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Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council- Serving East King County, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Renton, WA
 
Member Announcements Calendar Pop UP

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Announcements made at the most recent meeting included the following:

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SOPHIA WAY JOURNEY LUNCHEON: The Sophia Way is hosting its 2nd Annual Journey Luncheon on Thursday, September 22nd from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel in Bellevue.  The program will relate the stories of several women who are on the journey from homelessness to independence and how the Sophia Way assists them on their journey.  There is no cost to attend but pre-registration is required.  To register, please call Kathy Rule at 425-463-6285, Ext. 111 or email events@sophiaway.org.

CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS FUNDRAISING LUNCHEON: CFH will be holding their second annual fundraising luncheon on Tuesday, October 4th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue (1717 Bellevue Way NE). Bill Grace, noted social activist, traveling teacher, storyteller, and architect of ideas will be the guest speaker and a delicious catered lunch will be provided by award-winning Lisa Dupar Catering.  The lunch is no cost but reservations are encouraged.  Register now by visiting www.cfhomeless.org.

CULTURAL CONVERSATIONS EXPAND TO SOUTH BELLEVUE

Cultural Conversations, a program that has helped women in the Crossroads neighborhood make connections with each other and the community, is now expanding to South Bellevue.

Women of all ages and backgrounds are invited to a planning meeting at the South Bellevue Community Center, 14509 SE Newport Way, on Thursday, Sept. 22, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. 
 
In January 2010 the City of Bellevue introduced Cultural Conversations, inviting women to meet for tea and cookies at the Crossroads Community Center every six weeks. City staff started the program after some women from the Bellevue mosque receiving help at the Crossroads Mini City Hall spoke of feeling disconnected. Since then, more than 50 women have participated. 
  
Regular attendees have included women of many faiths and cultures, all with a common desire to make new friends and to expand their own cultural understanding. 

"Cultural Conversations has been a way for me to meet the wise and wonderful women of my community whom I would not have met in any other way," said Karina O’Malley.
Our meetings break down barriers and let us learn from each other in a safe environment. Every meeting is an education and an invigorating boost."

Activities at Cultural Conversations events have included:

  • Exploring probing questions about faiths and cultures in a safe environment;
  • Personal storytelling -- addressing themes including cultural stereotypes, love and marriage in different cultures, intergenerational relationships and gender roles;
  • Ethnic potlucks, sharing of foods and customs;
  • Service projects;
  • "Difficult Conversations" training; and
  • Presentation on the power of global education for girls and women.

The city provides meeting space, facilitation and refreshments, but the group will customize its gatherings to meet the needs of those participating. There is no charge to attend, and women of all ages, faiths, races and cultures are encouraged to participate.
  
For more information on the new South Bellevue group or the Crossroads/East Bellevue group, or to RSVP for the Sept. 22 meeting, please contact Julie Ellenhorn at 425-452-5372 or jellenhorn@bellevuewa.gov.

BRIDGE DISABILITY MINISTRIES: Bridge Disability Ministries will hold a Sunday Evening Celebration for people living with disabilities and friends Sunday, September 25th, 4-6pm, at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 18826 3rd Ave NW, Shoreline, 98177. Dinner will be provided.  There is no charge, everyone is welcome and volunteers are very much appreciated.  

Bridge will also hold a Sunday Evening Celebration for people living with disabilities and friends Sunday, October 23rd, 4-6pm, at Newport Presbyterian Church, 4010  120th Ave SE, Bellevue 98006. Dinner will be provided.  Again, there is no charge, everyone is welcome and volunteers are very much appreciated.  

Call (425) 885-1006 ext#118 or email  lindam@bridgemin.org for more information on either Bridge event.

EASTSIDE MONTH OF CONCERN FOR THE HUNGRY:  Saturday, September 24th kicks off the annual Eastside Month of Concern for the Hungry.  Hopelink, the ARAS Foundation, the Renewal Food Bank, the Issaquah Food Bank, the Mt. Si Helping Hands Food Bank, the Mercer Island Pantry and the Emergency Feeding Program are joining with the cities of Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, North Bend, Sammamish, Bellevue, North Bend, and Mercer Island to increase awareness of the ongoing problem of local hunger and, more importantly, to collect food donations to restock area food pantries.

Food drives will be conducted at area grocery stores beginning September 24th and continuing through October 22nd.  For more information, please visit http://www.eastsideforum.org/fooddrive/.  Share What You Can!  Help feed your hungry neighbors.

CHANGE THE WORLD!  GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY.  LEARN HOW . . . NOW: Saturday, October 1, 2011.  9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Northshore United Church of Christ (18900 168th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA) 

Convert your passions into actions with the help of a powerhouse panel of national and local experts ready to share hard won lessons over decades of advocacy on behalf of the homeless, the environment, gay rights and progressive Christian values.
 
The panel will feature Nancy Amidei, Rev. Rich Gamble, Jessie Dye and Rev. Lois E. Van Leer.

The workshop is free and open to all.  A light lunch will be provided.

DINNER DONORS NEEDED!  Did you know that Friends of Youth operates the only overnight emer­gency shelter for homeless young adults on the Eastside? THE LANDING is open seven nights a week. Sunday through Thursday at the Bellevue YMCA in Bellevue and Friday and Saturday at St. Peters United Methodist Church in Bellevue. They provide safe shelter for the night, a shower, hygiene supplies, and health services. However, we rely on volunteers like you to help us provide a hot meal. With 15 clients each night, this is a great volunteer opportunity for a small group or family.

Dinner donors prepare a hot, ready-to-serve meal and bring it to The Landing at 8:45pm. Popular dinner ideas include: Pastas, Enchiladas, Tacos, Salads, Chicken, Hearty Soups, Pizza, Potato Bar, Casseroles, and Chili.

The Landing also asks that dinner donors purchase milk for breakfast, if possible.

For more information, please contact Cheryl Schnelle, Volunteer Coordinator, at 425-869-6490, ext. 309 or cheryl@friendsofyouth.org.

Is there an issue affecting the Eastside Human Service Community you would like to learn more about? Who would you like to hear from regarding a current event or concern? If you have a suggestion for a possible presentation at an upcoming EISCC meeting, please let us know.
Contact Brian Anderson, EISCC Secretary at brian@emergencyfeeding.org or (206) 329-0300.


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