Rainier Vista Service Provider Meeting Minutes 6/15/2010

Rainier Vista Service Provider Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 10AM
At Neighborcare Health

In Attendance: Kate Farmer, Neighborhood House, Colin Sexton, Neighborhood House, Nelson Lopez, Neighborcare Health, Gary Ireland, RV Homeowners Craig Quinn, RV Homeowner, Shefali Ranganathan, Transportation Choices.

RV Homeowners – talked about trash issue at Central Park in the RV neighborhood. This has been a longstanding issue. Gary and Craig talked about programs at Neighborhood House, particularly on week-ends, who leave trash in the park. Discussion about issue followed. Other providers in RV community also are using park, and how to involve them in this issue was discussed. Littering education was discussed and idea on getting kids involved in monthly community clean ups that happen on First Saturday of month. Discussion that this is a family issue also, adults and kids should be involved. Discussion that SHA owns park and should be involved in talk with providers who use park. Kate and Colin talked after meeting and will follow up with other providers who use park and will talk to SHA. They will also set up a meeting to meet with Gary and Craig next week to follow up on concerns and how to proceed.

Transportation Choices – Shefali talked about new initiative to get people to take public transportation, there are a lot of incentives (Orca cards, discounts at businesses and more!) Sign up through http://www.transportationchoices.org or call 206-329-2336.

HARVC/Service Provider Merge – since only a few service providers at the meeting today, we will put this on the agenda for next meeting in August.

Best Summer Ever Fair debrief – will put this on agenda for August also.

Low attendance at Service Provider meeting – we will discuss this in August. Suggestion that we need proactive agenda with initiatives that group is working on together, to keep people interested and involved in coming to meetings instead of just service updates.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, August 17th at 10AM at Neighborhood House

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes by: Kate Farmer

Rainier Vista Service Provider Meeting 4/20/10

Rainier Vista Service Provider Meeting
April 20, 2010
At Wellspring Family Services

Attendance: Kate Farmer, Neighborhood House; Tim Pretare, Seattle Parks and Rec; Nelson Lopez, Neighborcare; Samuel Pierce, SHA; Naomi Chang, SHA; Leslie Heimer, Solid Ground, Lettuce Link; Gregory Schaffer, REWA; Randy Nolan, Wellspring Family Services; Denise Lewis, Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club; Diana Vergis Vinh, Healthy Active Rainier Valley Coalition (HARVC).

Randy Nolan/Wellspring Family Services – Randy talked about Wellspring services. Domestic Violence clinic, infant and child services, early learning, services for children with behavioral issues, counseling, housing services. For housing services, call 211 (Crisis Clinic helpline) for eviction prevention or call Wellspring directly. Intervention Program – referred by shelter for families. Baby boutique for clients.

Service Provider Open House – Group discussed whether or not to hold an Open House. General consensus was that it was a good idea. Boys and Girls Club is holding an Open House on Saturday, June 5th. Group decided it would be a good idea to combine this event with the B&GC open house, in order to attract more people. Group discussed logistics, flyer, translation, time, clean up and set up. A meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 11 at the B&GC to finalize plans. All Service providers are encouraged to attend the Open House, this will be a good way to get your agency service information and program information out to the community. Denise Lewis will confirm with B&GC that this can happen. Kate will send out email to SP group to invite them to May 11 meeting. This is the same day as the Beacon Hill Festival which is a large and very popular community event. Suggestion to note this on the flyer, that people can come to Open House and then walk up to the Beacon Hill or take the light rail. There is also the Cheasty Greenbelt trail which people can also access to walk to the festival. Tim Pretare will talk to Mari Becker of Sound Steps, she may want to promote her walking group, by organizing a walking group up to the Beacon Hill Festival. Tim will talk to person organizing Beacon Hill Festival (Seattle Park and Recreation event), to event), to see if this is ok to also promote their event on our flyer.

HARVC – Healthy and Active Rainier Valley Coalition – Diana Vinh talked about the mission of this group, which meets every other month. Diana is the chairperson of HARVC. Currently, it’s a small group of people that meet and share service and program information. The group has been successful in addressing health issues in the community in the past, but no longer has funding. HARVC would like to merge with the RV Service Provider group. The HARVC mission is focused on improving health in the community. HARVC participants are enthusiastic about joining with the service provider group (many service providers also belong to HARVC). The Service Providers discussed benefits of joining forces—many service providers said their agencies also have a health mission. General consensus of providers was that it would be a good idea. Group talked about changing name of Service Provider group which really serves more than just Rainier Vista residents, and really serves SE Seattle (including New Holly). Kate will send an email out to the Service Provider Group for feedback and input and a final decision will be made at the next SP meeting in June on combining HARVC with SP group.

Next SP meeting – June 15 at Neighborcare Health at 10AM (Nelson Lopez will confirm).

SHA – Section 3 – Samuel Pierce discussed The Job connection is currently conducting outreach activities to identify job seekers interested in opportunities in the construction industry. Seeking Section 3 candidates who live in various zip codes. Contact Samuel Pierce for additional info at 206-722-4010 ext. 3

Boys and Girls Club – Denise Lewis discussed Teen Summit – Saturday April 24th (Teen Sexual Health and Protect Your Rights). May 7 – Jump and Jive on Friday May 7th from 6pm – 8pm (Free Swing Dance)
Drill Team fashion show – Saturday, May 22 (dinner, performance and fashion show)
Summer programs – Day Camp for grades 3 -6 (all day) and Daycare for grades 1-4th (all day).

