Career Pathways Program: Community College 101 Class

This message is about a community college preparation classes. Want to go to College? Seattle Goodwill can help! Community College 101 will give you the preparation and support you need to successfully complete a community college job training program.

In this class you will:

·     Explore different career opportunities

·     Learn how to get into college

·     Get help paying for college, including applying for financial aid

·     Learn how to be a successful college student

·     Take tours of local community colleges

·     Get individualized support from our staff

If you successfully complete Community College 101, you will be eligible for:

·       Special scholarships from Seattle Goodwill

·       Ongoing support and case management for your education

If you meet the following criteria, then this is the program might be for you:

·     You want to go to college to get training for a better job

·     Have good English reading skills and basic computer skills

·     No previous college degree such as Bachelor’s or Associate’s within last 5 years from the U.S.

·     Not currently enrolled in college-level classes

·     18 years of age or older

·     US citizen, legal permanent resident, or DACA approved

The upcoming session is February 3^rd – February 26^th on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays from 1:00-3:00 pm. The registration deadline is February 6^th. Class will meet at Shoreline Community College Room 1522 at 16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline, 98133.

If interested, call Sauntia Griffin to schedule an intake at 206-853-3117 or email Sauntia.Griffin@seattlegoodwill.org

King County Housing Authority Section 8 Waitlist Now Open!

Do you or someone you know need subsidized housing? King County Housing Authority Section 8 waitlist reopened today! King County Housing Authority’s wait list from June 2011 has been exhausted.  The wait list for new applications will accept online-only applications at kcha.org starting today January 28^th,  through February 10^th at 4 p.m. A computer lottery will randomly select 2,500 households from eligible applications received to be placed on a new Section 8 voucher wait list.

Section 8 vouchers help people with low incomes rent homes on the private market. With a voucher, you pay at least 28 percent, but not more than 40 percent of your household income for rent and utilities. King County Housing Authority pays the difference between your portion of the rent and the amount your landlord requests. If you qualify for a voucher, you can use it to rent from any landlord in King County willing to take part in the program. In some cases you may also use it to rent in incorporated Seattle or Renton, or outside of the county.

Please be aware of scams. The King County Housing Authority never charges fees to apply for its programs. Any agency requesting a fee to assist you or who guarantees placement on the waiting list is fraudulent. Please report any such agency to KCHA.

For the first time, all applications must be submitted online through their website, www.kcha.org.  The online application may also be completed using a smart phone. King County Housing Authority is working to assure adequate access and assistance, including making computer centers at a number of King County Housing Authority properties around the county available to the general public to apply. Computers in the lobby of the 700 building will also be available to the public during the application period at 700 Andover Park W. Tukwila, 98188. If you have questions see KCHA’s Section 8 Waiting List FAQs or call KCHA at 206-214-1300.

Enroll in King County Metro’s Low-Income Fare Program

This message is about enrollment in King County Metro’s Low-Income Fare Program.

Enrollment started Sunday, January 25, for the new ORCA LIFT reduced fare program. The ORCA LIFT fare can be used on Metro Transit buses, Sound Transit Link light rail, the Seattle Streetcar, King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Transit buses. Enrollment locations are available here.

This program provides a reduced transit fare for qualified individuals whose household income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level (as established by the U.S. Health and Human Services Department). The reduced fare must be paid with a valid ORCA LIFT card, which is registered and issued to each individual user.

Beginning March 1^st, 2015, the reduced fare for King County Metro buses will be $1.50 per trip any time of day, for one- or two-zone travel; Sound Transit Link light rail is $1.50; Seattle Streetcar is $1.50, Kitsap Transit is $1.00; and the King County Water Taxi is $3.00 between Downtown Seattle and West Seattle, and $3.75 between Downtown Seattle and Vashon Island. Also beginning March 1^st, fares will increase by 25 cents per trip in all current Metro fare categories — adults, youth, seniors and people with disabilities — for all regularly scheduled transit services.

The ORCA LIFT card will work the same way a regular ORCA card does.

