Seattle/King County Community Voice Mail

One Night Count 1/27

2012-01-24T11:36:00.000-08:00

Hi, if you or someone you know are experiencing homelessness, I want to let you know about an activity that’s coming up this early Friday morning, or late Thursday night—the One Night Count. Basically, every year in January, cities across the country spend a night counting both sheltered and unsheltered homeless folks in their communities. Last year, approximately 636,000 homeless persons in the United States were counted on a single night.

The annual One Night Count, scheduled for the early morning hours of Friday, January 27, will attempt to make a specific tally of unsheltered people throughout King County. The effort is organized by the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness (SKCCH) with support from the Committee to End Homelessness in King County (CEH), and dozens of local and state nonprofit and government partners. Teams of volunteers will be out in Auburn, Bellevue, Bothell, Federal Way, Kent, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Seattle, Shoreline, White Center and Woodinville. They will be counting homeless individuals and families who are sleeping outdoors, in vehicles, or in makeshift structures. On the same night, the King County’s Community Services Division will collect information from agencies providing shelter and transitional housing, to count the people using these publicly and privately funded services. The 2012 One Night Count will also collect information from select hospitals about emergency room usage, and from Metro night owl buses operating throughout the county.

In January 2011, volunteers found 2,442 people surviving outside without shelter. Another 6,382 people staying in shelters and transitional housing programs throughout King County were counted, bringing the 2011 One Night Count total to 8,824.

I wanted to give you a heads up since you might see folks on the streets with clipboards asking you a little information. Please do let yourself be counted. This survey is really important as many funding decisions for homeless individuals are based around the number of folks they count. King County received over $20 million in federal homeless housing funds this year. It’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of many of the issues some of you face on a daily basis and a chance for you to share your experiences and circumstances with decision-makers who need to hear what it’s really like out there.

That’s the One Night Count, this Friday, January 27 (late night of January 26) from 2:00 AM to 5:00 AM. For more information, see the One Night Count website. Everyone counts, so please be counted!

Poverty Action on the Capitol Day (MLK Day)

2012-01-10T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hi this Lambert from CVM. I‘m calling to encourage you to take action to end poverty this Martin Luther King Day! Come to Olympia with the Statewide Poverty Action Network on Monday January 16th for their “Poverty Action on the Capitol” Day.

Next Monday a free bus will leave Seattle from Solid Ground (at 1501 N 45th St. in Wallingford) at 7:30 am on Monday, Jan. 16, and return around 5:00 pm the same day. You must sign up for the bus in advance by calling Poverty Action at 206-694-6794—Ask for Senait.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Children are welcome. Come to learn about policies that affect low-income people, network with people from across the region and share your story with lawmakers.

We hope you will turn out on January 16th to call upon the state legislature and the Governor to make ending poverty a priority. For more information call Poverty Action at 206-694-6794 or visit povertyaction.org.

Community Resource Exchange 1/13

2012-01-09T11:30:00.000-08:00

Hi, if you or someone you know are experiencing homelessness, I wanted to let you know about the United Way Community Resource Exchange on Friday, January 13 from 9:00a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at CenturyLink Field (formerly Qwest Field) at 800 Occidental Ave South in Seattle. The Community Resource Exchange is a one-day, one stop way for homeless people to get free services like healthcare, legal assistance, haircuts and national phone calls. Also available are referrals to social services including housing, counseling, public benefits and employment training. A free hot meal will also be served. And Community Voice Mail will have a booth where people can sign up in person for voice mail numbers. If you are homeless, we encourage you to attend this event as it will be a great way to get a variety of free services in one place, in one day. So don’t miss it, and bring your friends to the Community Resource Exchange this Friday January 13 from 9 to 2:30 at CenturyLink Field. For more information, email cre@uwkc.org or visit unitedwayofkingcounty.org/cre. Thanks for using Community Voice Mail.

Free Holiday meals this weekend

2011-12-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings! If you, your family, and/or someone you know are hungry this holiday season or are looking for a free place to have a holiday meal, there are many organizations throughout King County offering free meals this weekend that you might want attend.

Friday, December 23rd
St. James Cathedral Hall, 907 Columbia St, Seattle, WA, 98104; (206) 264 - 2091
Christmas Eve meal.
All are welcome!
Meal Service: Line up at 3:30 PM. Enter through the door on Columbia St. First come, first served.

Friday Feast – ROOTS
1415 NE 43rd Street, Seattle (alley entrance)
Traditional Christmas dinner
All are welcome!
Meal service: 5:30 – 7:00 PM

OPERATION: Sack Lunch
Meal Site: Outdoor meal Site, 6th and Columbia under freeway in parking lot.
All are welcome! No ID required.
Meal service: Breakfast 8:00 AM; Lunch 1:00 PM 3

Saturday, December 24th
Bread of Life Mission
97 South Main Street, Seattle 98104; (206) 682-3579
Individuals and families who are homeless are given priority.
Walk-ins welcome. It’s recommended to arrive early!
8:00 AM Breakfast, Dinner 6:00 PM

Sunday, December 25th
Shared Breakfast
First United Methodist Church of Seattle
180 Denny Way, Seattle, (206) 622 – 7278
All are welcome!
Meal Service: 8:00 – 9:00 AM

YWCA Angeline’s Center for Homeless Women
2030- 3rd Avenue, Seattle 98121; (206) 436-8650
Women ages 18 and older. No ID required.
Meal service: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM.
Arrive at 11:00 AM for meal ticket.

Blessed Sacrament Church
5050 8th Ave NE, Seattle, WA, 98105; (206) 424-3020
Christmas meal.
All are welcome!
Meal Service: 12:00 – 2:00 PM

Community Lunch on Capitol Hill
Central Lutheran Church, 1710-11th Avenue, Seattle 98122; (206) 487-7247
All are welcome! No ID required.
Meal Service: 12:00 Noon.

Salvation Army – William Booth Center
811 Maynard Avenue South, Seattle 98104; (206) 621-0145
All are welcome!
Meal service: 12:00 – 1:15 PM

Union Gospel Mission, (206) 622-5177
318 – 2nd Avenue, Ext. South, Seattle 98104 (Corner of 2nd Ave. Ext. South and Washington)
Meal service: Breakfast - 7:15 AM.; Dinners - 4:15, 5:15, & 6:15 PM. (Spanish speaking service at 6:15 PM.) (IMPORTANT: all meals (breakfast and dinners) are preceded by a mandatory 30-minute chapel service. The 6:15 PM chapel service is in Spanish. Arrive early to obtain a meal ticket for entry to chapel/meal service.
All are welcome!

South Park Neighborhood Center 8201 10th Ave. South, Seattle, WA 98108 Christmas lunch.
All are welcome.
1:00 – 3:00 PM 4

Thai Siam Restaurant
8305-15th Avenue N.W., Seattle 98117; (206) 784-5465)
Anyone in need is invited to attend. No ID required, proof of need preferred. Meal service: 12:00 – 2:00 PM

Bread of Life Mission
97 South Main Street, Seattle 98104; (206) 682-3579
Individuals and families who are homeless are given priority.
Walk-ins welcome. It’s recommended to arrive early!
Dinner 6:00 PM

For questions or corrections to this list please contact Meals Partnership Coalition at (206) 957-3857. Happy Holidays!

Free Flu Vaccinations at Capitol Hill Walgreens, Saturday 12/17

2011-12-16T15:21:00.000-08:00

Protect yourself and your family from flu. Get a free flu vaccine this Saturday, tomorrow at Walgreens in Capitol Hill from 10 to 6. Flu vaccinations will be available at no charge for people seven years of age and older who are uninsured and cannot afford to pay. It’s not too late to vaccinate and protect against the flu. Flu vaccine is recommended for everyone—especially children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with health problems like diabetes and heart disease. That’s, tomorrow Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or until there is no more vaccine available) at Walgreens in Capitol Hill at 1531 Broadway (which is on Broadway & Pine) in Seattle. No appointments needed! Walgreens and Public Health – Seattle & King County are partnering to offer these free flu vaccinations tomorrow at Capitol Hill Walgreens. For more information visit kingcounty.gov/health/flu.
Stay healthy!

Toys for Tots: free toys for low-income families

2011-12-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

If you or someone you know have children under 14 and receive benefits from DSHS such as food stamps or TANF, I want to let you know about Toys for Tots, a program which distributes free new toys as holiday gifts to needy children in the community. Toys for Tots in King County is again partnering with DSHS for its holiday toy distribution. Anyone in King County receiving any type of aid from DSHS is eligible to receive toys from the program for their children. You do not need to apply or pre-register. All you need to do is attend one of the distribution events. You may only receive toys once during the holiday season. Please bring your client ID number with you to the Toys for Tots distribution event, to save time. All distribution events are from 9am-3pm. Here is the schedule of distribution events for the 2011 Toys for Tots campaign:

Tue 12/13/11
LS Foursquare Church, 14434 NE 8th Street, Bellevue
Or King South CSO, 1313 W. Meeker St, Kent

Wed 12/14/11
King South CSO, 1313 W. Meeker St, Kent
Or King North CSO, 9600 College Way North, Seattle

Thu 12/15/11
White Center CSO, 9650 15th Ave SW, Seattle
Or Renton CSO, 500 S.W. 7th St, Renton

Mon 12/19/11
White Center CSO, 9650 15th Ave SW, Seattle
Or Belltown CSO, 2106 2nd Ave, Seattle

Tue 12/20/11
White Center CSO, 9650 15th Ave SW, Seattle
Or Rainier CSO, 3600 S. Graham Street, Seattle

Wed 12/21/11
First United Methodist Church, 100 N Street SE Auburn
Or Federal Way CSO, 616 348th St, Federal Way

Thu 12/22/11
Federal Way CSO, 616 348th St, Federal Way
Or Capitol Hill CSO, 1700 E. Cherry Street, Seattle

Remember all distribution events are from 9am-3pm.
For questions concerning toy distribution, please contact Gary Hartline at hartlgw@dshs.wa.gov or visit the King County Toys for Tots website.

Happy Holidays!

New CenturyLink Internet Basics subsidized internet program

2011-12-02T13:40:00.000-08:00

Would you like to have high speed internet at home but can’t afford it? A new program from CenturyLink called Internet Basics offers high speed internet for $10/month, a laptop computer for $150, and free internet training, for people who receive benefits from DSHS, such as food stamps. The Internet Basics program was created because when CenturyLink acquired Qwest, the Federal Communications Commission signed off on the merger so long as CenturyLink agreed to help low-income households get online. This program is similar to the "Internet Essentials" program that Comcast launched in August, however many more people are eligible because CenturyLink’s eligibility requirement is only that you receive DSHS benefits, rather than Comcast's eligibility requirement of having a child who receives free school lunch.
Participants in the Internet Basics program will receive:
• Fast home Internet for just $9.95 a month + taxes and fees
• A low-cost netbook computer available at initial enrollment for just $150 + tax
• Access to free Internet training, in print or in person

Your household is eligible to participate if it meets all of the following criteria:
• Reside where CenturyLink offers Internet service
• Have not subscribed to CenturyLink Internet service within the last 90 days and are not a current CenturyLink Internet customer
• Do not have an overdue CenturyLink bill or unreturned equipment
Participate in any of the following DSHS programs: Food stamps (or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), State Family Assistance, Refugee Assistance, Specific Medical Programs, DSHS Chore Services/COPES, Medicare Cost Share Programs
You must provide a copy of a program identification card or other social service agency documentation showing current participation for each program checked above.

Note that there is a one-time activation fee of $20. The download speed is up to 1.5 Mbps for $10 a month. Faster speeds are also available as part of the program, such as up to 7 Mbps for $15 a month or up to 12 Mbps for $20 a month. You must sign a 1 year contract to participate in the Internet Basics program. You must sign a 2 year contract in order to get the discounted $150 computer, and pay a $15 shipping and handling fee. If you cancel service before the end of the contract you will be charge a prorated early termination fee up to $200. The modem is free for one year, after which you will be charged a modem lease rate of $6 per month, or may purchase a modem for $100, plus $15 shipping and handling. If you cannot install the modem yourself, you will be charged a $50 installation fee for 1 computer or $100 for a networking installation of up to 5 computers. The first bill will include charges for the first full month of service billed in advance, prorated charges for service from the date of installation to bill date, and all one-time charges and fees. To apply for CenturyLink Internet Basics Call 1-866-541-3330 or visit their website centurylink.com/internetbasics.

Not sure whether to participate in CenturyLink Internet Basics or Comcast Internet Essentials? Here’s what we think: Both Comcast and CenturyLink offer 1.5 Mbps internet for $10 a month, and an optional computer for a $150. But, Comcast does not require a contract and there is no activation fee, no price increases after the first year, no installation fee, shipping and handling fees, or equipment rental fees. So Comcast is clearly the better deal, but only people with kids who receive free school lunch are eligible. Therefore we suggest that if you are eligible for Comcast Internet Essentials, chose their program, their number is 1-855-846-8376 and their website is internetessentials.com. But if you don’t have kids who get free school lunch, go with CenturyLink Internet Basics, as it is still a much better deal than full price internet service. Here is the Washington State Internet Basics Application.

America Hires Jobs Fair 11/22

2011-11-17T14:32:00.000-08:00

If you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about The Hire America Jobs Fair on Tuesday the 22nd at ShoWare Center at 625 West James St, in Kent, from 10 to 3.

Congressman Dave Reichert (R-08) and Adam Smith (D-09) are hosting this bipartisan Jobs Fair. They have heard and understand the common request of local business leaders and job seekers alike: create an environment for economic growth and work across party lines to create jobs. Bringing local businesses and individual constituents together in one place is a great way to increase employment, improve the local economy, and gather feedback on how families are coping during these difficult economic times.

Be prepared to meet directly with employers. Have plenty of resumes! Over 50 employers will be there who are hiring in wide variety of fields and levels. Job Fairs provide the opportunity to connect face-to-face with recruiters who make hiring decisions and can help you network for other positions within a company.

The Confirmed Attending Businesses Are:
Aerotek, Allied Waste, American Seafoods Company, Applied Precision, ATT Wireless, Auburn Regional Medical Center, Auto-Chlor System, Boeing, Bonneville – KIRO/KTTH 770, City of Kent, Clover Park Technical College, Comcast, DeVry University, Eastern Washington University, Exotic Metals Forming Company, FastTrax, Genie Industries, Glacier Fish, Greyhound, Group Health Cooperative, Habitat for Humanity Helmets to Hardhats, Hire America’s Heroes, ITT Technical Institute - Seattle, Kelly Services, Kent Police Department, Kirkland Jail, Kismet Wholesale Fragrance, Lowe’s, Madden Industrial Service, Multicare, NAES, Operating Engineers Regional Training Program, Orion Industries, Port of Seattle, PROVAIL Fabrication Division, Puget Sound Energy, Puget Sound Electrical Apprenticeship, REI, Renton Technical College, Shining Ocean, Sound Transit, Society of Professional Engineering, Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), Starbucks, Technology Learning Group, Tully’s – Green Mountain Coffee, University of Washington, US Army Recruitment, VA Rehabilitation Services, Valley Cities Counseling & Consultation, Veteran Affairs, Vigor Industrial, WA State Troopers, WAANGJ9, Wal-Mart, Waste Management, Western Washington Masonry Trades, Work Source, and Workforce Development

Parking is free. There is a lot adjacent to the ShoWare Center, and there is a park and ride lot approximately 1 block west of the Event Center. Food and drink will be available throughout the event at concessions stands on the concourse of the ShoWare Center. If you have questions, please contact Kelley Goetz at (206) 275-3438, kelley.goetz@mail.house.gov, or Roel van der Lugt at (253) 593-6602,
roel.vanderlugt@mail.house.gov. The ShoWare Center is a five minute walk from buses and trains at Kent Station. The Sounder train’s South line serves the station during peak travel hours. Sound Transit Express route 566 makes frequent trips to Kent Station from Auburn, Renton and Bellevue.

That’s next Tuesday, November 22nd from 10:00am – 3:00pm at the ShoWare Center in Kent, 625 West James St., Kent, WA 98032, (253) 856-6777. THIS IS FREE AND THERE IS NO PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. For more information and to spread the word, see the Jobs Fair Flyer. Good Luck!

Energy Assistance through LIHEAP & HELP

2011-11-02T18:08:00.002-07:00

Hi, If you or someone you know are having difficulty paying for heat this winter and face living without heat, several programs are available to low income households to make home energy use more affordable, avoid shutoff of utility services during the winter, and maintain a warm and safe environment especially for the elderly, the disabled, and households with young children.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (or LIHEAP) is a federally funded program to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet their home heating needs. The program provides:

• Heating bill assistance up to $1000 annually
• Energy conservation education
• Dysfunctional heating system repair or replacement up to $5,000
• Broken or inoperable window repair or replacement up to $1,000

Another program, Puget Sound Energy’s HELP provides assistance with the cost of natural gas consumption to qualified Puget Sound Energy (PSE) natural gas customers with an account in their name or in the name of a member of their household. HELP Provides:

• Puget Sound Energy customers help with their home energy costs and
• Natural gas bill assistance up to $1000 annually

Both these programs do not require that your household have a disconnection notice or even overdue bills in order to be eligible. In Seattle energy assistance is administered by Central Area Motivation program (or CAMP), In South King County, The Multi-service center administers the program, and in North & East King County the program is through Hopelink. But no matter where you live, To apply for the program, you must call the automated Energy Assistance Appointment Line 1-800-348-7144 to schedule an appointment at one of the three participating agencies, determined by ZIP code. That’s 1-800-348-7144.