Urban Farm – Leslie gave update on Urban Farm. Final design meeting on April 26. Final time for people to give input on design. Community meeting at Neighborhood House from 6:30-8pm on Monday, 4/26.

Tim Pretare – Seattle Parks and Recreation – Jefferson Community Center – Tai chi class will be held at Jefferson Community Center, and Swedish Medical Center is offering breast exam, mammography and pap smears free or low cost for those who are uninsured, or underinsured on Saturday May 15. Also Healthy Aging Fair on May 26.

REWA – Gregory Schaffer, new title is Youth Coordinator at REWA. He is working with SBOC, Secondary Bilingual Orientation Center. Newly arrived youth from other countries. Gregory said group can help with outreach and translation.

Rainier Vista Service Provider Meeting Minutes 2/22/10

Rainier Vista Service Provider Meeting Minutes
February 23, 2010 at 10amProvidence Gamelin House

Sharon Lerman – Seattle Tilth – talked about upcoming workshops that will be held at various locations in Seattle (Rainier Community Center) with a variety of topics—City chickens, fruit tree pruning, container gardening, etc.). Sharon talked about what providers needs would be around youth or adult programming.
Kim Lokan – Kim discussed upcoming RV community meeting on March 3rd at B&GC at 6pm. The meeting is to get feedback from residents on how RV is working as a community, also Urban Farm will be there to get feedback from residents about the new RV urban farm that will launch this summer. Information from this meeting will be followed up with article in the Voice and posting on newrainiervista.com website. Kim suggested this is a good meeting to bring flyers to share with residents.
REWA – International Women’s Day on March 9th. This is a large annual event at REWA from 11am-2pm, at the main office. Please refer your clients to this important event. Fight the Fear campaign – Free self defense training will be held at REWA on Tuesday from 5-6pm.
Boys and Girls Club- flyer for summer program is coming out the end of February. Spring Break is March 29th – April 2nd and the club will be open with activities for kids. Free dental exam and cleaning is available for kids at the Club. Talent show on March 6th. Soccer for 4-6 years olds. $20 membership (can be waived). Free meal for kids is served daily.
SHA – Naomi Chang talked about upcoming Cultural Celebration on February 25th at Neighborhood House Rainier Vista Center for the community to celebrate Lunar New Year and Black History month.
Neighborhood House – Mike Graham-Squire is new to NH and will be working with teens on alcohol, tobacco and drug prevention for drug and alcohol free communities.
Providence Gamelin House – monthly calendar is distributed, ESL Classes, Bingo, computer classes, free dance classes.
Neighborcare Health – Nelson talked about Healthy and Active Coalition at Rainier Valley. If anyone is interested, they can participate. The group should be a large amount of grant money this year. Sound Steps – walking program through Seattle Parks and Rec is very active, and seniors are gearing up for a marathon this Spring. Rainier Beach pool will be closed. Neighborcare offers medical and dental care for low income and people without insurance.
Catholic Community Services Youth Tutoring Program – Youth tutoring program is recruiting volunteers, Jason passed out a flyer to be posted at various sites.
Wellspring Family Services- Randy talked about services for homeless families, info and phone #’s are posted on their website found at: wellspringfs.org. Eviction prevention and child counseling for preschool age kids. Baby boutique is also open.
Neighborhood House – Tien talked about IDHA fundraising event on March 18th at Joy’s Place, Vietnamese food and dance. Also, Vietnamese TeaGroup happens 2nd Tuesday of month at McBride Court building at RV. Project Handle is doing HIV testing on the 2nd Friday of the month at RV from 10-12noon.
Service Provider Open House for Spring – at next meeting group will set a date for open house and people can sign up to participate and will determine location also.
Service Provider Goals 2010 – Kate talked about Service Provider group and at next meeting she would like to discuss how this meeting is working for people, is the day/time good, would the group like to accomplish anything during 2010, purpose of group, should we invite residents to this meeting, is it helpful. We will discuss this at next meeting and can review summary from the RV community meeting to be held on March 3rd which may be helpful in setting goals.
Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 20th at Wellspring Family Services hosted by Randy (there is parking available).
Meeting minutes will be posted on the RV SP blogspot at: http://rvserviceproviders.blogspot.com/

Rainier Vista Service Provider Meeting Minutes

Rainier Vista Service Provider Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
at Asian Counseling and Referral Center

In Attendance: Kate Farmer, Neighborhood House, Kat McGhee, Neighborhood House, Jason Rolfe, CCS-Youth Tutoring, Ba Cam Ma, Providence Gamelin House, Tim Pretare, Seattle Park and Rec Lifelong Rec, Amy Huong, ACRS, Phong Ly, ACRS, Naomi Chang, SHA, Randy Nolan, Wellspring Family Services, Rebecca Whitney, SHA, Leslie Heimer, Lettuce Link/Solid Ground, Annie Edwards, Neighborhood House, Elana Feldman, Neighborcare, Michael Rudolph, Neighborcare.


SHA – Rebecca Whitney talked about Tamarack Place and Phase 3. Tamarack Place is an 83 unit mixed use building. 83 low income apartments and 3 live/work units. 8,000 square feet of commercial space on ground floor. Financing has closed for Tamarack and for infrastructure on Phase 3 of project. Merlino Construction is working on Tamarack foundation and is contractor for North phase. Tamarack will be completed in Fall 2010. There are more than 5,000 applications currently for the Rainier Vista community. Applications are received at the on-site property management office and also through Porchlight. They are sorted by special needs, unit size, family income, and then organized on a first-come-first serve basis. Phase 3 – 118 rental units (mix of public housing vouchers and tax credit units). Construction will start in 2010 and will be available as they complete each block.