1. Use the E-Purse feature and place any amount between $5 and $300 on the ORCA LIFT card. This is a good choice if the card is used occasionally. When the user taps the card on the ORCA reader, the ORCA LIFT fare will be deducted from the E-purse.
2. A monthly PugetPass can be loaded on the ORCA LIFT card for unlimited rides for the entire month. This is a good choice for regular riders.

The ORCA LIFT card is valid for 24 months. After it expires, the ORCA LIFT card will charge regular adult fares, including any peak and zone charges, for rides. To continue paying the reduced fare, the cardholder will have to requalify for the ORCA LIFT program and get a new card. There will be no fee for the renewal card.

The LIFT card will not replace the Regional Reduced Fare Permit, and those who are eligible for the RRFP should apply for that card because the cost savings is greater. The RRFP serves senior riders (age 65 or older), riders with a disability and Medicare card holders. Once approved, they can ride King County Metro for 75 cents.

More information and answers to frequently asked questions about the card is available here.

Job Opportunities 1/26/15

This message is about job opportunities in the Seattle area.

Corrections Officer Information and Application Event on Tuesday, January 27 at 9 am at 500 SW Seventh St. Renton, 98057 in Class Room A. Meet with the Human Resource team for the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. Learn about the correction officer’s job requirements, opportunities and application process. Veterans are highly encouraged to attend and apply!

The Greater Seattle Career Fair is on Thursday, January 29, from 11am – 2pm at The Seattle Center on 2nd Ave. N & Thomas St. Seattle, 98109. Meet face to face with the Hiring Managers from some of the best employers in the greater Seattle area. Just walk in and start interviewing, it's that simple. You can save time, money and effort interviewing with dozens of local companies in one day and at one location. Free admission with hundreds of jobs, in most job categories. For a list of job titles, maps and a line pass, please go to www.choicecareerfairs.com

Ready to start your business? First Steps Workshop is offering classes essential for those who want to start a business. They take you through the steps needed to help you learn how to decide if your business idea makes sense, and what it will take to make it happen. Workshops are free and open to everyone! Classes meet for 2 hours a week, for 4 weeks on February 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at South Seattle College, 6000 16th Ave SW, Seattle, 98106 at Rainier Hall 125.

Era Living, a retirement living community, has posted over 40 jobs including: resident assistants, housekeepers, and food servers. To view job listings and apply, visit eraliving.com/about/careers

Several job opportunities available at Hopelink including automotive service workers, drivers, and dispatchers. To view job listings visit hope-link.org/about/careers

Home Depot has several job opportunities available including cashier, sales and customer service. Check out job opportunities at careers.homedepot.com

Horizon House is looking to fill positions for a cook, garage attendant, security office, sous chef,  and server. To view and apply for jobs visit horizonhouse.org/careers

Want to see more job openings? 

Check out our sources:
Job Leads! WorkSource King County Business Services Blog
WorkSource Job Fair & Hiring Event Calendar 
Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens Jobs List 1/23/15

Or try these job search sites:

Craig's List  Glass Door  Indeed  Jobaline  Monster  NWjobs  Snagajob 

Free 'Money Mechanics' Financial Education classes

Convinced there is a hole in your wallet? Tired of getting your tax refund and weeks later wondering where the money went? The YWCA’s new series of financial education classes, 'Money Mechanics' will be in White Center for the months of January and February.  This series offers free financial workshops for anyone who feels like their finances could use a ‘tune-up’, and specifically for anyone who is unemployed, currently or recently homeless, or just tired of getting their tax refund and weeks later wondering, “just where did  that money go? If this sounds like you this is “the wrench” to pry open your awareness. 

These classes are not specific for women who have experienced domestic violence, and both women and men are welcome to attend. Child care is provided free 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. Workshops begin, January 28 thru February 18, every Wednesday beginning at 5 pm with a light dinner provided. Class begins at 5:30 pm and runs until 8:30 pm.

For more information or to register, please contact Constance at (206) 496-9028, (425) 264-1461 or email: cfrancis@ywcaworks.org   

Thanks and have a great day!  

