by [email protected] | Sep 19, 2023 | Coming Up, General, Lifestyle, News, The Arts
Seattle, WA. It’s well known that Seattle is a city known for its stunning natural beauty, innovative technology, and a strong commitment to community and social causes. Within this vibrant metropolis, numerous nonprofits work tirelessly to address a wide range of issues, from homelessness to environmental conservation and education. Here’s a closer look at some of the top nonprofits in Seattle, highlighting their impactful work and dedication to making the Emerald City a better place for all.
- Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, headquartered in Seattle, is one of the world’s largest and most influential philanthropic organizations. Founded by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his then-wife Melinda, the foundation focuses on global health, poverty alleviation, and education. Through their generous contributions, they have played a pivotal role in improving healthcare systems, combating infectious diseases, and enhancing educational opportunities worldwide.
- Seattle Foundation
The Seattle Foundation is a local organization that connects donors with nonprofits and community leaders to create lasting change in the Seattle area. They manage a vast network of charitable funds, enabling individuals and organizations to contribute to causes they care about. The foundation’s efforts have resulted in countless community projects, scholarships, and support for social initiatives.
- Northwest Harvest
Fighting hunger is the primary mission of Northwest Harvest. They are a statewide food bank distributor that sources nutritious food and distributes it to a network of more than 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools. Northwest Harvest has been instrumental in addressing food insecurity in Seattle and across Washington State.
- Catholic Community Services of Western Washington
Catholic Community Services (CCS) is a vital nonprofit that provides a wide range of social services, including housing assistance, behavioral health, and refugee and immigrant support. Their dedication to helping vulnerable populations in Seattle has made them a cornerstone of the local community.
- Seattle Children’s Hospital
Seattle Children’s Hospital is renowned for its pediatric care and commitment to improving the health and well-being of children. Not only do they provide top-notch medical treatment, but they also engage in cutting-edge research to advance the field of pediatric medicine.
- Forterra
Forterra, formerly known as the Cascade Land Conservancy, is an organization dedicated to conserving and enhancing the region’s natural landscapes. They work to secure critical lands, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable urban development. Their efforts have helped protect important natural areas in the Pacific Northwest.
- All Home King County
All Home King County is a collaborative effort aimed at addressing homelessness in King County, where Seattle is located. They work to coordinate resources, services, and housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness, with a focus on making homelessness rare, brief, and one-time.
- Seattle Public Schools Foundation
Education is a top priority in Seattle, and the Seattle Public Schools Foundation plays a crucial role in supporting the city’s public education system. They raise funds to bridge funding gaps, promote equity, and enhance educational opportunities for all students.
- ArtsFund
ArtsFund is committed to supporting the arts and cultural organizations in the Seattle region. They provide financial resources and advocacy to ensure that the arts continue to thrive, enriching the cultural fabric of the city.
Conclusion
Seattle’s vibrant nonprofit sector is a testament to the city’s commitment to social and environmental causes. The organizations mentioned here are just a snapshot of the incredible work being done to address some of the most pressing issues facing the Emerald City. Whether it’s improving healthcare, fighting hunger, or preserving the environment, these nonprofits are making a significant impact, proving that Seattle’s heart is as big as its towering skyline. By supporting and collaborating with these nonprofits, we can all contribute to making Seattle a better place for everyone.
by Janine Granstrand | Aug 17, 2021 | General, Lifestyle, News
Seattle, WA. Located near Magnolia, Plus One Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community for children, adults, and in-between for those afflicted by neurological disorders and diseases. Plus One Foundation provides a multitude of resources, “We fund activities and experiences that offer education, rehabilitation, and training such as; art and music therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, integrated movement therapy, martial arts, meditation, yoga, and aquatic therapies.”