Stay warm this winter with assistance through LIHEAP and HELP.

CVM user survey

2011-11-02T18:08:00.001-07:00

A couple UW masters of public affairs students are helping us to evaluate the Community Voice Mail program to identify any ways that it can improve and to make sure that it better suits your needs. We would also like to learn about your technology needs in general, as it relates to telephones, cell phones, computers, internet or anything else. If you would like to provide us with this feedback, please press 4 at the end of this message. Your responses could include things that you like about the community voice mail program, changes that you would make, and any other technology services that you would find beneficial. Your answers will be kept confidential. If you could participate in an interview with them, please leave your name and the best way to reach you. Thank you. Give us your feedback by pressing 4 now.

TANF/Disability Lifeline Cuts. Tell your story to Lawmakers.

2011-10-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

Have you been affected by recent budget cuts to TANF or Disability Lifeline? Starting on November 1st, TANF and Disability Lifeline will undergo major changes. People who were receiving financial assistance through the Disability Lifeline - Unemployable program will no longer receive any cash assistance and TANF recipients will have to suffer another devastating cut to benefits. Unbelievably, even more cuts are expected to take place in the near future. Lawmakers need to hear about how these cuts are affecting you and your family! Poverty Action is a non-profit advocacy organization collecting personal stories in order to help lawmakers understand the real life struggles Washingtonians are facing. We cannot afford anymore cuts to vital programs we rely on. Contact Poverty Action to get involved. Share your story and sign up for their statewide SPEAK OUT community summits where you can get your questions answered about the recent changes to TANF and Disability Lifeline and learn how to get in touch with your legislators. Please call 1-866-789-7726 or go to povertyaction.org for more information or to take action.

Bellevue Community Resource Fair 10/28

2011-10-27T18:02:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know is in need of social services like employment, medical, energy, food, etc you might be interested in the Community Resource Fair on Wednesday November 2nd from 4 to 7 pm at Stevenson Elementary in Bellevue. The Community Resource Fair is Open to the community, and over 20 vendors will be there to provide assistance to families with energy assistance, employment, dental, medical information/appointments, after school programs, food assistance, DSHS information, and more…

Participating Agencies include:
YWCA
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Kindering
Bellevue Life Spring
SeaMar
Eastside Heritage Center
Main Stem Music
Washington State Dental Association
Chess 4 Life
Eastside Cultural Navigator Program
YMCA – Y-Tech
WorkSource, Redmond
King County Department of Health
Crossroads Community Center
HeadStart, Stevenson Elementary
Drama Kids
YMCA Youth Programs
Health Point
And more…

Registration is not required and all ages are welcome. That’s the Community Resource Fair on Wednesday, November 2nd, from 4-7pm At Stevenson Elementary in the School Gym at 14220 NE 8th Street in Bellevue. For more information contact Cecilia Martinez-Vasquez, 425-456-6040, martinezc@bsd405.org

Free Flu Vaccination 10/22

2011-10-19T17:08:00.000-07:00

Keep yourself, family and friends healthy this winter. Get your free flu vaccine! King County Public Health is hosting a free flu vaccine clinic this Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Tukwila Community Center from 10am to 1pm. Flu vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu.

Influenza spreads readily from person to person in schools, workplaces and homes. Everyone over 6 months of age should get the annual flu vaccine to prevent sickness, unnecessary healthcare visits, hospitalizations and deaths from influenza.

This year, a single flu vaccine provides protection against the H1N1 flu that caused outbreaks last year and 2 other flu viruses that are expected to cause illness this season. Protection lasts throughout the flu season. Limited doses of infant and preservative-free vaccine available. Interpreters available

Flu vaccine is good for people 6 months and older—especially children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with health problems like diabetes and heart disease. You will not be asked for proof of health insurance or citizenship. To save time at registration, download registration forms online at: kingcounty.gov/health/flu. And please share the vaccination clinic flyer.

That’s this Saturday, October 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tukwila Community Center, 12424 42nd Avenue South, in Tukwila. Bus route 150, 154, and 161.

Stay healthy.

Disability Lifeline Ends 11/1, New Housing & Essential Needs Program

2011-10-11T12:16:00.000-07:00

Hi. Do you or someone you know receive Disability Lifeline or DL benefits, formerly know as GAU or GAX? As part of the most recent legislative session, the Washington State Legislature ended the Disability Lifeline (DL-U) cash grant. This means that as of November 1st people who were receiving financial assistance through the Disability Lifeline - Unemployable program will no longer receive any money. People will still receive medical care through a program called Medical Care Services (MCS). (People receiving DL-X will be transferred to the new ABD program, with no changes in their benefits.)

Starting in November, people enrolled in the Medical Care Services program will be eligible to receive rent and utility assistance through a new program called Housing and Essential Needs or HEN. Catholic Community Services is working in collaboration with King County and DSHS to distribute this money.
For more information, please contact Catholic Community Services HEN operators at 206-328-5755, or visit henkingcounty.org for detailed information about the program.

Day of Dignity & Bridging the Gap 10/1

2011-09-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you or someone you know are in need of free clothes, hygiene supplies, healthcare or social services, I want to let you know about two events happening this Saturday October 1st: The Day of Dignity and Bridging the Gap.

The Day of Dignity is a day of giving to needy individuals in our community at the Millionair Club at 2515 Western Avenue this Saturday the 1st from 11AM to 2 PM. At the Day of Dignity they will be giving away the following items: lunch, hygiene kits, socks, gloves, beanies, rain ponchos hooded sweatshirts, hand sanitizer, pencils, paper, water and reusable bags. There will also be free health screening available from the UWs Al Shifa clinic. The day of dignity is a collaborative nationwide effort sponsored by Islamic Relief and local organizations working to assist those in need. For more information see the Day of Dignity national website.

Bridging the Gap is a resource fair, connecting you to the services you need! Services Featuring: Education, Job Training, Asset Building, Homeownership, Health Services Door Prizes and much more! Bridging the Gap is this Saturday the 1st from 10 AM to 2 PM at Renton Pavilion Event Center at 233 Burnett Ave. S in Renton. It is sponsored by the King County, Seattle and Renton Housing Authorities, The YWCA and the City of Renton. For more information see the Bridging the Gap flyer.

If you can benefit from the services offered, I hope you will be able to make it either The Day of Dignity at the Millionair Club from 11 to 2 or Bridging the Gap at the Renton Pavilion from 10 to 2 this Saturday October 1st.

WorkSource Hiring and Resource Fair 9/29

2011-09-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the WorkSource Hiring & Resource Fair next Thursday September 29th from 10 a.m. to 2 pm at WorkSource Affiliate Downtown Seattle at 2024 3rd Avenue.

Bring your resume, dress professionally & be prepared to speak to company representatives. Also learn about other community job resources. Hundreds of positions available in: Manufacturing, Transportation & Material Handling, Food Service/Hospitality, Customer Services and more. The Job and Resource Fair will Feature:

ACSE
All Stars
Amtrak
Bright Horizons
Goodwill
Home Depot
ResCare Home care
Safeway
Sam’s Club
Seattle Public Utilities
YWCA Veterans outreach
& MORE

That’s the WorkSource Downtown Seattle Hiring & Resource Fair, Thursday the 29th from 10 to 2 at WorkSource Affiliate Downtown Seattle (Located in YWCA Opportunity Place) at 2024 3rd Avenue on the 2nd Floor. To attend, sign up at the WorkSource Affiliate Downtown Seattle front desk or call (206) 436-8600. Please spread the word by sharing or posting the fair flyer. Good Luck!

Healthcare Reform & You health fair 9/17

2011-09-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know need free health screening or information about how healthcare reform will effect you. I want to let you know about The Healthcare Reform and You health fair, this Saturday, September 17 from 9:30am-2:30pm at Everest College, in Renton (981 Powell Ave, SW, #200). FREE health screening & information about the healthcare reform law will be available. Organized by the Asian Pacific American Resource Network, in partnership with Everest College, Cornerstone Medical Services and DSHS Community Services.

There will be Free Health Screenings including:
• Blood Pressure
• BMI
• Chair Massage
• Dental Exam
• DSHS application assistance
• Chiropractic*
• Acupuncture*
• Medical Counseling*
• Pain management*
• Blood test*

*Certain services are only provided to those who are uninsured; first come, first served.

Health Reform Presentations are at 10 am and 1 pm

That’s Healthcare Reform and You, Saturday, September 17th from 9:30 to 2:30 at Everest College at 981 Powell Ave, SW #200, Renton, 98057 (Metro bus #140). Services will also be available in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese and Hindi. This event is supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For more information call 425-917-9857 or E-mail chewonl@oic.wa.gov

Seattle Stand Down 9/15 SCCC

2011-09-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know is veteran and are homeless or at risk of homelessness, I want to let you know about the Seattle Stand Down next Thursday September 15th. Homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families will be offered a “hand up” with a variety of services provided at the first annual Seattle Stand Down on September 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Mitchell Activity Center on the campus of Seattle Central Community College, at 1718 Broadway.

Seattle Stand Down will provide many services such as medical and dental care, legal aid, employment services, housing resources, alcohol and drug counseling referrals, plus haircuts, showers, and personal hygiene items, free lunch and Community Voice Mail. Nearly 100 volunteers, including Seattle Mariner employees and the Moose, will be assisting throughout the day. Community partners include Seattle Central Community College, Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, King County Veterans, United Way, Veterans of Foreign Wars and many other agencies and organizations.

That’s the Seattle Stand Down, next Thursday the 15th from 9 to 3 at The Seattle Central Community College Mitchell Activity Center at 1718 Broadway. Free parking will be available in the Harvard Garage, corner of E. Pine and Harvard. For more information, please call 206.934.5417 or visit seattlestanddown.com.

Rights of Homeless School Kids

2011-09-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

(This is a nationwide broadcast message sent by CVM National in partnership with The National Center for Homeless Education)

Hi – This message is for parents of school-age children who may be experiencing homelessness. If you’re not interested in this message, press the 3 key now to delete it.

Did you know that if you are experiencing homelessness, your children can enroll in school even if you don’t have all their records, or that your children can remain in their same school even if you are temporarily staying at a place outside of the school zone or school district? The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that guarantees rights and services for school-aged children who are homeless. Every school district has a local homeless liaison who can help your children enroll and can link them with services to help them succeed in school. You should be able to find contact information for the local homeless liaison in the school district staff directory or by asking at your local school. If you have trouble contacting your local liaison or if you want more information on the McKinney-Vento Act, please call the toll-free Helpline number for the National Center for Homeless Education at 800-308-2145. Please tell the staff that you got this number from Community Voice Mail. Again, that number is 800-308-2145.

If you do have school age kids, we’d love to hear from you about how Community Voice Mail has helped you stay in touch with the teachers and staff at your local school. If you have any comments or stories to share about how CVM has helped you, please press 4 at the end of this message and leave us a message. We always love to hear from you.

Thanks for listening!

CVM client focus group 10/5

2011-09-06T17:17:00.000-07:00

Greetings! We would like to hear from you about the community voice mail program. We are figuring out what our plan is for future, and want your input as users of this service. Such as what would you would like to change about Community Voice Mail, what your needs and demands are for communications technology, and what your experience has been with telephone assistance programs. We are having a focus group of CVM clients on Wednesday October 5th at 6 PM. Free dinner and childcare will be provided. If you would like to attend please call us at 206-694-6771 to RSVP, that’s 206-694-6771. About 15 people will be selected to participate in the focus group, who will be screened to insure a diverse group of participants. If you are selected to participate in the focus group, we will call you to let you know the location and details. If the focus group is successful we may expand it into a client advisory board. Thank you for your input.

New Lifeline cell phone programs: Assurance is still the best deal

2011-09-01T18:07:00.000-07:00

You may have heard of some of the many options out there for subsidized cell phone service for low-income people known as Lifeline. There are now six options available. The newest one is YourTel Wireless which is offering a free phone and 250 free minutes a month. This program is similar to the Lifeline prepaid wireless programs Safelink and Assurance, which also offer 250 free minutes. Also T-mobile now has a Lifeline plan which offers 145 anytime minutes, 500 night minutes and 500 weekend minutes for $6.49. This is similar to the Lifeline plans through AT&T and Sprint. We want to let you know that Assurance Wireless is still the best deal for low income people to get a cell phone.

There are two types of Lifeline cellphone programs: prepaid and plans. The plans are 1 to 2 year contracts with the phone company, where they bill you every month for the services you use. We don’t recommend plans because they are more expensive and if you don’t have much money it is easy to get into debt with the phone company. If you go over your allotted minutes you will be charged overage fees for each additional minute (AT&T charges 15¢, Sprint charges 45¢, T-Mobile charges 25¢). You may also be charged extra if you use your phone outside of their coverage area (called roaming) or make calls to directory assistance. If you cannot afford to pay your bills they will send your bill to a collections agency.

Prepaid phones, also called ‘pay-as-you-go phones’ don’t require a long-term contract, monthly bills, or a credit check. SafeLink Wireless (from Tracfone), Assurance Wireless (from Virgin Mobile) and YourTel Wireless all offer a free phone, up to 250 free minutes every month, plus free voice mail, caller ID and call waiting. In the first few days of each month, your monthly allotment of free minutes will be added to your phone. If you use all your free minutes before the end of the month you will need to buy additional minutes, which can be purchased online, by phone and at retail stores on top-up cards. The main difference between these three programs is the cost of additional minutes: Extra minute packs through SafeLink add up to about 10¢ per minute, YourTel extra minute packs add up to about 5¢ per minute, while Assurance extra minute packs add up to about 2¢ per minute. Assurance extra minutes are available as either $5 for 250 extra minutes or $20 for 750 minutes and 1000 texts—only one extra minute pack may be added each month. Because Assurance wireless is pay-as-you-go and has the lowest rates for additional minutes this is the program we recommend.

It is important to note that to apply for a Lifeline phone you must provide a unique physical mailing address where no one else is receiving telephone assistance; they will not send the phone to an address that has already received one, (even if its from a different company) and won't send a phone to P.O. boxes or commercial addresses. So, you will not be eligible if you live in a shelter or other group housing situation where each resident doesn't have their own unique address, or if you live in a car or on the street.

To be eligible for either Lifeline program you must either receive DSHS benefits or your income must be below 135% of federal poverty level. The eligible benefits are Food Stamps, Medical Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, Disability Lifeline (or GAU), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, State Family Assistance, DSHS Chore Services, Refugee Assistance or Community Options Program Entry System. All these programs require a Social Security number to apply. To qualify based on program participation you must provide your DSHS client ID number, which can be found in the top right corner of any letter addressed to you from DSHS, from your case worker or by calling the statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-501-2233. To apply based on income your income must be below 1,225 dollars a month for a single person, 1,655 dollars a month for a family of 2, 2,085 dollars a month for a family of 3, 2,514 dollars a month for a family of 4, or 2,944 dollars a month for a family of 5, add 430 dollars a month for each additional family member. To qualify based on income, you will need to mail them documentation of your income: such as Federal or state tax return, current income statement or W2 from an employer, 3 consecutive months of current pay stubs, Social Security statement of benefits, Retirement or Pension benefits statement, Unemployment or Workers Comp statement of benefits, or other legal document that shows income.

Based on CVM’s analysis, Assurance Wireless is still the best deal overall for Lifeline cell phones, right now. To apply for Assurance call 1-800-395-2108 or print and mail their application from their website assurancewireless.com. But, we recommend that you still keep your CVM number, so you have a stable number where you can always be reached, even if you run out of minutes and can’t afford to buy more, or you loose or break your phone, and so you continue to receive our broadcast messages about community resources like this. Thanks for using Community Voice Mail.

YWCA Greenbridge Job & Resource Fair 8/31

2011-08-24T14:40:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know is looking for work or resources to help you find a job, I want to let you know about the YWCA Greenbridge Job & Resource Fair next Wednesday August 31st from 10 a.m. to 1 pm at YWCA Greenbridge Center at 9720 8th Ave SW in White Center.

Bring your resume and meet with over 20 employers. Also learn about other community job resources. The Job & Resource Fair will Feature:

Port of Seattle
Airport Jobs
U.S. Border Patrol
Sam’s Club
Equity Residential
YWCA FSS Program
King County Community & Technical Colleges
Taco Time
Express Credit Union
Safeway Inc.
King County Housing Authority
YWCA College Attainment Program
Kelly Services
WorkSource Veterans Representatives
ACS
Charlie’s Produce
Puget Sound Energy
Tracilynn Fashion Jewelry
Centro De La Raza - Veterans Coordinator
US Army
Seattle Jobs Initiative
First Student

And Community Voice Mail will even be there!

That’s The Greenbridge Job and Resource Fair, next Wednesday, August 31st from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the YWCA Greenbridge Center at 9720 8th Ave SW in White Center. Call (206) 336-7000 for more information. Good Luck!

Free Preschool Programs

2011-08-18T15:50:00.000-07:00

Do you or someone you know have a 4-year old child who is ready for preschool but you can’t afford it?

Your child might be eligible for free or reduced-cost programs!

Space is still available in Seattle Human Services Department’s Step Ahead and ECEAP preschools.

Seattle Step Ahead and the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) still have free or reduced-cost spaces available for more than 600 children at 21 sites in southeast and southwest Seattle this school year.

To be eligible, a family must live in Seattle and have a child who will have turned 4 by August 31, 2011. For ECEAP, a family of four earning up to $24,585 per year is eligible, and for Step Ahead, a family of four earning up to just over $67,000 annually is eligible.

Step Ahead is funded by the Seattle Families and Education Levy, and ECEAP is funded by the State of Washington.

