{"id":543,"date":"2014-11-07T03:18:09","date_gmt":"2014-11-07T03:18:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/?page_id=543"},"modified":"2014-11-07T03:46:58","modified_gmt":"2014-11-07T03:46:58","slug":"october-2014-minutes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/?page_id=543","title":{"rendered":"October 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

October 14, 2014<\/strong>
\nThe meeting was held in Bristol Hall of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church beginning at 12:00 noon.
\nWELCOME: <\/strong>The meeting was called to order and conducted by EISCC President Warren Marquardson.
\nOPENING REFLECTION: <\/strong>Jerry Hatfield provided the opening reading and prayer.
\nSELF-INTRODUCTIONS<\/strong> were made by 32 representatives and guests.
\nMINUTES <\/strong>of the September 9, 2014, meeting were approved as submitted.
\nTREASURER’S REPORT: <\/strong>The Treasurer was not present at the meeting.\u00a0 Warren reminded our member organizations to forward their dues payments for the current year \u2013 if they have not already done so.\u00a0 You can find out the status of your organizations dues payment for the current year by going to our website (see address above).
\nREFRESHMENT COORDINATOR: <\/strong>Many thanks to Anne St. Germain, Jerry Hatfield, Kaylie Fiedler, Nina Weaver, and Betty Spohn for providing the day\u2019s refreshments.<\/p>\n

BUSINESS:<\/strong>
\nCandidate Forum: <\/strong>EISCC was a co-sponsor with the Faith Action Network (FAN) of a recent bi-partisan candidates’ forum which was held October 12 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Bellevue.\u00a0 There was a good exchange of ideas from the candidates and audience members had an opportunity to ask questions.\u00a0Although this seemed an appropriate and worthwhile effort, there were only about 25 people in attendance.
\nNominating Committee:\u00a0 <\/strong>The committee put forward its slate for the Board.\u00a0 It has nominated
\nDiane Richards \u2013 President
\nTony Copes \u2013 President-Elect
\nWarren Marquardson \u2013 Past President
\nSecretary \u2013 Dick Jacke
\nTreasurer \u2013 Kimberly Kibby
\nNew, at-large board member \u2013 Linda Hillesheim
\nContinuing at-large board members are Steve Baber, Steve Roberts, and Anne St. Germain.\u00a0 The new Board was elected by acclamation.<\/p>\n

REPORTS:<\/strong>
\nCongregations for Kids: <\/strong>Nancy Jacobs was able to provide a final report for the last school year and the start of the new school year.\u00a0 Once again the project is a success, although we have fewer students that we will be helping this year \u2013 we are not sure why, as the district’s demographic report on free and reduced price lunches is not yet out.\u00a0 The district liaison expects that the number of homeless students this year will be at least the same as last year \u2013 over 200.<\/p>\n

This year, students from 28 different schools were helped, ranging from a high of 181 students to a low of 4.\u00a0 As of August, we had helped 1458 kids (compared to 1586 last year).\u00a0 We project that we will help at least 1505 students this year (compared to 1622 last year).\u00a0 This year, we gave backpacks with supplies only to students in kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 9th, and 11th grades and bags of supplies to the rest.\u00a0 This resulted in 690 backpacks with supplies and 815 bags of supplies being contributed.\u00a0 This compares to 1300 backpacks and 350 bags of supplies the previous year.<\/p>\n

The value of this year’s project based on the value of what went into each backpack or bag of supplies is estimated at $48,000.\u00a0 Last year, the value was estimated at $64,000 \u2013 reflecting the higher number of backpacks given.\u00a0 Expenses were very similar to last year, with more money spent on fewer \u2013 but sturdier \u2013 backpacks.<\/p>\n

This year, the donations came from 27 congregations, 1 corporation, 1 foundation, and 1 university program.<\/p>\n

Over the last 19 years, the program has filled over 19,950 requests from the school district.\u00a0 The program thanks EISCC for its ongoing support!<\/p>\n