The nonprofit is also responding to Covid-19. “At Plus One, we acknowledge the severity of the virus. We are offering additional support and resources to those impacted. We encourage that every individual mask up, practice social distance, washes their hands, and gets vaccinated. From research, we’ve learned neurological disorders develop from COVID-19 as a result of the body’s immune response to the virus.” Plus One offers additional support and resources to COVID-19 survivors. You can find additional information and answers to any questions by emailing [email protected]
Here’s a list of programs the Plus One Foundation offers for people with neurological disorders and diseases:
Plus One offers a variety of grants that you can apply for! These grants can give aid to individuals affected by the long-term neurological effects of COVID-19.
ONE Grant — This is a one-time grant for people with neurological disorders that gives them a chance at a life-changing opportunity with up to $1000.
Occasions Grant — This grants daily or weekly activities, classes, and workshops that add joy and inspiration to these individuals’ lives.
Mermaid Pool Pass — This is a specific grant used to buy three-month, all-access swimming pool passes to the Seattle Public Swimming Pools.
PROGRAMS
Plus One Pals— Offers emotional support through our letters of love written by caring interns and volunteers. These times of uncertainty can be challenging, especially for COVID-19 survivors. Plus One is here to lift some of that fear and isolation through positive, hopeful affirmations.
Fulfillment Package — Offers meal options to those struggling financially from the pandemic.
The organization assists community members by providing “occasion grants” which provide weekly activities and classes for people with neurological disorders, the “ONE grant” which focuses on fulfilling a life-long wish or dream to “expand the experience of living” up to $1000.
Plus One Foundation also offers the “mermaid pool pass” which is a three-month, all-access pool pass for individuals with neurological disorders who want to liven their days with swimming activities at Seattle Public Swimming Pools.
With the volunteers, there is a lot of social outreach for those who may not have heard about these resources before, particularly with their work with Pen Pals. By sending letters of love to individuals who have been feeling lonely and isolated, especially due to the pandemic, by working with this program, Plus One Foundation was able to subset the feelings of desolation by replacing them with thoughtful and handwritten letters for those who need that extra emotional support to lift emotions of uncertainty.
Plus One Foundation showcasing its resources via social outreach.
However, due to the global pandemic, how has Plus One Foundation functioned amidst the crisis at hand? As pictured above, Plus One Foundation mentions, 2020 has been a tumultuous year for all of us, including us here at the Plus One Foundation. In spite of it all, we’ve continued our efforts to brighten people’s lives day by day, giving 200 food packs to the food insecure in Seattle, sending 500+ letters to those feeling isolated in long term residential care facilities, and of course, continuing our grants that provide therapies for our clients with debilitating neurological disorders.” Largely, Plus One Foundation focuses on providing grants, emotional support, and financial food packages filled with shelf-safe food for individuals who have been impacted by the pandemic.
As for events, they are offering a free ukulele class for individuals with neurological conditions with social distancing, masks, and adhering to Covid-19 safe guidelines.
From Plus One Foundation:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), neurological disorders, ranging from epilepsy to Alzheimer’s disease, Traumatic Brain Injury to Multiple Sclerosis, affect up to one billion people worldwide. They affect people in all countries, irrespective of age, sex, education or income. More than 500 different conditions are considered neurological disorders. We have a lot of work to do.
The Plus One Foundation assists children and adults with a neurological injury, disorder, or disease to achieve goals, expand opportunities and ‘feed the soul’ through activities that offer education, rehabilitation and training. Plus One Foundation is also dedicated to assisting people that have had COVID-19.
We fund classes, workshops and life experiences that are proven to assist individuals on their path of rehabilitation and recovery but are rarely covered by insurance, such as; art and music therapy, therapeutic horseback riding, integrated movement therapy, martial arts, meditation, yoga, and aquatic therapies.
by Thea Mercer | Mar 13, 2021 | General, Lifestyle, News, The Arts
A Lifestyle Story: Seattle, WA. Rian Robison, designer, textile artist, and owner of Tuesday, is turning her craft fair boutique into a fully virtual experience. Featured in the picture above, Robison stands proudly in front of her boarded-up shop with @tonycoconuts. Photo by @matthewsumi. Robison invites curious patrons behind-the-scenes into her studio through a series of livestreams which can be viewed on instagram:
As shown above, Robison demonstrates painting each piece using an eco-friendly dye, thickened with algae, on a bamboo rayon fabric and shares “There’s a reason I paint each one of these by hand. I love seeing each unique brushstroke.” She enjoys the process, experimenting to reach a balanced outcome, almost as much as seeing how her following relish them.