Make sure your 4-year-old gets ready for kindergarten — socially, academically, and physically.

Build a love of learning in your child that will last a lifetime.

Just call 206-386-1050 or e-mail comprehensivechildcare@seattle.gov. More information is also available here.

Comcast Internet Essentials subsidized internet program

2011-08-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

Would your family like to have high speed internet at home but can’t afford it? A new program from Comcast called Internet Essentials offers high speed internet for $10/month, a laptop computer for $150, and free internet training, for families with children who receive free school lunch through the National School Lunch Program.

The Internet Essentials program was created because, when Comcast acquired NBC Universal in January, the Federal Communications Commission signed off on the merger so long as Comcast agreed to help low-income households get online.

Participants in the Internet Essentials program will receive:
• Fast home Internet for just $9.95 a month + tax.
• A low-cost netbook computer available at initial enrollment for just $149.99 + tax
• Access to free Internet training, online, in print and/or in the classroom
• Norton Security Suite online security software, and parental controls

The computer is optional, you do not have to get the computer to receive discounted internet service. If you chose to buy the $150 computer, they will send you a computer coupon, a list of eligible computers and a list of local stores that sell those computers and accept Comcast vouchers.

Comcast promises that there will be no price increases, no activation fees, or equipment rental fees.

With cable internet like Comcast Internet Essentials, your family should be able to do all the things they want to do online, like email, homework, sharing photos, job searches, paying bills, watching videos, downloading music and more. The download speed is up to 1.5 Mbps and upload speed is up to 384 Kbps.

Your household is eligible to participate if it meets all of the following criteria:
• You are located where Comcast offers Internet service—Comcast does offer internet in most of King County, when you apply for the program they can tell you whether their internet service is available at your address
• You have not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days
• You do not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment
• You have at least one child receiving free school lunches under the National School Lunch Program.

Children are eligible to receive free school lunch if their household income is below 130% of Federal Poverty Level, which amounts to monthly income of 1,594 for a family of two, 2008 dollars a month for a family of 3, $2,422 for a family of 4, $2,836 for a family of 5, $3,249 for a family of 6 (add $414 of monthly income for each additional family member). For more information on free lunch, see the National School Lunch Program website.

Customers will be accepted into the program for three full school years. Any household that qualifies during the next three school years will remain eligible for the program as long as a child eligible for a free school lunch is still living in the household. To participate in Internet Essentials, you must verify that your child is currently certified to receive free school lunches by providing a copy of this year’s acceptance letter or other document from your child’s school or school district demonstrating free-lunch status at their school. You will need to recertify your child’s school enrollment each year to continue to participate in Internet Essentials and receive a discounted Internet service rate.

Starting this school year, families may sign up for Internet Essentials by calling 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376). Note that an application is not available publicly, you must call Comcast to request an application. When you call, they will verify your eligibility and then mail you a customized application to your address, which only you can use. If your application is approved they will send you an acceptance letter with instructions on how to get your internet service set up. For more information call 1-855-846-8376 or visit their website InternetEssentials.com.

Health Center Week 8/7-13

2011-08-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Next week, August 7-13 is National Health Center Week which recognizes the service and contributions of Community, Migrant, Homeless and Public Housing Health Centers in providing access to affordable, high quality, cost-effective health care to medically vulnerable and underserved people in the U.S. America's Health Centers now serve over 20 million people (including nearly 1 million people who are homeless) in 7,000 communities in all 50 states including Seattle. Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income.

Every day next week Sea Mar Community Health Centers is hosting free health fairs for National Health Center Week from 8am to 5pm at their Medical Clinic in South Seattle at 8720 14th Ave. South.

• Monday the 8th is Blood Pressure & Body Mass Index Check day with Medical consultation and individual Health Education sessions
• Tuesday the 9th is Behavioral Health and Chronic Care Day. Therapists and Chronic Care Coordinators will be speaking to patients about Mental Health/Behavioral Health and Chronic Care Health Issues
• Wednesday the 10th is Clinic Social Worker day & Managed Care support, (our Clinic Social Worker will provide community resources to patients) and Customer Service Representatives will assist with prescription needs, State Insurance info, etc...
• Thursday the 11th is Lab, Medical Consultations and Mammogram Day. Cholesterol & AccuChecks will be offered. Also Mammograms will be provided on site, this is in conjunction with Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Assured Imaging Women’s Wellness of Washington and King County Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Program!
• Friday the 12th is Getting Ready to go back to school Day. Free school supply donations will be provided by local retail outlets and Community Health Plan of Washington.
• And Saturday the 13th is Well-Child Checks and Immunizations Day. This is for all ages, from new-born to seniors. It is common knowledge that there is an emphasis to vaccinate children, however; there are age and gender specific vaccines throughout the life cycle.

That’s National Health Center Week, next week August 8th through 13th from 8 to 5 at The Sea Mar Seattle Medical Clinic at 8720 14th Ave. S, Seattle, 98108. For more information call Jim Arteaga at 206-764-0520 or visit healthcenterweek.org.

Stay healthy and have a great day!

Youth Resource Outreach Fair 8/5/11

2011-08-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know is a youth ages 12 – 27 without a stable place to live you should know about the Youth Outreach Fair this Friday August 5th from noon to 3 at Cal Anderson Park. There will be Over 25 organizations there providing information and resources including:

• HIV testing and information
• STD information
• Hepatitis testing
• Free books and academic advising
• Transitional housing screening
• Case management sign-up
• Clothing
• Hygiene supplies
• Soccer tournament
• DSHS - screening for benefits
• And Community voice mail will be there to sign people up for voicemail numbers.

That’s the Youth Resource Outreach Fair this Friday August 5 from noon to 3 P.M. at Cal Anderson Park which is at 1635 11th Ave in the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Seattle. Bus Routes: 9, 49, 60, 8, 43, 10, 11. Free transportation provided from several locations throughout King County. Sponsored by Seattle Parks and Recreation and Street Outreach Workers (SOW). For more information on the fair and transportation information contact Katalin Hausback at 206-633-7639.

Washington Recovery Helpline

2011-07-26T16:57:00.000-07:00

Do you or someone you know have: Issues related to alcohol or drug abuse? Problems related to gambling? Symptoms of mental illness? Questions about treatment?

When you’re ready for a change…

Call The Washington Recovery Help Line, an anonymous and confidential help line that provides crisis intervention and referral services for Washington State residents at 866.789.1511. Professionally trained volunteers and staff are available to provide emotional support 24-hours a day, and offer local treatment resources for substance abuse, problem gambling and mental health, as well as to other community services.

The Washington Recovery Help Line is the new consolidated help line for substance abuse, problem gambling and mental health, as authorized and funded by The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. The Recovery Help Line is a service of Crisis Clinic and serves residents in Washington State.

That’s the Washington Recovery Help Line 24-Hour Help for Substance Abuse, Problem Gambling & Mental Health 1-866-789-1511

VA Benefits for Homeless Veterans

2011-07-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

This message from Community Voice Mail and the VA is for veterans who are homeless. Please share with anyone you think may benefit from this information.

My name is Rachael Rehberg and I am calling from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Seattle Regional Office. You previously received messages from Erika Hoppe, who has recently moved to another job. I'd like to intorduce myself and encourage yu to contact me if you have any questions about VA benefits. I can also answer any questions you may have regarding a pending claim or a decision you've received.

Again, my name is Rachael and I look forward to working with you.

If you are a homeless veteran and would like to inqurie about entitlement to VA disability benefits, there are two ways you can contact me.

First, you can call me in Seattle at 206.220.4186. Again, that's 206.220.4186.

Or, at the end of this message, you can press the number 4 button on your phone and leave me a voice mail message with any question and your contact information. Pelase know that if you reply in this way, you're communicating directly with me at the VA. Except for you phone number, your name, and any information you provide in your message, no other information is being provided to the VA.

Either way, I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

On behalf of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Community Voice Mail, we thank you for your service and hope to hear from you.

Nationwide & Jobbernaut Job Fairs

2011-07-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about two free job fairs coming up: The Nationwide Job Fair this Thursday the 14th from 1-4 at SeaTac Homewood Suites Hilton and the Greater Seattle Job Fair next Tuesday the 19th from 11 to 3 at Qwest Field.

At The Nationwide Job Fair, you can meet directly with decision makers at top companies and schedule interviews. At this job fair there will be job opportunities in Sales, Customer Service, Clerical, Administrative, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Government, Non-Profit, Marketing and more. From entry level to professional positions; From Hourly to Salaried positions. They highly encourage that you register online at http://www.nationwidejobfairs.com/ because the resumes submitted online will be viewed by employers attending the job fair prior to the event and in the case they are interested in interviewing you, they will contact you directly. That’s at Homewood Suites Hilton Seattle Airport/Tukwila: 6955 Fort Dent Way in Tukwila from 1 to 4. For more information call 360-918-8572 or visit http://www.nationwidejobfairs.com/.

The Greater Seattle Job Fair, presented by Jobbernaut, is the Northwest's largest hiring event, featuring over 30 companies from the Puget Sound Region. It’s free to the public and all levels of employment are available. You can meet with dozens of hiring managers all in a single afternoon. Companies participating in this Job Fair are generally looking to fill positions from the following broad categories; Sales, Retail, Marketing, Healthcare, Management and more! It is recommended that you dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. That’s at the Seahawks' Qwest Field inside the "West Club Level" at 800 Occidental Avenue South in Seattle, next Tuesday the 19th from 11 to 3. Enter through the Northwest V.I.P. Entrance at the North end of the Stadium. For more information, directions and a complete list of attending companies call 1-800-525-7748 or visit http://www.jobbernaut.com/.

Job Fairs are a great opportunity to meet one-on-one with recruiters from companies, talk to hiring representatives, fill out job applications, distribute copies of your resume and learn about a wide variety of employment opportunities throughout the area. You should dress professionally and bring plenty of copies of your resume. If you’re looking for work you may want to attend one or both of these job fairs. Good Luck!

Summer Meals

2011-06-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

Could Your kids Use More Food this Summer? The Summer Meals Program is one of the federal nutrition programs that provides free meals and snacks to children and teens during the summer months (June through August). Summer Meals, also known as Summer Sack Lunch, is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and was established in 1968 to respond to growing research that correlated a child’s nutrition with academic success and concerns about the lack of nutrition resources for children during the summer months. There are over 100 Summer meal sites in King County, located in schools, parks, recreation centers, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and camps. In addition to meals, many sites provide fun activities for kids. Sites may be open from June through August, depending on your community.

All kids and teens (18 years old and younger) are eligible for the program. No proof of income, address or citizenship is ever required.

To find the location and time
of Summer Meals sites nearest you,
Call the Family Food Hotline
1-888-4-FOOD-WA
(1-888-436-6392)
or visit http://www.parenthelp123.org/ or to find your Summer Meals sites online.

Be Well Washington Health Fair 6/18

2011-06-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Hello. If you would like to be healthier, I want to let you know about the Be Well Washington Health Fair on Saturday, June 18, from 10 am to 2 pm at Qwest Field. Bring your family to Qwest Field and learn how to adopt a healthy lifestyle. There will be:

• Complimentary health screenings, including blood pressure, mammograms, biometric, BMI, cholesterol, glucose and much more
• The Kids' Zone, featuring the reptile man, balloon artists, face painters, and a passport to wellness competition
• A healthy cooking competition between Chef Mac, team chef for the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders and Regence Chef Tse
• Entertainment by the SeaGals, Blue Thunder Drum Line, Hot Dog USA Jump Roping Team and more.
There is no entry cost and parking is also free for the day

The Be Well Health Fair is sponsored by Regence Blue Shield, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders and Q13 FOX. The fair is part of Be Well Washington Family Health Week, this week June 13th through 18th: A week of complimentary health screenings, presentations by health experts, and healthy cooking demonstrations throughout the Puget Sound. For more information and a complete list of activities, visit Be Well Washington online at www.bewellwashington.net.

And don’t miss the Be Well Health Fair this Saturday, June 18 from 10 to 2 at Qwest Field. Be healthy!

YWCA-Worksource Hiring & Resource Fair 6/16

2011-06-09T16:05:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know is looking for work or resources to help you find a job, I want to let you know about the YWCA and Worksource Hiring & Resource Fair on Thursday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at WorkSource Affiliate Downtown Seattle at YWCA Opportunity Place

Talk with 15+ employers who are hiring for Hundreds of positions in: Manufacturing,
Transportation & Material Handling, Food Service, Hospitality, Customer Service and more! There will also be a number of social service resources available at the fair, including Community Voice Mail.

The Hiring and Resource Fair will Feature:
• Allstar Staffing
• Amtrak
• Community Health Plan
• Highline School District
• Home Depot
• Key Bank
• King County Housing Authority
• King County-Local Hazardous Waste Management
• King County Security Guard
• Safeway
• Target
• TNT Direct Sales Group
• Silver Cloud Hotel
• Washington Army National Guard
• Solid Ground, Community Voice Mail AND MORE

Bring your resume, dress professionally and be prepared to speak to company representatives.

To attend, call or sign up at the WorkSource Affiliate Downtown Seattle front desk, (206) 436-8600.

That’s The YWCA-Worksource Hiring and Resource Fair, next Thursday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at WorkSource Affiliate Downtown Seattle (Located in YWCA Opportunity Place) at 2024 3rd Avenue on the 2nd Floor. Call (206) 436-8600 to sign up. Parking is available at adjacent self-pay lots and at the Bed, Bath & Beyond parking garage on 3rd Avenue. The following Metro bus routes also serve this location: 1, 2, 3 & 4, 5, 7, 13, 16, 27, 32, 36, 54, 55, 70, 135, 304, 316 & 358. Good Luck!

Seattle Solidarity Network

2011-05-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

Is your landlord refusing to make needed repairs or withholding a deposit? Is your boss stealing your wages, making you work through breaks or not paying overtime? Are you having any other problems with your boss or landlord?

If you are ready to do something about it, it's time to get in touch with the Seattle Solidarity Network. They are a volunteer network of working people who believe in standing up for ourselves and each other, and generally making bad bosses and landlords pay what they owe.

If you want to talk about an issue you are facing with a boss or landlord, or if you want to support fellow workers and tenants taking action around Seattle give them a call at (206)350-8650 or check out their website at www.seasol.net.

Please note that they are not a social service agency and they are not lawyers - they work with people who are ready to stand up or themselves and for others. Again, the phone number is (206)350-8650 and the website is www.seasol.net. Thanks, and remember: Don't Fight Alone!

North End Community Health Fair 5/24/11

2011-05-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Hello. I want to let you know about the free North End Community Health Fair next Tuesday, May 24 from 10:00 a.m to 6:00 p.m. at North Seattle Family Center, at 3200 NE 125th St.

The North End Community Health Fair is sponsored by UW Bothell and the Children’s Home Society of Washington. The health fair is FREE TO THE PUBLIC and will include:

¨ Informative and comprehensive health screenings for blood pressure, bone density, cholesterol, diabetes, and other health concerns.

¨ Learn about diet, nutrition, exercise, car seat safety, stress management.

¨ Learn ways to keep yourself and your children healthy.

¨ Information on local health resources.

¨ Bring toys and cosmetics for free toxic chemicals testing.

¨ Fun activities for children and families! Raffles! Free food nibblers!

¨ Special Guest: Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney

That’s, the North End Community Health Fair Tuesday, May 24 from 10to 6 at North Seattle Family Center, 3200 NE 125th St. For more information call 206.364.7930 or 425.352.5376.

King County Housing Authority Section 8 Waiting List opening 5/25-6/7

2011-05-17T16:05:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you or someone you know need subsidized housing, I want to let you know about the opening of the King County Housing Authority’s Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher waiting list May 25 though June 7th.

Section 8 vouchers allow participating tenants to choose and rent units from private landlords. The Housing Authority pays a fixed amount of the rent to the owner each month, and the tenant pays the difference between this subsidy and the total rent, in addition to any utilities not included in the rent. In general, tenants pay between 30 percent and 40 percent of their monthly income for rent and utilities.

This month, as it did for two weeks in 2007, King County Housing Authority (KCHA) will create a new waiting list for its Housing Choice Voucher Program by means of a random drawing. The King County Housing Authority serves residents of King County outside of the cities of Seattle and Renton.

Starting on Wednesday, May 25, the application form will be available to submit or print online at www.kcha.org. Application forms for those without computer access can be picked up at any of the following 11 locations:

•Section 8 Office: 15455 65th Ave S, Tukwila
•Auburn DSHS: 810 28th St. NE, Auburn
•Eastside DSHS: 805 156th Ave NE, Bellevue
•Federal Way DSHS: 616 S 348th St., Federal Way
•Kent DSHS: 1313 W Meeker St, #100, Kent
•White Center DSHS: 9650 15th Ave SW, Seattle
•Kent Multi-Service Ctr.: 515 W Harrison St, Kent
•Mt. Si Senior Center: 411 Main Ave. S, North Bend
•Northshore Family Ctr.: 18315 Bothell Way NE, Bothell
•Shoreline Family Ctr.: 17018 15th Ave NE, Shoreline
•Spiritwood Apartments: 1424 148th Ave SE, Bellevue
•Kirkland Library: 308 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland

Applicants must qualify for a housing preference to be eligible. These preferences are: Households are homeless or about to become homeless; Families are living in substandard housing; or Families are spending more than 50 percent of their incomes on rent and utilities. Only one application per household will be accepted and applicants must be over 18 years of age. Applicants who receive a voucher are required to live in King County for their first year on the program.