Rent Smart Tenant Rights Workshop Monday 1/26

Want to know more about your rights as a renter? Wondering how to get your deposit back or request a repair? Would you like to know how the new changes in the laws impact renters? Solid Ground Tenant Counselors are hosting a FREE Rent Smart Workshop for the community on Monday, January 26 from 4:30-6:30pm at Bellevue Library.


At this tenant’s rights workshop, they will provide information about the landlord-tenant laws in Washington State and discuss the laws and ordinances that apply throughout the housing search process, move-in, during tenancy, move-out and eviction. Bring your questions!
Especially with recent changes and additions to the laws, challenging situations can arise for tenants. There are remedies available to tenants if a landlord is not complying with the laws, but tenants have to know those remedies are available in order to use them. Knowing the laws and what steps to take, tenants can take action to correct the problem.
If you would like to attend the workshop, please RSVP to the Solid Ground Tenant Services Workshop & Advocacy Line at 206.694.6748 or email tenantwa@solid-ground.org.

Since there is no agency that enforces the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act in our state, it is largely up to tenants to understand the laws and know their rights in order to take appropriate action to effectively enforce them. They will talk about some tips and best practices for renters to help you assert your rights and have a successful tenancy – whether you are signing a rental agreement, requesting repairs or have questions about your privacy rights.

FREE “Rent Smart” Tenant Rights Workshop

Monday, January 26^th
4:30-6:30 pm

Bellevue Library, Room 3

1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98009

For more information, visit the website www.solid-ground.org/Tenant or call the Tenant Services Hotline 206.694.6767 which will be open January 21st and 26th from 10:30 am —4:30 pm. (Note: The hotline hours are temporarily reduced during a period of staff transition.)

Job opportunities this week

This message is about job opportunities in the Seattle area.

Seattle’s 15th Annual Diversity Employment Day Career Fair is Wednesday, January 21, 11am – 3pm at the Seattle Center Pavilion at 305Harrison Street, Seattle, 98109. This Career Fair is the largest and best diversity and inclusion recruiting event in the greater Seattle area! This event is free and open to the public 18 years of age and older. All candidates are encouraged to attend. Over 25 employers with hundreds of employment opportunities from entry to professional level are available. This is a professional-level event. Business attire and résumés are required for admission. Additional information at www.citycareerfair.com. You can skip the lines and email résumé to fasttrack@citycareerfair.com with subject Seattle.

Continental Mills Recruiting Event for Warehouse & Packaging Jobs on Thursday, January 22, 1 – 3pm at WorkSource Auburn 2707 IStreet NE Auburn, 98002. Session 1 is 1pm - 2pm and Session 2 is 2pm - 3pm. They are recruiting for 10 Warehouse Operator & Packaging Support positions. There is limited space so registration is required for your preferred session at www.worksource-cm.eventbrite.com.

Northwest Marine Trade Association Announces Marine Job Fair at Seattle Boat Show on Monday, January 26, 9 – 11am at CenturyLink Field Event Center at 1000 Occidental Ave. Seattle, 98134. Featuring 20 local marine-related businesses with 100+ full-time positions and many seasonal ones, plus the Skagit Valley College Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing and Technology will have information on educational and training opportunities. To enter the building go up the stairs located between the CenturyLink Event Center and CenturyLink Field. For more information visit:  www.seattleboatshow.com or contact Peter Schrappen at peter@nmta.net

Uline seeks Forklift Operators at its Seattle Branch in Auburn, 1005 C St. NW, Auburn, 98001. Pay is up to $25 per hour, based on experience and they offer great benefits with a $1,000 sign-on bonus, for the 2nd shift only. Shifts available: Monday - Friday, 10:30 AM to 7 PM or Sunday - Thursday, 8:30 PM to 5 AM. For more information check out recruit.uline.com.

There are numerous job openings available with the Marriot/Ritz Carlton, at various sites. To view and apply for all weekly opportunities, visit marriott.com/careers

If you’re receiving DSHS basic food, live in King County, and searching for employment YWCA BFET (Basic Food Employment and Training) Program may be able to assist you with the following: case management, job search assistance, ABE, GED, ESL enrollment, and short term vocational training. For more Information, call Larissa Lincoln, YWCA Greenbridge in White Center, at (206) 336-7000.

