Seattle Human Services

Congratulations to the Refugee Women's Alliance (ReWA) on their newest early learning center!

This week, the Seattle Human Services Department was proud to attend the grand opening of ReWA's Othello Early Learning Center, providing free and low-cost, culturally responsive, dual-language learning for children ages 0–5. The City of Seattle’s investments in early learning reflect our shared commitment to equity, opportunity, and community resilience.

HSD and our Federal Grants Management Unit, which helped ReWA secure federal Community Development Block Grant funds for the center, were honored with "Hero" awards. Plenty of other heroes helped make this vision possible, including federal, state and county partners like U.S. Senator Patty Murray, U.S. Rep. Adam Smith, State Senator Rebecca Saldaña, and philanthropic donors who continue to invest in immigrant and refugee communities.

ReWA's new Othello facility is an investment in families, in children entering kindergarten ready to succeed, and in the strength and diversity of our city. Learn more about ReWA and its programs and services at www.rewa.org.

Celebrating 30 years of service, the Victim Support Team (VST) provides compassionate and non-judgmental support to survivors of violence during a critical time of need — showing up with empathy, resources, and care when it matters most.

Applications for the 2026 VST volunteer cohort are open through May 29. No prior experience required — just compassion, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

Want to learn more? VST staff is hosting virtual information sessions — starting tomorrow. (All prospective volunteers are asked to attend at least one info session.)
-- Thursday, May 7 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.
-- Wednesday, May 13 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.
-- Monday, May 18 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.
-- Friday, May 22 — Noon to 12:45 p.m.

Sign up for an information session and apply to the VST at seattle.gov/victim-support-team-volunteer.

It's Denim Day! Seattle Human Services employees, led by the Mayor's Office on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, are wearing denim today to raise awareness about sexual assault prevention and stand in solidarity with survivors.

Denim Day started as a protest movement following a 1990s Italian court ruling where a victim was blamed for her attack because of her clothing choices. Learn more: www.denimday.org

If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault, call the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center at 888-998-6423 or visit www.kcsarc.org/en/get-help-now/.

Mayor Katie B. Wilson Seattle Women's Commission

Thank you, Seattle Times, for sharing info about the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program offered by HSD's Aging and Disabilities Services division -- Aging King County.

Low-income older adults in King County can apply for $80 e-Benefit cards to buy fresh food for local farmers markets at sfmnp-seattleking.org. Applications are open through May 8.

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/seattle-offers-80-farmers-market-gift-cards-to-low-income-older-adults/

Older adults could get farmers market gift cards from Seattle The gift cards are one time only, offered by the Seattle Human Services’ Aging and Disability Services division.