also start creating a plan for the upcoming year. Assess what worked best for the committee members when they were involved in other fundraising events.
I will delegate tasks to committee members such as publicity, donations and volunteer recruitment for fundraising events.
One member already came up with a great ideal for a 5k @ Green Lake.
My duties and goals:
- Manage progress towards achieving an organization’s fundraising goals
- Develop and carry out fundraising strategies while working with the Agency Fund Raiser
- Community presence in the Black community to raise awareness
- Create and plan different events that can generate donations
- Work with the Executive Director to oversee the total process
- Other to be assigned
PS… going to set a table up the King County Juvenile Division for their Juneteenth event on June 19, 2018
Betty J. Jimerson
9284 50th Ave So
Seattle, Wa 98118
206 765.9071
I Love God and my Community is very important to me.
I work at the YWCA of Seattle/King/Snohomish as the Event and Data Specialist
I am the Mission President at Greater New Bethel Baptist
I am also on the Usher Board
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
March 2018
Wednesday, May 9 is GIVEBIG, a one-day online giving campaign to raise funds for local nonprofits. Join us and GIVEBIG for all!
Please register for GIVEBIG 2018. Your profile will be published on the GIVEBIG website. Please search for your profile on the website, review it for accuracy and make any necessary edits.
If you haven't already done so, remember to upload your logo. You can also add up to five images and/or YouTube links to help your online profile tell the story of your organization. To add images, click the "Multimedia" tab when logged into CiviCore.
Be sure to frequently check our FAQ page and the Blog for GIVEBIG updates or to take advantage of our training opportunities. Thank you.
Questions? Please contact us at givebig@seattlefoundation.org
Customer Service
If your organization has any questions on May 9, the team will be available from 7 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. at givebig@seattlefoundation.org or 1.833.962.3615. Trained staff will answer your questions as quickly as we are able to, but you can also find many answers in both our Nonprofit FAQ and Donor FAQ. Feel free to use that information as well.
Seattle Foundation will be active on both Twitter and Facebook throughout May 9 with updates and highlights. If any disruptions or emergencies occur, you can find up-to-date information there or on our blog at www.seattlefoundation.org.
Donor Questions
Throughout the day, your donors may have questions about their donations, whether it is correcting an error or asking for a receipt. We created the Donor FAQs to address these common issues. If the issue needs more support, our staff at both givebig@seattlefoundation.org and 1.833.962.3615 are available to help. However, if a donor contacts you about an unsuccessful credit/debit transaction, we recommend you direct the donor to her or his bank to resolve the situation, as these instances mostly occur because of an issue with a card or bank. Another solution is to have your donor give via the eCheck option during checkout on the GIVEBIG website. If it is determined that these factors are not the issue, please have them contact us via email or phone.
Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
April 2018
Planning Committee Meeting
Dear Friends of the House,
Thank you for your commitment to The Agape House.
As we move into the next phase we recognize the great need we have for your support and talent.
For this reason we are meeting on:
Saturday, June 2nd @8:00-10:00 AM
The African parable tells us “It takes a village to raise a child”. I suggest it takes a tribe to build a community agency. Thank you for being the Tribe that helps build the House of Agape.
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
May 2018
Traveling Good
Brief description of event ...
The Traveling Good is a group of people that are traveling to 10 cities in 10 weeks all over the US to celebrate organizations that are doing GOOD for their community.
Mission:
“CELEBRATE AND HIGHLIGHT THE GOOD WITHIN YOUR CITY AND BUILD A COMMUNITY AROUND GIVING BACK AND SERVING LOCALLY”
Seattle Vision:
Create a home feel space where everyone feels welcome, connects with like-minded people and see how they can be apart of serving their local communities. Celebrate the GOOD happening in our city and those that are DOing it!
Event Admission Fee (if any): FREE
Event Sponsor: Traveling Good
Web Site: https://www.thetravelinggood.com/
Public Email: jessdahl24@gmail.com
http://www.kcisradio.com/events/160486/
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KUDOS TO OUR DEAR REV. KITI!
Rev. Kiti is off to an event to receive an award for the efforts of The Agape House, on behalf of foster care girls.
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
June 2018
CONGRATULATIONS!
We are so proud of JANIVA (pictured here with Reverend Kiti Ward), who walked at graduation on Tuesday, June 18th and became the first graduate of Agape House to achieve her diploma. She has been such a young champion in overcoming so much.
This is the Bridge and the chance for young women to a new and better life of which we speak and of which Kiti and Agape House seek.