Want to see more job openings? 

Check out our sources:
Job Leads! WorkSource King County Business Services Blog
WorkSource Job Fair & Hiring Event Calendar 
Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens Jobs List 1/8/15

Or try these job search sites:
Craig's List  Glass Door  Indeed  Jobaline  Monster  NWjobs  Snagajob 

King County Housing Authority Section 8 Waitlist Opening 1/28!

Do you or someone you know need subsidized housing? The King County Housing Authority Section 8 waitlist will reopen on Wednesday, January 28^th. King County Housing Authority’s wait list from June 2011 has been exhausted.  The wait list for new applications will accept online-only applications at kcha.org from 8 a.m. on Jan. 28 and close on Feb. 10th at 4 p.m. A computer lottery will randomly select 2,500 households from eligible applications received to be placed on a new Section 8 voucher wait list.

Section 8 vouchers help people with low incomes rent homes on the private market. With a voucher, you pay at least 28 percent, but not more than 40 percent (in the first year), of your household income for rent and utilities. King County Housing Authority pays the difference between your portion of the rent and the amount your landlord requests. If you qualify for a voucher, you can use it to rent from any landlord in King County willing to take part in the program. In some cases you may also use it to rent in incorporated Seattle or Renton, or outside of the county.

For the first time, all applications must be submitted online through their website, kcha.org.  King County Housing Authority is working to assure adequate access and assistance, including making the computer centers at a number of King County Housing Authority properties around the county available to the general public to apply. Computers in the lobby of the 700 building will also be available to the public during the application period, 700 Andover Park W. Tukwila, 98188. The online application may also be completed using a smart phone. 

Good luck!

Free Tax Prep 1/13/15

Did you know you can get your income tax return prepared and filed for free at any one of 19 United Way of King County sponsored tax sites throughout King County from now through April 18^th?  

In addition to getting help filing your taxes, you may be eligible to receive a refund from the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit for working people with low and moderate incomes. This year, the maximum EITC credit you can receive as a single adult with no dependents is $496, or $3,305 with one qualifying child, $5,460 with two qualifying children and up to $6,143 with three or more qualifying children.

The free tax preparation service will be provided by IRS trained multilingual volunteers, and electronically filed for a fast refund.  Free tax preparation is available to households who make less than $60,000 and need basic individual tax returns. Free tax prep allows low-income people to keep more of their hard-earned money and avoid paying unnecessary fees for commercial tax preparation and "rapid refund" loans.

Multilingual tax preparers are available at several sites to serve customers who do not speak English. You don’t need an appointment!  Sites operate on a drop-in basis and no appointments are set. Many sites get very crowded, especially during January and April so you should arrive as close to the site’s opening time as possible for the best chance of getting served. People who arrive later may not be able to see a volunteer.

You must bring the following items:

• Your Social Security card or ITIN for you and anyone else on your tax return. No exceptions can be made.
• Your photo ID (and your spouse’s photo ID if filing jointly) and
• All tax documents and paperwork needed to complete your tax return such as W-2 form, 1099 form, Social Security income form, etc.

You may also need to bring:

• Child care provider information and
• A record of higher education expenses

You also might want to bring:

§  Bank account number and routing number if you’d like to set up direct deposit for your tax return and

§  A copy of last year’s tax return to speed up your filing process.

Note: If you are filing jointly with your spouse, you both must be present to e-file.

For more information, and to find a location near you, simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone in King County (this is a free call, even from payphones) or 800-621-4636.  Tell the 2-1-1 operator that you want information about free tax preparation services. Or TEXT the word TAX and your 5-digit ZIP CODE to 313131 or e-mail EITC@uwkc.org or go online to www.uwkc.org/taxhelp.

Job and Workshop Opportunities 1/12/15

This message is about job and workshop opportunities in the Seattle area.

Several positions are available at Sea-Tac Airport including baggage service agent, charter/shuttle driver, customer service associate, ramp agent, rental and retail sales agent, and stock clerk. To see a whole list of jobs at airportjobs.org/job-seekers/hotlist or call Airport Jobs at 206-787-7504.