Solid Ground – Leslie Heimer talked about new plans for RV community farm. There are 3 main components. They plan to produce food for local food banks (RV), seed saving and garden education. This is different from a P-patch program. They will offer cooking classes also. They will start gardening next Spring. Garden will be located near the new Habitat for Humanity building. There is a Meeting this Thursday, Design meeting for Service Providers to attend and review design of garden, 12/17 at Neighborhood House at 1-3pm. Everyone welcome to attend for input. Large community meeting will be held in January for residents to get information on this new program.

Neighborcare Health - Michael,Rudolph and Elana Feldman discussed new cancer screening project. Preventative cancer screening for breast, cervical and colon. People without insurance are eligible for a health exam and cancer screening at no cost. Once they go to clinic, they will be connected with primary care doctor. Mammograms are offered at the clinics. Contact Neighborcare Health at 206-461-6957 or www.neighborcare.org for more info.

Neighborhood House – Kat McGhee talked about computer lab hours and classes. Extended open lab hours for anyone to use computers and new classes (Internet, word, job search, resume writing, etc.). Classes are free. Please let your clients know they can come to the computer lab 6 days a week if they need a computer to use.

Youth Tutoring Program – Jason Rolfe – Tutoring will start back up in January, for grades 1-12, free tutoring. There is a wait list for program. New tutors are always needed.

Providence Gamelin House – Ba Cam Ma – Independent living Senior Housing for 62 years and older. Long wait list. Many activities are offered (ESL, dance, etc.).

Seattle Parks and Rec – Tim Pretare – Programs and activities for people 50 and over. Recreation, fitness, arts and crafts and social activities. Fitness centers located at community centers, Jefferson, Rainier, Van Asselt, Rainier Beach. January 4-January 30—people can drop in a program or class once for $2 to try it and see if they like the program. Health Fair will be held in August or September at Seward park. Large event, exhibitor booths, vendors, entertainment, fun run, 1 day event, bring residents out to this event.

ACRS – Community Resource Project – New program for clients that need help accessing resources, services, and public benefits. ACRS can help people find general info and services. Call 206-774-2443 to reach Community Resource Project.

SHA – Community Builder – Naomi Chang, supports residents at RV. 2 main community groups. RV Traffic and Safety Committee meets first Monday of month at 7pm at Neighborhood House. 10 -15 renters and homeowners attend. Multicultural Diversity Committee meets 3rd Wednesday of month at Neighborhood House. 20-25 people attend. In January, Somali Community will attend and share their culture and in February, Vietnamese community will attend and share info on culture. May plan Potluck in March. Currently working on community yearbook with info on culture, background, recipes, and anticipating completion by 2010. Working on getting funding for this. RV Community clean ups occur Monthly, first Saturday of the month at 10-12noon at park across from Neighborhood House.

Wellspring – Randy Nolan talked about Housing and the intake process which is changing, will need to call community resources line by dialing 211 for housing intakes.

Spring Open House – providers talked about hosting a Spring Open House in March or April. Attendees seemed to think this would be a good idea. A committee will form and work on planning the open house. Kate Farmer will send an email out with a meeting date in January for anyone interested in joining the committee to plan the open house.

Next Service Provider Meeting: February 16th at 10AM at Providence Gamelin House.

Rainier Vista Service Provider Meeting
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
10AM – 11AM
Hosted by: Jason Rolfe, Youth Tutoring Program, Catholic Community Services

Attendance: Kate Farmer (Neighborhood House), Phong Ly (ACRS), Derek Taylor (Wellspring Family Services), Randy Nolan (Wellspring Family Services), Dave Siminski (Express Credit Union), Jason Rolfe (Youth Tutoring Program), Georgia Megow (Neighborhood House), Tien Duong-Le (IDHA), Denise Lewis (RV Boys and Girls Club/RV Teen Center), Naomi Chang (Seattle Housing Authority), Elizabeth Carr (SPL Columbia Library), Gregory Schaffer (REWA), Stephen Gray (YWCA), Rachel Wilch (YWCA), Laura Paulen (Seattle Asset Building Initiative/SHA), Arielle Rosenberg (Neighborhood House), Kat McGhee (Neighborhood House)

Program Updates and information:

RV Boys and Girls Clubs – Harvest Fest, October 30th from 6pm-8pm for everyone (including non-members!) includes best costume awards, games, music, raffles. A Talent Show on Thursday, October 22 at 5:30pm with special guests from America’s Got Talent!

Seattle Public Library (Columbia Branch) – Homework help centers for K-12 students can meet with homework help volunteers at various branches (including Columbia branch – call 206-386-1908). ESL Classes and computer classes are available. Free Movie this Thursday 10/22 at RV Cultural Center at 6:30pm Film is Kwaidan Ghost story of Japan. Another upcoming event will be Asian Tales of Shadow & Light on Saturday, October 24 at 6-90m at RV Cultural Center. Also the coming up is the Odunde Festival of African Harvest Celebration on November 6, 7, and 8th at RV Cultural Center.

