Seattle, WA. Although the COVID-19 crisis forced FEEST Seattle to pause nearly all of its usual activities, the youth-led, health justice organization quickly shifted gears to bring much-needed nourishment to the homes of students in South Seattle and South King County through a grocery delivery program. As Community Engagement Manager Leigh Thomas explained, pandemic-related school closures and job losses have amplified food insecurity, especially for the low-income, youth of color served by FEEST. “We saw a gap in families getting groceries,” Thomas said, “and we decided to bring the food to the students.”
Staff, donors, and volunteers rallied to fill this gap by purchasing and delivering groceries to over 600 families that requested assistance between March and June of 2020 (see above photo of FEEST staff and volunteers purchasing groceries). Currently, FEEST is offering grocery assistance in the form of pre-paid gift cards for eligible families in the Sea-Tac, South Seattle, Skyway, Tukwila, White Center, Burien, and Delridge areas. More information about this program can be found on the grocery gift-card page of the FEEST site and those who would like to contribute can do so through the donation link.
Youth gather around the table at a FEEST community dinner (pre-COVID-19).
Founded in 2008, FEEST is a non-profit organization focused on bringing Seattle youth of color together to build community and organize around issues of food access and health justice. Prior to COVID-19, community dinners, where young people prepared and shared a meal, were the heart of the organization’s mission “to set the table for young people to transform the health and equity of their community by gathering around food & working towards systems change” (see photo above of teens at a FEEST dinner). According to the organization’s leaders, “the FEEST kitchen creates space for young people to reclaim their health, celebrate ancestral food traditions, and share radical joy. In addition to the practical skills youth learn in the kitchen, breaking bread together builds lasting community connections that become a foundation for long-term organizing.”
In the past, this organizing has generated several successful youth-led campaigns. Motivated by the belief that “all students deserve to have access to fresh, hot, nutritious, and culturally relevant meals whenever they need them” (FEEST website), a group of FEEST youth leaders worked directly with school administrators to add new, healthy, culturally relevant foods like squash curry and lentil stew to the lunch menus at Highline Public Schools. FEEST youth also created two innovative healthy snack pilot programs that brought free, nutritious snacks to students at Evergreen and Chief Sealth High Schools. Watch FEEST youth talk about their participation in FEEST and their roles as “food justice leaders” in the video below.
This school year, Thomas shared that FEEST plans to continue the grocery gift-card program, and also to bring back some additional programs, beginning with a “youth fellowship program” where students will discuss social justice issues that concern them, and identify causes that they would like to rally around. The best way to support FEEST at this time is to donate, which can be done through the link here.
FEEST is an organization led by youth of color in South Seattle and South King County working to improve health in our schools. Focusing on the need for more healthy, affordable, and culturally relevant food at school, FEEST centers young people as leaders toward concrete changes in our food systems. Youth are in the lead at FEEST because change is not effective unless those most impacted by health inequities are the decision makers. When young people lead the way with creative solutions, the whole community benefits. Fierce youth who speak truth to power are essential in a time when our communities are constantly under threat by a political system that directly threatens our survival.
We seek health justice: the elimination of all barriers for people to live physically, mentally, socially, culturally healthy lives.
Our mission is to set the table for young people to transform the health and equity of their community by gathering around food & working towards systems change.
Seattle, WA. Around the country, athletes have taken advantage of their elevated platforms to push for positive change in social justice, education, and global health. Former players are no exception. Cliff Avril (pictured above in the center), now retired from the offensive line as a defensive lineman for the Seattle Seahawks, has used his extended time off to make an impact in communities in and around Seattle.
Cliff Avril was named the 2020 Seahawks Legend of the Year for his commitment to the community, presented by American Family Insurance.
Recently, the Seahawks awarded Avril the 2020 Legend of the Year, recognizing the former player for everything he’s done to make an impact on individuals and communities in need. The award promises a donation of $10,000 to a foundation of Avril’s choosing.
“I just feel like I’ve been blessed with a platform,” Avril said. “I’ve been blessed to play for a great organization that supports all their players in different avenues.”
Before he retired, Avril developed the Cliff Avril Family Foundation to enlighten youth on the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle to avoid diabetes and other preventable diseases. Collectively, his organization has now received beyond $2.5 million in support from donors since its conception in 2014.
Cliff Avril donates blood prior to the COVID-19 pandemic
Avril and his nonprofit have been hard at work, putting some of that revenue to work in the past few months. Since the start of the global coronavirus pandemic, the retired athlete’s foundation has provided youth-based organizations with $50,000 in relief funding to remain afloat during COVID-19.