Lack of Office 2010 skills holding you back? Registered 55+ Employment Resource Center clients with basic computer skills can sign up for Seniors Training classes in January. Learn Word, Excel, File Management, PowerPoint and Publisher skills, and improve your chances of finding a job. Classes are small and enrollment is limited, so call to reserve your. Contact Rowena Rye at 206-684-0500 or rowena.rye@seattle.gov.

ANEW (Apprenticeship and Non-traditional Employment for Women) information session is held every Tuesday at 2 p.m. at 550 SW 7th Street, Suite 8305, Renton, 98057. Training includes OSHA 10, forklift, flagging, First Aid/CPR blueprint reading, trades math, fitness training and more. Requirements: GED or high school diploma, reliable transportation, pass drug test, 18 and over, valid driver’s license. For more information call 206-381-1384.

Career Search Excellence Seminar on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, 11:30am – 1:30pm at City University Bellevue at 150 120th Avenue NE, Suite 100 Bellevue, 98005. In this 1-hour presentation, Paul Anderson will debunk popular interviewing myths, show you how your resume is scored in the employer’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS), and so much more. As an attendee you'll get a computer search script you can use immediately to find 1000s of great jobs you didn’t even know existed. To attend, register at prolango.com/training-events/career-search-excellence. For more info contact jason@prolango.com

Hiring Event at Swissport Fueling. Swissport Fueling management will hold an open interview session on January 14th from 9am to 1pm on a first come, first serve basis at the Airport Jobs Office at SeaTac Airport, 17801 International Blvd, Mezzanine Level (Above Delta Airlines Ticketing)

Are you receiving Basic Food or Unemployment Benefits and want to get trained to work as a Medical Office Professional? This 1 hr. workshop will focus on careers in Medical Administration preparing you to work in a variety of medical facilities including hospitals and clinics; physician, dental, optical, chiropractic and physical therapy offices; and insurance companies. Training will be at Rainier WorkSource, 2531 Rainier Avenue So.Seattle, 98144, Wednesday January 22nd, 1-2pm.  To register for this workshop contact: Kristi O’Neill at Kristi.ONeill@seattlecolleges.edu or (206)747-7024.

The Hyatt Regency is hiring for several positions in Seattle and Bellevue including cooks, room and lobby attendants. To apply visit jobsearch.hyatt.com

The Marriott is hiring 2 housekeeper positions at Courtyard Seattle Bellevue/Downtown, 11010 Northeast 8th Street, Bellevue, 98004. To apply for positions visit  jobs.marriott.com/careers

Want to see more job openings? 

Check out our sources:
Job Leads! WorkSource King County Business Services Blog
WorkSource Job Fair & Hiring Event Calendar 
Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens Jobs List 1/8/15

Or try these job search sites:
Craig's List  Glass Door  Indeed  Jobaline  Monster  NWjobs  Snagajob 

Poverty Action on the Capitol Day (MLK Day)

We want to encourage you to take action to end poverty this Martin Luther King Day! Come to Olympia with the Statewide Poverty Action Network on Monday January 19^th for their “Poverty Action on the Capitol” Day.

In about two weeks, a free bus will leave Seattle from Solid Ground (at 1501 N 45th St. in Wallingford) at 7:00 am on Monday, Jan. 19. The bus will return around 5:00 pm the same day. You must sign up for the bus in advance by calling Poverty Action at 206-694-6867—Ask for David. 

Free breakfast, lunch, training on how to speak with your legislators, and childcare will be provided. Come to learn about policies that affect low-income people, network with people from across the region and share your story with lawmakers.

We hope you will turn out on January 19^th to call upon the state legislature and the Governor to make ending poverty a priority. For more information call Poverty Action at 206-694-6867.

Job opportunities this week

This message is about job opportunities in the Seattle area.

