Friday, October 31, 2014

Don't Forget to Vote by this Tuesday 11/4!

This is a message from Statewide Poverty Action Network, which is the advocacy wing of Solid Ground. We build grassroots power to end causes of poverty and create opportunities for everyone to prosper. We want to encourage you to turn in your ballots on or before Election Day, which is this Tuesday, November 4th. 

In 2014, there are several elected officials you will be voting for, which include, federal, statewide, and local officials. Additionally, there are several initiatives on the ballot:

If you live in Seattle, please Vote YES on Proposition 1, which will preserve bus lines and reinstate some bus routes that have been cut.

Poverty Action is taking a stand on two of the statewide ballot initiatives: Initiative 594, which would make gun sales safer, and Initiative 591 that would make gun sales less safe. Poverty Action is asking folks to Vote YES on Initiative 594, and Vote NO on Initiative 591.

For more information about your candidates and the ballot measures,please call Poverty Action at 206-694-6794 or go to www.povertyaction.org/voterguide.

Washington State votes entirely by mail. If you are registered to vote but have not received your ballot in the mail, you can call 206-296-VOTE to get it resent.  Your ballot must be postmarked or placed in a ballot drop box by 8pm on Tuesday, November 4th. If you don’t have a stamp, there are 10 permanent ballot drop boxes and temporary collection points (vans) located around King County. Call 206-296-VOTE (that’s 206-296-8683) to find a drop box close to you.

Your vote will make a difference. We hope you will take a stand for what you believe in and vote on November 4th. If you have questions about this message you can call Poverty Action at 206-694-6794. Happy Voting!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Tell us how ConnectUp has helped you!

We could really use your help right now to maintain funding for the ConnectUp program. 

This Wednesday evening we have been asked to testify to the King County Council about why King County should continue to fund ConnectUp. As a nonprofit program that is primarily government funded, the service we provide you depends on our ability to demonstrate that Community Voice Mail has actually helped people connect to vital services especially housing and basic needs.

So we need to hear from you!  

Have ConnectUp services like Resource Wire, Community Voice Mail or Phone and Internet Resources, helped you achieve any of the goals you hoped to accomplish when you first contacted us, such as:
Have you found employment?
Have you secured Housing? |
Have you connected to Social Services?

Have you accessed Health Care?

Have you found Safety from domestic violence?


We plan to share some of the most compelling stories with the King Council this Wednesday the 29th at the King County Council meeting at 630 pm. Please reply to this email to let us know how ConnectUp has helped you meet your basic needs. Because the County Council meeting is this Wednesday we need to hear from you as soon as possible. We may read all or part of your message aloud for the County Council, but we will not use your name. 

Thank you for your help in keeping this program going. Please reply now to this message and tell us your story of how Community Voice Mail has helped you access housing, social services or other basic needs. Thanks.

King County Recruiting Events and Job Openings

This is a message about upcoming job opportunities in the Seattle area:

WorkSource South Seattle College Customer Service Job Fair & Employer Panel is on Thursday, October 30, 1pm-3pm at South Seattle College Brockey Center, 6000 16th Ave SW.  Participating Employers include Starbucks, Amtrak, Target, Walgreens, Macy's, Home Depot, UPS, Booking.com, Les Schwab, Nordstrom and U-Haul.

Macy’s Bellevue Square Recruiting & Interviewing Event is on Thursday, October 30, 1pm-3:30pm at WorkSource Redmond, 7735178th Pl. NE. Register to meet with a Macy's hiring manager about the company, their opportunities, and their application process. Retail Sales, Store Merchandising and Store Receiving and Warehousing. Registration is required at our event page: worksource-macys.eventbrite.com

WorkSource Renton Financial & Professional Services Employer Panel & Recruiting Event is on Tuesday, November 4, 1pm-4pm.  The session will be held next door at the Electrical Apprenticeship Building, 550 SW 7th Street, Renton. Participating employers include Kelly Financial Resources, QBSI,  WA State Department of Social & HealthServices, Collabera, Volt Accounting & Finance and SmartTalent. Registration is required at our event page: worksourcerenton.eventbrite.com.