Hand-dyed kimono dress painted by Rian Robison
Within this past year, Robison, alongside many small business owners, has had to adapt to the safety restrictions and uncertainty of the pandemic. Robison appreciated craft fair organizers like Urban Craft Uprising and Renegade having stepped up and transitioned to an online platform to accommodate the vendors after being forced to postpone all events.
Instead of hiring models to showcase her collections, Robison has taken on that role and offers live sessions to sport new pieces and answer questions. The permanent dyes are fade-resistant, making each unique piece easy to care for washing on a gentle cycle.
Robison focuses on making things she would want herself; considers her pieces as something to treat oneself, making an effort to dress up and feel beautiful, even around the house. The designs are thoughtfully versatile, gender-neutral, both in color palette and chic flow. Limited run, hand-dyed kimonos have been released on Tuesdays and have sold out within minutes.
Rian Robison modeling her hand-dyed sweatshirt dress.
Robinson is gaining notoriety. King 5 interviewed Rian Robison recently about her work.
Robison uses eco-friendly dye with zero-waste designs, utilizing full rectangular pieces of fabric. Known for vibrant hand-painted and patterned vintage fabric, sewn into dresses, inspired by the traditional Japanese kimono. For updates on new arrivals visit: _tuesdayshop
by Esha Jain | Mar 3, 2021 | Coming Up, General, Lifestyle, News
Seattle, WA. The Seattle Aquarium has reopened for business! Under the restrictions COVID-19 has imposed, the Seattle Aquarium is doing everything they can to keep individuals safe and distanced during their visits. (Image courtesy of Bella Gold).
Here are some of their guidelines for visitors during this unprecedented time:
- ONLINE TICKETS MUST BE RESERVED IN ADVANCE for all guests, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time member.
- YOUR TIMED TICKET indicates your arrival window. There is no limit to how long you can spend at the Aquarium.
- MASKS/FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED during your visit. Exemptions to this order include babies/toddlers under age 5 (masks/face coverings are highly recommended for children ages 3–4). A clear mask/face covering will be provided at no charge to anyone who would like one. If you are unable to wear a mask/face covering the Aquarium will work to arrange a visit at a later date when mask requirements have been lifted. If you don’t have a mask/face covering when you arrive, one will be provided for you.
- A ONE-WAY PATHWAY with clear physical distance markers will guide you through the Aquarium and help protect everyone’s health—but you’ll still find plenty to see, experience and enjoy!
The number of guests allowed to visit each day and during each timed-ticketing window will be limited. Members will continue to receive free admission, but tickets must still be reserved in advance in order to limit capacity.
The Seattle Aquarium would like to remind visitors that masks and face coverings are required to keep everyone safe. Exemptions to this order include babies/toddlers under age 5 (face coverings/masks are highly recommended for children ages 3–4). Free clear masks will be provided to anyone who would like one. If you are unable to wear a mask the Aquarium will work to arrange a visit at a later date when mask requirements have been lifted. If you don’t have a mask when you arrive, one will be provided for you.
From the Seattle Aquarium:
Founded in 1977 and located on Pier 59 in the heart of Seattle, Washington, the Aquarium serves as the largest platform for ocean conservation and engagement in the Pacific Northwest. With a mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment. The Seattle Aquarium offers a unique window into ocean conservation by offering compelling exhibits and event experiences; community programming along local rivers and beaches; research that advances understanding of marine species; advocacy and policy work on issues like climate change and ocean acidification; an award-winning volunteer program; and more. The region’s premier resource for hands-on marine experiences and conservation education, the Seattle Aquarium offers fun, exciting ways to discover more about the amazing Puget Sound and our world’s one big ocean.
