SPOTLIGHT: Rabbi Jason Levine, Associate Director, Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle shared about their work advocating for the local Jewish community and its allies, including at the legislature and elected officials, in interfaith partnership, in response to direct incidents, and in education, including a recent training on antisemitism and anti-Jewish harm.
MAIN PRESENTATION TOPIC: The Upcoming Washington Legislative Session. Elizabeth Dickinson, Partnership Coordinator for the Faith Action Network (FAN), gave a preview of the main issues FAN will be addressing in the 2026 legislative session, which convenes on January 12. Her slides are available here.
SPOTLIGHT: Africans on the Eastside. Executive Director Adam Dibba will describe the work of this organization that supports youth and their families by providing outreach, education, advocacy training, and leadership opportunities. AOE is dedicated to fostering respect for the diverse languages and cultures within our communities, ensuring that everyone feels valued and included.
MAIN PRESENTATION TOPIC: Responding to – and Disrupting – Racism in East King County. East King County is a beautiful, dynamic community that attracts people from across the globe. But despite our region’s many assets and strengths, we are also home to the same disturbing trends that exist in other parts of the world – racial disparities, marginalization, gentrification and xenophobia. This results in a lack of safety, a diminished sense of belonging, inequitable representation in decision-making, and limited access to opportunities for people from historically marginalized communities. Debbie Lacy, Founder & Executive Director of Eastside for All, will offer suggestions for creating a safe, welcoming, and just Eastside for all.
PROGRAM: Expanding severe weather shelter capacity on the Eastside – a working session to bring our resources together. Facilitated by Tammy Waddell, Scott Wallin, Nourishing Networks, and Patti Pendgraf, The Salvation Army
SPOTLIGHT – Reclaim. Jennifer Kirk, Director. Reclaim offers the Upper Snoqualmie Valley’s first community service center to support our unhoused neighbors and those at risk of losing their homes. This welcoming space offers essential resources, compassionate care, and a sense of community for those navigating housing instability.
MAIN PRESENTATION. Domestic Violence – Recognizing and Helping Victims. Alexis Harden, Housing Director, Lifewire, the main domestic violence service provider for the Eastside. LifeWire is a leading provider of safety, stability, and healing for survivors of domestic violence in Washington State. They invite us to join them in changing mindsets and healing communities, so that together, we can build a brighter future for survivors and their children.
Main topic – Mental Health De-escalation. Marc Oomen, Executive Director of NAMI-Eastside (Eastside chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness). Marc gave a preview of longer training NAMI provides to address mental health crisis with CALM (communicate, assess, listen, mediate).
PANEL PRESENTATION: Growing Food to Help our Communities
Moderator – Tammy Waddell, Nourishing Networks
- Jim Eichner – Associate Rector at Episcopal Church of the Holy Cross and General Farm Manager at Food Bank Farm
- Cindy Coleman and Michelle Raymond– Overlake Park Presbyterian and Marymoor Gardens
- Zsofia Pasztor – Founder & Executive Co-Director Farmer Frog
MAIN PRESENTATION: Developing Affordable Housing on the Eastside
A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH). ARCH is a partnership of the County and East King County Cities working to preserve and increase housing for low and moderate-income households in the region. Presentation by Sophie Glass, Government Affairs, Policy, and Communications Manager. Joined by Lindsay Masters, Executive Director.
SPOTLIGHT: Anything Helps. Anything Helps is on a mission to create and clear paths to stability for people experiencing chronic homelessness. Presenters: Mike Mathias, Executive Director; Mark Garrett, Board Chairman.
MAIN PRESENTATION: Impact of Budget Cuts on Hunger, Homelessness, and Housing
- Claire Lane, Director, Anti-Hunger and Nutrition Coalition
- Hali Willis, Community Policy Manager, Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness
- Po Leapai, Advocacy Organizer, Washington Low Income Housing Alliance
SPOTLIGHT: Khizer Sheriff, Essentials First. When Immigration Knocks – Advice for Service Providers
MAIN PRESENTATION: Do our shelters meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness in our communities?
- Kiki Serantes and Tony Machada, King County Regional Homelessness Authority;
- Troy Christensen, Director of Development and Communications, Porchlight.
- Marc Vermouth, Development Director, The Sophia Way.
SPOTLIGHT: Jewish Community Services. Ellen Weiss Phelps, Temple B’nai Torah
- Regional Crisis Response Agency – Brook Buettner, Executive Director
- HERO House (Hope, Empowerment, Relationships, Opportunity) – Isabelle Kalisa, Lisa Coleman, Shauna McKee
- Legal Needs in Dangerous Times – Jerry Kroon, Eastside Legal Assistance Program