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Eastside Interfaith Social Concerns Council Minutes The meeting was held in Bristol Hall of St. Margaret's Episcopal Church on September 13, 2011, beginning at 12:00 noon. TREASURER’S REPORT: EISCC Treasurer Pat McDermott (pmcdermott@amnis.com) provided a written summary: At 8/31/2011 cash balances total approximately 158,000 as 2nd quarter billings have been collected. We are working toward monthly invoicing to King County instead of on a quarterly basis. This will help our cash flow as we will be paid earlier. We started monthly invoicing this month for Congregations for the Homeless and will start Sophia Way in October. Nothing unusual was noted during the month. Monthly patterns of income and expense are consistent with prior periods. CONGREGATIONS FOR THE HOMELESS: CFH Executive Director Steve Roberts (206-295-7803 or stever@cfhomeless.org) reported that the shelter was currently at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and will be moving to East Shore Unitarian. 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. THE SOPHIA WAY: Sophia Way Executive Director Helen Leuzzi (425-463-6285 or director@sophiaway.org) reported on that there are soon to be a total of 70 women who have been moved from homelessness to homes of their own with the help of the 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 KIDS: CFH’s Nancy Jacobs (info@congregations4kids.org) reported on the successful completion of the 16th annual Good Start Back to School project. This year, 1,647 students in the Bellevue School District received backpacks and supplies. In addition, CFK packed 115 extra backpacks for students who will enter the district later in the year. The program provided backpacks and supplies to students in 26 schools with the help of 30 congregations, 3 service organizations, 3 grants, and one corporation. Many thanks to all who participated. REFRESHMENT COORDINATOR Betty Spohn thanked those responsible for bringing in today’s shared food items: Warren Marquardson, Steve Roberts, Lloyd Van Vactor, and Anne St. Germain. TOTES TO GO: A report on a vital new service program called “Totes to Go” that operates in the Northshore School District to provide homeless school children with nutrition for the weekend is now scheduled for the October EISCC meeting. In the meantime, you can get more information about “Totes to Go” by visiting http://woodinville.patch.com/articles/woodinville-church-helps-feed-homeless-students. NOMINATING COMMITTEE: The nominating committee placed the following names before the general membership for election to serve on the EISCC board of directors in the coming year:
The election will be held at the next EISCC meeting. PROGRAM: THE ROLE OF FAITH COMMUNITIES IN ADVOCATING FOR HUMAN SERVICES Michael Ramos, Executive Director of the Church Council of Greater Seattle, reported on sobering news that shows that 46 million people in the United States (one out of every six persons) lives in poverty. The news is even worse for African American and Latinos households with 27 percent living below the poverty line. This is a scandal the existence of which calls upon faith communities to speak to this deplorable situation and to help wave a more just society. The goal should be to create a “sufficient, sustainable, livelihood for all.” Ramos suggested that housing is the pivotal factor that will lead to a better life for those in our community who struggle and advocacy efforts should focus on creating safe, affordable, supportive homes for all. The circle of housing includes many things: child care, nutrition, employment, basic transportation, etc. The Church Council is preparing its legislative priorities for the coming year. Among them are these priorities also shared by the Committee to End Homelessness in King County: Continue to Support Services to Help People Stabilize their Lives: Create Urgently Needed Housing: Don't Further Cut Safety Net Programs The program has a number of problematic aspects that we may need to ask the legislature to fix, but it also represents an extremely important investment in stability for these households. As this program is currently funded through general fund dollars it is at risk of cancelation due to drops in revenues. Even as we work to address issues with the program, we need to ensure that it does not become yet another cut in the safety net. Prevent Youth Homelessness Approximately half of all American youth between the ages of 18-24 live still live with their parents. However, support systems for young people in foster care transitioning to adulthood are extremely limited, as they are no longer under the purview of the state child welfare system. Every year in Washington State, 400 to 500 eighteen-year-olds “age-out" of the foster care system when no permanent placement is found. Although both Washington State and federal legislation have addressed some issues these youth face, many of these young people continue to face numerous challenges in: the years following their exit from care, including challenges with education and housing. This bill will extend services to these youth to help ensure a successful path into adulthood. Since 2006, we have made strong efforts to reduce the number of youth aging out of foster care without a plan for safe housing. 2011 was the first year that Washington State opted in to the federal Fostering Connections Act, resulting in an entitlement for youth turning 18 without a high school diploma or OED, so that they can remain in care until 21. The 2012 proposal will be to identify another population to opt in to FCA. States receive a 50% match for any group that is covered by the Fostering Connections Act. County Budget: Ramos says that with the waxing and waning of federal funding there has been a gradual devolution of responsibility for creating adequate supportive housing. This means that what was once a federal responsibility was handed to the state and then to the local level. The human services funding gap widened by 50 million dollars between 2006 and 2011. And there has been serious discussion at the county level as to whether the county should be funding human services at all. Faith Community Advocacy: The voice of the faith community is extremely important. Advocacy matters. It makes a difference. The recent passage of the Veterans and Human Services Levy shows that elected officials can be asked to do the right thing and voters can be asked to affirm this. What faith communities bring is the ability to create relationships with elected officials sharing with them the stories of those we serve. Advocacy is a lifelong commitment. Everyone has a role to play. Those on the Eastside actually have a disproportionate power to influence as too often voices from Seattle and other urban area are more easily dismissed. How to Call, Email, or Write Your State Legislators The first step is to find out who your legislators are. To find out what district you live in and who your legislators are visit http://apps.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/ and enter your address. Then, Give them a call: Use the toll-free hotline to leave a message for one or all three of you legislators and the Governor: 1-800-562-600 Operators are standing by during session: Weekdays 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Weekends: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. You may also call your legislator’s offices directly. Write a letter: Representative _________ Senator ___________ Write an email: Write you legislator’s lastname.firstname@leg.wa.gov (For example, doe.john@leg.wa.gov) View the Church Council of Greater Seattle’s legislative agenda, more information on advocating, and helpful links on the Church Council’s website at www.thechurchcouncil.org. Don’t forget to sign up for our Action Alert to receive updates on legislation and calls to action. www.thechurchcouncil.org 206-525-1213 info@thechurchcouncil.org 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. "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. Activities at Cultural Conversations events have included:
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. 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 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.
CLOSING REFLECTION: Betty Spohn of Newport Presbyterian Church offered a closing reflection.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. LOCATION: BRISTOL HALL, ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 4228 FACTORIA BOULEVARD SE, BELLEVUE (ACROSS FROM NEWPORT HIGH SCHOOL)
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