Wellspring Family Services – Eviction Prevention Program (rental assistance, advocacy and support, budgeting). First come/first serve. Call their phone line at 206-902-4275. Eligible participants would be at risk of losing rental housing within 60 days, have household income of 50% or less of HUD income guidelines, resident of City of Seattle, have lease in their name.
Homelessness Intervention – if your homeless, they can help with interim housing, housing search, advocacy with housing providers, etc. For families and individuals who meet the following criteria: live in King County, have a household income of 50% or less of HUD income guidelines. Call 206-902-4271 for more information.

Neighborhood House – Helpline – assistance with rent/utilities one time a year. Emergency food bags/bus tokens. Case management services. Georgia Megow is at Rainier Vista Center on Thursdays. Call her at 206-778-0834.

Neighborhood House Computer Lab – Rainier Vista Center’s computer lab is expanding! New Hours, New Courses! Open lab time for youth, adults (do not need to be a resident or client of Rainier Vista). Beginner Word, Excel, resume writing classes, internet basics, etc. will be coming soon! Help with online job search available. Lab is open Monday – Friday. Call 461-4568 for more information.
Neighborhood House High Point – Grand opening of new High Point Center will be on Saturday, November 14th at 1-4pm—everyone is welcome to attend!

Rainier Vista Center Community Kitchen - October 28th at 6:30pm – 8:30pm – open to everyone. $25 cost. Come make delicious food, learn new cooking skills, meet your neighbors, bring food home for your family. Learn nutrition and new recipes. Monthly event.

Express Credit Union – base office is near Safeco Field on 4th Avenue S. Branch satellite sites located across the city. Banking alternative and affordable financial services for everyone. Free checking, savings account, loans at fair rates, short term/emergency cash, new and used car loans, debt consolidation help, visa cards, credit builder and cash secured loans, wire transfers and bad credit help. This is a good alternative to Pay Day Loans. They will help people who have large debts to Pay Day lenders. Located at Rainier Vista Center on Thursdays 9-4pm. Or Call 206-622-1850.

YWCA – Landlord Liaison Project – The project is a partnership among: landlords, service providers, homeless individuals, families, and the YWCA. Participating landlords agree to apply alternative screening criteria to applicants who are difficult to rent to (former addicts, mental health issues, etc.) This program helps with move in assistance, landlord training, rental assistance, case management and other support to help difficult to rent tenants transition to permanent housing and be strong and successful tenants. For more information call 206-336-4601.

Seattle Asset Building Initiative – pilot program of Seattle King County Asset Building Collaborative. This program helps connect SHA tenants with services they need such as credit counseling/debt repair, employment, homeownership, job training, baking, ESL, Higher education, legal services, access public benefits, etc. Clients are eligible to recent a $100 incentive if they meet with a Case Manager and develop a service plan and meet certain goals. Call 206-615-3596 for more information

Seattle Housing Authority Job Connection – helps people living in SHA communities to find jobs. Contact Larry Hill for more information at 206-722-4010 ext. 6.

Service Provider Open House- Discussion around hosting a Service Provider Open House. This event was planned for September but then postponed. Several service providers expressed interest in this today and would like to participate. Talked about when to host, with holidays coming up and winter months, talked about postponing until the Spring. Decision made to postpone until the Spring (March). At next meeting in December, we will discuss planning for this event, and will talk about table assignments, outreach efforts, etc. We will get a volunteer committee together to work on coordinating this event.

Helpful tools to get the word out on your services/events:

Rainier Vista Community website: www.newrainiervista.com (this is a community website for the Rainier Vista) great place to post events, etc.. Please contact Christina Gilman (website host) if you would like to post an event. Christina Gilman: Christina@dolcideleria.com.

Rainier Vista Service Provider blogpage: http://rvserviceproviders.blogspot.com/. Kate Farmer will update our blog page with these meeting minutes. Please let Kate Farmer know if you want to post an event or information on the blog page.

Next Service Provider Meeting: December 15th at 10AM, hosted by: Asian Counseling and Referral Service (Jeff Wendland)

Meeting Minutes for 6/16/09

Dear Friends,

I’m grateful for the opportunity to have led the Rainier Vista Service Providers meetings for the past 22 months.

This was my last date to facilitate the meeting. After returning from living overseas, it was a fascinating way to gain insight into my own community through the eyes of such generous, thoughtful people. It has been a pleasure to hold this responsibility. Thanks to everyone who came to the meetings and shared their insight with us.

We’ll see you at the next meeting in August, held generously by my friends at Neighborhood House. See below.

Sincerely,

Gregory Schaffer


In attendance:
Victoria Tangata-Nature Consortium
Jan Eng-ACRS
Kate Farmer & Colin Sexton-Neighborhood House
William Eisely-Team Read
Naomi Chang-SHA
Nelson Lopez-Neighborcare
Gregory Schaffer-ReWA
Jason Rolfe-YTP

This was Gregory’s final meeting as the meeting facilitator. In the future Kate Farmer of Neighborhood House will facilitate the e-mail list and general meeting organization. Individual meetings will be directed by the person hosting the meeting.

Attached is the current e-mail list.

Gregory will look into having the Service Provider listing posted elsewhere, possibly at the: http://newrainiervista.com/public/ run by an RV resident.

Group Planning:
• The service providers would like to hold an open house for adults in late September, possibly the 24th or 28th, from 6-8PM. We are considering the Boys and Girls Club at Rainier Vista if they are available. Recently there was a small fair for children but it was agreed that a targeted fair for adults could be beneficial.
1. Funding could come from the Chamber of Commerce if possible. Food availability could be discussed.
2. It would be good to have outside agencies such as SDOT, Census Bureua, and Washington Oral Health attend as well.
3. Please look into whether your agency could have a table set up for either of those dates.