Military Sealift Command (MSC) is having a civilian mariner Hiring Event on Tuesday, January 13, 10am – 12pm at WorkSource Rainier, 2531 Rainier Ave. S. Seattle, 98144. 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. MSC is actively recruiting for officers, engineers, machinists, electronics technicians and cooks. For more information email JoOrtiz@esd.wa.gov

Seattle’s15th Annual Diversity Employment Day Career Fair is coming up on Wednesday, January 21,  11am – 3pm at The Seattle Center Pavilion at 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109. Hundreds of jobs and careers. The 15th Annual Diversity Employment Day Career Fair is the largest and best diversity and inclusion recruiting event in the greater Seattle area! This event is free and open to the public 18 years of age and older. 

Multicultural/Bilingual, People with Disabilities, Women, LGBT, Veterans and Mature candidates are encouraged to attend. Over 25 employers, including East West Bank, King County Department of Transportation and Prudential Financial have hundreds of employment opportunities from entry to professional level available. This is a professional-level event. Business attire and résumés are required for admission. Additional information available at www.citycareerfair.com. Skip the lines! Email résumé to fasttrack@citycareerfair.com with subject 'Seattle'.

Looking for work and without permanent housing? MSC’s THRIVE Program could help you with: job readiness and employment services, resume development and cover letters, interview skills, customer service and conflict resolution skills, individualized employment plans, financial management, and much more! Contact their THRIVE Case Manager for more information or attend an Orientation. The orientations are Wednesday Jan. 7th at 11:30am at MSC Kent, 515 W Harrison St,Suite 205, Kent, 98032 and Tuesday, Jan. 13th, 1:30pm at MSC Federal Way, 1200S 336th St, Federal Way, WA, 98003. please call as date/time subject to change. For More Information contact Melanie Mairs, THRIVE Case Manager, 253.838.6810 x176, Melaniem@mschelps.org or visit their website  mschelps.org.

Starbucks is hiring baristas full time and part time at multiple seattle locations. They are having a hiring event on January 19th, time/location TBA. Apply now at starbucks.com/careers

Toys R Us and Babys R Us are hiring for full time and part time team members in Tukwila. To apply visit toysrusinc.com/careers

La Quinta Inns & Suites is hiring room attendants and housekeeping, and front desk attendants. To apply visit lq.com/careers

The Budget Mobile store has shut down

We at ConnectUp have received numerous calls, emails and walk-ins in the last 3 weeks regarding the closure of the Budget Mobile store on MLK Way (where low income people could walk-in and get a free phone with 250 free minutes and 250 free minutes a month); And we would like to clarify a few things about what's going on with Budget Mobile.

The Budget Mobile Store at 7101 MLK Jr. Way S. is closed for good. It has not moved, it was not just closed for the holidays, it is not re-opening anytime soon. The store closed unexpectedly on December 8th. The store manager was told on 12/8 by the Budget Mobile corporation to close the store that day. We found out that the store was closed on 12/8 as well (sorry we didn't send this message sooner).

Budget Mobile, the national phone company is still in business. The Budget Mobile national corporation closed the Seattle store, but the Budget Mobile company has not gone out of business.  Call Budget Mobile national to replace lost or broken phones at 888.777.4007.

There is no other local store where you can walk-in and get a free Lifeline phone in-person, on-the-spot. The Budget Mobile store, that is now closed, was the only one in Washington state. Total Call Mobile (another Lifeline phone company) is planning to open a store front in Seattle this year, but we don't know when or where that will be yet.

Total Call Mobile, is signing people up for free Lifeline phones on the streets of Belltown/Downtown Seattle. They don't have a store front either, but if you can catch them, they do give out free phones with 250 free minutes on-the-spot to DSHS recipients. Call Eddie at 702-913-2017 to find out the Total Call outreach schedule.

Jones Community Solutions can sign people up for Budget Mobile phones and provide Budget Mobile customer service (additional minutes and re-certification). Jones Community Solutions' offices are at 5623 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118 and their phone number is 206.258.1441. They are in the office Monday-Friday 11 AM - 2 PM. But they cannot always provide phones same day (if they have phones in stock, they can) but if they don't have phones available, it may take about a week to get a phone from them. Also, they may or may not be able to provide replacement phones, depending on if they phones in stock. It is a good idea to call first before going to their office.