All completed applications not submitted online must be returned by mail only and postmarked by June 7 to the following address:
King County Housing Authority
Section 8
P.O. Box 58550
Seattle, WA 98138

Applications will become available on May 25 and can be submitted any time during the two-week period. There is absolutely no advantage to submitting an application on the first day. Once all forms have been processed, no more than 2,500 names will be selected through a random drawing that will be held after June 7th. These will form the new Section 8 waiting list. Applicants not placed on the list will be notified by the Authority following the random drawing.

For information about the application process, please call the King County Housing Authority Section 8 Office at (206) 214-1300. So pick up or print out a section 8 lottery sign up form or submit the application online after May 25 and don’t forget to submit it by June 7th if you want a chance at receiving a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. Good luck!

Choice Career Fair & W.A.G.E.S. Internship Program 5/18

2011-05-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about two opportunities coming up, The Choice Career Fair on Wednesday the 18th at the Seattle Center NorthWest Rooms and WAGES internships, a YMCA job training program for 18 to 22 year olds that is having info sessions Wednesday and Thursday the 18th and 19th.

At the Choice Career Fair, you'll meet face-to-face with hiring decision-makers from some of the areas top employers. Dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes, because they are there to hire. You can save time, money and effort interviewing with multiple companies in one day at one location. Many of these companies have several openings. You will no longer be just a piece of paper, you can get right in front of the decision makers attending this event. That’s the Choice Career Fair, Wednesday, May 18th, from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm at the Seattle Center NorthWest Rooms Next to Key Arena at 1st Ave. N & Republican St. in Seattle. For a list of job titles, maps and a line pass, please go to www.ChoiceCareerFairs.com.

W.A.G.E.S., Working to Achieve Growth in Employment Skills is a job readiness internship program of the YMCA for 18 to 22 year olds. Do you need a part time job that pays? Are you between the ages of 18 and 22 years old. Are you struggling with issues around homelessness (like couch surfing or transitional living)? They would like to discuss the W.A.G.E.S. 8-week job readiness internship with you. Attend one of the two info sessions to learn more. The info sessions are on Wednesday the 18th at 2 PM and on Thursday May 19th at 2 PM at 2100 24th Avenue South, Suite 250, in Seattle. Interested applicants should be prepared to complete an application and submit a resume for consideration for the program. Contact Corey Young at 206.749.7547 for more information.

Good Luck!

North & East King County Career and Education Fair and the Washington Women In Trades Career Fair 5/6

2011-05-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you or someone you know is looking for a job, a new career or work training, I want to let you know about two events this Friday, May 6th, the North & East King County Career and Education Fair and the Washington Women In Trades Career Fair.

Hopelink and the City of Bellevue are sponsoring the North & East King County Career and Education Fair, Friday May 6, 2011 at the Bellevue Crossroads Community Center from 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Representatives from local employers and colleges will provide information on career opportunities, education and training programs and more. This year’s event will host dozens of local employers from various industries -- all with jobs. Please come with copies of your resume and ready to speak with company representatives. The event is free and open to the public but you should register either by Emailing HEP@hope-link.org or online at www.hope-link.org/fair. That’s North & East King County Career and Education Fair Friday from 930 to 3 at Bellevue Crossroads Community Center at 16000 NE 10th St, in Bellevue.

The Washington Women In Trades Job Fair is on Friday May 6th from 9 am to 2 pm at Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center. Ever wished for a career that fits? Are you looking for good pay AND a sense of accomplishment? Here’s what you’ll find: Climb an electrical pole, shovel some sand, run a traffic cone relay, or build a birdhouse! This is all about fun, but it’s inspiring & educational, too. Learn about lucrative non-traditional opportunities at the many apprenticeship and training program exhibits. Meet with recruiters from both private companies and public agencies. Annual exhibitors include Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Seattle City Light, Seattle Public Utilities, Alaskan Copper, Puget Sound Energy and more. Plus, you can meet and chat with a real live Rosie the Riveter at the Rosie Corner! New this year, Tradeswoman Survivor Game Designed for our school age attendees, but open to everyone, this is a fun way to experience first hand what it’s like to be a tradeswoman. That’s the Washington Women In Trades Job Fair Friday, May 6th from 9 am to 2 pm at Fisher Pavilion at the Seattle Center which is at 305 Harrison Street. For more information call (206) 903-9508 or online at wawomenintrades.com/jobfair.

Seattle Career Fair 5/2

2011-04-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Seattle Career Fair, Monday, May 2, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Hilton Seattle Airport Hotel and Conference Center.

Career Fairs provide the opportunity to connect face-to-face with recruiters who make hiring decisions and can help you network for other positions within a company.
This event will showcase companies hiring in the following industries Accounting/Auditing, Administrative and Support Services, Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations, Banking, Consumer Products, Customer Service and Call Center, Finance/Economics, Financial Services, Hospitality/Tourism, Insurance, Real Estate/Mortgage, Restaurant and Food Service, Retail/Wholesale, Sales, and more.

They recommend that you dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes.

That’s the Seattle Career Fair, next Monday, May 2nd, from 11 to 2 at The Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Center at 17620 International Blvd in SeaTac. To pre-register or for more information visit nationalcareerfairs.com. Good Luck!

Community Resource Exchange 4/22

2011-04-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Hi, I wanted to let you know about the United Way Community Resource Exchange on Friday April 22nd from 9 AM to 3 PM at Qwest Field Event Center at 800 Occidental Ave South in Seattle. The Community Resource Exchange is a one-day, one stop way for homeless people to get free services like healthcare, legal assistance, haircuts and national phone calls. Also available are referrals to social services including housing, counseling, public benefits and employment training. A free hot meal will also be served. Childcare will be available. And Community Voice Mail will have a booth where people can sign up in person for voice mail numbers. If you are homeless, we encourage you to attend this event as it will be a great way to get a variety of free services in one place, in one day. So don’t miss it, and bring your friends to the Community Resource Exchange this Friday April 22nd from 9 AM to 3 PM at Qwest Field Event Center.

See the complete list of services offered.

Come get the services you need in one place, in one day. Don’t miss it, and bring your friends.

Community Resource Exchange
Friday April 22nd
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Qwest Field Event Center (800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle) map

For more information:

E-mail: cre@uwkc.org
Website: www.uwkc.org/cre

Spread the word! Distribute the CRE flyer.

Greater Seattle Job Fair 4/20

2011-04-13T16:42:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Greater Seattle Job Fair at Qwest Field, Wednesday April 20th, from 11 AM to 3 PM. This job fair, presented by Jobbernaut, is the Northwest's largest hiring event, featuring over 30 companies from the Puget Sound Region. It’s free to the public and all levels of employment are available. You can meet with dozens of hiring managers all in a single afternoon. Companies participating in this Job Fair are generally looking to fill positions from the following broad categories; Sales, Retail, Marketing, Healthcare, Management and more! It is recommended that you dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. That’s at the Seahawks' Qwest Field inside the "West Club Level" at 800 Occidental Avenue South in Seattle, next Wednesday the 20th from 11 to 3. Enter through the Northwest V.I.P. Entrance at the North end of the Stadium. For more information, directions and a complete list of attending companies call 1-800-525-7748 or visit www.jobbernaut.com. Good Luck!

CCS Benefits Fair 4/12

2011-04-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

Hi, I want to let you know about the Benefits Fair next Tuesday April 12th from 2pm to 5pm, hosted by Catholic Community Services at Issaquah Meal Program. CCS Benefit Fairs are designed to provide a full spectrum of resources in one place to help people put together the best combination of resources available to stabilize their lives. Some of the many free services available at the benefits fair are:

• The DSHS’ Mobile Community Service Office: Experienced staff will be on-site to complete cash, food, and medical interviews, issue EBT cards, and receive documents
• Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project: Veterans can connect with VA benefits, and get help with food, clothing, transportation, and employment
• Free Haircuts by Regis Salon of Pine Lake—come early if you want a hair cut, as they will only be there for a limited time
• Coffee, cold drinks and food
• Clothing and hygiene kits
• Information about community resources, and more!
• Community Voice Mail will even be there.

That’s the CCS Benefits Fair next Tuesday, April 12th from 2 to 5 pm At Issaquah Meal Program at 180 Sunset Way in Issaquah. For more information call 425.679.0342 or email: adriab@ccsww.org. Please spread the word by sharing this Benefits Fair flyer.

CVM server Maintenance 4/8 - 4/10

2011-04-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

Hi, this is an important message to inform you that maintenance is scheduled for the Community Voice Mail server at the National Office this weekend, which means that:

All voice mail accounts will temporarily disabled starting at 8pm this Friday, April 8th, possibly until 8pm Sunday, April 10th, although they believe that it won’t take that long.

This means:
• you will not be able to listen to your messages
• you will hear: “voicemail is currently unavailable” when you login

The Good News is that:
• when someone calls they can still leave you messages
• all your saved messages will remain unaffected

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience!

Financial Fitness Day - Saturday 4/2

2011-03-30T10:36:00.000-07:00

Want to get your finances in shape? The Seattle-King County Asset Building Collaborative, with more than two dozen community partners, is proud to present Financial Fitness Day, providing a wide array of FREE services to the public to help them understand, manage, and improve their financial situations. Financial Fitness Day is this Saturday, April 2nd from 10 AM to 3 PM at Rainier Community Center at
4600 38th Avenue, in Seattle.

You can't afford to miss this opportunity to talk to an expert about:
• Credit and Debt
• Financial planning and investment management
• Mortgage and foreclosure
• Bankruptcy and consumer rights
• Tax return preparation and tax credits
• Starting a business
• Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

At Financial Fitness Day, you will be able to:
• Have your tax return prepared
• Print a free credit report
• Open a bank account — even if you've never had one before
• Create a household budget and develop a plan to reduce your debt
• Apply for public benefits (food, utilities, child care, health insurance)
• Shred financial documents to protect your identity

Services will be provided by experts, including attorneys, financial planners, housing counselors, credit counselors, public health workers, and volunteer tax preparers. Workshops will be offered throughout the day on a variety of financial topics, such as how to adapt to a reduced household income, bankruptcy, ID theft, and other relevant issues.

To register for this event or to find out more information, call 888-864-8623 or visit www.skcabc.org/fitness_fair. Registration is strongly encouraged for those who need childcare or language interpretation.

That’s Financial Fitness Day, this Saturday from 10 to 3 at Rainier Community Center. Please spread the word to your friends, family and networks.

Free Tax Preparation - only 3 weeks left

2011-03-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

Hi, I want to remind you how you can get your income tax return prepared and filed for free at any one of 18 United Way sponsored tax sites throughout King County until April 17th, 2011 (only 3 weeks left). In addition to getting help filing your taxes, you may be eligible to receive a refund up to $5,666 from the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit for working people with low and moderate incomes. The free tax preparation service will be prepared by IRS-trained and certified volunteers, and can be electronically filed for a quick refund. Multilingual tax preparers will be available at several sites to serve customers who do not speak English. At the sites you will also be able to sign up for certain public benefits and learn about opportunities you have to make the most of your tax refund by receiving your refund on a debit card or putting a portion of your refund into a U.S. Savings Bond. Free tax prep allows low-income people to keep more of your hard-earned money and avoid paying unnecessary fees for commercial tax preparation and "rapid refund" loans. Being financially stable reduces the risk of becoming homeless. For more information, visit the United Way Free Tax Preparation Campaign webpage To find a location near you, see the United Way Tax Site Locations webpage for a list of sites and their hours and an interactive map. Or simply dial 211 from any phone in King County (this is a free call, even from payphones). Tell the 211 operator that you want information about free tax preparation services.

Three Job Fairs next week

2011-03-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you or someone you know are looking for work, I want to let you know about three job fairs next week: The Greenbridge Job and Resource fair on Tuesday the 22nd , the Dice Career Fair, also on Tuesday the 22nd and the Choice Career Fair on Thursday the 24th.

The YWCA Greenbridge Job and Resource Fair is on Tuesday March 22nd from 10 AM to 1 PM at YWCA Greenbridge at 9720 8th Ave SW, in White Center. Employers will include: Port of Seattle, Equity Residential, Safeway, Cares of Washington, Child Care Resources, Victim Support Team at the Seattle Police Department, South Seattle Community College, King County Hazardous Waste Management, Highline School District, Lowes, Airport Jobs, and others. For more information call (206) 336-7000.

Also on Tuesday the 22nd is the DICE career fair from 11 to 3 at the Seattle Sheraton. Top Companies with Technology, Engineering and Security Clearance Job Openings Are Hiring! Meet recruiters and Hiring Managers from: BeyondSoft, Corbis Corp, Goodrich Aerostructures, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, SetFocus, Symetra Financial, and ValueVillage and more companies are expected to be added. That’s from 11AM to 3PM at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel at 1400 Sixth Street in downtown Seattle. Pre-register online at dicecareerfairs.com.

And, on Thursday the 24th is the Choice Career Fair from10:30 to 2 at Seattle Center NorthWest Rooms. Meet face-to-face with the hiring managers from some of the best employers in the greater Seattle area. The recruiters at this event have many job titles they need to fill. That’s at the Seattle Center NorthWest Rooms, next to Key Arena at 1st Ave. N & Republican St. in Seattle. For a list of job titles, maps and a line pass, please go to ChoiceCareerFairs.com.
Job Fairs are a great opportunity to meet one-on-one with recruiters from companies, talk to hiring representatives, fill out job applications, distribute copies of your resume and learn about a wide variety of employment opportunities throughout the area. If you’re looking for work you might want to attend one or all three of these job fairs next Tuesday and Thursday. Good Luck!

Rally to Protect Our Future 3-17

2011-03-10T16:48:00.000-08:00

From Egypt to Libya to Wisconsin, we are witnessing real grassroots power as people rise up in support of basic worker and human rights. On Thursday, March 17, it is our turn to make our voices heard as we go to Washington's Capitol and Rally to Protect Our Future. Join the Statewide Poverty Action Network and 2,000 other community members as we demand that our state focuses on raising revenue to end drastic cuts to TANF, Disability Lifeline, healthcare, and other essential services.

The rally will take place on Thursday, March 17th at 12:00 noon on the Capitol Steps in Olympia. Free transportation will leave from Seattle, Kent & Lakewood on the day of the event. For more information or to sign up for a spot on bus, contact Kate at Poverty Action at 206-694-6794. For more information visit povertyaction.org

Also, do you have questions about how the state creates its budget? Are you concerned about the deep budget cuts that have been proposed by lawmakers? Join Poverty Action for the second of our lunchtime phone briefings as Policy Director Tony Lee discusses the biennial budget this Friday, March 11 from 12:00 to 12:45pm. When you RSVP, we’ll send you a call-in number. To sign-up, contact Danielle at 206-694-6794. Thank you!

Worksource Hiring Event & Nationwide Job Fair 3/10

2011-03-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about two free job fairs this Thursday, March 10th: The Seattle Worksource Hiring Event at the Downtown Seattle Worksource Office from 10 to 2, and the Nationwide Job Fair at Embassy Suites Hotel in Tukwila from 11 to 2.

The Worksource Hiring Event includes hundreds of positions in: Manufacturing, Transportation & Material Handling, Food Service, Hospitality, Customer Service and more. Featuring: Amtrak, AEROTEK, Charlie’s Produce, Community Health Plan, Key Bank, Port of Seattle, Red Lion Hotel, ResCare Home Care, Safeway, Sterling and more. To attend, call or sign up at the front desk of WorkSource Affiliate Downtown Seattle: (206) 436-8600. Bring your resume, dress professionally and be prepared to speak to company representatives. Thats at the WorkSource Affiliate Downtown Seattle Thursday, March 10th from 10 AM – 2 PM. Located in YWCA Opportunity Place at 2024 3rd Avenue on the 2nd Floor, call (206) 436-8600 for more information.

At The Nationwide Job Fair, you can meet directly with decision makers at top companies and schedule interviews. At this job fair there will be job opportunities in Sales, Customer Service, Clerical, Administrative, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Government Opportunities, Marketing & Advertising, Business Administration and Management and more. From entry level to professional positions; From Hourly to Salaried positions. The dress code is professional. Bring plenty of resumes. They highly encourage that you register online at www.nationwidejobfairs.com because the resumes submitted online will be viewed by employers attending the job fair prior to the event and in the case they are interested in interviewing you, they will contact you directly. That’s at The Embassy Suites Airport Hotel at 15920 West Valley Highway, in Tukwila this Thursday the 10th from 11 am to 2 pm. For more information call 360-918-8572 or visit www.nationwidejobfairs.com.

Job Fairs are a great opportunity to meet one-on-one with recruiters from companies, talk to hiring representatives, fill out job applications, distribute copies of your resume and learn about a wide variety of employment opportunities throughout the area. If you’re looking for work you should attend one or both of these job fairs on Thursday. Good Luck!

DSHS can’t terminate TANF because of SSI income

2011-03-03T16:32:00.000-08:00

Hi. If you (or someone you know) lost your TANF benefits because someone in your household receives SSI and that put you over the TANF income level, the Federal District Court has issued a temporary Order stopping DSHS from terminating benefits for that reason. If you were affected by this change and DSHS has not reinstated your benefits by Friday march 11th, contact your local DSHS office or call the Washington State DSHS toll free line at 877-501-2233 and ask them to reinstate benefits.