• Plans are on for a Youth Providers fair at BGC for July 30th, 1PM. Contact Colin at NH to be on the RV youth mailing list.

Agency Updates:

Nature Consortium
There will be environmental field trips every Friday for no charge this summer starting 6/26. They will start at 12 and end at 4. They can take 10-12 children. Victoria will send out a flyer.

ACRS
Please share your ESL flyers with the group, especially to interested parties at Neighborhood House as they are no longer offering their own ESL classes. ACRS just held its annual Walk for Rice event to end hunger in our community.

Neighborhood House
Free lunch for people under the age of 18, M-F, at their RV location.

Team Read
Team Read finished up a successful summer and is looking to recruit young people as volunteers for the upcoming school year. They need your help in getting literacy packs ready if you’re interested in volunteering.

SHA
Parking enforcement at RV begins July 18th for new time restricted parking.
The multicultural committee is planning a potluck for next month.
The family support group is currently postponed.

ReWA
ReWA is full for its summer youth program for children entering grades 3-6. On Fridays ReWA will have a service project for students entering grades 7-10. There may be space available. ReWA regularly offers ESL classes. Call 721-0243.

YTP
Gearing up for their summer reading program that runs six weeks starting June 26th 4:30-7:30. The program is full.
They are moving from the South to the North end of the BGC facility.

Meeting Schedule:
Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30AM
August 18th, Neighborhood House RV, Kate and Colin
October 20th, YTP at BGC RV, Jason
Future meetings TBA

Spotlight: Healthy & Active Rainier Valley Coalition

The Healthy and Active Rainier Valley Coalition is a group of agencies and individuals that have come together in the Rainier Valley area of Seattle, Washington, to promote physical activity and nutrition. The Coalition meets on the third Wednesday of every other month from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. at the Rainier Community Center, Community Center Information. Address: 4600 38th Ave. S, 98118. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings.
http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/chronic/steps/harvc.aspx

Rainier Vista Official Site

http://www.rainiervista.org/

Thanks

Thanks to everyone for helping to update their contact information.

Meeting Minutes for 2/17

Hosted by Providence ElderPlace

In Attendance:

Gregory Schaffer-Refugee Women's Alliance
Nelson Lopez-Neighborcare
Muriel Bergerson-Seattle Human Services Department
Elizabeth Carr-Seattle Public Library
Corina Kroll-Providence ElderPlace
Briahn Martin-Orca K-8 Vista Volunteer
Colin Sexton-Neighborhood House
Allison Nackel-Neighborhood House
Diana Vergis Vinh-Public Health/HARVC
Naomi Chang-SHA
Jason Rolfe-Youth Tutoring Program

Computer Access in Area
SPL has computer classes available at Columbia Branch
SPL has a traveling computer lab/program for internet/computer basics/email
SPL would like seniors to come use computers, possibly colalborate w/Diana
SPL Columbia is interested in forming a class on sustainable skills in difficult economic times, anyone interested in collaborating?
SPL computer usage is up heavily w/more adults seeking employment
SPL will offer tax help Weds 10-1

NH has 16 computers available for use with some restrictions. Currently there are no open lab hours. Volunteer operators might be able to keep lab open more. Lab is open for youth on Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30.
NH works with older teens on W/TH evenings for computer skills training.
NH has a Digital Connectors program w/YMCA and Puget Sound off to gain computer skills. From APR-JUN this group will work in the community to access technology.

ACRS has a computer lab. Please ask about public usage.

Youth Ages/Services
YTP serves all ages grade 1-12
ReWA serves children ages 10+
Boys and Girls Club, under 13
Rainier Valley Teen Center, 13+

Foundations for Work-Allison Nackel
King County grant for underemployed/unemployed, people w/inadequate housing
for people under 175% of poverty line
Spanish and Somali help available
Available at NH Rainier Vista 4 days a week


Agency Updates

ReWA will be opening a mental health office at Rainier Vista in the former Nature Consortium space.
Nelson of Neighborcare teaches enhanced fitness for ages 50+ on Friday mornings at RBCC, and Tai Chi there on Friday afternoons.
Corina of Elderplace would like your ideas on a service project for their employees. In the past they have had a blood pressure clinic. Ideas: community clean-up, blood drive.
Naomi of SHA, new committee the Family Support Group on the 1st Friday of the month. The next meeting will be at NH on March 6th from 6 to 7:30. The topic will be communication between parents and children. Do you have resources to share.
Briahn of Vista/Orca would like to expand gardening and nutrition opportunities with local youth.
ElderPlace is for people ages 55+ who need help w/2 tasks a day. For people w/medicare/medicaid put same price for other people.

Like Baseball? Nelson is working on creating a new baseball program with other community organizations to eventually get sponsorship from the big leagues.

Jason of YTP will work to lead a youth provider meeting for next month.

Other notes:
Add ACRS and Seattle Senior Services to e-mail list
Update e-mail list to ensure all interested parties attend
Seattle Youth Employment Program applications are due in April: http://www.seattle.gov/humanservices/youth/employment.htm

Funds dry up for Rainier Vista: http://www.realchangenews.org/2009/2009_02_11/rainier_v16n07.html

Columbia City Wikli: http://columbiacitizens.net/wikli:current

The next meeting will be at Providence Gamelin House on April 21st. 10:00-11:30AM. Contact Ba Cam Ma.