Amazon plans to hire 80,000 seasonal workers in the U.S. to make sure its warehouses can handle the annual surge in holiday orders. In the past, 10,000 seasonal employees have gone on to become full-time.  Amazon is actively hiring its seasonal workforce at the Bellevue, Dupont, Kent and Sumner locations. For more information and to apply visit amazonfulfillmentcareers.com.

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center has over 100 currently available job openings, in all areas. To view these jobs and apply, go to the careers page at careers-fhcrc.icims.com/jobs/.

Puget Sound Security is hiring Security Officers, Daytime vehicle, Patrol Drive, Dispatcher, Patrol Drivers and Site supervisors. To apply, call 425-454-5011 or go to pugetsoundsecurity.com  to view and apply for available job openings.  

If you’re interested in learning more about the types of jobs out there in your skill and interest area, what they pay, and what the demand for them might be, there’s a new website out called O*NET OnLine onetonline.org by the U.S. Department of Labor. It has any known information about the knowledge, skills, abilities, personality the job is suited for, and education and technology skills needed.  The website includes a specific section for veterans called “find careers like your military job”. Get support from your local WorkSource center if you need assistance. 

Want to see more job openings? 

Check out our sources:

Or try these job search sites:

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

REMINDER: Free Dental, Vision & Medical Care

If you or someone you know are need of FREE Dental, Vision & or Medical Care we want to let you know about the Seattle/King County Clinic with Remote Area Medical this Thursday, October 23 through Sunday, October 26 at KeyArena at Seattle Center (401 1st Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98109)

About the Clinic:

ALL WELCOME, patients DO NOT need ID or proof of citizenship

- Free parking (1st Ave. N. & Thomas St. Parking Garage)
- No advanced registration, FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED
- Admission numbers distributed at 3:30am each day
- Licensed healthcare professionals, both  male and female providers available

All Services are FREE:

DENTAL: Cleanings, fillings, extractions, x-rays
VISION: Comprehensive eye exams and free prescription eyeglasses made on site. If available, bring your current eyeglass prescription (within 1 year) to skip the eye exam
MEDICAL: Physical exams, mammograms, Pap smears, flu vaccines, foot care, wound care, chiropractic care, acupuncture andscreenings for diabetes, hypertension, hepatitis, asthma and more


How Do I Get Into the Clinic?
Both the parking garage (1st Ave N) and the building (NW Rooms) where people line up to get admission numbers open at 12 Midnight each day. Click here for map.  Metro bus routes 1,2, 4, 5, 8, 13, 15, 16, 18, 24, 29, 32, 33, C Line,  D line, and E Line.

Limited admission numbers, for that day only, will be distributed starting at 3:30am.

The first patients will be admitted to the clinic by number starting at 5:30am.

How Should I Prepare for the Clinic?
Bring some food and beverages including breakfast, lunch, snacks and water. Wear comfortable clothing.

Minors need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Exceptions may be made under the Mature Minors Doctrine for homeless youth ages 13 and above who are not in contact with a parent or legal guardian.

When your number is called and you enter KeyArena, you will stay inside until you have received all the services you are seeking for the day. If you leave KeyArena, you cannot return that day. Be prepared for a long day at the clinic.

Will Someone Speak My Language?
Interpretation services will be available to assist patients throughout the clinic.

What Happens Once I Enter the Clinic?
Because of the large number of patients, you can only seek care in either vision or dental, in addition to medical care, in one day.Patients can wait in line for an admission number on another day for additional services.

We will collect basic personal information including name, age, height, weight, and medical history.

In each service area (dental, vision, or medical) you will wait your turn in line and will be seen on a first come, first served basis.

SPECIAL TIP: The weekend is expected to be the most populated.  If possible, come on Thursday when  attendance will likely be at its lowest level.