Here is a link to the district court ruling:
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9Bkrad4slsTMWRmY2Y1ZTktMjhkNC00ODkyLWEwYzgtNGE3NWQxZWE5MjIy&hl=en

Free First Thursday: Free Museums This Thursday 3/3

2011-03-01T14:39:00.000-08:00

Hi. This Thursday, March 3rd is Free First Thursday, at Seattle Museums. On the first Thursday of every month you can visit museums in Seattle for free including:

• Burke Museum of Natural History & Culture: On the first Thursday of each month, the museum stays open until 8 pm—and admission is free.
• The Museum of Flight: Museum admission is free of charge on the first Thursday evening of every month from 5pm. until 9pm. Note: Airpark exhibits are closed on first Thursday evenings.
• Henry Art Gallery: Free first Thursdays.
• Museum of History and Industry: Free first Thursdays.
• Northwest African-American Museum: Free first & second Thursdays.
• Seattle Art Museum: first Thursdays: Free to all
• Seattle Asian Art Museum: first Thursdays: Free to all
• Wing Luke Asian Museum: General admission is free every first Thursday & third Saturday of the month.

While Thursday this week is Free First Thursday, it's not the only day or only way to visit museums for free. Many museums have other free days too, such as:

• Bellevue Art Museum: Free first Fridays for all, and free for students on the second Wednesday of each month with coupon.
• Frye Art Museum: ALWAYS FREE!
• KidsQuest Childrens Museum: Free Fridays 5-8pm.
• Wing Luke Asian Museum: Free every third Saturday of the month.
• Olympic Sculpture Museum: ALWAYS FREE!
• Seattle Asian Art Museum:Free first Fridays for Seniors 62 and over, and free first Saturday of each month for families.
• Seattle Art Museum: first Friday: Free to seniors (age 62+); second Fridays, 5–9 pm: Free to teens (ages 13–19) with ID
• You can print free passes to the following museums from the King County Library System: Bellevue Arts Museum, Kidsquest Children’s Museum, Museum of History and Industry, and the Washington State History Museum. Search for “museum” in the events calendar, select your date and follow the instructions on the site.
• Pacific Science Center: the first 1,000 guests to enter on the first Monday of the month will be let in FREE

I hope you enjoy local museums for free this Free First Thursday March 3rd and check out some of the other free museum days as well.

Youth Education, Career, and Resource Fair 2/23

2011-02-18T14:05:00.000-08:00

Greetings. If you or someone you know are age 14-21 or you are a parent of youth 14-21, I want to let you know about the Youth Education, Career, and Resource Fair, next Wednesday, February 23rd from 10am to 2pm at Rainier Community Center.

This Fair is a great opportunity for youth to network with potential employers, to talk to reps from colleges and universities, and to learn about a host of other community resources. Workshops for youth will also be offered on: Finding and Keeping a Job, What to do After Graduation, Career Interests, Resume Writing, Green Jobs, and Making a Career out of Helping in the Community.

Youth will have a chance to network and to share their resume with potential employers and college reps at this Fair. If you have a resume, bring it. If you don’t, you can develop one at the Fair – they will have a resume workshop for you! Lunch is provided. Dress to impress.

That’s The Youth Education, Career, and Resource Fair next Wednesday, the 23rd from 10 to 2 at Rainier Community Center, which is at 4600 38th Ave S in Seattle, behind Rainier Playfield, on Rainier Ave. For more information, call Seattle Youth Employment Program at 206-386-1375.

Celebrate Diversity Job Fair 2/23

2011-02-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

Hi. if you or someone you know are looking for work, job seekers are invited to attend the Celebrate Diversity Job Fair on Wednesday, February 23rd from noon to 3:30p.m. at the Crossroads Community Center, in Bellevue.

More than 20 local employers will be at the fair, sponsored by Bellevue's Cultural Diversity program, to share information about current and future job openings at their organizations. Some of the job openings include: Administrative, Accounting, Bank Tellers, Drivers, Managerial, Social Service Case Managers, Youth Program Coordinators, Teachers, Call Center positions, Mid-Management, Recreation and more. Employers will be recruiting for part time, fulltime and temporary positions. Attendance is free for job seekers! Be sure to dress accordingly and bring copies of your current resume.

Local employers expected to attend include: Cedar Grove Composting, City of Bellevue, Kent School District, Wells Fargo, state Department of Forestry, state Department of Social and Health Services, Nature Conservancy, Employment Security Department, University of Washington, YMCA, Bright Horizons Children's Centers and Solid Ground.

That’s the Celebrate Diversity Job Fair next Wednesday, the 23rd, noon to 3:30 at Crossroads Community Center at 16000 NE 10th St. Bellevue, WA 98008. This is event is free, but pre-registration is encouraged. To RSVP, please contact Kevin Henry by E-mail at Khenry@bellevuewa.gov or call 425-452-7886. Good Luck!

Youth Employment Programs

2011-02-10T17:04:00.000-08:00

Greetings. If you or someone you know is a youth and looking for work, I want to let you know about two job training programs starting soon, Year Up and Youth Garden Works.

Year Up is a one-year, intensive training program that provides urban young adults, ages 18-24, with a combination of hands-on skill development, college credits, and corporate internships. During the first six months of the program, participants focus on skill mastery in one of two areas: 1) Desktop Support / IT Help Desk; 2) Investment Operations. Equal emphasis is placed on developing the professional skills required in today's workplace such as effective communication, leadership, and teamwork. During the second six months of the program, students are placed in internships with local partner companies. A stipend between $150 and $280 per week is provided to all participants throughout the one-year, full-time educational program. You must be between the ages of 18-24 and a High School graduate or GED recipient. The next program starts March 8th so apply now before it fills up. To apply, download an application online at yearup.org or call (206) 406-9105.

Seattle Youth Garden Works is an 8-12 week agriculture and enterprise job training program emphasizing innovation and responsibility. Youth grow, package, and sell produce at farmers markets and through local restaurants, participating in all aspects of the food system and gaining a range of employment skills. People from diverse backgrounds come together to grow food, and in the process develop personal connections to the food system. Graduates have opportunities to pursue internships with Seattle Tilth’s other programs and with partner organizations that build on the skills learned at SYGW. The program starts Tuesday, March 22nd and ends Friday, June 17. This job also includes participation in educational activities and job skills training. Pay is $8.67 per hour. Youth must be 16-21 years old and be considered homeless or underserved. For more information, call (206) 619-5196 or Email sharonlerman@seattletilth.org or visit sygw.org. Applications due Monday, February 28th.

Good luck!

Greater Seattle Job Fair 2/9

2011-02-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Greater Seattle Job Fair at Qwest Field Wednesday February 9th, from 11 AM to 3 PM. This job fair, presented by Jobbernaut, is the Northwest's largest hiring event, featuring over 35 companies from the Puget Sound Region. It’s free to the public and all levels of employment are available. You can meet with dozens of hiring managers all in a single afternoon. Companies participating in this Job Fair are generally looking to fill positions from the following broad categories; Sales, Retail, Management, Financial, Healthcare, Restaurant, Accounting, Banking, Clerical, Computers, IT, Customer Service, Engineers, General Office, Secretarial, Security, and more! All levels of experience – from part-time hourly positions, entry level, management trainee positions all the way to technical and professional full-time positions! It is recommended that you dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. That’s at the Seahawks' Qwest Field inside the "West Club Level" at 800 Occidental Avenue South in Seattle, next Wednesday the 9th from 11 to 3. Enter through the Northwest V.I.P. Entrance at the North end of the Stadium. For more information, directions and a complete list of attending companies call 1-800-525-7748 or visit jobbernaut.com. Good Luck!

Free Acupuncture for Veterans

2011-02-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

If you or someone you know is a veteran or family member of a veteran, I want to let you know about a free community style Acupuncture clinic coming to Seattle for veterans and their family members.

• Improve mental clarity, focus, concentration and memory
• Boost energy
• Enhance performance
• Improve Sleep
• Reduce Stress
• Reduce Anxiety and irritability
• Alleviate hyper-vigilance, flashbacks and nightmares

A free community style Acupuncture clinic is coming to Seattle for veterans and their family members.

Seattle Acupuncture for Veterans
Mondays, 6:30-8:30 PM
The O’Kelly Clinic at Solid Ground
1501 N 45th St, Seattle

Seattle Acupuncture for Veterans mission is to provide ear acupuncture treatments at no cost to veterans and their families in a healing and peaceful environment.

A member clinic of Acupuncturist Without Borders Military Stress Reduction Program. For more information visit www.acuwithoutborders.org.

Free Tax Prep

2011-02-02T13:45:00.000-08:00

Hi, I’m calling today to tell you how you can get your income tax return prepared and filed for free at any one of 17 United Way of King County sponsored tax sites throughout King County between now and April 15, 2011. In addition to getting help filing your taxes, you may be eligible to receive a refund from the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit for working people with low and moderate incomes. The free tax preparation service will be provided by IRS trained multilingual volunteers.

Free tax prep allows low-income people to keep more of their hard-earned money and avoid paying unnecessary fees for commercial tax preparation and "rapid refund" loans. Being financially stable reduces the risk of becoming homeless.

For more information, and to find a location near you, simply dial 211 from any phone in King County (this is a free call, even from payphones). Tell the 211 operator that you want information about free tax preparation services. Thanks for using Community Voice Mail. Or visit the United Way Free Tax Preparation Campaign webpage.

January Job Fairs

2011-01-12T17:59:00.000-08:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about three job fairs next week.

On Monday January 17th is the Coast-to-Coast Career Fair from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm at the Seattle Airport Marriott Hotel at 3201 South 176th Street. They are bringing together some of the area’s top local employers, who will be hiring for hundreds of positions! Anyone in the community who is looking for work is encouraged to attend this FREE Job Fair. This event will offer job seekers an opportunity to meet face-to-face with dozens of employers who are hiring today! Coast-to-Coast Career Fairs will also have a local career expert on hand to provide a free professional resume review. Make most of this job fair by dressing professionally and bringing multiple copies of your resume. For more information call 866-838-5111 or visit CoastToCoastCareerFairs.com

On Wednesday January 19th is the City Career Fairs Diversity Employment Day Career Fair from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm at Seattle Center NW Room-Shaw Room at 305 Harrison Street in Seattle. Sponsored by the DiversityRecruitersNetwork.org. Your participation actively reaffirms your commitment to getting America back to work with diversity and equality in the workplace. Major employers have 100's of jobs and career positions available! Take advantage of this one time opportunity for FACE to FACE interviews. ADMISSION IS FREE! Business attire required. Bring plenty of resumes! For more information call 562.409.0056, E-mail info@citycareerfair.com or visit citycareerfair.com.

On Thursday January 20th is the Choice Career Fairs from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm at Seattle Center NorthWest Rooms Next to Key Arena 1st Ave. N & Republican St. Seattle, WA 98109. Meet Face to Face with the Hiring Managers from some of the best employers in the greater Seattle area. Just walk in and start interviewing, it's that simple. You can save time, money and effort interviewing with dozens of local companies in one day and at one location. Free Admission... Hundreds of Jobs... The recruiters at this event have many job titles they need to fill. For a list of job titles, maps and a line pass, please go to ChoiceCareerFairs.com.

To review, Coast to Coast Career Fair is on Monday the 17th at the Seattle Airport Hotel from 11 to 2. Diversity Employment Day Career Fair is on Wednesday the 19th from 11 to 3 at Seattle Center NW Room--the Shaw Room. And, Choice Career Fair is on Thursday the 20th from 10:30 to 2 at Seattle Center Northwest Rooms. Good luck.

Lifeline Prepaid Cellphone Programs

2011-01-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

Hi. If you or someone you know would like to get a low-cost pay-as-you-go cell phone, I want to let you know about the two Lifeline prepaid cellphone programs currently available, Assurance Wireless and Safelink Wireless. SafeLink (from Tracfone) and Assurance (from Virgin Mobile) both offer a free phone, up to 250 free minutes every month plus free voice mail, caller ID and call waiting. SafeLink also offers two other options: 125 minutes that carryover to the next month or 68 international minutes (that also carryover monthly). These programs do not require a contract, monthly bills, or a credit check.

In the first few days of each month, your monthly allotment of free minutes will be added to your phone. If you use all your free minutes before the end of the month you will need to buy additional minutes, which can be purchased online, by phone and at retail stores on top-up cards. SafeLink charges 20¢ for each additional minute, while Assurance offers either 250 extra minutes for $5 or 750 extra minutes and 1000 text messages for $20. Prepaid mobile minutes are taxed at a rate of 11%. Here is a comparison chart of Lifeline cellphone programs.

Note that to apply for a Lifeline phone you must provide a unique physical mailing address; they will not send the phone to an address that has already received one, and won't send to P.O. boxes or commercial addresses. So, you will not be eligible if you live in a shelter or other group housing situation where each resident doesn't have their own unique address, or if you live in a car or on the street.

To be eligible for either Lifeline program you must either receive DSHS benefits or your income must be below 135% of poverty level. The eligible benefits are:

Food Stamps (SNAP)
Medical Assistance
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Disability Lifeline (General Assistance)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
State Family Assistance (SFA)
DSHS Chore Services
Refugee Assistance
Community Options Program Entry System (COPES)

SafeLink requires a DSHS client ID and last 4 digits of social security number to qualify based on program participation, Assurance only requires that you report which programs you participate in. To apply based on income your gross monthly income must be below these guidelines:

1 person household: $ 1,218
2 person household: $ 1,639
3 person household: $ 2,060
4 person household: $ 2,481
5 person household: $ 2,901
6 person household: $ 3,322
7 person household: $ 3,743
8 person household: $ 4,164
Each additional person: + 421

To qualify on income, you will need to mail them documentation of your income: such as Federal or state tax return, Current income statement or W2 from an employer, 3 consecutive months of current pay stubs, Social Security statement of benefits, Retirement or Pension benefits statement, Unemployment or Workers Comp statement of benefits, or other legal document that shows income.

To apply for Assurance Wireless call 1-800-395-2108 or print and mail their application from their website assurancewireless.com.

To apply for SafeLink fill out their application online at safelinkwireless.com or call 1-800-977-3768.

For more information, here is a brochure on Lifeline cell phone programs (it should be printed double-sided on legal-sized paper and folded four times).

Based on CVM’s analysis, Assurance Wireless is the best deal overall for Lifeline cell phones right now. But, we recommend that you still keep your Community Voice Mail number, so you have a stable number where you can always be reached, even if you run out of minutes and can’t afford to buy more, or you loose or break your phone, and so you continue to receive our broadcast messages about community resources like this.

Poverty Action on the Capitol Day on MLK Day 1/17

2011-01-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

Hi, I want encourage you to take action to end poverty this Martin Luther King Day! Come to Olympia with the Statewide Poverty Action Network on Monday January 17th for their “Poverty Action on the Capitol” Day.

A free bus will leave Seattle from Solid Ground (at 1501 N 45th St. in Wallingford) at 7:30 am on Monday, Jan. 17, and return around 5:00 pm the same day. You must sign up for the bus in advance by calling Poverty Action at 206-694-6794—Ask for Kate.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Children are welcome. Come to learn about policies that affect low-income people, network with people from across the region and share your story with lawmakers.

We hope you will turn out on January 17th to call upon the state legislature and the Governor to make ending poverty a priority. For more information call Poverty Action at 206-694-6794 or visit povertyaction.org.

TANF Changes: 5 Year Limit

2010-12-16T15:49:00.000-08:00

If you or someone you know receive TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), you should know that DSHS HAS AMENDED THE RULES FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN ON TANF/SFA (State Family Assistance) FOR 60 MONTHS (or 5 years) EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2011.

What does this mean for families that have been on for 60 months?
• Families will lose their TANF benefits if they have been on for 60 months in their lifetime, unless they qualify for an exemption or a hardship exception.

What are the exemptions?
• You are an older adult care taker relative (over 55 years old, are caring for a child, and you are not the child’s parent OR
• You are an adult with a severe and chronic disability OR
• You are required to be in the home to care for a child with special needs OR
• You are required to be in the home to care for another disabled adult

What are the hardship extensions?
• You have an open child welfare case with the state and this is the first time that you have had a child that is a dependent of the state OR
• You are working in unsubsidized employment for 32 hours or more per week OR
• You can document that you are victim of family violence and you are working with domestic violence services.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I QUALIFY FOR AN EXEMPTION OR HARDSHIP EXTENSION?
1. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIAELY CONTACT YOUR DSHS CASE MANAGER OR SOCIAL WORKER
• DSHS case managers and social workers review cases and determine if a person meets one of the exemptions or hardship extensions
2. If you think you qualify for an exemption or hardship extension you have a right to appeal the termination
If your benefits are scheduled to end January 31, 2011 YOU HAVE ONLY UNTIL JANUARY 31ST TO FILE your appeal if you want to keep getting benefits until the hearing decision. You can still file an appeal later, within 90 days of the notice, but you won’t keep your benefits while you wait.

IF YOU LOSE YOUR HEARING
• Any continued benefits will stop, and you may have to repay benefits. You will not have to repay more than 2 months of the continued cash benefits.

HOW TO FILE AN APPEAL
• Best way: Go in person to the local DSHS office. Turn in a written hearing request. Keep a copy. Have DSHS stamp your copy with the date received by DSHS. Keep this as your proof.
• Next best way: Call DSHS Be sure to speak to a person (not just a voicemail box). Get the person’s name. Write down the name, the date and time. Keep this as your proof. Ask for a fair hearing for your benefit termination. Ask the worker to make the written request to the hearings office for you.
• Another way: Fax, and mail the original the same day. Use the fax number and address on the hearing form. Keep a copy. Keep your proof of fax (fax transmittal). This is safer if you can mail it certified mail, return receipt.
• Call Office of Administrative Hearings for King County call the Seattle Office at (206) 389-3400

SEEK LEGAL HELP
• In King County: Call 2-1-1 or Solid Ground at 206-694-6742
• In all other counties: Call CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014 (Monday-Friday, 9:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.)