Meeting Minutes from 1/19

Welcome to the New Year! We may already be over two weeks into it but I’m still taking care of last year’s business. I hope everyone had a lovely holiday season.

As you can see from the above listing, we’ve really slimmed down the e-mail list to only the interested parties. Now that it’s gotten so small we can…make it grow again! Please let me know if you have interested parties who should be added to the list.

Taking notes from meetings and writing them up is something that I am reevaluating as it is time consuming. Attendance was a bit low in comparison to the October meeting, but it was a holiday month and last year we had meetings in November and January instead of December. I believe there also may have been some general confusion due to my multiple e-mail listings. That has now been remedied. Regardless, here we go:

Meeting minutes from December 16th:

In attendance

Andrea YTP
Brian YTP
Allison YTP
Naomi SHA
Elizabeth Carr SPL
Rick Dupree B&G Club
Ba Cam Ma Gamelin House
Gregory Schaffer ReWA

Topics of discussion:

Next Meeting: February 17th 10-11:30AM, at Providence Elder Place, hosted by Corina Kroll, Corina.Kroll@providence.org

http://www.providence.org/Long_term_Care/Elderplace/default.htm

4515 MLK, the entrance is on the West side of the building

Columbia City Wiki for news and updates from the community: http://columbiacitizens.net/wikli:current

Neighborhood House focus group results: Kate continues to address issues found in the focus group results with the hopes of better targeting areas of need.

Youth Cluster meetings: It was suggested that a new effort be made for the youth providers to have their own regular meetings. Andrea from YTP will take the lead on this project.

Service Providers Listings: Kate has taken command of getting this list updated. She recently sent out the old listing requesting that you update your agency’s information. Gregory suggested that providers may be able to quickly edit a paper version of their program at the next meeting.

Event Information: Please send your event info to Tyler Rouse, tylerrouse@nhwa.org and karenmcdaniel@nhwa.org to have it posed on the Rainier Vista web-site, and/or have it published in the The Voice, the SHA newspaper.

Naomi -SHAWorking with SDOT to improve alley safety due to the high volume of pedestrians, esp. at Dakota/Nevada

Multicultural Group- Please participate in the monthly community cleanup or the homeowner meeting on the 4th Tuesday of the month

Would like to update the resident directory as well as see a new service provider summary booklet

Andrea-YTPA new center manager has started in conjunction with YTP’s move from SHA to the Boys and Girls Club facility

Elizabeth -Columbia City Library
There has been a drop in attendance for their after-school program since the B&G Club opened

Baby story time is each Wednesday at 12:30

There has been an increase in the number of unemployed people using the library. We do have a job and education area.

Rick – B&GC

Hours are from 2:30-8PM

The North part of the building is the RV Teen Center, the South end is the Boys and Girls Club.

The Mayor’s office is working on a program to reduce gun violence involving youth. In conjunction with the Urban League, they will be looking to groups in the S/SE part of the city throughout the spring to build this programming.

The week of February 9th or 17th, the State of the City address will be given at RV B&GC

In January we will host the WNBA Fit clinic, targeting youth or adults, still uncertain

The membership fee is $10 for RV residents, $20 for elsewhere

Gregory-ReWA

ReWA will again facilitate the Washington State Refugee and Immigrant Legislative day on February 10, 2009. We want your organization to participate in this important event. Numerous buses will leave from multiple Seattle locations to travel to Olympia with the goal of raising awareness of the needs of refugee and immigrant communities. Call 721-0243 for more information.

After the meeting, Rick Dupree was kind enough to take us on a tour of the new Boys and Girls Club facility. We congratulate their organization on realizing their dream of a new facility at Rainier Vista.

Please let me know if you have any topics of discussion for February’s meeting.

Meeting Minutes for 10/21

Meeting from 10/21

In Attendance:

Corina Kroll Providence ElderPlace
Naomi Chang Seattle Housing Authority
Ba Cam Ma Providence Gamelin House
Kate Farmer Neighborhood House
Tsegaye Gebru “
Colin Sexton “
Hassan W. Horn of Africa Services
Matt Nguyen Apple Corps
Rick Dupree Boys and Girls Club
Lauren Fitzgerald Solid Ground
Jenny Goto Seattle Housing Authority
Carol Doering Sound Transit

Meeting Schedule for 2008-09, locations and facilitators

Third Tuesday of the month from 10-11:30AM
December 16th Boys and Girls Club-RV, Rick Dupree
February 17th Providence Elder Place, Corina Kroll
April 21st Providence Gamelin House, Ba Cam Ma
June 23rd Neighborhood House-RV, Kate Farmer

There was a brief discussion of having monthly meetings but not enough interest to justify changing the schedule.

Please note that the RV Service Provider mailing list is now in two parts due to an issue with my anti-virus software. I will try to solve this problem in the future. If you do not see an associate’s name on the mailing list, they still probably received the message.

Visit here for most contact information. Otherwise send me an e-mail. This page hasn’t been updated recently.

http://rvserviceproviders.blogspot.com/

Presentation by Carol Doering of Sound Transit

Carol gave a presentation on what to expect when light rail opens in 2009. Trains are already on the tracks testing. She has fliers in numerous languages available for your community. She is eager to visit your organization or community group to share safety tips about what to expect. Please contact her at carol.doering@soundtransit.org

Naomi Chang and Kate Farmer
Naomi clarified that her role is as community builder for the SHA. Her role is to increase community self-sufficiency through various groups such as the multiethnic/diversity committee, Vietnamese coffee talk committee, and the traffic safety/crime prevention. It is residents’ responsibility to form committees.