On the web: SeattleAquarium.org
On Facebook: facebook.com/Aquarium.Seattle
On Twitter: twitter.com/SeattleAquarium
by Esha Jain | Feb 9, 2021 | General, Lifestyle, News, The Arts
Seattle, WA. In celebration of World Tutu Day and #TutuTuesday, Pacific Northwest Ballet launched a new fundraising effort for its Second Stage Program. The program supports PNB dancers looking to advance to the next stage of their lives. It’s multi-faceted and provides scholarships, mentorship programs, and support for a career transition. Providing financial support to dancers allows them to take college courses, access counseling, and career services, and receive grants for education and start-up expenses.
The lack of performance opportunities because of the COVID-19 pandemic has created an increased need to help bridge economic gaps and support dancer’s post-dance careers. This year World Tutu Day fell on Tuesday, February 2nd, so it was a great opportunity to launch an effort supporting young dancers, gearing up to advance their education and career opportunities.
Leta Biasucci is just one of many dancers who have benefited from this program. She articulates how much it has impacted her life: “While the notion is changing, there are often too many barriers of entry for a dancer to pursue higher education and explore other passions. Time, accessibility, and of course, expense are all hurdles. Dancers are exceptional in reaching personal goals through cultivated grit, dedication, and determination; but before anyone can aim for a goal, one must feel like that goal is attainable. That is why there is a real need for programs like Second Stage.”
Leta Biasucci in The Sleeping Beauty. Photo courtesy of PNB and Angela Sterling.
Funds from benefactors make it possible for PNB dancers to become college graduates, lawyers, small business owners, therapists, and more. Donate here.
From the Pacific Northwest Ballet:
Second Stage is a multi-faceted career transition program for PNB dancers to achieve their post-Company goals. Since 1999, Second Stage has provided more than $750,000 in grants to dozens of dancers. Our former colleagues are now working in law, medicine, dance education, culinary arts, dancewear design and manufacturing, aesthetics, and photography—as well as creating and managing companies world-wide. The program offers scholarships, mentorships, support for research, and a unique partnership with Seattle University. You may donate at this link: Second Stage Program.
by Nicholas Mendro | Feb 3, 2021 | Lifestyle, News
A Lifestyle story: Seattle, WA. This winter, finding an accessible, quarantine-friendly pastime outside the house has become a priority. Skiers and snowboarders are heading to resorts like Crystal Mountain in force. Before the season started, Crystal announced a set of COVID-friendly contingency plans, requiring reservations for any and all skiers to ride the lifts. Walk-up sales were nixed.
This expansive ski area has 3,100 vertical feet and 2,600 acres on the flanks of the towering 14,000-foot Mount Rainier.
A statement on the Crystal Mountain website reads: “We will be operating with a limited capacity and reservations. There will be no walk-up sales of any kind so plan ahead. A limited number of day tickets will be available to purchase.”
Such policy, paired with rigid, stated guidelines pertaining to the continual use of face coverings in the plaza and lift lines, suggest a relatively safe environment for even the most COVID-wary Seattlites. But, skiers report the launch of the season was not easy going with parking lots packed to the brim, and college-aged skiers and snowboards spilling out of packed Forerunners and Foresters.
The sun sets after a long day skiing at Crystal Mountain.
(PC: Hayden Jenkins)
Skiing and snowboarding lend themselves to socially distanced fun, and most of the people on the slopes respected the face-covering guidelines, as much out of desire for nose-warmth and comfort as compliance. But if they didn’t, resort employees gently reminded them to cover their faces as soon as they reached the lines for the next trip up the hill.
From Crystal Mountain :
Crystal Mountain is the largest ski resort in Washington State with a total of 2,600 acres and over 80 named runs. Puget Sound skiers and riders flock to the slopes during the winter months to enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier and to ride some of the best terrain in Washington State, only 2 hours away from Seattle in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. Crystal also operates the Mt. Rainier Gondola for scenic rides during the summer so that guests can enjoy the beautiful views of Mt. Rainier all year long. “Life has been odd this year, but our mountain isn’t going anywhere. It’s the tonic you need to clear the mind and feed the soul. Your skis are calling to you.”