Help us continue the quest, the actuality, the fruition. You’ll find that assisting these young women will make you feel absolutely divine.
A Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
February 2019
We love you all this Valentines Month! We thank you for loving Agape House! This month please consider bringing your gifts to the table as we move to another level,
We need your brilliance, your diversity of perspective, your prayers, and if possible your fund!
For my birthday this year, I'm asking for donations to The Agape House Inc. I've chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope you'll consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me. Every little bit will help me reach my goal.
How much would you like to donate?
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A Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
March 2019
Dear Friends,
We are so grateful to you our friends of The Agape House. We have trusted you to help us, since our conception, get services to young (171/2-24 years of age) at-risk women of color.
We are applying for a Best Kids Grant. They have asked for letters from our supporters, the community.
We would be honored if you would send us (The Agape House, PO Box 21623 Seattle,
WA 98111-3623) your experiences and/or thoughts about the Agape House Program. These letters of support can be brief but are so valuable because they speak volumes about where we have been and where we can go with base funding.
This grant is especially designed for funding smaller programs, such as ours; as well as serving brown and black young women which we have (without apology), identified and served. This grant will actually empower us to pay the excellent folks who have selflessly served without pay, to greatly increase the number of young women served and to offer additional concomitant programs for training and internships.
Thank you for all that you have done dear friends.
Thank you for doing it again, for coming through for us, for your thoughtfulness and quick response by March 1, 2019.
Kindest Regards,
Kiti
Kiti Ward
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A Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
April & May 2019
Dear Friends,
We recognize you all are so very busy.
So we ask the following survey (approximately 1-2 minutes long) with "fear and trembling" and a lot of respect for you and your honesty
"Please it out.
It will help us tremendously to know what our friends' needs and thoughts are ...
https://www.surveymonkey.
com/r/3TLJ3NZ
Thank you.
Rev Kiti
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501 Commons is excited to present GiveBIG. We are grateful to The Seattle Foundation for creating GiveBIG and being its major funder since 2011. Thank you to the Nonprofit Giving Day Coalition for its commitment to maintaining GiveBIG and finding it a new home.
We are pleased to be working with Encore Media Group, which is bringing its knowledge of media and marketing to a promotional campaign that is bigger than ever. Thanks also to the 16 members of the GiveBIG Nonprofit Advisory Council for their support and counsel.
At 501 Commons, our passion is to amplify the strengths of nonprofits.We do this through 30+ services we provide to 1000+ nonprofits a year. During GiveBIG we are asking you to step forward and donate to Washington’s nonprofits so people, families, and communities across our state flourish.
Schedule your GiveBIG gift today!
Wednesday, May 8 is GiveBIG, a one-day online giving campaign to raise funds for Washington's nonprofits. Join us and GiveBIG for all!
$20 $50 $100 $250 Other
Donate
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
October 2018
SEATTLE WALK FOR FREEDOM
Unbeknownst to many, Seattle is a hot spot for human trafficking. Please COME MARCH WITH US (8 blocks) on Oct 20th to show Seattle that we care about those young women and men who are being trafficked in Seattle and across the world.
YOUR participation matters. YOU being there will make a difference in the lives of our youth and in the climate of our community.
I am so very proud of Saraangelena Ward who happens to be my daughter but moreover is a powerhouse advocate and leader who is working tirelessly and being most effective in bringing together tons of people from all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds to make this event, on behalf of the unseen and often forgotten, a great success. She and her team are determined to kick butt and be a part of eradicating human trafficking directly in this area and indirectly in the world.
We are so pleased at The Agape House Inc to be a featured local non-profit at this Walk for Freedom event. You can learn of more opportunities to partner with us there as well.
Oct 20th 2018 at 10 am.
2700 1st Ave Seattle
Wear black
Register (free): a21.org/seattle
More info: a21.org/walk
Donate: https://www.a21.org/fundraising/…/seattle-walk-for-freedom-…
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
November 2018
Good Morning Dear Friends,
We want to sincerely thank you all for being on the frontlines with The Agape House. You have stayed, believed, prayed and given of your time and resources!
The Lord has used you to help us provide a landmark fourteen (14) months of safe housing and educational opportunities to four young at-risk women of color.
Rev. Kiti Ward
To Save a Life, To Save a World
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Sara Angelena's GivingTuesday Fundraiser for The Agape House Inc
Want to make a difference?