Naomi provides support but makes no decisions for the community. While her office is in the building shared with Neighborhood House, Kate Farmer is responsible for NH’s own activities in the RV community. Naomi would be happy to pass on your CBO’s information to the appropriate group/community leader

Kate’s role is to expand existing programs for Neighborhood House, manage the NH facility, and develop partnerships with CBOs.

Focus Group Results
Kate would like to make greater deliberate efforts to collaborate with other CBOs to address the findings of the Neighborhood House Focus Group results. There was discussion about how to do this and the consensus seemed to be for NH staff to prioritize needs in the results. This could be followed up by re-sending the report to others and/or breaking into meetings based up on particular CBO strengths.

Boys and Girls Club opening
Rick Dupree emphasized that the BGC will belong to the community. The building is split between the Boys and Girls Club on one side and the Rainier Vista Teen Center. There will be a meeting/public space available for non-profit/profit groups to use. Hours will be approximately 7:30AM-7:30PM. Progressive opening will begin on November 3rd. Rick will need help with community outreach. Contact him at rdupree@positiveplace.org.

Organizations at the building will include:
Crisis Clinic-Teen Link
Nature Consortium
Scan TV
Solid Ground-Serving snack/dinner every day
Youth in Focus possibly
YTP
WA Oral Health Foundation

Grand Opening Saturday, November 15th from 12:00-4:00. Ribbon cutting at 10AM.

Agency spotlight: Corina Kroll with Providence ElderPlaceCorina was kind enough to discuss her organization’s role in helping older people live healthy lives with dignity and care. ElderPlace will go the extra mile to help 55+ people get the health services they need in one place. ElderPlace is for anyone who requires assistance with two activities each day. Seniors need to be accessed early to ensure their continued good health.

Providence ElderPlace is an innovative program of health care and social services for older adults. Our model of care is known as PACE (Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly). PACE programs keep older adults as healthy as possible in the community by providing comprehensive health care and social services including: primary and specialty medical care, a day health program, social work services, rehabilitation, housing (if necessary) and much more.

Selected Updates
Naomi Chang Seattle Housing Authority
Please support the Fall Harvest Party on November 1st. She would like kids to help out as much as possible. E-mail her for a flyer.
Rainiervista.org will list activities/events. E-mail Karen on the site to have your event posted.

Kate Farmer Neighborhood House
Beginning a weekend martial arts groups for youth
Friday and Saturday percussion groups for youth
Yoga class will start in January

Tsegaye Gebru Neighborhood House
Please participate in the Saturday 4-6 Somali group or the Sunday 9-2 Oromo group.

Hassan W. Horn of Africa Services
There is a Monday night literacy group for parents
Students are working on a documentary about their lives and the community

Matt Nguyen Apple Corps
Matt will be offering three afterschool cooking classes at the Boys and Girls Club. He is working on policy building as well as proper nutrition and education through Lettuce Link.
Matt’s Americorps term is ending. Thanks for all your great help at Rainier Vista! Good luck in your future career. michaelk@solid-ground.org for future information.

Lauren Fitzgerald Solid Ground
Solid Ground provides help to families to provide stable housing. E-mail her for a flyer on “Breaking Down Barriers”, an anti-racism community forum focused on issues that prevent people from finding housing.

Summer Potluck!

Rainier Vista Summer Potluck

Date: Saturday, July 19th

Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Where: Rainier Vista (Central) Park
29th Ave. S. Genesee Street
• Please bring a special dish to share with others (label your dish and NO pork)
• Please bring your blanket or lounge chair
• Get to know your neighbors
• Raffle prizes and children activities

Volunteers NEEDED!
For more information, please call Christine at 461-4568 or Naomi at 722-4010 X. 2

Road to Wellness

ROAD TO WELLNESS
HEALTH FAIR FOR THE AFRICAN COMMUNITY

Sponsored by CWAA and Brought to you by
An ‘Ad Hoc Coalition’ of African Organizations & Partners

INTERPRETATION AVAILABLE
For major African languages spoken in King County

Free Health Screening & Information Day
Saturday, June 28, 2008; 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Where: Van Asselt Community Center
2820 South Myrtle St., Seattle, WA 98108

Meeting Minutes for 5/20

Hello everyone,

Firstly let me apologize for failing to send out a meeting reminder for the recent meeting. Somehow it totally escaped me and resulted in this meeting’s lower attendance. Feel free to remind me if you think my brain is on autopilot.

Per our meeting from last summer, we decided to meet every other month with a month skipped in the summer. This makes the next meeting in August.

We will need a volunteer to host the August 19th meeting. If you are interested please let me know and I will let you handle the meeting as I may be on vacation at that time.

As always, my apologies for any typos or inaccuracies. Please contact me if you see any mistakes.

Thanks,

Gregory

In attendance:
Nelson Lopez-Puget Sound Neighborhood Health Centers lopezn@psnhc.org
Tsegaye Gebru-Neighborhood House tsegayeg@nhw.org
Naomi Chang- SHA nchang@sesattlehousing.org
Matt Nguyen-Apple Corps/Solid Ground matt@solid-ground.org
Colin Sexton-Neighborhood House colins@nhwa.org
Tien Duong-Le- International District Housing Alliance tiend@apialliance.org
Kate Farmer-Neighborhood House katef@nhwa.org
Gregory Schaffer

Discussion:
Gregory suggests significantly reducing the time given to agency updates in order to improve the collaborative outcome of meeting. Others in attendance agreed that for limiting per-person updates to a few minutes would allow for more individualized discussion later. Gregory had participants engage in a small ice-breaker activity to personalize the meeting.