For more information, visit seattlecenter.org/patients, e-mail SKCClinic@seattle.gov or call 206-684-7200.


Monday, October 20, 2014

Job Opportunities in King County

This is a message about upcoming job opportunities in the Seattle area:

DAMCO Recruiting & Interviewing event is this Thursday, October 23 at WorkSource Auburn located at 2707 I St. NE.  Damco is one of the world’s leading providers of freight forwarding and supply chain management services. They are currently hiring Loaders and Unloaders as well as Clamp Forklift Operators. Two sessions are available for a 1 on 1 interview with a recruiter. Session 1 is from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. Session 2 is from 2:30pm to 4:00pm. Register for your preferred session at worksource-damco.eventbrite.com.

Avis Budget Group is hiring in Seattle for the following positions: Lead Rental Agent, Customer Service Representative, Sales Performance Manager, Rental Sales Associate, Operations Manager Trainee, Lot Coordinator and Human Resources Representative. Visit avisbudgetgroup.jobs to apply. 

GCA Services Group, Inc. is a leading national provider of quality facility services, including janitorial/custodial services, contamination control for clean room manufacturing, facilities operations and maintenance, grounds management, in-sourced production staffing and labor management, diversified staffing, and more.  In Seattle they are hiring for Janitors and Drivers. To view all available positions visit GCAservices.com, to apply click here.

Securitas has a high demand for holiday help throughout the Puget Sound including: Kemper Development, Snowflake Lane and Fred Meyer locations. They are hiring Transit Security officers and Pierce County Flex Officers.  No experience required, for most. To apply, or for more information, please visit the Securitas jobs page at securitasjobs.com/

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) develops, owns and operates housing for the benefit of low-income, homeless and formerly homeless people in Washington state. They are looking to fill the following job openings: Janitor, Supportive Services Manager, Maintenance Worker, Program Coordinator, Housing Assistant, Front Desk/ Resident Assistant, Housing Developer, Urban Rest Stop Team Member and Area Manager. Visit lihi.org/jobindex to apply. 

The Northwest Center is a leader in advancing equal opportunities for children and adults with developmental disabilities. They have eighteen positions open currently including Assistant Plant Manager, CDL Driver, Customer Service/Administrative Assistant, Donation Station Attendant, Floor Technician, Helpdesk Team Lead, Janitor, Job Coach, Laundry Worker, On-Call Custodian, Receptionist and Warehouse Worker. To view and apply for these and other jobs, visit them at nwcenter.org.

Whole Foods Market is hiring at multiple locations in Seattle for Cashiers, Food production, Bakers, Dishwashers and Food servers. To apply visit wholefoodsmarket.com/careers.

Want to see more job openings? 

Check out our sources:

Or try these job search sites:

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Vote by 11/4 & Poverty Action Endorsements

This is a message from Statewide Poverty Action Network, which is the advocacy wing of Solid Ground. They build grassroots power to end causes of poverty and create opportunities for everyone to prosper. I want to encourage you to turn in your ballots on or before Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 4th.


In 2014, there are several elected officials you will be voting for, which include, federal, statewide, and local officials. Additionally, Washington has several statewide initiatives on the ballot, and Poverty Action is taking a stand on two of them. The two initiatives are Initiative 594, which would make gun sales safer, and Initiative 591 that would make gun sales less safe. Poverty Action is asking folks to Vote YES on Initiative 594, and Vote NO on Initative 591.

If you live in Seattle, please Vote YES on Proposition 1, which will preserve bus lines and reinstate some routes that have been cut.

For more information about your candidates and the ballot measures, please call Poverty Action at 206-694-6794 or go to www.povertyaction.org/voterguide.

Washington State votes entirely by mail. If you are registered to vote but have not received your ballot in the mail, you can call 206-296-VOTE to get it resent.  Your ballot must be postmarked or placed in a ballot drop box by 8pm on Tuesday, November 5th. If you don’t have a stamp, there are 10 permanent ballot drop boxes and temporary collection points (vans) located around King County. Call 206-296-VOTE (that’s 206-296-8683) to find a drop box close to you.

