{"id":506,"date":"2014-05-29T23:19:45","date_gmt":"2014-05-29T23:19:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/?page_id=506"},"modified":"2014-11-07T03:14:37","modified_gmt":"2014-11-07T03:14:37","slug":"may-2014-minutes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/?page_id=506","title":{"rendered":"May 2014 Minutes"},"content":{"rendered":"

EASTSIDE INTERFAITH SOCIAL CONCERNS COUNCIL MINUTES<\/strong><\/p>\n

P.O. Box 662<\/strong>, Bellevue, WA 98009-0662<\/strong><\/p>\n

May 13, 2014<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visit our newly remodeled website at EISCC.net<\/strong><\/p>\n

The meeting was held in Bristol Hall of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church beginning at\u00a012:00 noon<\/span>.<\/p>\n

WELCOME:\u00a0<\/strong>The meeting was called to order and conducted by EISCC President Warren Marquardson.
\nOPENING REFLECTION:\u00a0<\/strong>Tom Steffen provided the opening reflection.
\nSELF-INTRODUCTIONS<\/strong>\u00a0were made by 35 representatives and guests.
\nMINUTES\u00a0<\/strong>of the April 8, 2014, meeting were approved as submitted.
\nTREASURER’S REPORT:\u00a0<\/strong>The Treasurer was not present at the meeting.\u00a0\u00a0Warren reminded our member organizations to forward their dues payments for the current year \u2013 if they have not already done so.<\/p>\n

REFRESHMENT COORDINATOR:\u00a0<\/strong>Many thanks to Jerry Hatfield, Warren Marquardson, Anne St. Germain, Jan Starr, and Tom Steffen for providing the day\u2019s refreshments.<\/p>\n

REPORTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Congregations for Kids:\u00a0<\/strong>Nancy Jacobs reported that Congregations for Kids expects to serve about 1650 students in the Bellevue School District for the next school year.\u00a0\u00a0This year they will be adding a pilot project at Phantom Lake Elementary School to provide one new, age-appropriate book to each of their students.\u00a0\u00a0Handouts were provided detailing items that will be needed for next year’s backpacks.\u00a0\u00a0Note that they will be substituting 2″ binders for 3″ binders this year \u2013 they found that the larger binders were just too large for easy use.\u00a0\u00a0If you are interested in supporting this effort, the list of desired items that they are seeking can also be found on the project website athttp:\/\/congregations4kids.org\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Backpack Meals:\u00a0<\/strong>Jan Starr reported that the project was completing its second year of operation.\u00a0\u00a0Jan offered thanks for all of the support that has been given to this project over the last year and to those who supported it during the Seattle Foundation’s Give Big one-day giving event on May 6!<\/p>\n

Legislative Coordinator:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Jean Harris had nothing to report, as the legislature is not currently in session.\u00a0\u00a0Warren added that he had testified on the marijuana retailing moratorium being considered by the Bellevue City Council and that some other Eastside cities have already determined that they would not currently like to have marijuana retail operations within their cities and have established moratoria on such sales.<\/p>\n

MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

REACH (Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches) Center of Hope:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Center Director Linda Smith reported that the center will be celebrating its first anniversary on\u00a0Monday, June 16, 2014<\/span>, from\u00a04:30 to 5:30 pm<\/span>\u00a0at their location at Renton City Hall (the old, now remodeled Renton jail), 1055 S Grady Way, Renton.\u00a0\u00a0There will also be tours of the facilities available both before and after the celebration from\u00a010 am to 7 pm<\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0The center provides services to homeless women and women with children in the Renton area to assist them in transitioning from homelessness to stability.\u00a0\u00a0They have both a day center and night shelter.\u00a0\u00a0They can provide some outreach medical care and have arranged for other services through Catholic Community Services.\u00a0\u00a0Volunteer hours and financial contributions are the key elements to their support.\u00a0For more information, visit their website at\u00a0reachrenton.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Congregations for the Homeless Day Center:\u00a0<\/strong>Henry Delle Chiaie, the Day Center Manager, reported on the new day center for homeless men that Congregations for the Homeless is operating at the First Congregational Church at 108th Ave NE and Ne 8th St in Bellevue.\u00a0\u00a0They consider the day center the front line for Congregations for the Homeless \u2013 men will make contact there before being accepted into the nightly shelter program.\u00a0\u00a0When first opened, they were serving up to 70 men daily.\u00a0\u00a0During the newly warming weather, attendance has fallen to about 45 daily.\u00a0\u00a0The center is open from\u00a08 am to 3 pm Monday<\/span>\u00a0through\u00a0Friday<\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0The center will eventually need to be relocated when the First Congregational Church vacates the location after the recent sale of the property \u2013 relocation expected to be next May.<\/p>\n