Childcare at Rainier Vista for kids under 10 has been a growing issue. There was discussion about forming a parent committee for childcare, not unlike what has occurred at New Holly. The Department of Neighborhood may be able to provide some kind of stipend. Southwest Youth and Family Services could also be involved.

Participants would like to know more about the fall opening of the Boys and Girls Club to adjust their programming accordingly.


Notes:
Nelson
• Working on a Balancing Act class for Diabetics as well as their family and friends. This class will be 10 weeks long and be hosted at the Rainier Beach Community Center. English language interpreters can be made available if necessary.
• This summer Nelson will host baseball practice/games for ages 7-16 all summer from 5:30-6:30 at the Genesee playfield. All equipment will be provided.
• Please contact Nelson
Tsegaye
• This summer Tsegaye will host a weekly Photoshop class for ages 11-19 at R.V.
• There will be a summer ESL class at NH-RV hosted in collaboration with South Seattle Community College on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays
• On Tuesdays at Thursdays there will be a job readiness class at NH-RV
• There will be a monthly library class facilitated by SPL for kids to learn about accessing information
• YWCA and Horn of Africa are collaborating for a technology class for ages 13+ this summer
• Please contact Tsegaye for more details about the above activities
Naomi
• There was a traffic safety class held on May 12th with about 50 people in attendance with “mixed results”
• Multicultural committee is meeting on 6-7:30 on Wednesdays and will facilitate the next community clean-up on June 7th from 10AM-12PM as hosted by Gary Ireland
• SHA is interested in finding a CBO partners for six youth who will be placed at various positions in community building throughout the city
• Phase 2 of Rainier Vista housing will be partially complete in 2010 with the first available residences ready for move-in at that time.
Kate
• Looking to recruit summer volunteers for the Neighborhood House open-lunch site at RV
• Fitness opportunities are looking to expand
• Would like to facilitate a discussion with RV area CBOs to discuss NH focus group summary. See attachment. Look for a future meeting for this
Tien
• Outreach in looking for a part-time employee for their Yesler office. May also do home ownership assistance/planning to be combined as a full-time position.
• Joy Phi (sp.) will be leaving
Colin
• Lunches for the summer open-site NH-RV will need supervision/volunteers
Matt
• Held a farmer’s market night at John Muir Elementary last week. PCC donated produce and students “bought” produce with “money.” CBOs distributed information about events in flyers put in shopping bags.
• Interested in working with other CBOs to get kids to learn about healthy eating and the importance of regular exercise.
• Discussed the possibility of working with Colin and Gregory as part of their summer programs
Gregory
• ReWA is hosting a yoga class facilitated by Ruth Egger on every Friday from 3-4 at the main ReWA office. Please bring a mat or towel. All are welcome as the class is gentle. Currently the class is mostly Vietnamese seniors.
• ReWA is hosting a bi-weekly medical clinic at the main office run by UW medical students. The clinic is on Sundays from 12-4 with upcoming clinics to be held on 6/6, 6/22
• ReWA will run two summer programs at Rainier Vista for students in grades 3-9 during July and August. Please contact Gregory to enroll.

Mayor's Youth Town Hall

Mayor’s Youth Town Hall
Sat. May 3, 12:30-4:00pm
The Vera Project @ Seattle Center
(Warren Ave N and Republican in the old Snoqualmie Room)
1PM Welcome - Mayor’s Youth Council
1:30 Q & A with the Mayor
2:45 Roundtable Discussions with Community Leaders
equity in schools * climate change * gangs * education * glbtq issues * more
4PM Head Home!

Know Your Rights!

Know Your Rights!
Immigrant Legal Workshops
Workshops will educate newcomers to King County about their rights and determine what to do when rights haven’t been respected.

First Thursdays April, May, and June
6 - 7 p.m.

April 3 Rights of Immigrant and Refugee Workers
Does your employer owe you wages? Have you been discriminated against at work? During this presentation attorneys will discuss common violations of Washington Labor Law and strategies for workers who face them.

May 1 Understanding Immigration Status,
Laws, and Documents
What is the difference between a Social Security Number and an ITIN Number, and when should you use one versus the other? When must you disclose your immigration status and what documents do you need as proof? Topics include: current policies, dealing with employers and police, ICE raids, and influencing US immigration policy.

May 15 Rights of Homeless and Migrant Immigrants
What housing is available to you as a homeless immigrant? What services do you qualify for? What can you do if you lose your immigration papers? Attorneys and service providers will discuss these questions and current laws that impact the lives of homeless immigrants and migrants in King County.

Presentations are in English and Spanish.
Interpretation in other languages is available upon request.

Central Library
Auditorium, Level 1
1000 Fourth Ave., Seattle, WA For more information
call (206) 267-7027
or e-mail ArielleR@KCBA.org

Community Clean-up

Community Clean-up
Help Make Our Neighborhood Look Good

Saturday 4/19/08
10:00 A.M.

Rainier Vista
Park (29th Ave. and S. Genesee)

Please bring gloves, other supplies will be provided.

Everyone Welcome!