Your vote will make a difference. We hope you will take a stand for what you believe in and vote on November 4th. If you have questions about this message you can call Poverty Action at 206-694-6794. Happy Voting!

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Winter Shelters in Downtown Seattle

King County Winter Shelters for men and women opened last Wednesday, October 1st

King County Men’s Winter Shelter 
Open Every Night October 1 – December 31st, 2014
Location:  King County Administration Building – 500 4th Avenue Downtown Seattle (Between Jefferson and James)
Operator:  The Salvation Army
Capacity:  50 men
Hours:  7:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Access:  Line up for the shelter in front of the loading dock garage door at the corner of 4th and Jefferson.

King County Women’s Winter Shelter at Angeline’s
Open Every Night October 1, 2014 – April 15, 2014
Location:  YWCA Angeline’s 2030 3rd Avenue, Seattle (Belltown neighborhood – 3rd Avenue between Lenora and Virginia)
Operator- YWCA
Capacity:  40 Women
Hours:  8:00 PM to 7:00 AM – Women who wish to may stay at Angeline’s in the morning for breakfast and throughout the day.
Access:  Women may stop by and register with the Women’s Referral Center daily between 6:00 to 9:00 PM.  After 9 PM drop-in or call 206-436-8650 for space availability.

Contact:
Please contact Janice Hougen with King County Community Services Division at 206-263-9089 or janice.hougen@kingcounty.gov for further information.



Bridging the Gap Resource Fair

This Saturday, October 18th!

Organized by the Economic Opportunities Program

10:00am – 2:00pm

Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S

50 exhibitors in attendance including our very own ConnectUp! 

Services Featuring:
Education & Job Training
Employment
Homeownership
Financial Services
Health Services
Door prizes and much more!

Job seekers bring your resumes. Children are welcome.

For more information:
206-588-4318

Directions:
By car: 
From I-5 Northbound
Take the SWIFT AVE. exit- exit number 161- towards ALBRO PLACE.
Turn RIGHT onto SWIFT AVE S.
Turn LEFT onto S EDDY ST.
Turn LEFT onto BEACON AVE S.
Turn RIGHT onto S COLUMBIAN WAY.
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto S ALASKA ST.

From I-5 Southbound
Take the W SEATTLE BR/COLUMBIAN WAY exit- exit number 163A.
Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp.
Merge onto COLUMBIAN WAY S.
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto 15TH AVE S.
Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto S COLUMBIAN WAY.
Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto S ALASKA ST.

By Public Transit
Bus Routes 7, 9, 48 - Rainier Avenue S and S Alaska St
Light Rail - Columbia Station



Monday, October 13, 2014

Job Opportunities this Week

This is a message about upcoming job opportunities in and around Seattle:

Look out for these three UPS Interviewing Events in October at WorkSource for Seasonal Package Handlers, Driver Helpers, and Drivers (CDL and Non-CDL).

Event #1: Thursday, October 16, 1pm-4pm at WorkSource Rainier, 2531 Rainier Ave. South. Register at worksource-ups1.eventbrite.com.

Event #2: Monday, October 20, 1pm-4pm at WorkSource South Seattle College Georgetown, 6737 Corson Ave. South. Register at worksource-ups2.eventbrite.com.

Event #3: Friday, October 24, 9am-12pm at WorkSource South Seattle College Georgetown, 6737 Corson Ave. South. Register at worksource-ups3.eventbrite.com.

WorkSource Auburn Customer Service & Retail Job Fair, Wednesday, October 22, 1pm-3:30pm, 2707 "I" Street NE.  Participating Employers (subject to change): Starbucks , Home Depot,  Riverstone Residential , Oberto Brands,  Convergent ,  Xerox, Dignity Memorial , Macy's, SmartTalent , YMCA,  More to Come. Registration is required at our event page: www.worksourceauburn.eventbrite.com.

