Author: School's Out Washington

Creating a new ecosystem of support for children and families

Launch “leads the charge to brilliant outcomes for the children of our community by ensuring equitable access to the highest quality learning and care. Their twelve locations have deep, committed relationships with school districts, including Seattle Public Schools.” Their collaboration with the school district allows staff to communicate and partner with teachers, “ensuring what children learn in our before and after-school programs complement and support what they’re learning in the classroom, readying them for kindergarten.” Launch remained open throughout the COVID-19  pandemic with only a short closure of two weeks in March 2020. Since then they have shifted their work … [ ]

Beyond Babysitting — Why child care providers matter in communities

By Adriana Zazula

Since 1987, TenderCare Children’s Center has been a place of discovery and family for infants to 12 year-olds in Clarkston, Washington, in the SE corner of the state. Their programs allow for youth to explore and be part of the world around them, from trips to the aquatic center to craft time in senior living facilities. TenderCare supports its youth with a holistic and heartfelt approach. They make educational and enriching programs a priority. Recently, they’ve grown their literacy programs in engaging ways that include book contests and games. “We want to give kids all kinds of experiences. We always … [ ]

Learning outside the box of an indoor classroom

By Adriana Zazula

Tucked in the heart of the Methow Valley is a 1.5-acre classroom. For over 17 years, Classroom in Bloom has taught youth to grow healthy and fresh food, get outdoors and be mindful of the world around them. As a SOWA  Feed Your Brain grantee, Classroom in Bloom is one of several projects that run summer learning programs in rural areas of Washington state.  “Everything is interconnected—math, science, nutrition, and even art—when you’re outdoors.” —Executive Director Kim Romain-Bondi Classroom in Bloom’s community garden in the Methow Valley and smaller gardens throughout Okanogan County inspire youth to connect to the land … [ ]

Best Starts for Kids  renewal  headed to the August 2021  ballot in King County! 

By School's Out Washington

Holistic community support for youth and families. This is the overarching purpose of King County’s Best Starts for Kids Initiative. As we’ve seen with the inaugural Best Starts Out-of-School Time grant—led by School’s Out Washington—increasing the availability of high-quality, culturally relevant youth programs means that our region’s kids grow academically, socially, and emotionally. And this August, voters will have the opportunity to ensure that life-changing youth programs stay strong.  With the support of King County voters, we’ve provided funding, coaching, program quality support, and capacity building for more than three years to 35 organizations and partnerships. SOWA focused on two important models for this … [ ]

A journey of compassion and reconciliation

By Adriana Zazula

Cup of Cool Water is a nonprofit ministry in downtown Spokane that “walks alongside youth who are homeless on their journey of reconciliation with themselves, God, and society.”  For almost 25 years they have kept their doors open to youth, ages 14-24,  from a wide range of backgrounds and personal beliefs. The organization operates from the standpoint of “come as you are,” and be welcomed into a supportive community. They emphasize that their work is not dependent on a  specific faith, but exists to support youth in loving themselves, continuing to grow, and finding and embracing the spiritual element of … [ ]

Welcome to the team, Sevan!

We are thrilled to welcome Sevan Bussell to our team as the new Spokane coach-trainer. Sevan (they/them) has been a youth worker for the last eight years, and a public speaker/workshop facilitator for the last twelve years. Their passion is creating and supporting accessible and equitable spaces for people to learn and thrive. They really enjoy creating educational opportunities for all ages and developmental levels of people. When not working they are spending time with their wife, dog, and cats. They enjoy sewing clothing and quilting as well as assorted other crafts. They enjoy tending their house plants as well … [ ]