Outside of the U.S., Avril has partnered with fellow retired Seahawks to erect three education facilities in Haiti, the nation in which he would’ve been raised had his parents not migrated before his birth.
“I could’ve easily been one of those kids in Haiti,” Avril said. “So, as I took back on that, I want to inspire and give kids hope and give kids opportunities to be able to dream, and hopefully capitalize and achieve those dreams.”
Avril’s work stands as an exemplary beacon of hope and generosity during the oft-bleak outlook of the coronavirus. While most lack the luxury of a former professional athlete’s bank account, even the smallest contribution can help the 2020 Legend of the Year continue to make an impact in the Seattle community through donations to his nonprofit and those like them across the region.
Health workers honor Cliff Avril’s jersey during the coronavirus pandemic.
From the Cliff Avril Family Foundation:
“The Cliff Avril Family Foundation mission is to increase the awareness of Type 2 diabetes in youth and to encourage healthy living through nutrition and exercise. As well as provide educational support and opportunities to youth in Haiti, along with various community-based organizations in Jacksonville, Seattle and Charlotte.”
Seattle, WA. Pioneer Human Services is working to be a stabilizing force in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonprofit serves individuals released from prison or jail, and those in recovery, who are in need of treatment, housing, job skills training, and employment. (Members of the staff are pictured above).
The COVID-19 crisis has made services for justice-involved individuals even more vital. “We’re trying to do everything possible to keep our services going for people, whether they have access to electronics or they don’t,” said Nanette Sorich, communications manager at Pioneer Human Services. “We are dedicated to continue to serve our clients, our customers, and our communities.”
With over 50 partners and programs across Washington State, Pioneer Human Services helps those with criminal convictions receive adequate mental health support, substance abuse treatment, affordable housing, and employment readiness training. The nonprofit also runs four major residential reentry facilities that specialize in treating substance abuse disorders.
A mask-wearing employee works in a Pioneer Human Services facility.
Pioneer Human Services offers jobs to formerly incarcerated individuals through the nonprofit’s successful social enterprise program including work in construction, food service, and manufacturing.
The pandemic has added more hurdles for justice-involved people trying to get their lives back on track. “It’s really hard for a lot of our people, who, in some of our services, are just looking for a job, and in order to get an apartment, they need to have a job,” Sorich said. “But it’s been really hard to get a job, especially since they can’t go apply in person.”
The nonprofit has adapted its services to keep people safe. For those unwilling or unable to receive in-person support, Pioneer has transitioned to ‘telehealth’ support systems, offering remote mental health therapy, alongside informative Zoom meetings for those in job-readiness programs.
Success stories inspire others. Adam, (pictured below) has one such story. He utilized the program called Whatcom Community Detox (one of Pioneer’s substance-abuse facilities in Northwestern Washington.) The program helped him win a prolonged battle with drug addiction and homelessness.
Adam and his dog smile for the camera during recovery at Whatcom Community Detox
“Adam is a great story,” explained Sorich. “He built this trust with Murray at our community detox center, and he said, ‘I need my dog,’ and she said, ‘Then bring him in.’ Adam eventually went into housing during recovery. He’s a new human being.”
Here’s a video about the program:
From Pioneer Human Services:
Mission Statement: “We are a nonprofit social enterprise in Washington state that serves individuals released from prison or jail, and those in recovery, who are in need of treatment, housing, job skills training and employment.”
Donations help fund the work of Pioneer Human Services’ and can be made on the nonprofit’s website.
Seattle, WA. The Wing Luke Museum has been hard at work putting new content on its website. Due to COVID-19 the Museum is closed until October 7th. New additions to the website include new curated stories, digital content, and virtual tours. The Wing Luke Museum is “A physical embodiment of community, it is truly a community based museum that represents community voice and stories, as well as the spirit and heritage. There will always be a home for these stories.” This was stated by Ellen Ferguson, The Co-President of the Board of Trustees at the Wing Luke Museum in a video posted on its YouTube channel and website. The Museum is a place where “the Asian Pacific American community looks to for engagement, inspiration and leadership.” This all can be felt when learning about its history and why the Wing Luke Museum was founded. The stories that are being told are personal and “hardly told in the school books and rarely seen on TV.” Until October 7th when the Wing Luke Museum opens up for in-person tours its website is a great gateway into the Asian Pacific culture.
Jewelry Located at The Wing Luke Museum Via Facebook .