Toys for Tots free new toy distribution

2010-12-08T12:32:00.000-08:00

If you or someone you know have children under 14 and receive benefits from DSHS such as food stamps, I want to let you know about Toys for Tots, a program which distributes free new toys as holiday gifts to needy children in the community. Toys for Tots is partnering with DSHS Community Service Offices (CSOs) in King County this holiday season to distribute toys for children, birth through age 14. For the next two weeks they will be giving away toys at DSHS offices and some churches throughout King County. DSHS will make a list of clients on public assistance who are active, pending or recently closed and provide that list to Toys for Tots. Families may receive toys once during the holiday season. People who are unsure of their status should call their local CSO for clarification. The Toys for Tots give aways are on the following dates and locations. All events start at 8:30am and end at 3pm, except Belltown, which ends at 2pm.

Thursday December 9, 2010
Lake Samm Foursquare Church
14434 NE 8th Street, Bellevue
King South CSO
1313 W Meeker St, Kent

Monday December 13, 2010
King South CSO
1313 W Meeker St, Kent
Capitol Hill CSO
1700 E Cherry, Seattle

Tuesday December 14, 2010
White Center CSO
9650 15th Ave SW, Seattle
Federal Way CSO
616 348th St, Federal Way

Wednesday December 15, 2010
White Center CSO
9650 15th Ave SW, Seattle
Belltown CSO
2106 2nd Ave Seattle

Thursday December 16, 2010
White Center CSO
9650 15th Ave SW, Seattle
Renton CSO
500 SW 7th St, Renton

Monday December 20, 2010
King North CSO
907 NW Ballard Way, Seattle
Federal Way CSO
616 348th St, Federal Way

Tuesday December 21, 2010
Rainier CSO
3600 S Graham St, Seattle
Auburn First United Methodist Church
100 N St SE, Auburn

For more information about Toys for Tots visit toysfortots.org
Happy Holidays!

Major Medicaid Cuts Proposed in 2011

2010-12-02T14:13:00.000-08:00

Do you or someone you know receive Medicaid benefits? You should know that DSHS is proposing major cuts to Medicaid benefits next year. Many Medicaid services are scheduled to be cut in 2011. Adult dental services will no longer be covered. If you are working with a dentist now, make sure that the dentist submits all information required by DSHS for pre-approval before December 31st of this year. If your current Medicaid plan covers services such as vision and hearing, podiatry, physical therapy, occupational therapy and/or speech therapy, these benefits are also scheduled to be cut on January 1st, so if you need any of those services, such as glasses, you might want to get those taken care of now too. DSHS will send notices to clients affected sometime in December, but that may not be enough time to work with your provider. They also plan to cut Medicare Part D Co-Pays, State Alien Medical coverage and School-Based Medical Services by January 1st.

DSHS have also proposed some other major Medicaid cuts to take effect March 1st 2011, including cutting adult pharmacy benefits and GAU medical benefits. They also plan to cut Family Planning/Take Charge, First Steps/Maternity Support Services/Infant Case Management/Childbirth Education, Children Health Program (CHP), and Interpreter Services by March 1st.

Hopefully advocacy can get these benefits reinstated. Call your state legislators at 1-800-562-6000 and tell them not to make the proposed cuts to Medicaid benefits. The legislative hotline is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 430 pm. The state legislature needs to hear from you why they can't make these devastating cuts to Medicaid, call 1-800-562-6000. But be prepared for these proposed cuts by getting your dental and medical work done now.

For More information:
Complete list of proposed Medicaid cuts
Letter from DSHS to Medicaid clients
DSHS Medicaid budget webpage

World AIDS Day 12/1

2010-11-30T11:05:00.000-08:00

Hello. This is a health message from Community Voice Mail and AIDS.gov, the Federal HIV/AIDS information source.

Wednesday, December 1st is World AIDS Day. This is an important day for us to remember the friends, family, and community members who we have lost to AIDS, and to honor those working to respond to HIV.

It is also an opportunity to remind ourselves that help and treatment are available for people with HIV – which is why it is so important to know if you have HIV. If you’ve never had an HIV test, or if your last test was a while ago, I encourage you to get an HIV test. HIV tests can be quick and there are many places that offer them for free.

To find an HIV testing center near you, call the CDC information line at 1-800-CDC-Info , or 1-800-232-4636. You can call any time and someone will answer your questions and help you find a free or inexpensive testing center. Or visit aids.gov/locator, where you can enter your zipcode, city, or state to see a map of nearby HIV testing centers and service providers.

We encourage you to share this information with your friends and family. Together we can address HIV and AIDS in our communities! Thank you for listening, and please, tell your friends and loved ones.

Get Online Day 11/18

2010-11-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

Hi, would you or someone you know like to learn how to use computers and the internet? This Thursday November 18th is Get Online Day! Participate in a free Get Online event in Seattle and find out more about the computer learning centers in your neighborhood. Did you know you can attend classes for free or low-cost at computer learning centers in your own neighborhood? Stop by your nearest participating center on Thursday, November 18 between 4:00 and 8:00 PM and Get Online! There will be activities and demonstrations on many topics, including: social networking, posting/viewing photos online, paying bills online, using email, accessing wireless networks, using Skype to make free phone calls, and using the internet safely. Also, each computer learning center will be hosting a celebration with refreshments. The Participating centers are:

STAR Center at 2600 South Walker Street
206-325-4284

RecTech-Garfield at 2323 East Cherry St
206-684-4788

Neighborhood House at 4410 29th Ave South
206-461-4568

RecTech-Rainier at 4600 38th Ave S
206-386-1919

Refugee Women's Alliance at 4008 Martin Luther King Jr Way
(206) 721-0243

Horn of Africa Services at 4714 Rainier Avenue South, Suite 105
(206) 760-0550

RecTech-South Park at 8319 8th Ave South
(206) 684-7451

Seattle Urban League at 105 14th Avenue
206-461-3792

RecTech-Yesler at 917 E Yesler Way
(206) 386-1245

Get Online Day is this Thursday November 18th from 4 to 8 pm. For more information visit www.seattle.gov/getonline, call Vicky at 206-233-7877 or E-mail vicky.yuki@seattle.gov or Amy at amy.hirotaka@seattle.gov.

Energy Assistance Programs

2010-11-12T16:24:00.000-08:00

Hi, If you or someone you know are having difficulty paying for heat this winter and face living without heat, several programs are available to low income households to make home energy use more affordable, avoid shutoff of utility services during the winter, and maintain a warm and safe environment especially for the elderly, the disabled, and households with young children.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (or LIHEAP) is a federally funded program to help eligible low-income homeowners and renters meet their home heating needs. The program provides:

• Heating bill assistance up to $1000 annually
• Energy conservation education
• Support for window repair up to $1000, chimney cleaning, and furnace repair or replacement up to $5000
• Eviction prevention up to $500

Another program, Puget Sound Energy’s HELP provides assistance with the cost of natural gas consumption to qualified Puget Sound Energy (PSE) natural gas customers with an account in their name or in the name of a member of their household. HELP Provides:

• Puget Sound Energy customers help with their home energy costs and
• Natural gas bill assistance up to $1000 annually

Both these programs do not require that your household have a disconnection notice or even overdue bills in order to be eligible. In Seattle energy assistance is administered by Central Area Motivation program (or CAMP), In South King County, The Multi-service center administers the program, and in North & East King County the program is through Hopelink. But no matter where you live, To apply for the program, you must call the automated Energy Assistance Appointment Line 1-800-348-7144 to schedule an appointment at one of the three participating agencies, determined by ZIP code. That’s 1-800-348-7144.

Stay warm this winter with assistance through LIHEAP and HELP.

Community Green Jobs Forum 11/12

2010-11-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

The Community Green Jobs Forum is a free event to learn about green job opportunities through Project Greenlight, which is recruiting men and women of color and low-income workers for free job training in:

Deconstruction: hazardous materials and demolition jobs that reuse/recycle building materials

Green building: entry-level weatherization installation

Green Manufacturing: manufacturing and assembling environmentally sustainable products.

Light refreshments and language interpretation will be available.

The Green Jobs Forum is on Friday, November 12, from noon to 2 at YWCA Learning Center at 9720 8th Avenue SW, in White Center. Please pre-register by calling (206) 290-5136 or email info@gotgreen.org. More info at gotgreen.org.

Youth Resource Outreach Fair 11/12

2010-11-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

Youth Resource Outreach Fair
NOVEMBER 12 Noon TO 3 P.M .
For Youth Ages 12 - 24 without a stable place to live
At south Lake Union Armory 860 Terry Ave. N

Over 25 organizations will be providing information and resources including
- HIV testing and information
- STD information
- Hepatitis testing
- Free books and academic advising
- Transitional housing screening
- Case management sign-up
- Emergency contraception and pregnancy testing
- Flu shots
- Clothing
- Hygiene supplies
- Community voicemail
- Dept. of Licensing - info. on getting identification

Sponsored by the Seattle Parks Department and Street Outreach Workers (SOW)

Donated transportation provided from several locations throughout King County (see below).

West Lake Center (The Stage)
11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.
Transportation Provider: New Horizons Ministries
Contact: Chris Hutsen, 206-374-0866 ext 110

Ferry Terminal – Out front near McDonalds
11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.
Transportation Provider: New Horizons Ministries
Contact: Chris Hutsen, 206-374-0866 ext 110

YMCA The Center (aka 2100 Building)
Out front 11:30 a.m.
Transportation Provider: Auburn Youth Resources
Contact: Sarah Murphy 253-740-7189

Orion Center and PSKS
Transportation Provider: Orion Center
Time not yet set. Stop by or call the Orion Center for
more info 206-622-5555.

Eastside (location not yet set)
Transportation Provider: Friends of Youth.
Call Friends of Youth for time and location. 425-869-
6490 ext. 342

Kent Library (212 2nd Ave N., Kent)
Out front 10:45 a.m.
Transportation Provider: Auburn Youth Resources
Contact: Sarah Murphy 253-740-7189

There may also be transportation from the U-District. Call Katalin Hausback at the 45th Street Youth Clinic for
more info: 206-633-7639.

Please share the Event Flyer

Homeless Vets Stand Down 11/12

2010-11-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know are a homeless veteran, The Homeless Veterans Stand Down, is next Friday 11/12. Its a free event where homeless veterans can get free sleeping bags, hats, gloves, pants, boots, and services, including Community Voice Mail. It is next Friday the 12th starting at 8:30 AM. Items will be handed out on a first come, first serve basis and in the past, most items have been distributed by noon. The Homeless Veterans Stand Down is at Seattle Vet Center at 2030 9th Ave. in Seattle.

Free Juvenile Record Sealing Clinic 11/3

2010-10-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hi if you or someone you know has an juvenile criminal record, which can be a barrier to getting jobs, housing or education, Street Youth Legal Advocates of Washington (SYLAW) is restarting their Juvenile Record Sealing Clinics, next Wednesday evening November 3rd. The Clinics are FREE and anyone may attend to find out if they are eligible to seal their juvenile records (i.e. offenses that were charged before the person turned 18), and get assistance with the paperwork and court filings.
There is no age limit and no income cut off for these clinics.
Juvenile records in Washington are available to the public and unsealed juvenile records can prevent people from getting jobs and housing and from pursuing some education opportunities.
The Juvenile Record Sealing Clinics are at SCRAP (Society of Council Representing Accused Persons) at 1401 East Jefferson, Suite 200, in Seattle.
The first clinic is on Wed. November 3 from 6-8pm. If you can’t make it next Wednesday evening, there are clinics on the first Wednesday of every month through May 2011 at the same place and time, that’s 1401 E Jefferson from 6 to 8.

Call 206-659-5029 or email info@sylaw.org with any questions.

Disability Lifeline (GAU) terminated benefits to be reinstated, cash benefit to be reduced

2010-10-26T16:22:00.000-07:00

If you or someone you know currently receive Disability Lifeline (also referred to as GA-U) cash and medical benefits or recently had your benefits cut off because of the 24 month time limit there are two important pieces of news that you should know.

First, as a result of a recent Federal law suit brought against DSHS, DSHS has decided to give back all Disability Lifeline cash and medical benefits to every person who lost their benefits because of the time limit. If you are not receiving Disability Lifeline benefits because of a time limit termination, you should contact your local Community Service Office as soon as possible so that your benefits can be turned back on.

The second piece of news is that DSHS has announced that it plans to reduce the Disability Lifeline cash grant from $339 per month to $258 per month starting January 1, 2011, So If you receive GAU or Disability Lifeline you might want to prepare yourself for an $80 a month reduction in cash benefits next year.

Please help us get the word out about these changes. Thank you!!!

Free Financial Planning Day 10/23

2010-10-21T12:09:00.000-07:00

Hi, I want to encourage you to attend Financial Planning Day, this Saturday, October 23rd, at North Seattle Community College from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. (9600 College Way in the Cafeteria.). Its a free event where you’ll be able to meet one-on-one with dozens of professional financial planners to discuss your personal finance questions, concerns and interests.
Representatives from non-profit organizations will be on hand to help people with an array of financial issues, questions and problems including:

• Debt and credit
• Budgeting and money management
• Mortgages/foreclosures
• Social Security/Medicare/Medicaid
• Public Benefits

Financial planners will also be there to help with planning for retirement, college, emergencies, estates, as well as investment management and insurance.

Its all free and there are no strings attached – volunteer planners will not pass out business cards, marketing materials or sell products or services.

Financial Planning Day is happening in major cities around the country. In Seattle, it is co-sponsored by the City of Seattle, Seattle-King County Asset Building Collaborative, the Financial Planning Association, the Foundation for Financial Planning, the United Way of King County, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The day is specifically for low-income people who normally don't have the opportunity to meet with a financial planner.

That’s this Saturday the 23rd at North Seattle Community College Cafeteria at 9600 College Way, from 10 to 4. For more information call 877-861-7826. Or visit www.financialplanningdays.org/seattle.

Free Flu Shots for the Homeless

2010-10-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

Flu season is just around the corner, and health care for the homeless is offering free flu shots this week and next week for people experiencing homelessness. Public Health recommends that everyone over 6 months of age should get the annual flu vaccine, especially if you are pregnant or have long-term health problems such as diabetes, asthma, neurological diseases, heart or lung problems, weakened immune systems, and possibly, obesity. The flu vaccine will prevent sickness, unnecessary healthcare visits, hospitalizations and deaths from influenza. This year, a single flu vaccine provides protection against the H1N1 flu that caused outbreaks last year and 2 other flu viruses that are expected to cause illness this season. The free flu shots from health care for the homeless are available at the following locations and times:
• October 21st 6 am-10 am Millionair Club 2515 Western Avenue
• October 22nd Friday Feast 5pm-7pm First United Methodist Church 1415 NE 43rd Street in the U District
• October 25th 12:30 3-30 YWCA Opportunity Place- 2nd floor conference Room 2024 3rd Avenue
• October 26th 7am -5pm DESC Connections 503 3rd Avenue near Pioneer Square
• October 26th 9am -3pm Compass Adult Service Center 2015 3rd Avenue
• November 1st 9am-3pm Compass Main Building in the Cafeteria at 210 Alaskan Way

For more information call the Public Health Flu Hotline at 877-903-5464 or visit www.kingcounty.gov/health/flu.

Bridging the Gap Resource Fair 10/16

2010-10-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

Hi, I if you or someone you know are looking for social services, I want to let you know about The Bridging the Gap Resource Fair this Saturday, October 16th from 10 to 3 at the Rainier Community Center. More than 50 social service providers will come together for Bridging the Gap on Saturday, including adult and youth education services, employment programs, small businesses, resources for individuals, seniors, families, and youth; financial opportunities and literacy, health/medical; cultural services; home ownership, housing services and rights; legal services; consumer rights; DSHS; and federal, state, and local government services. The Bridging the Gap Resource Fair sponsored by the Seattle and King County housing authorities and the South County YWCA, hopes to increase the opportunities and abilities for low-income residents in King County by bringing together an integrated network of services, businesses and opportunities in King County in one place, in order to strengthen the community; increase participant’s access to education and employment opportunities; raise awareness of available support services; and, help eliminate the barriers that stand in their way. That’s this Saturday the 16th from 10 a.m. to 3 p,.m. at the Rainier Community Center at 4600 38th Ave. S. For more information, please contact Seattle Housing Authority's Cheryl Sabin at 206-615-3317. Good Luck.

Greater Seattle Job Fair 10/6 Qwest Feild

2010-10-01T17:22:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Greater Seattle Job Fair at Qwest Field on Wednesday October 6th, from 11 AM to 3 PM. This job fair, presented by Jobbernaut, is the Northwest's largest hiring event, featuring over 30 companies from the Puget Sound Region! It’s free to the public and all levels of employment are available. You can meet with dozens of hiring managers all in a single afternoon. Companies participating in this Job Fair are generally looking to fill positions from the following broad categories; Sales, Retail, Management, Financial, Healthcare, Restaurant, Accounting, Banking, Clerical, Computers, IT, Customer Service, Engineers, General Office, Secretarial, Security, and more! All levels of experience – from part-time hourly positions, entry level, management trainee positions all the way to technical and professional full-time positions! It is recommended that you dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. That’s at the Seahawks' Qwest Field inside the "West V.I.P. Club Level" at 800 Occidental Avenue South in Seattle, next Wednesday the 6th from 11 to 3. Enter through the Northwest V.I.P. Entrance at the North end of the Stadium. For more information, directions and a complete list of attending companies call (425) 397-7114 or visit www.jobbernaut.com. Good Luck!