This GIVINGTUESDAY FACEBOOK AND PAYPAL will MATCH DONATIONS to nonprofits TODAY, November 27th, until their $7 million match max is met! Whatever you invest today, automatically doubles! Donations will be excitedly welcomed until Nov 30th—all tax deductible.
The Agape House Inc was founded by an extraordinary visionary, deeply compassionate human and outstanding leader Kiti Ward (also my mom : )). The org is dynamically and effectively preventing girls who have aged out of foster care (18) and high risk for being trafficked or who are escaping human trafficking from being enslaved by providing them with the safe housing, mentor support, educational grants, and job training they need to prevent them from being especially susceptible targets.
This Giving Tuesday, I'm honored to raise money for The Agape House Inc and I want to invite anyone who is interested in supporting their work to be able to too. It's a decision you will not regret. I can say with 100% confidence, your contribution will make an impact.
EVERY donation, regardless of size, matters because every little bit goes towards the incredible work Agape House is doing for a girl who matters and is looking for a way to survive. Thank you!
With love,
Sara Angelina Ward
How much would you like to donate?
Donate
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A Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
December 2018
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Blessings, goodwill, and peace to all.
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A Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
January 2019
For Lily*, her life was taken away from her.
For millions of people, the experience of home is threatened or destroyed by modern-day slavery. And this must change.
Lily grew up in a rural village in the Mekong region. Together with her siblings, Lily was trafficked from her home country to Thailand by her aunt at the age of 7. She had never been to school and was extremely malnourished and abused at the time of trafficking.
Upon arrival in Thailand, her brothers were sold to a fishing boat and before long, she was used for sex by fishermen who were passing through.
Her life was not her own. She was forced to service men for 2 years before being identified as a victim of human trafficking.
Shortly after being found, Lily was connected with A21 and brought into our Child Advocacy Center in Pattaya. Her physical and mental trauma was extensive, and our team worked to provide critical care to Lily.Lily had always wanted to attend school and the A21 team helped her to get enrolled. Today, she is learning Thai and taking dance lessons.
There’s hope for Lily’s future. But there are still many more children who need to be assisted to safety.
For Freedom,
The A21 Teamor
Donate to Agape House
Kiti Ward
Executive Director & CEO
The Agape House
206-579-6648
To Save a Life, To Save a World
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A Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
September 2019
Good Morning Friends and Supporters of The Agape House.
it is with great anticipation and joy that we welcome you to the October 1st Agape House Meeting at the 2100 Building from 6-8 P.M.
Because of an great outpouring of interest we are asking that you consider where you believe you would be best utilized, the place where you feel your skills will be best developed. We appreciate you giving to the House; we want to give back to you through your efforts to help our youth.
The Agape House Board, chaired by Ron Ward and The Agape House Advisory Committee chaired by Royal Alley Barnes are two very powerful and needful decision making bodies chaired by two of the most effective and esteemed community leaders in King County.
Your efforts will, regardless of which you choose, positively and proactively impact the lives of women of color (especially black women) between the ages of 17-25 who are homeless and/or aging-out of foster care; those who are fodder/victims for being sexually trafficked, (The FBI has called the foster care system the pipeline for sexual trafficking.) the overrepresented, the underserved.
The job descriptions for both will be in your inbox before the meeting of the 1st so that you are able to make a thoughtful decision. The agenda for the meeting is simply the 1) recognition of the incredible people in the room as well as 2) making the selection of either the Board or the Advisory Committee and 3) the identification of roles and responsibilities within each group.
Please RSVP, to me privately, by September 29th (Sunday).
Let us know if you require Conference Call capability.
Please feel free to call me if you have questions (206-579-6648)
Thank You.
Kiti
Rev. Kiti Ward
Executive Director
Agape House
206-579-6648
To Save a Life, To Save a World
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A Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
October 2019
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Dear Friends and Supporters of The Agape House,
Thank you for your commitment to the Agape House at this critical time of undertaking the next plateau.
Unfortunately:
THE OCTOBER 1ST (TUESDAY) MEETING BE RESCHEDULED. THERE WILL BE NO HOUSE MEETING THIS TUESDAY.
Please note the location of our Agape House meetings are established:
2100 BUILDING (2100 24TH AVE S. SEATTLE)
You are a part of a diverse and interesting group of people who we are blessed to know are engaged to help to change the trajectory of the lives of 18-24 year old marginalized women of color who are at-risk.
Shortly, you will receive a Doodle document which will inquire about whether Wednesday the 16th, Thursday the 17th, Wednesday the 23rd, or Thursday the 24th (all meetings scheduled for 6:00 to 8:00 PM) would be best for you.
