One of the more under-reported obstacles for people experiencing homelessness is the sheer number of social service agencies they must visit not just to get their lives “back on track”, but simply to guarantee day to day survival. The labyrinthine route to housing or employment or affordable healthcare often involves multiple trips to different locations spread throughout the city. This constant trekking from agency to agency is especially difficult when you consider a homeless individual’s limited transportation options, especially if they are aged or disabled.…

The cover of this week’s issue of the Seattle Weekly features identical photos of a young smiling woman. The first photo has the word “Screwed” by it, and the second photo is accompanied by the phrase “Still screwed.”

The art is a spoof of United Way of King County’s long-running “Choose the Way” ad campaign, and many of us at United Way think it’s very well-done. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the campaign, here’s an example:

More importantly, the Seattle Weekly…

Just thought it was time to share a few links with our readers:

…

[Our public policy director Carol Wood takes a look at Congress' mixed bag for social services].

The Good News:  On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted in support of the federal bill to fund FMAP (Federal Medical Assistance Percentage) after they were called back from their August recess by Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  This House action mirrored that taken by the Senate on August 5.

The bill extends the increased FMAP for a 6 month period beyond the current December 31, 2010 termination date (to…

United Way of King County is committed to relieving childhood hunger in our community. From our work in early learning, we know all too well that one of the biggest obstacles in making sure that kids are ready to learn is ensuring they have healthy, nutritious meals during the day. That’s why we’re paying close attention to what’s happening in Congress.

On July 15, the House Education and Labor Committee approved their version of Child Nutrition Reauthorization, which calls for approximately $8 billion…

Last Friday, nearly 60 people representing government, the public, educational institutions, nonprofits and business attended “Disability Lifeline: A Community Conversation” hosted by United Way of King County, State Representative Mary Lou Dickerson, King County Executive Dow Constantine and Seattle City Council Member Tim Burgess. The meeting gave voice to the changes facing the old GA-U program (now called Disability Lifeline) and provided the community an opportunity to generate creative solutions to help ease the transition for people that will be dropped from the program due…

Molly Nordstrom, United Way’s 2009-2010 board chair was the only female member of the Climb for the Community team. Molly describes the experience of climbing Mt. Rainier as “humbling” and “truly beautiful and spiritual.” She also says that it’s a good thing that the team started their summit ascent in the dark because, “If you had seen what you were climbing in broad daylight, you might not want to take it on.”

Last July, United Way of King County CEO, Jon Fine celebrated two major milestones. He turned 55, and he made it to the summit of Mount Rainier as a member of our Climb for the Community team.

Here’s Jon talking about his experience climbing Mt. Rainier. He had never climbed a mountain before and remarks that he was “skeptical” when people suggested he should go up Rainier. However, Jon also says, “I love United Way…and there wouldn’t be too much I wouldn’t do to…

One year ago, everyone at United Way of King County breathed a big sigh of relief–and then erupted into cheers when we heard that our Climb for the Community team had successfully made it to the summit of Mount Rainier.

In July 2009, a group of community leaders went on the inaugural “Climb for the Community” to the top of Mount Rainier. The group included United Way of King County CEO Jon Fine, United Way Board Chair Molly Nordstrom, Seattle Seahawks CEO Tod…

The first time I walked into Cyndy’s House of Pancakes up on Aurora Avenue and 105th, I pretty much knew what I was getting into.  Mediocre coffee, service that I couldn’t quite decide if it was gruff or motherly, and a delicious stack of blueberry hotcakes.  I’ve only been back a couple of times, and the fact that I have lived in the neighborhood for almost 5 years begs the question as to why that is.  I guess I thought it would always be there.…