King County Veterans Hotline

2010-10-01T17:06:00.001-07:00

Hi this is a message from the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans, Military Personnel, National Guard, Reserves and their families in King Country can now call a toll-free number to receive information about benefits and services at the county, state and federal level.

The King County Veterans Call Center number is 1-877-904-VETS, or 1-877-904-8387. The Call Center is staffed from 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday and callers can leave messages after hours.

If you are a Veteran, Active Duty, National Guard, Reservist a family member or friend, let the King County Veterans Information and Assistance Call Center connect you with your local, state and federal veterans benefits. Again, that number is 1-877-904-VETS, or 1-877-904-8387. Please share this information with any veterans you may know. Thanks!

Register to Vote

2010-09-22T16:55:00.000-07:00

Hi. I want to encourage you to register to vote if you haven’t already in time for the general election on November 2nd. This election we will be electing US house representatives, state house reps and senators, and other offices. There will also be a number of important local and state ballot initiatives.

In order to qualify to vote on November 2nd, voters must be registered in advance. You may register online, by mail or in person. If you register by mail the deadline for registering or transferring your voter registration is 30 days before an election. You can pick-up an application at local libraries, post offices or department of motor vehicles. If you miss the 30-day mail-in deadline or if you prefer, you can register in person at the King County Elections Office up to eight days before the election. To vote in the general election on November 2nd you need to register by mail by October 4th or in person by October 25th.

If you are at least 18 years old and are a US citizen you have the right to vote even if you are unemployed, homeless, between permanent residences, or living in a shelter. People who are homeless can register at the shelter, park, motor home, intersection or other identifiable location they consider their residence and use a post office box, address of a friend or relative, shelter, or general delivery at a local post office as their mailing address.

Even if you have been convicted of a felony you can now vote. In 2009 the Washington Legislature passed a new law that restores the right to vote automatically to people with felony convictions when they have completed their time in prison and have served any required community custody supervised by the State Department of Corrections.

However you must be registered in order to vote. For more information, call the Toll Free State Voters Information Hotline at 1-800-448-4881

If you want to know how the state ballot initiatives will help or hurt homeless and low income people you should check out the U District Conversation on Homelessness “are you ready to be a legislator?” forum on Sunday September 26th from 630 pm to 830 at University Heights Center on NE 50th St between Brooklyn & University Way NE in Seattle.

Your vote will make a difference. We hope you will take a stand for what you believe in and vote on November 2nd.

Community Resource Exchange 9/24

2010-09-21T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hi, I wanted to let you know about the United Way Community Resource Exchange on Friday September 24th from 9 AM to 2 PM at Qwest Field Plaza at 800 Occidental Ave South in Seattle. The Community Resource Exchange is a one-day, one stop way for homeless people to get free services like healthcare, legal assistance, haircuts and national phone calls. Also available are referrals to social services including housing, counseling, public benefits and employment training. A free hot meal will also be served. And Community Voice Mail will have a booth where people can sign up in person for voice mail numbers. If you are homeless, we encourage you to attend this event as it will be a great way to get a variety of free services in one place, in one day. So don’t miss it, and bring your friends to the Community Resource Exchange on Friday September 24th from 9 AM to 2 PM at Qwest Field Plaza. Thanks for using Community Voice Mail.

Lifeline Awareness Week

2010-09-21T15:12:00.000-07:00

Hi. The following is an important message from Seattle CVM and the FCC about Lifeline, a federal program that provides discounted phone service for low-income people who qualify. This message provides basic information about Lifeline, and gives you one option for finding out more information about the program. As the message says, in the near future we'll send another message with detailed information about the Lifeline program in our state. Thanks!

Hello. My name is Joel Gurin, and I'm the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief for the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC. I have an important message for you from the FCC and Community Voice Mail about National Lifeline Awareness Week, which is this week, September 13th-19th.
Millions of people in the United States do not have basic telephone service. This means that they cannot easily communicate with family, friends, employers, schools, and emergency services. There is a program to help low-income consumers pay monthly phone bills, but only about a third of eligible consumers are enrolled. The "Lifeline" program provides a discount on monthly phone bills. The amount of the monthly Lifeline discount depends on where you live. A companion program, "Link-Up," helps with the cost of activating new telephone service. Both landline and wireless companies participate in the Lifeline and Link-Up programs.
If you receive assistance through certain federal programs (for example, Medicaid or Food Stamps) you qualify for Lifeline and Link-Up. You may also qualify based solely on your income.
In most states, you apply for Lifeline and Link-Up directly through a local phone company. In some states, however, you apply through a government office. To find out whether you qualify and how to apply, ask your caseworker or call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-CALL-FCC, or 1-888-225-5322. That's 1-888-225-5322This is a toll-free call. When you call, press the "0" key after you select English or Spanish to be connected to an operator.
Your local Community Voice Mail program manager may also send additional information in the near future about specific Lifeline and Link-up options in your area.
Please share this information with your friends and family. No one should be unable to dial for help in an emergency. Thanks for listening!

YWCA Resource and Job Fair 9/9

2010-09-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you or someone you know is looking for a job or employment resources, I want to let you know about the YWCA resource and job fair next Thursday September 9th from 10AM to 1 PM at the Greenbridge Learning Center at 9720 8th Ave. SW in White Center. Meet with employers and learn about community job resources. Bring your resume and brush up on your elevator speech. Some of the groups that will be there include:
• Multi-Service Center
• Renton Technical College
• AARP
• Within Reach
• Express Credit Union
• YWCA Youth Employment Services
• YWCA Green Jobs Navigation Employment Services
• YWCA Employment & Housing Navigation Program
• South Seattle Community College
• Paychex
• Puget Sound Electrical JATC
• Airport Jobs
• Safeway
• Kelley Services
• Rescare HomeCare
• Seattle Childrens Hospital
• NW Protective Service
• Seattle Police Department
• YWCA Domestic Violence Services
• Cares of Washington
• White Center Community Development Association
• Educare Learning Center and
• Lowe's
So don’t miss the YWCA Job and Resource Fair next Thursday the 9th from 10 to 1 at Greenbridge Learning Center at 9720 8th Ave. For more information call 206-336-7000. Good luck.

Bellevue Job Fair 8/30

2010-08-25T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Bellevue Job Fair, next Monday August 30th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Red Lion Bellevue Inn at 11211 Main Street in Bellevue. This job fair, presented by National Career Fairs, is free to the public, and all levels and types of employment are available including Administrative Support, Banking, Customer Service, Financial, Hospitality, Insurance, Real Estate, Food Service, Retail, Sales and many more.

Job Fairs provide the opportunity to connect face-to-face with job recruiters who make hiring decisions and can help you network for other positions within an organization. You’ll want to Dress professionally and bring up-to-date copies of your resume. You may also want to prepare questions you want to ask the job recruiters and be prepared to answer their questions about your qualifications and work experience. After the job fair, don’t forget to follow up with job recruiters you met at companies you were interested in working for.

That’s Monday August 30th from 11 to 2 at the Red Lion Bellevue Inn at 11211 Main Street, in Bellevue. For a list of companies who will be participating and to upload your resume, register at www.nationalcareerfairs.com. Good Luck!

School Supplies for Homeless Youth

2010-08-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you or someone you know have school age children and can’t afford to buy school supplies this year, there are a number of free back to school events and programs where kids can get free school supplies. You should also know that homeless students have rights to a free, appropriate public education. The back to school events are:

Tomorrow Aug. 21 from noon to 4pm the Atlantic Street Center - Rainier Beach Family Center is coordinating a resource fair where students receive backpacks with school supplies at 8825 Rainier Ave. S. in Seattle. Backpacks are first come-first served.

Thursday August 26th 3 - 6 pm the 2100 Building in partnership with Casey Family Programs and Children’s Administration invite you to start the school year at the Back to School Fair at 2100 24th Ave S in Seattle. This fair is for students in middle school, high school, getting their GED, or going to college up to age 25. Caregivers also welcome. There will be college representatives on site, workshops for youth and caregivers, free school supplies, free haircuts, a BBQ, Games and Prizes.

Also on Thursday the 26th, from 10:30am-2:30pm Lutheran Community Services Northwest - Angle Lake Family Resource Center is coordinating a back-to-school backpack giveaway for students in the Highline School District on at 4040 S. 188th St in SeaTac. Event includes food, games and prizes.

Saturday Aug. 28, from 1-4 the Center for Human Services is passing out school supplies at a one-day event that includes informational resources, school clothes and haircuts for Shoreline School District students, at North City Elementary School at 816 NE 190th Street. You need to register by today to attend this fair by calling 206-393-4916 or online at www.btsconsortium.org/

If you cannot get to one of these back to school fairs but need school supplies for your child, ask the family support worker or social worker at your child’s school for free school supplies, as most schools in King County get free school supplies for their students through a number of nonprofit school supply drives.

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act protects the educational rights of homeless students, which includes children living in shelters, transitional housing, motels, vehicles, on the street, doubled up with friends or family, unaccompanied youth, and youth awaiting foster care placement. A homeless child has the right to remain enrolled in and be transported to their school of origin or be promptly enrolled in their neighborhood school, be provided help with school supplies, receive free breakfast and lunch in schools that serve both, be provided full access to classes, not have to pay any school fees, and receive the same educational supports as all students. Each school district is required to have a homeless education liaison to help children and families access support and services. To find your school district's liaison, call 360-725-6050 or here is the complete list of homeless education liasons in Washington

For more info the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act read this flyer on homeless students' rights prepared by Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness (SKCCH) and/or visit the SKCCH website.

Appealing Disability Lifeline (GAU) Terminations

2010-08-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

Do you or someone you know receive Disability Lifeline or GAU? Effective September 1st, 2010, thousands of Washington State residents will lose their Disability Lifeline (formerly called GAU or General Assistance-Unemployable) benefits from the state. Benefits are being terminated due to a 24-month time limit approved by the state legislature last session.

If you or someone you know has received a termination notice, you have the right to appeal! If your termination notice is dated in August 2010 you have only until August 31st to file your appeal and keep benefits until the hearing decision. You can still file an appeal later — up to 90 days after your notice — but you will not continue to receive benefits while you wait.
The best way to file an appeal is to go to your local DSHS office. Turn in a written hearing request. Keep a copy! Have DSHS stamp your copy with the date received. Keep this as your proof of submitting your appeal.
If you cannot go in to a DSHS office in person by August 31, call DSHS. Be sure to speak to a person, not just a voicemail box. Write notes about your conversation including the name of the person you are speaking to and the date and time of your call. Keep these notes as your proof of your appeal. Ask for a “fair hearing” for your benefit termination. Ask the DSHS worker on the phone to make the written request to the hearings office for you.
You can also file your appeal through a combination of faxing and mailing the original on the same date. Use the fax number and address listed on the hearing form. Keep a copy of the appeal request, and keep the proof of the fax transmittal. It is safer if you can mail the original via certified mail with a return receipt.
In order to win your hearing, you may need to collect and bring medical and other evidence showing that you qualify as disabled under the SSI disability standards.
If you lose your hearing, any benefits that have been continued will stop and you may have to repay up to two months worth of benefits.
After you file your appeal, seek legal help. Call Solid Ground’s Family Assistance attorneys at 206-694-6742 or email at evonnez@solid-ground.org or call 2-1-1.
In all other counties call CLEAR at 1.888.201.1014 to speak to an advocate.
Additional information is available online at Washington LawHelp.

Health Center Week 8/8-14 Health Fairs

2010-08-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Next week, August 8-14 is National Health Center Week which recognizes the service and contributions of Community, Migrant, Homeless and Public Housing Health Centers in providing access to affordable, high quality, cost-effective health care to medically vulnerable and underserved people in the U.S. America's Health Centers now serve over 20 million people (including nearly 1 million people who are homeless) in 7,000 communities in all 50 states including King County.

Federally-funded health centers care for you, even if you have no health insurance. You pay what you can afford, based on your income. Health centers provide checkups when you're well, treatment when you're sick, complete care when you're pregnant, immunizations and checkups for your children, dental care and prescription drugs for your family, mental health and substance abuse care if you need it.

Next week there are 5 health fairs occurring in King County in Seattle, White Center and Burien.

Sea Mar Community Health Centers Seattle Medical Clinic at 8720 14th Ave. S will have a week-long health fair every day from Monday August 9th to Saturday the14th , from 9am-4pm. There will be a different information and services each day. Monday the 9th is Blood Pressure day w/ doctor consultation all day and Health Education in the afternoon. Tuesday the 10th is Behavioral Health and Chronic Care Day. Wednesday the 11th is Clinical Social Worker day and Managed Care Day including prescription assistance, and State Insurance info. Thurs the 12th is Lab, Health Education, Breast, Cervical and Colon Health Day. Friday the 13th is Getting Ready to go back to school day. And Saturday the 14th is Well-Child Checks and Immunizations Day. For more information contact Jim Arteaga at 206-370-4546.

On Sunday August 8, International Community Health Services is hosting a Back to School Fair from 11am-2pm at their ID Clinic at 720 8th Ave. S. The Back to School Fair will include free dental screening, meet ICHS "Tooth Fairy, " teaching children how to use 911, fingerprinting for children, games that promote healthy eating and physical activities, information on the latest low cost health insurance and meet Dr. Bear. They will host another Back to School Fair on Sunday August 15 from 11-2 at their Holly Park Clinic at 3815 South Othello St. For more information on Back to School Fairs contact Max Chan at 206.788.3672.

On Wednesday August 11th The Sea Mar Burien Clinic at 14434 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien will host a health fair from 10:00 am to 3:00 PM. This fair will include Lab services - Cholesterol checks, Accu check, Clinical services - Blood pressure, BMI, Vision, Health Education and Services - substance abuse, mental health, MSS/WIC services, and Insurance information.

On Thursday August 12th The Sea Mar White Center Clinic at 9650 15th Ave SW #100 will host a health fair from 10 am to 4:00 pm. This health fair will include Dental services - Information Lab services - Accu check, Clinical services - Blood pressure, BMI, Vision, Health Education and Services - substance abuse, mental health, MSS/WIC services, Insurance information and DSHS information. For more information on Sea Mar health fairs in Burien and White Center, contact Brent Swartz at (206) 812-9182.

Note that these services are primarily for uninsured patients without insurance and/or insured through DSHS (Medicaid) and/or Medicare. If you have Private Insurance and are currently established with a Primary Care Provider some where else, you are encouraged to continue seeking Health Care services there.

For more information on National Health Center Week visit http://www.healthcenterweek.org/index.html. For a list of all the Health Center Week healthfairs and events in Washington click here http://www.healthcenterweek.org/join_list.asp?region=wa.

Stay healthy and have a great day!

Job Search Classes at Seattle Libraries

2010-07-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Hi, If you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about some free job search classes at Seattle Public Libraries next week. Job Interview Basics is being offered at the Greenwood Library at 8016 Greenwood Ave. N. on Mon Aug 2 from 430 to 6 pm. Do you have an upcoming job interview? Do you want to know how to stand out as the best job candidate? In this workshop you will learn how to successfully prepare for a job interview. They will discuss common interview questions, body language, steps you can take to improve your interview success. For more info call 206-684-4086 or Ask a Librarian
On Tuesday August 3rd, is Resume Basics at the Rainier Beach Library at 9125 Rainier Ave. S. at from 430 to 6. Come to this workshop if you want to learn what employers are looking for in a résumé. This workshop focuses on developing a résumé that will get past the 10-second screen. A résumé template will be distributed that can be used in paper or electronic form. For more info call 206-386-1906.
On Wednesday 8/4 from 430-6 Job Interview Basics will be offered again at the Southwest Library at 9010 35th Ave. S.W. For more info call 206-684-7455.
On Thursday, August 5, 5 – 6:30pm is Online Job Searching Basics at the Northeast Branch at 6801 35th Ave. N.E. Are you new to online job searching? Learn about submitting online résumés and completing Web-based job applications. This class requires the ability to navigate a Web page and Résumé Basics or an existing résumé. For more info call 206-684-7539.

The Seattle Public Library is partnering with WorkSource at South Seattle Community College to offer resume and job search workshops. Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. These classes are offered regularly at Seattle Public Libraries so if you can’t make a class this week, ask your local library when and where the class will be offered next or visit the Seattle Public Libraries calendar of events and classes.

Good Luck!

Family Health Hotline & DSHS Health Programs

2010-07-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you, your family or someone you know is in need of assistance with healthcare, I want to let you know about the many medical assistance programs available in Washington and the Within Reach Family Health Hotline, which provides up-to-date information about state-sponsored health insurance programs. If you call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588, they can screen and assist you in applying for many State programs including:
Washington Apple Health for Kids— free or low cost medical, dental, vision and mental health benefits to children under age 19.
Washington Basic Health: a low cost health insurance program for low-income Washington State residents, which currently has a waiting list.
The Washington Health Program a new non-subsidized version of the Basic Health program, which offers affordable and reliable health insurance with fewer restrictions and low costs.
Family Medical: free medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage to very limited income families with dependent children under the age of 18 and living in the home.
The First Steps Program, which provides free health insurance, including medical, dental and vision benefits for pregnant women.
Take Charge, the family planning and free birth control program
The Premium Payment Program which helps families keep private insurance while on Medicaid
The Washington Prescription Drug Program Discount Card which gives discounts on all medications to all Washington state residents regardless of age or income
Rx Help for WA which helps low-income, uninsured Washington residents get free or discounted medicines
The Family Health Hotline can also help you locate Community Health clinics in your area that provide reduced cost or free medical care to people without health insurance.
You should also be aware that DSHS has changed to a new payment system called Provider One, where instead of paper medical coupons recipients of Medicaid programs and GAU medical receive a free permanent Services Card, a plastic card which works like any other insurance card.
The Family Health Hotline can explain program eligibility guidelines, help you understand how and where you can access these services, screen for eligibility for various programs, start a benefits application and help you apply online. Staff are available Monday through Thursday 8:00-5:30 and Friday 8:00-5:00. The Family Health Hotline number is 1-800-322-2588 or visit http://www.parenthelp123.org/resources/health-insurance.