Art Work Located At The Wing Luke Museum Via Facebook.
Virtual Tours are a great way to experience The Wing while we are all staying inside and social distancing. “We have decided to close our doors for the sake of our community, but through this closure we have found new and innovative ways to take you folks inside our walls”. This was said at the beginning of a quick Virtual Tour by Alexis L. Silva a Artist, Curator and Visitor and Events Assistant Manager. These tours offer great insights and a general basis of information about exhibits in the museum. When taking a tour you will have a guide that will speak on the exhibits being shown during the tour. The tour consists of a camera showing off parts of the Wing that help give you a chance to learn and experience many different art pieces and performances. These tours are 45 minutes and are being held every Thursday at 5pm, this experience will help you learn about the immigrants in the 1900s and the Family Association Rooms that housed them, as well as the Yick Fung Store. You can RSVP for next Thursdays tour right here on the Wings website.
Alexis L. Silva Presenting An Exhibit On A Virtual Tour Called Where Beauty Lies.
On October 7th the Wing Luke Museum will resume operation with some new policies to help ensure the public safety. Buying tickets online is highly encouraged, as well as capacity within the museum will bow be limited. Masks will be required and physical distancing is required. Lastly, storage will be closed. These guidelines are to ensure safety for museum-goers and to help give everyone an enjoyable experience. Planning your visit is encouraged and all information about the museum can be found here on its website. When arriving at the museum expect a contactless experience. This meaning that anything that would be intractable such as touchscreens and multimedia installations in exhibits, has been removed. There is much more the Wing Luke Museum is offering on its website including YouthCAN, a free, after-school, high school arts program designed to provide students with exposure to arts professions and increase their knowledge and familiarity with the Chinatown -International district. There is a Virtual gallery that teenagers and kids can explore. This showing off many different art forms and giving some background to how and why these came to be. This was created by YouthCAN student lead Henry Jensen. This virtual experience was curated from the museum having to close down. “Being able to put this exhibit together and continue working with these students after the closure due to COVID-19 has truly made my days brighter”. That was said by Alexis L. Silva on YouthCAN transitioning online.
YouthCAN Virtual Tour From The Wing Luke Museum.
Wing Luke Mission Statement: We connect everyone to the dynamic history, cultures and art of Asian Pacific Americans through vivid storytelling and inspiring experiences to advance racial and social equity.
Location and Information: 719 S. King Street Seattle, Washington 98104 – 206.623.5124 – [email protected]
Seattle, WA. TeenTix has adapted its programming to accommodate for COVID-19. (Pictured above are some smiling teens at a TeenTix event before COVID-19.) One of TeenTix’s main offerings is the free TeenTix pass, which enables any teenager to purchase $5 day-of-show tickets to an event with any of TeenTix’s partner organizations in the greater Seattle area. The TeenTix Events Calendar shows all of the upcoming arts events that teens can attend with their TeenTix pass. Currently, the TeenTix Events Calendar contains all virtual events, many of which are free for the public to view. However, if an event requires a registration fee or ticket for viewing, these tickets will be available for $5 for those who have the TeenTix pass.
Through increasing access to local art events, TeenTix’s mission is to “build a bright future for [the Seattle region] by empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their arts community as audience members, critics, influencers, advocates, and patrons.” Despite the unforeseen circumstances COVID-19 brought about, including virtual events on the TeenTix Events Calendar has allowed the nonprofit to “go outside its usual partners,” even reaching as far as Philadelphia. Executive Director Monique Courcy shares that the organization has “thought more about geographical boundaries” and how TeenTix can “go even further with arts organizations” moving forward.
A TeenTix event before the COVID-19 pandemic
TeenTix’s New Guard program has also pivoted in new ways this summer. The New Guard: Teen Arts Leadership Society is a leadership program that allows teens to engage with teen arts audiences and assist with the development of TeenTix programs. The New Guard’s tasks include fundraising, planning teen-centric arts events, engaging in discussions about arts equity and social justice, and building a community of teens who love the arts.
The New Guard participants meeting prior to COVID-19
According to Courcy, “Zoom has been [the New Guard’s] best friend” this summer. Last spring, New Guard participants planned the Teen Arts & Opportunity Fair. More recently, participants produced a summer mentorship program that connected professional artists of color with groups of young artists of color. Members also have the opportunity to produce art for the upcoming Teeny Awards, an award show in which teenagers vote for awards to give to arts partners. This year’s Teeny Awards will be conducted online later this fall.
