Seattle Human Services

Congratulations to the Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA) on their newest early learning center!

This week, the Seattle Human Services Department was proud to attend the grand opening of ReWA's Othello Early Learning Center, providing free and low-cost, culturally responsive, dual-language learning for children ages 0–5. The City of Seattle’s investments in early learning reflect our shared commitment to equity, opportunity, and community resilience.

HSD and our Federal Grants Management Unit, which helped ReWA secure federal Community Development Block Grant funds for the center, were honored with "Hero" awards. Plenty of other heroes helped make this vision possible, including federal, state and county partners like U.S. Senator Patty Murray, U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, State Senator Rebecca Saldaña, and philanthropic donors who continue to invest in immigrant and refugee communities.

ReWA's new Othello facility is an investment in families, in children entering kindergarten ready to succeed, and in the strength and diversity of our city. Learn more about ReWA and its programs and services at www.rewa.org.

We are celebrating National Nurses Week (May 6-12) and the invaluable contributions nurses make in our community.

Seattle Human Services employs a small but mighty team of nursing staff in our Aging and Disability Services division (Aging King County). These caregivers are a critical part of the services we offer to older adults and people with disabilities, working directly with social workers and other providers to support medically complex clients living in their own homes.

Thank you to these nurses, and to all the nurses out there for the care you provide every day!

Thank you to The Seattle Medium for sharing this exciting news about the launch of the Black Elders Wellness (BE Well) Program.

The Aging and Disability Services Division (Aging King County) at Seattle Human Services is partnering with the Tubman Center for Health & Freedom to offer services like health care navigation, social support, and opportunities for connection that reflect the evolving needs of Black elders.

Tubman Center To Lead Expanded Wellness Program For Black Elders In Seattle Tubman Center for Health & Freedom takes over the Black Elders Wellness Program in Seattle, focusing on culturally responsive care and community connection.

Celebrating 30 years of service, the Victim Support Team (VST) provides compassionate and non-judgmental support to survivors of violence during a critical time of need — showing up with empathy, resources, and care when it matters most.

Applications for the 2026 VST volunteer cohort are open through May 29. No prior experience required — just compassion, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

Want to learn more? VST staff is hosting virtual information sessions — starting tomorrow. (All prospective volunteers are asked to attend at least one info session.)
-- Thursday, May 7 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.
-- Wednesday, May 13 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.
-- Monday, May 18 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.
-- Friday, May 22 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.

Sign up for an information session and apply to the VST at seattle.gov/victim-support-team-volunteer.

Caregivers are an essential part of our community, yet those who look after our elders are often overlooked and undervalued.

On Saturday, May 16, join HSD’s Aging and Disability Services division for a FREE screening of the documentary film "My Mama Joe: Hope & Help," followed by a Q&A with local experts in caregiving, dementia navigation, and healthy living. The event takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, 104 17th Ave S. in Seattle.

The expert panel will include:
-- Beverly Kimmons, MS, Director of Community Outreach, Alzheimer's Association Washington State Chapter
-- Karen Torres, PSYD, Neuropsychologist/Researcher, UW Medicine/Memory & Brain Wellness Center
-- Raina Croff, PhD, Professor/Principal Investigator, Oregon Health & Science University/SHARP Walking Study

Everyone, including children, are welcome. Come hear inspiring stories and celebrate the caregivers among us. Please register at mamajoeproject.com/seattle.

Langston Seattle - Office of Arts & Culture Seattle - Aging King County - AARP Washington - Alzheimer's Association Washington State Chapter

Recovery from substance use disorder is not a single moment — it's a process that requires consistent support, trust-building, and access to multiple services.

The Opioid Recovery & Care Access (ORCA) Center is a 24/7, low-barrier facility operated by the Downtown Emergency Services Center (DESC) that provides immediate, compassionate care for people after an opioid overdose, along with same-day access to medications like buprenorphine and methadone to help treat opioid addiction.

Since it opened in 2025, the ORCA Center has served more than 1,100 clients through its holistic, “no wrong door” approach that integrates behavioral health, housing, and outreach services.

Learn more in our latest Community Corner blog post: https://humaninterests.seattle.gov/2026/04/30/community-corner-opioid-recovery-care-access-orca-center/

What's the best thing about being a Recruiter for the Seattle Human Services Department?

Kamal De Campos of HSD's Human Resources unit has the answer in our latest Employee Spotlight feature. He also explains HSD’s newly streamlined recruiting and hiring processes.

Check it out at our Human Interests blog: https://humaninterests.seattle.gov/2026/04/28/hsd-employee-spotlight-kamal-de-campos/

It's Denim Day! Seattle Human Services employees, led by the Mayor's Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, are wearing denim today to raise awareness about sexual assault prevention and stand in solidarity with survivors.

Denim Day started as a protest movement following a 1990s Italian court ruling where a victim was blamed for her attack because of her clothing choices. Learn more: www.denimday.org

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, call the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center at 888-998-6423 or visit www.kcsarc.org/en/get-help-now/.

Mayor Katie B. Wilson Seattle Women's Commission

Seattle Human Services is proud to partner with Mayor Katie B. Wilson and the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning to maintain and expand critical investments in Seattle's children and families.

Reminder: Applications for the Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Internship Program must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, May 4!

This summer, hundreds of young people ages 16-24 will be placed in paid internships with employers across the city. SYEP interns:

• Complete a 6- to 8-week internship that aligns with their skills, career interests, and availability
• Earn $21.30 per hour working with City departments, participating non-profit organizations, and local businesses
• Get training, one-on-one support and work experience to aid in professional growth

Visit seattle.gov/SYEP for information about eligibility and how to submit an application.

Thank you, Seattle Times, for sharing info about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program offered by HSD's Aging and Disabilities Services division -- Aging King County.

Low-income older adults in King County can apply for $80 e-Benefit cards to buy fresh food for local farmers markets at sfmnp-seattleking.org. Applications are open through May 8.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/seattle-offers-80-farmers-market-gift-cards-to-low-income-older-adults/

Older adults could get farmers market gift cards from Seattle The gift cards are one time only, offered by the Seattle Human Services’ Aging and Disability Services division.