If you know now what works, you can simply contact me with the information, by October 10th, and I will register it for you. We are working towards fulfilling a quorum.
Thank you again. You can be sure that your care for our youth today will translate into hope for them today, success for them and their children tomorrow.
Blessings,
Kiti,
Rev Kiti Ward
Executive Director
Agape House
To Save a Life, To Save a World
206-579-6648
Please mark your calendar for: Wednesday,
October 30th
6-8 PM
2100 24th Ave. S. Seattle
RSVP 10/15/19
Bring Drinks/We Will Order Pizza
Phone Conferencing Available
Good Parking
Follow the Signs
Did You Know? *The FBI calls the foster care system the pipeline to sexual trafficking.
*In a 2 year review off suspected human trafficking incidents across the
country, 94% of sex trafficking victims were female, 40% were Black and
24% were Latin.
Thanks all.
Kiti
Rev Kiti Ward
Executive Director
Agape House
To Save a Life, To Save a World
206-579-6648
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
November 2019
As with most issues surrounding prostitution and trafficking, nuance is necessary when discussing services and policing. In order to truly end the demand for commercial sex from children and other vulnerable populations, there must be a multi-disciplinary approach. We truly cannot arrest our way out of the problem. We must have quality comprehensive services and true economic alternatives available for sex workers. Additionally we must work to change our culture that accepts the commodification of the bodies of our children and other vulnerable populations.
**** Sex worker can be an appropriate term for a seller of sex 18 years of age and older. Please remember that there is no such thing as an “underage sex worker”. Anyone under the age of 18 engaged in sex work is by federal definition a victim of human trafficking. Thank you. ****
Kelly Mangiaracina, JD
King County CSEC Task Force Coordinator
(pronouns: she, her, hers)
206.205.9534 / 206.477.7281 Office
206.601.5563 Cell
Kelly.Mangiaracina@KingCounty.Gov
King County: www.KingCountyCSEC.org
Statewide Resources: www.watraffickinghelp.org
https://crosscut.com/2019/10/alternatives-stretched-and-neighbors-angry-seattle-police-return-arresting-sex-workers
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I'd like to personally thank the following people for their interest and help for the Agape House:
Anita C-W. / David of Farmboats / Traci B. / Judith H. / Lewis F. / Ron W. / Moni L. / Monique E. / Narima A. / Evie T. / Francis C. / Barbara J. / Judy de / Andrea C / Rory D. / Shaun H. / Shantail M. / Ashley M.B / Afia U. / Eric H. / Mary VC / Mary S. / Elaine / Betty J. / Deja W. / Dede G. / Larry G. / Rhonda G. / Angela M. / Anita. C. / Anita W. / Angela M. Sue C. / M. Michelle / Jadina T. / Angie L / Carolyn Q / Mandy H. / Sam C. / Ruth S.
These are just a few of our supporters. Please email us if you have a "heart" for our youth. We need you on one of these committees. Thank you .
Rev. Kiti 206-579-5568.
Please also note that we are looking for those who are interested in serving as Board, At-Large or Advisory Members.
Kiti Ward ... Executive Director
Agape House
206-579-6648
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
December 2019
Thank you all for the ways in which you have helped The Agape House.
You can, for example buy gift certificates for the Agape House or attach your holiday buy on Amazon Smiles; iidentify The Agape House as the recipient of your purchasing (Please check Amazon’s literature.)
You may also send checks to The Agape House at PO Box 21623, Seattle Wa 98111.
Thank you again as we move forward for our youth.
Holiday Blessings to You and Yours,
Rev. Kiti
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
January 2020
Dear Friends of Agape House,
I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving.
As you are aware we are now moving into our Third Phase of Agape House.
Phase 1 included, but was not limited to, formulation of policy, purpose, mission, establishment of goals and objectives, the acquisition of our 501c3, recruitment and development of board and volunteers, partnerships with other agencies, fund raising.
Phase 2 included, but was not limited to, identification and rental of the 1st Agape House in Seattle, vetting of the program, recruitment of at-risk women, recruitment and training of volunteers, establishment of the house with women in residence with volunteers overseeing the efforts, fund raising efforts, public education and awareness.
Phase 3 is the stage we are presently in. This is, a result of the formerly good work completed by many of you. It is where we take off. It simply is doing what Steve Jobs of Apple said we do, “Build the airplane while we fly it”. We, at Agape House, have found this is not for the faint of heart.