The center provides shower and laundry facilities, meals, bus tickets, computer access, resume help, and other similar services.\u00a0\u00a0They are especially looking for help with food for the meals \u2013 this can be either prepared or unprepared foods \u2013 they can cook it up if necessary.\u00a0\u00a0They are also looking for personal hygiene items such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, shampoos, and razor blades \u2013 those distributed to guests at hotels are ideal.\u00a0\u00a0If you would like to find out more about the needs and how you can support this project, visit the Congregations for the Homeless website at\u00a0http:\/\/cfhomeless.org\/services\/cfh-day-center\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Ahmadiyya Seattle Muslim Community Center:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Muhammad Ejaz Sial of the Center provided a brief overview of the Ahmadiyya Community \u2013 a rather recent development within the broader Muslim Community \u2013 with special note of its strong tradition of peace and non-violence and focus on social justice.<\/p>\n

The center will be holding approximately 20 blood drives throughout the greater Seattle area with the Puget Sound Blood Center.\u00a0\u00a0They would also like to partner with other churches, shelters, and community organizations to sponsor and host additional blood drives.\u00a0\u00a0The blood drives are part of a national Ahmadiyya project.\u00a0\u00a0Visit their website at\u00a0http:\/\/muslimsforlife.org\/<\/a>\u00a0for more information.\u00a0\u00a0They would be happy to send us alerts for future drives once they have a local schedule setup.<\/p>\n

The center also performs many food drives and can participate in such events in the wider community.\u00a0\u00a0They have had two food drives within the past two months to benefit the men’s and women’s shelters in the community.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

PROGRAM: Native Women in Need<\/strong><\/p>\n

Norine Hill, the Executive Director of Native Women in Need, provided an overview of her organization.\u00a0\u00a0Their mission is to provide culturally appropriate support services, advocacy, and mentorship to meet the needs of Native American women both on or off (especially off) the reserve.\u00a0\u00a0Their vision is to enrich their overall well being, to inspire them, and to help them find their place in society with dignity and pride.\u00a0They have applied for their 501(c)3 designation and are hopeful that they will be receiving it very soon.<\/p>\n

Their cultural program is designed and serviced by Native American credentialed Elders who apply culture to clinical practice.\u00a0\u00a0It is geared to help the women to become independent and overcome addictions, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and homelessness. The cultural programs include talking circles and sweat lodges \u2013 programs not easily found elsewhere in the community.\u00a0\u00a0The focus is on building healthy relationships and dealing with dysfunctional families.\u00a0\u00a0Many women prefer to come to an off-reserve group for this kind of help for reasons of confidentiality.<\/p>\n

They serve women 18 and over.\u00a0\u00a0The women need to be 23 or over for Recovery House.\u00a0\u00a0Most of the women are single, although some have children.<\/p>\n

The cultural programs are currently offered at the Native Women in Recovery House in the Skyway area of Seattle.\u00a0\u00a0Women applying for the Recovery House must be clean and sober for 30 days before acceptance.\u00a0\u00a0They find that intake works best right out of treatment.<\/p>\n

They have provided advocacy services for women, especially in situations of domestic violence.\u00a0\u00a0They have served as advocate in both public and tribal courts and in a variety of committees.<\/p>\n

Norine introduced Velma Wyena, a recipient of services from Native Women in Need.\u00a0\u00a0Velma has completed their program and is currently studying for her CDP certification, which would allow her to help provide the kind of chemical dependency counseling services that she benefitted from herself.\u00a0\u00a0She is currently serving as the manager at the Recovery House.\u00a0\u00a0She reported an 80% success rate in helping the women to move on with their lives in a more stable manner.<\/p>\n

The organization is looking for locations at which it could offer its workshops, particularly in Seattle, the Central Area, or the Southend.\u00a0\u00a0They are also looking for household goods such as furniture, linens, etc. for those moving on.\u00a0\u00a0For the house, they could use patio furniture \u2013 including a BBQ \u2013 and a blender.\u00a0\u00a0They could use some assistance with administrative support.\u00a0\u00a0It is preferred that such volunteers have some background experience and\/or knowledge of Native Americans and their culture.\u00a0\u00a0For more information, you may contact the group by e-mail at\u00a0info@nativewomen.net<\/a>\u00a0or call\u00a0206-715-7514<\/a>.<\/p>\n

ANNOUNCEMENTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Karen Waalkes reminded us that the\u00a0Center of Hope 1st Anniversary Celebration<\/strong>\u00a0will be held at Renton City Hall on\u00a0Thursday, June 16, 4 \u2013 7 pm<\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0Note that this is a change from the May date reported earlier, due to unexpected, last-minute scheduling complications.\u00a0\u00a0All are welcome.\u00a0\u00a0Tours will run both before and after the event from\u00a010 am to 7 pm<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Karina O’Malley and Jan Starr reminded us of the\u00a0Eastside CROP Walks for Hunger<\/strong>\u00a0with Church Worldwide Services.\u00a0\u00a0One event will be held on Saturday, May 17, 9:30 am to 1 pm.\u00a0\u00a0Registration begins at\u00a09:15 am<\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0This will start at Hopelink in Kirkland (where some food sorting will take place) and be followed by a walk to Holy Spirit Lutheran Church.\u00a0\u00a0The second walk will be Sunday, May 18, 1 \u2013 3 pm, at the Bellevue First Methodist Church, 1934 108th Ave NE, Bellevue.\u00a0\u00a0Registration for that event begins at\u00a012:30 pm<\/span>.\u00a0Proceeds from both events will go to local organizations such as Hopelink and other international charities which work to eliminate hunger.\u00a0\u00a0For more details on both events, go the Church Worldwide Services website\u00a0http:\/\/hunger.cwsglobal.org\/site\/PageServer?pagename=events_wa<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Steve Roberts reminded us that the annual fundraising benefit event for Congregations for the Homeless at California Pizza Kitchen will be held May 23, 24, and 25 at the Bellevue location at 595 106th Ave NE.\u00a0\u00a0Take in their promotional flyer and get 20% off your check for dine-in, take-out, and catering \u2013 including alcoholic beverages!\u00a0\u00a0The flyer is attached to this mailing.<\/p>\n