Greater Seattle Job Fair 7/21/10

2010-07-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Greater Seattle Job Fair at Qwest Field on Wednesday July 21st from 11 AM to 3 PM. This job fair, presented by Jobbernaut, is the Northwest's Largest Hiring Event, featuring over 30 companies from the Puget Sound Region! It’s free to the public and all levels of employment are available. You can meet with dozens of hiring managers all in a single afternoon. Companies participating in this Job Fair are generally looking to fill positions from the following broad categories; Sales, Retail, Management, Financial, Healthcare, Restaurant, Accounting, Banking, Clerical, Computers, IT, Customer Service, Engineers, General Office, Secretarial, Security, and more! All levels of experience – from part-time hourly positions, entry level, management trainee positions all the way to technical and professional full-time positions! It is recommended that you dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. That’s at the Seahawks' Qwest Field inside the "West V.I.P. Club Level" at 800 Occidental Avenue South in Seattle, next Wednesday the 21st from 11 to 3. Enter through the Northwest V.I.P. Entrance at the North end of the Stadium. For more information, directions and a complete list of attending companies call (425) 397-7114 or visit www.jobbernaut.com. Good Luck!

Seattle Conservation Corps interviewing 7/13

2010-07-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you or someone you know are homeless and looking for work you should consider the Seattle Conservation Corps: A 1 year work experience training program through Seattle Parks and Recreation. They will be holding phone interviews on Tuesday, July 13 at 8 AM, at (206) 684-0190. The program requires that workers be a minimum 18 years of age, be able to lift 50 pounds, have a Washington ID and Social Security Card and be able to document their homelessness, such as living in shelters, transitional housing, or in-patient treatment. Seattle Conservation Corps members build streams, lay concrete, paint, plant trees, move furniture, and do other physically taxing activities throughout the year regardless of the weather. So, it is important that you feel that you are physically capable of handling the work, and you must be able to lift 50 pounds. Seattle Conservation Corps also provides enrollees assistance with drug and alcohol recovery, case management, a learning center (with opportunities to study for the GED, learn computer skills, math or English), assistance with food, shelter, transportation, mental health counseling, and assistance with job placement. Enrollees work 40 hours per week, and the Initial Compensation including Premium Pay is $8.55 + 5% premium per hour. To apply you must call (206) 684-0190 at 8:00 AM on Tuesday July 13th for a phone screening. If you receive a busy signal continue to call. Don’t leave a message and prepare to be on hold for a while. You can increase your chances of being screened by calling on a phone that has a redial button. They ask that you be honest with them about substance abuse, mental illness, and/or criminal history. Those candidates chosen will be asked to come in for a face-to-face interview. If both interviews are successful, you will become a Candidate-For-Enrollment and will be given a date for a physical, academic testing, and a first day of enrollment, or be placed in a pool with other candidates that will be given an enrollment date in the near future. For more information on Seattle Conservation Corps call (206) 684-0190 and don’t forget that you have to call at 8AM next Tuesday July 13th in order to apply. Good Luck!

Summer Lunch Program

2010-06-30T16:58:00.000-07:00

Could your family use more food this summer? How about free summer meals and snacks for kids?
The Summer Meals Program is a federal nutrition program that provides free meals and snacks for children 18 and under during the summer break. There are over 100 free Summer meal sites in King County, located in schools, parks, recreation centers, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, and camps. Meals are served following USDA guidelines that specify the conditions of site supervision, food storage, portion size and nutritional value. In addition to meals, many sites provide fun activities for kids. Sites may be open from June through August, depending on your community.

All kids and teens (18 years old and younger) are eligible for the program. No proof of income, address or citizenship is ever required.

To find the location and time of Summer Meals sites nearest you, call the Family Food Hotline
1-888-4-FOOD-WA that 1-888-436-6392
or visit www.ParentHelp123.org to find your nearest Summer Meals sites online.

Seattle Career Fair 6/29/10

2010-06-30T11:52:00.001-07:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Seattle Career Fair at The Seattle Center on Tuesday June 29th from 11 AM to 3:00 PM.
You can meet face-to-face with hiring decision-makers from some of the area’s top employers. They recommend that you dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes, because they are there to hire.
Just walk in and start interviewing. You can save time, money and effort interviewing with multiple companies in one day at one location. Many of these companies have several openings. You will no longer be just a piece of paper; you can get right in front of the decision makers attending this event. Admission is free.
That’s at the Seattle Center Northwest Rooms, next to Key Arena at 1st Ave. N & Republican St in Seattle, Tuesday the 29th from 11 to 3. To pre-register or for more information visit http://www.choicecareerfairs.com/seattle-jobs/.Good Luck!

Nationwide Job Fair 6/23/10

2010-06-30T11:51:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Nationwide Job Fair Seattle at the Best Western Rivers Edge in Tukwila on Wednesday June 23rd from 1 PM to 5. At this job fair, you will have the opportunity to meet with top companies and even interview. To schedule interviews in advance, you must register online at www.nationwidejobfairs.com and upload your resume. At this job fair there will be job opportunities in Sales, Customer Service, Clerical, Administrative, Engineering, Finance, Accounting, Government Opportunities, Marketing & Advertising, Business Administration and Management and many more. All employers at the Job Fair including NationwideJobFairs.com are Equal Opportunity Employers. All job seekers are encouraged to apply for positions and attend this job fair. The dress code is professional. The Job Fair is at NO charge to job seekers. Bring plenty of resumes. Parking is free. That’s at the Best Western Rivers Edge hotel at 15901 West Valley Hwy in Tukwila, next Wednesday the 23rd from 1 to 5. To schedule job interviews, register online at www.nationwidejobfairs.com. For more information call 360-918-8572 or E-mail info@nationwidejobfairs.com. Good Luck!

Local Bed Bug Epidemic

2010-06-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

Recently, there has been a growth in bed bug infestation in the Seattle area--in hotels, motels, apartments, and shelters. Please listen to this information for your health & safety!

• Adult bed bugs are approximately ¼ inch long, (about the size of a pencil eraser) and nearly as flat as a piece of paper, and are reddish-brown in color. After feeding they will appear fatter and darker red, like an animated blood drop
• Bedbug Eggs are 1 milimeter long (about the size of a pinhead) eggs are pearly white, pear shaped and & are usually in clusters of 10 to 50 found in crevices
• Bites usually appear in rows of 3 or more.
Reactions to bites can vary significantly between individuals from a mild, itchy welt to a more severe rash-like symptom. Some individuals do not have any reaction, but may have been bitten. However, the most common reactions appear as a raised reddened welt similar to a mosquito bite.

Because they prefer hiding in small crevices with limited access and can go up to 18 months without food, bed bugs are extremely difficult to eliminate. The following procedures are recommended to help prevent and eradicate bed bug infestations.

• Keep all bed linens off the floor and wash all sheets in hot water weekly.
• Check beds for any signs of infestation like reddish brown specks or bug casings.
• Also inspect for bedbugs in luggage, backpacks, TVs, furniture, lamps—anywhere there are cracks and spaces for them to crawl
• Keep all beds away from the walls
• When moving into a new space, wash all clothes in hot water & dry on high, and take a soapy hot shower.
• Be cautious of any used furniture, or other used items such as TVs or lamps
• Beware of used clothes-wash everything in hot water before wearing or putting away.
• Don’t borrow clothing, furniture or other items from neighbors.
• Keep your space clean and free of clutter—vacuum regularly and keep stuff put away.
• Check for bites on yourself and your children

If you are bitten or see any bedbugs or signs of infestation, let your landlord, shelter staff or case manager know right away! Landlords are responsible for providing extermination services.
Don’t let the bedbugs bite!

Job Interviewing & Job Search Classes 6/7 and 6/8

2010-06-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about two free classes on job interviewing and job search next Monday and Tuesday at Seattle Public Libraries.

On Monday June 7th at the Greenwood Branch is a free class on Job Interview Basics from 4 to 5:30pm. Do you have an upcoming job interview? Do you want to know how to stand out as the best job candidate? In this workshop you will learn how to successfully prepare for a job interview. They will discuss common interview questions, body language, steps you can take to improve your interview success. This class is presented in partnership with WorkSource at South Seattle Community College. That’s at the Greenwood Library at 8016 Greenwood Ave. N. in Seattle on Mon Jun 7th at 4pm.For more information call 206-684-4086.

And on Tuesday June 8th at the Central Library downtown there is a free class on Beginning a Job Search from 4 to 5:30pm. Have you just been laid off? Are you just starting your job search?
In this workshop you will learn how to develop a successful job search plan in tough economic times. They will discuss strategies to help you deal with being unemployed, and help you develop a successful job search workplan. That’s on Tuesday June 8th at 4 at the Central Library at 1000 Fourth Ave. in Seattle on Level 4 in Room 4. For more information, call 206-386-4636.

Library events and programs are free and everyone is welcome. No registration required. Seating may be limited based on room capacity.

Northwest Folklife Festival this weekend

2010-05-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you are looking for something free and fun to do this Memorial Day weekend, you should check out the Northwest Folklife Festival, at Seattle Center, this Friday May 28th through Monday May 31st. Northwest Folklife is one of the largest, varied and most vibrant free folk celebrations in North America, now in its 39th year. Produced by Northwest Folklife and Seattle Center, it hosts more than 7,000 participants, over 20 stages and venues, roughly 1000 performances, and an audience of approximately 250,000 at the 74-acre Seattle Center. Participants immerse themselves in four days of music and dance performances, visual arts and folklore exhibits, symposia, workshops, craft and cooking demonstrations and films. The Northwest Folklife Festival is free to the public! While they suggest a $10 donation, the event is really free. So don’t miss Folklife this Friday through Monday from 11AM to 10 PM at the Seattle Center at 305 Harrison Street. For more information and a schedule of events visit www.nwfolklife.org/festival, pick up this week’s Seattle Weekly or Stranger paper or call 206-684-7300. Have Fun!

Healthy Aging Fair 5/26

2010-05-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

Come to the Healthy Aging Fair on Wed, May 26 from 9am-3pm
at 810 3rd Ave, in Seattle. Older Adults and Baby Boomers are welcome at this fun and educational event. You'll learn about wellness, disease prevention and fitness. Free hearing tests, blood pressure checks and other health screenings available. Learn about nutrition, consumer safety, utility assistance, senior employment services, volunteer opportunities and recreation. For more information, call 206-684-0500 or email: seniors@seattle.gov.

WorkSource Hiring Events 5/25 and 5/26

2010-05-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you or someone you know is looking for work. I want to let you know about two hiring events through Worksource on Tuesday and Wednesday.

On Tuesday May 25 at WorkSource Auburn at 1 PM there is a Hiring Event for ACS, who have multiple openings for Customer Service Representatives for their Federal Way call center. Incumbents will interact with customers to provide information in response to inquiries about products and services and to handle and resolve complaints. This job requires excellent communication and customer service skills. Space is limited, you must RSVP with your resume to ecox@esd.wa.gov. For more information call (253) 804-1177. That’s at WorkSource Auburn at 2707 I Street NE, on Tuesday the 25th at 1.

On Wednesday May 26 at WorkSource North Seattle at 10:30 am
There is a hiring event for Home Instead Senior Services who have multiple openings for part-time caregivers. Caregivers provide companionship for the elderly, assist with activities of daily living, prepare meals, monitor client’s health and clean their households. This job requires previous professional or personal experience caring for the elderly. Contact nkitnikone@esd.wa.gov or call (206) 440-2500 for more information. That’s at WorkSource North Seattle at 9600 College Way N, #1151 on Wednesday at 10:30.

For both these hiring events, please bring a copy of your résumé and come prepared to speak with a company representative. For more information visit the Worksource Washington website.

Good luck.

Americorps & VISTA jobs

2010-05-06T17:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings! Would you like to do some amazing work in your community and get paid doing it? Solid Ground is now hiring for Americorps and VISTA members to serve in our communities, working for social justice in a variety of roles, from helping kids learn to read, to raising awareness of violence prevention strategies, and much more. These are full time positions for one year. Members receive a monthly stipend plus a $4,725 education award at the end of their one year of service. If you receive SSI benefits, TANF, food stamps or other government entitlements your eligibility will not be affected by the Americorps or VISTA income. These positions will begin in September. For more information, please call (206) 926-9000 or visit solid-ground.org/americorps. People of color are encouraged to apply. Thank you and have a good day.

Greater Seattle Job Fair 4/28

2010-04-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

Hi, if you or someone you know is looking for work, I want to let you know about the upcoming Greater Seattle Job Fair at Qwest Field on Wednesday April 28th from 11 AM to 3 PM. This job fair, presented by Jobbernaut, is the Northwest's Largest Hiring Event, featuring over 30 companies from the Puget Sound Region! It’s free to the public and all levels of employment are available. You can meet with dozens of hiring managers all in a single afternoon. Companies participating in this Job Fair are generally looking to fill positions from the following broad categories; Sales, Retail, Management, Financial, Healthcare, Restaurant, Accounting, Banking, Clerical, Computers, IT, Customer Service, Engineers, General Office, Secretarial, Security, and more! All levels of experience – from part-time hourly positions, entry level, management trainee positions all the way to technical and professional full-time positions! It is recommended that you dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. That’s at the Seahawks' Qwest Field inside the "West V.I.P. Club Level" at 800 Occidental Avenue South in Seattle, next Wednesday the 28th from 11 to 3. Enter through the Northwest V.I.P. Entrance at the North end of the Stadium. For more information, directions and a complete list of attending companies call (425) 397-7114 or visit www.jobbernaut.com. Good Luck!

Its not to late to complete the Census: now get counted over the phone

2010-04-15T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hi. If you still haven't completed a Census form, there's still time, and now, there's an even easier way to make sure you're counted. Until April 19, you can call a toll-free Census number and provide your information over the phone. Simply dial 1-866-872-6868, select the option to receive Census information, then say "Customer Service." This command will put you in touch with a Census representative, and you can tell them you'd like to give your Census answers over the phone. Again, that number is 1-866-872-6868, and it's toll-free. Be counted! Good luck!

Free Tax Preparation

2010-04-08T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hi. It's tax time! Between now and April 15, you can get your income tax return prepared and filed for free at one of several tax preparation sites in your area. In addition to getting help filing your taxes, you may be eligible to receive a refund of up to $5,657 through the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit for working people with low and moderate incomes. The free tax preparation service will be provided by IRS trained volunteers who know what they're doing. For more information, and to find a location near you, simply dial 211 from any phone and tell the operator you want information about free tax preparation services. 211 is a statewide Information & Referral number, and the call is toll-free. 211 may also be able to provide you with information about other general benefits you may be eligible for. Again, just pick up a phone and dial 211 to find out more about free tax-preparation services and other general benefits in your area. For a list of free tax preparation sites in King County, click this link:
http://www.uwkc.org/ourcommunity/endinghomelessness/eitc/where.asp
For more information see the United Way Tax Campaign website
http://www.uwkc.org/ourcommunity/endinghomelessness/eitc/default.asp

We hope this information is useful to you. If you plan to call 211 to find out about tax services, or have already filed your taxes, please let us know! At the end of this message, press the 4 button and leave us an anonymous message letting us know if you intend to call 211, or if you've already filed your taxes. We'd love to know how many Community Voice Mail users are taking action to file their taxes. Thanks!

Baby Boost Information Fair

2010-04-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Hello, this message is especially for pregnant mothers and parents of babies and toddlers.
On Saturday, April 10th there will be a Baby Boost Information Fair. The location is at Wallingford Family Works, 1501 N. 45th Street. The fair begins at 10:00am and lasts until 12noon.

Special at this event will be Husky Smiles: A volunteer group of dental students from the University of Washington School of Dentistry will provide these free services: dental screening, oral hygiene instruction, and toothbrushes for children. There will be fluoride treatments for children over 2 years of age.

All participants will have opportunities to:
• Learn about health and nutrition for you and your children.
• Connect with important social services such as housing and energy assistance, employment services, health care, and more.
• And get free useful baby items, like wipes, sippy cups, diapers, and more.
• There will also be a drawing for bigger prizes.

Child care and interpretation services will be available.

To register for the event, please call Megan at 206.694.6755.

New Homeless Veterans Hotline

2010-03-24T14:04:00.000-07:00

I’m calling to tell you about a new resource for US Veterans who may be experiencing homelessness. The Department of Veterans Affairs has created a toll-free, national hotline for veterans to provide free, 24-hour access to VA counselors and other resources that might help you. If you call during normal business hours hotline staff will ask you a few questions to figure out what you need, then they will transfer you to a live person at your local VA medical center. If you call outside of business hours, hotline staff will give you a phone number and the address of the facility nearest to you.

To call the Homeless Veteran hotline, dial 1-877-424-3838. Again, this is a toll-free call, and is available 24 hours a day. That number again is 1-877-424-3838. For more information visit http://www1.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCallCenter.asp.

If you call, please let them know that you heard about the hotline from Community Voice Mail. Please pass the word to any friends or family members who are veterans and may be experiencing homelessness. Thanks!