The TeenTix Press Corps has also transitioned its programming online. The Press Corps program allows teens to explore and practice art criticism and journalism. As a result of COVID-19, Press Corps participants are meeting through Zoom and finding virtual art pieces to review and critique. An essential part of the Press Corps is the TeenTix Newsroom, which consists of a group of teen writers who review events put on by TeenTix Arts Partners and publish their work on the TeenTix blog. The TeenTix Newsroom is led by the Teen Editorial Staff. The 2020-2021 Teen Editorial Staff is pictured below.
The 2020/2021 TeenTix Teen Editorial Staff. The top row from left to right features Mila Borowski, Triona Suiter, and Lily Williamson. The bottom row from left to right features Lucia McLaren, Eleanor Cenname, and Anya Shukla.
A TeenTix Newsroom meeting over Zoom. This year, 37 new writers and 6 new editors are joining the TeenTix Newsroom.
A TeenTix Press Corps workshop prior to the COVID-19 pandemic
This summer, TeenTix also conducted a free Arts as Activism series, in which black artists were invited to discuss their work or the work of other black artists. Courcy shares that this series was meant to “talk about how activism is related to art.” Each event in the Arts as Activism series focused on a different genre of art, including theater, dance, and performance art. Attendees learned about the history of social justice movements and how art is intertwined with both past and present ones.
From TeenTix:
To support TeenTix, people may donate today or provide monthly contributions by joining the TeenTix Honor Society.
TeenTix exists to break down the barriers that prevent teens from accessing art in our community, such as ticket or admission cost, not knowing where to look for events, navigating transportation around the city, and feeling insecure around arts-going if there’s no one in their lives already championing the arts.
TeenTix builds a bright future for our region by empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their arts community as audience members, critics, influencers, advocates, patrons, and leaders.
Seattle, WA. Hopelink is continuing to provide food services in a safe way for its clients, staff, and volunteers. The nonprofit is providing people with prepackaged boxes of food rather than having clients select food within its facilities. The prepackaged boxes of food contain shelf-stable items, like pasta and beans, as well as meat, dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Each household can pick up enough food for 21 meals per person. All people have to do is go to the table at Hopelink’s building entrance, get their box of food, and leave. Director of Communications Todd Langton says that this process is “all done in an appropriately social distanced” fashion. Since Hopelink began offering prepackaged boxed of food, the organization has distributed the equivalent of over one million meals to community members. Click here to find hours at each of Hopelink’s food banks. More information about Hopelink’s health and safety practices are on the COVID-19 response page of its website.
The contents of a prepackaged box of food from Hopelink
Another significant change made to Hopelink’s food services is where the food is sourced. Before COVID-19, Langton says that “80% of food collected for distribution came from food donations and food rescue programs.” When COVID-19 arrived, Hopelink had to stop accepting its regular food donations and began purchasing its food on the wholesale market. Currently, Hopelink is only accepting donations of produce and face masks, in addition to monetary contributions.
Food being prepared for distribution at Hopelink
Hopelink has also trained many staff members to assist with its eviction prevention program, which exists to help provide at-risk families with funds to prevent eviction. Langton shares that from March 15 to June 30, Hopelink has spent $690,000 on its eviction prevention program and aided 550 households. This is a significant increase from 2019, in which Hopelink spent $110,000 and aided 115 households during the same three-month time period.
On the organization’s website, there are many success stories from people whose lives have been improved by Hopelink’s services. One of these stories is that of Michelle Chappon, a mother who found herself struggling to make ends meet as she juggled caring for her autistic son and working to provide for her family. Michelle says that when she came to Hopelink “things totally changed” for her. Hopelink’s Redmond food bank provided Michelle with both “food and moral support.” She shares that she “wouldn’t be able to live independently” without Hopelink’s services.
Due to COVID-19, Hopelink shut down public access to its Centers and asked its volunteers to stay home earlier this year. In addition to adapting its food services, Hopelink is also conducting its adult education, employment, financial assistance, and energy services online or through phone appointments. Transportation DART services provided by Hopelink are still operational and will continue while abiding my Metro safety guidelines. Non-emergency medical transportation services for Medicaid recipients in King and Snohomish county are also still operational. The flyer below explains which Hopelink programs are available and how people may access them.
Information about Hopelink’s programming during COVID-19
Since 1971, Hopelink has served homeless and low-income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities in King and Snohomish counties; providing stability and helping people gain the skills and knowledge they need to exit poverty for good.
Hopelink’s mission is to promote self-sufficiency for all members of our community; we help people make lasting change.
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