Civilian Mariner Hiring Event, Thursday, October 23, from 11am – 1pm,  at WorkSource Affiliate Rainier, 2531 Rainier Ave South.  Military Sealift Command (MSC) transports equipment and supplies to U.S. Forces worldwide.  MCS seagoing positions offer CIVMARS (Civilian Mariner) on-the-job training, career advancement opportunities, steady pay and Federal benefits. CIVMARS work in state-of-the-art environments with excellent living accommodations. MSC is actively recruiting for: First Officer, First Assistant Engineer, Refrigeration Engineer, Deck Engineer Machinist, Unlicensed Jr Engineer, Steward Cook.  Contact Email: JoOrtiz@esd.wa.gov.

Goodwill is hiring over 30 positions at their Seattle locations. Visit seattlegoodwill.org to apply.

Current Airport Jobs at SeaTac include: Airplane Cleaning, Baggage Service, Customer Service, Drivers & Delivery Service, Fuel Service, Hotel/Motel, Ramp Service, Retail Sales, Warehouse and Freight.  For details, visit portjobs.org/our-programs/airport-jobs.

Annie’s Nannies, Inc. is hiring Nanny Positions, Family Assistant Positions, Household Support Positions, Positions at aniseattle.com

Want to see more job openings? 

Check out our sources:

Or try these job search sites:

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

YWCA Young Parent Parenting Group 10/15-11/19

Are you 15-25 years old?  Are you interested in learning about resources for you and your child?

The YWCA is now registering parents for the upcoming Young Parent Program Parenting Group starting on Wednesday, October 15th running through November 19th.  The class runs for 6 weeks every Wednesday night from 6:00PM to 8:00PM. The topics covered include:
•         Chemical Dependency among families
•         Early Literacy
•         Domestic Violence
•         Age Appropriate Discipline
•         Healthy Communications with your children
•         Speech and language Development

Dinner, childcare and transportation home (via taxi or bus depending on the distance) are provided.

The final day to register will be October 15, 2014.

Contact Tamarack Randall, Program Manager, at 206-709-7408 or at trandall@ywcaworks.org.
Located at YWCA East Cherry Branch

2820 East Cherry Street, Seattle, WA


Cancer & Wellness Community Dialogue 10/11

This Saturday Cierra Sisters is hosting a community dialogue on Cancer and Wellness: Families Coming Together, What Sisters Need to Know for our Families Today. Cancer is a word that is feared in the community. Unfortunately it is affecting our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers sons and daughters at alarming rates. Join to learn more how we can create a healthier community together. Hear from leading healthcare experts and patient advocates. As a community we can take the necessary steps to live a healthier lifestyle and take the fear out of cancer. There is no charge to attend. Preregistration is requested. Lunch and refreshments included. To reserve your space print and mail the form on the flyer below, email cierrasisters@hotmail.comor call 206-505-9194.

Families Coming Together, What Sisters Need to Know for our Families Today: Community Dialogue on Cancer and Wellness
Saturday 10/11 
10 am - 3 pm
New Holly Gathering Hall
7054 32nd Ave South
Seattle, WA 98118





Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Free Health Services Events in October

Seattle Center’s Key Arena, 401 1st Avenue N

October 23 - Sunday, October 26

The Seattle/King County community is coming together to host the first Pacific Northwest Remote Area Medical clinic. Dental, vision, and medical services (exams, flu shots, alternative care, screenings and more) will be available for free. All are welcome; patients do not need identification or proof of citizenship.  First come, first served.

Contact: SKCClinic@seattle.gov or (206) 684 7200. 



El Centro de la Raza, 2524 16th Ave S

October 8: 5pm-8pm
October 16: 5pm-7:30pm

Free health services and activities, free flu shots, health info & resources and assistance with registration for health insurance.

Contact: Ramiro Rayes (206) 957 4625





Monday, October 6, 2014

Job Opportunities and Training

This message is about upcoming job opportunities, hiring events and career training in the Seattle area.