Real Change is starting a new initiative to reduce the county’s homeless population by 1,000 people this year.\u00a0\u00a0To kick off their effort, they will be holding a\u00a0shoe drive and outside-in rally<\/strong>,\u00a0Walk a Mile in My Shoes<\/strong>, to make a public statement about the issue.\u00a0They hope to collect 3,123 pairs of shoes \u2013 each pair representing one of the homeless men, women, and children who were counted without basic shelter in the January homeless count.\u00a0\u00a0Shoes that can be reused, will be donated to the homeless.\u00a0\u00a0Those that can’t be reused will be recycled.\u00a0\u00a0Shoes may be dropped off at the Real Change office at 96 S Main St, Seattle or to Redeeming Soles drop off locations (visit their website at\u00a0redeemingsoles.org<\/a>).\u00a0\u00a0If your group would like to collect shoes for the homeless and would like an 11″ by 17″ poster to advertise the collection, please send an e-mail to\u00a0organizer@realchangenews.org<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0The rally will be held at Westlake Park on Sunday, May 18, from\u00a01 \u2013 3 pm<\/span>.\u00a0\u00a0Find out more about the event or download a flyer at the Real Change website:http:\/\/realchangenews.org\/index.php\/site\/advocacy\/Events<\/a>.<\/p>\n

United Way indicates that Food Lifeline is willing to sponsor additional meal sites for the\u00a0Summer Food Service Program<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0They would like to know if any EISCC groups would be interested in running a free meals program for youth 18 and under during the summer.\u00a0\u00a0These groups would need to purchase food and handle paperwork, provide safe food storage, and have volunteers with food handling permits.\u00a0\u00a0Sites would need to be in eligible locations based on number of students enrolled in free and reduced lunch programs in the area.\u00a0\u00a0For more information, contact Marie Eberlein at United Way,\u00a0meberlein@uwkc.org<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0She can be reached by phone at\u00a0206-461-3723<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Note that the deadline for applications is May 15, but they may be flexible \u2013 but you should inquire right away if you are interested.<\/p>\n

Hank Myers of the\u00a0Eastside Friends of Seniors<\/strong>\u00a0reports that their group is looking for support from congregations with meals, transportation, home repairs, and other services for Eastside seniors.\u00a0\u00a0For more information about this group and their needs, visit their website at\u00a0http:\/\/eastsidefriendsofseniors.org\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Danielle Prince of the Eastside Legal Assistance Program reported that they will be conducting several workshops on the Eastside in the near future.\u00a0\u00a0On Wednesday, May 21, 12 \u2013 1 pm, at the Mercer Island Public Library, they will present a program on Long Term Care and Estate Planning.\u00a0\u00a0On Wednesday, May 28, 6 \u2013 8 pm, at the ELAP Bellevue Office, they will present a program on Bankruptcy Issues.\u00a0\u00a0For more information, visit their website at\u00a0http:\/\/elap.org\/<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

CLOSING REFLECTION:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0The meeting ended with a closing reflection by Karen Studders.<\/p>\n

THE NEXT EISCC MEETING will take place on\u00a0Tuesday, June 10, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.<\/span>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>PROGRAM: LDS SOCIAL AND EMERGENCY SERVICES. <\/strong>LOCATION: BRISTOL HALL, ST. MARGARET\u2019S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, 4228 FACTORIA BOULEVARD SE, BELLEVUE (ACROSS FROM NEWPORT HIGH SCHOOL)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

EASTSIDE INTERFAITH SOCIAL CONCERNS COUNCIL MINUTES P.O. Box 662, Bellevue, WA 98009-0662 May 13, 2014 Visit our newly remodeled website at EISCC.net The meeting was held in Bristol Hall of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church beginning at\u00a012:00 noon. WELCOME:\u00a0The meeting was called to order and conducted by EISCC President Warren Marquardson. OPENING REFLECTION:\u00a0Tom Steffen provided the … Continue reading May 2014 Minutes<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":242,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-506","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P4dwA2-8a","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/506","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=506"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/506\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":536,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/506\/revisions\/536"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}