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Sex trafficking is a significant problem in Pierce County and the average age of entry is 12 years old. It is critical for our community to become educated about the issue and to learn what your County is doing to respond to these crimes. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. In its recognition, the Sexual Assault Center for Pierce County invites you to attend a public screening of the Emmy-award winning documentary Shattered Dreams. Following the film, we will offer a panel of local professionals to respond to questions from the audience.
Come learn how you can help stop this cycle of violence and exploitation! Thursday, January 30th 2020 Doors open at 5:30pm Event time 6pm-8pm
Disclaimer: Content of this film is graphic and may be triggering to audience members. Be advised this film may not be suitable for individuals under the age of 12. Confidential advocates will be made available and directed to you if you need to speak with one during the event.
WHAT: Screening of Shattered Dreams
WHEN: Thursday, January 30, 2020
5:30 PM 8:00 PM
WHERE: Stadium High School - Performing Arts Center
111 N E Street
Tacoma, WA 98403 (map)
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Dear Board and Friends of
The Agape House,
What a fabulous year we have ahead of us!
The following are choices for the first meeting. Please show your preference by texting me, as soon as possible, at 206-579-6648.
This should take us no longer than two hours (agenda to follow):
Wednesday, January, 29th at 7:00 PM or
Saturday, February 1st at 9:00 AM.
Looking forward to launching Phase Three of our program!
You all are blessings from God; your talents and time are incredible treasures that change lives of our young women.
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
February & March 2020
HOLISTIC HEALTH & WELL-BEING WALK-A-THON 2020
Sat, Mar 21, 7 – 9 AM
The Outlet Collection | Seattle
1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA
1101 Outlet Collection Way, Auburn, WA
From All events.in: Who's that lady? presents... The Holistic Health and Well-Being Walk-A-Thon! Promoting health and wellness, social engagement, and community support to live life well!
253 854-3630
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
April & May 2020
Dear Friends and Family of Agape House,
Thank you for your support of The Agape House. Because of you, we have been able to offer housing and connections to training, education and employment for the 18-25 year-old Black and Brown woman through an early intervention program for the woman aging-out of foster care or is homeless or about to become homeless.
This year we enthusiastically enter Phase 3 of our program for at-risk, marginalized, underserved women of color. We plan to provide health care services and hands-on job training. Our goal is to reach the community and youth in ways that make sense for them, are practical given these especially tough times of Covid-19 and beyond.
If you have not yet made a contribution through "Give Big" you may do so through today, May 5th and tomorrow, May 6th. The directions are go to:
* donate
* search bar for Find Organization..then
*. put in The Agape House Inc
* touch donate at bottom of the Agape House box
*. follow instructions
Thank you so much for making a difference in the trajectory of individual young women's lives. Thank you for helping us to get to her "before the streets do".
Additional information available upon request.
Thank you again from all of us.
May God bless you and yours as you have blessed Agape House.
Kiti
Kiti Ward
Executive Director
The Agape House
To Save a Life, To Save a World
206-579-6648
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Blog by Rev. Kiti Ward
June & July 2020
- OVW COVID-19 Resource Guide
- Attached – Equity & Resilience Resource - DCYF
- Attached - Public Heath is offering Covid 19 testing at the Atlantic City Boat ramp, located on Seward Park Ave S and S Henderson in the Rainier Beach area on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am to 3pm.
- Attached – King County Resource Guide
- Attached – DSHS ORIA WA COVID Translated Resource Directory – Language Access
- King County Office of Equity and Social Justice COVID-19 Resource Guide (4/6/20)
- HCA Laptop Loan Program for providers https://www.hca.wa.gov/billers-providers-partners/prior-authorization-claims-and-billing/request-laptop-telehealth-during
- COVID testing for people experiencing homelessness – see attached
- Urban Indian Institute COVID Resources for Native and Indigenous people and providers
- Urban League COVID Resource Page https://urbanleague.org/covid-19-resource-guide/
- Seattle offering childcare to essential workers - https://www.seattle.gov/education/about-us/covid-19/emergency-child-care
- King County Sexual Assault Resource Center – Resources for Survivors during COVID
- Interactive Food Map of Seattle Area Food Resources - map
- From NNEDV – Tech Resources for Advocates - Check out our latest blog post explaining some new information and resources regarding video and communication platforms. We have two new handouts (Video Conferencing & Digital Communication Platforms Comparison Chart and Digital Written Consent to Share Information)