Fare Start is currently hiring for their Barista Training and Education Program. The upcoming open houses are Tuesday October 7 and Tuesday October 14 from 3pm-4pm at the James W. Ray Orion Center, 1828 Yale Ave in Seattle.  The program includes 8 weeks of PAID hands-on work experience, and one full year of support follow-up. To be eligible, candidates must be between 16-24 years old, and homeless or in unstable housing. For more information, please call the Orion Center at (206) 622.5555.

The YWCA is registering for a new series of financial education classes, Money Mechanics.   Workshops are October 7 through October 28 every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Renton.  Childcare will be provided on site and transportation assistance is available.  Classes will focus on: Unmasking the mysteries of credit, Debt management, Budgeting and banking, Goal setting, Saving and investing. For more information or to register, please email cfrancis@ywcaworks.org or call 206.496.9028. 

Costco is hiring Product/Food Demonstrators for the 3 stores in King County. Join the Club Demonstration Services (CDS) Team! Demonstrators provide customers with the opportunity to try new products, and supply ideas on how to use the product in their day-to-day lives. For 4th Ave South please call Athena at 206.245.5308. For Tukwila call Elizabeth at 206.240.5149. And, for Aurora Village call Blair at 206.225.1165. 

Join WorkSource Auburn for a Riverstone Residential Application & Recruiting Event, at 2707 "I" St. NE on October 10, 12:30pm-4pm. Riverstone Residential is a large Apartment Property Management company currently hiring Maintenance Techs, Maintenance Supervisors, Leasing Consultants, Housekeepers and Porter/Groundskeepers. Register to meet with a Riverstone Residential recruiting manager about the company, their opportunities, and their application process. Register at their event page wsauburn-riverstone.eventbrite.com.

The Greater Seattle Career Fair, is on October 16 from 11am – 2pm at the Seattle Pavilion,  2nd Ave. N & Thomas St. Meet Face to Face with the Hiring Managers from some of the best employers in the greater Seattle area. You can save time, money and effort interviewing with dozens of local companies in one day and at one location. For a list of job titles, maps and a line pass, please go to ChoiceCareerFairs.com.

Era Living, a retirement living community, has posted more than 50 open positions. Visit their web page for the more information eraliving.com. 

Marriott International/ Ritz Carlton is hiring at various locations for Guest Service Representatives, Servers, Housekeepers, Attendants, Baristas, and Driver/ Houseman. Applications are only accepted online.

Want to see more job openings? 

Check out our sources:

Or try these job search sites:

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Register to Vote Now

Hi. I want to encourage you to register to vote if you haven’t already in time for the general election on November 4th. This election we will be deciding on a number of important local and state ballot initiatives, and electing people who want to represent you in Washington DC and in Olympia.

In order to qualify to vote on November 4th, voters must be registered in advance. You may register online at myvote.wa.gov, by mail, or in person. If you register by mail the deadline for registering or transferring your voter registration is 30 days before an election. You can pick-up an application at local libraries, post offices or department of motor vehicles. If you miss the 30-day mail-in deadline or if you prefer, you can register in person at the King County Elections Office up to eight days before the election.  To vote in the general election on November 4th you need to register by mail by October 6th or in person by October 27th.

If you are at least 18 years old and are a US citizen you have the right to vote even if you are unemployed, homeless, between permanent residences, or living in a shelter. People who are homeless can register at the shelter, park, motor home, intersection or other identifiable location they consider their residence and use a post office box, address of a friend or relative, shelter, or general delivery at a local post office as their mailing address. 

Even if you have been convicted of a felony you can now vote. In 2009 the Washington Legislature passed a new law called the voter restoration act that restores the right to vote automatically to people with felony convictions when they have completed their time in prison and are no longer on supervised probation or parole under the Department of Corrections.

However you must be registered in order to vote.

Your vote will make a difference. We hope you will take a stand for what you believe in and vote on November 4th.