Backpack Meals: <\/strong>Jan Starr was unable to attend our meeting.\u00a0 Julie Foster arrived later in the meeting to provide an update.\u00a0 She indicated that the program was off to a good start and that it had provided 450 packs so far \u2013 about 100 each week.\u00a0 She thanked participants for their support of the program.\u00a0 They do need help packing the backpacks, which is done on Thursday mornings between 8:30 and 9:30 am.\u00a0 Volunteer sign-ups are currently being handled using SignUpGenius.<\/p>\n

Legislative Coordinator:\u00a0 <\/strong>Jean Harris was not present.\u00a0 It was noted that items on the legislative horizon include Initiatives 591 and 594 relating to gun sales, funding education in response to the McCleary decision, a class size initiative, and transportation funding.<\/p>\n

MEMBERSHIP SPOTLIGHT:<\/strong>
\nWashington State Unitarian Universalist Voices for Justice and the Northwest Unitarian Universalist Justice Network:\u00a0 <\/strong>Rev. Susan Morrisson, president of the Washington State UU Voices for Justice, reported on the work that her organization does to promote justice in the state.\u00a0 The group is a state-wide legislative network which brings together individual Unitarian Universalists and UU congregations to work for social change.\u00a0 The group provides activism, mobilization, resources, training, and networking for just public process and policies including, especially, economic justice, climate change and environmental justice, criminal justice reform, migrant justice, and the preservation of the democratic process in elections and public policy.\u00a0 UU Voices collaborates with grassroots groups and advocacy allies on these issues.\u00a0 For more information, visit their website at www.uuvoiceswa.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Dick Jacke, president of the Northwest UU Justice Network was also a founder of UU Voices.\u00a0 While realizing the continuing importance of advocacy work in the legislature, the Network determined that there was an interest in UU congregations for more collaborative efforts across congregational boundaries.\u00a0 Such cooperation promised to enable activists to do more with less effort through such collaborative work.\u00a0 The Network does not itself advocate on issues, but provides resources to enable congregations and individuals to work more closely on social justice issues.\u00a0 It holds an annual conference, provides a website with access to issue groups, and sends regular alerts on justice events and issues needing timely response.\u00a0 For more information, visit their website at www.nwuujn.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Both Susan and Dick would welcome your questions about how such organizational structures might benefit your own religious communities.<\/p>\n

Eastside Friends of Seniors:\u00a0 <\/strong>Hank Myers reported on the work of this organization, which serves the elderly population that needs some help to remain independent.\u00a0 Some of their clients are married, but most live alone.\u00a0 The average age is 82.\u00a0 Many depend on a cane or walker.\u00a0 Some are blind or deaf, while others are restricted by medical conditions or the natural results of growing old.\u00a0 Their service area includes Bellevue, Issaquah, Sammamish, and Snoqualmie Valley communities.<\/p>\n

They are seeking volunteers to provide transportation to medical appointments, shopping, or errands.\u00a0 Transportation needs are especially critical in light of the recent Metro cuts.\u00a0 They also need help with home chores such as housekeeping, handyman projects, and yard work.\u00a0 They are also looking for folks to just spend time with their clients to help end their social isolation.\u00a0 If you would like to volunteer of find out more about this organization, you may visit their website at www.EastsideFriendsOfSeniors.org<\/a> or give them a call at 425-369-9120<\/a>.<\/p>\n

PROGRAM: The Sophia Way<\/strong><\/p>\n

Karina O’Malley introduced the new Interim Director of the Sophia Way, Rae Levine.\u00a0 Karina then provided some historical reflections on the growth of the organization over the years.\u00a0 Started under the guidance of Helen Leuzzi, it began as a Day Center for women.\u00a0 It soon became clear that an emergency shelter for women was also a high priority.<\/p>\n

They now have a 21 unit apartment which was developed with St. Luke’s.\u00a0 They have also overseen the Winter Shelter for women.\u00a0 They have a group home for six on the campus of East Shore Unitarian Church.\u00a0 Women in the two housing units are expected to contribute 30% of their income toward rent in the units.<\/p>\n

Rae has been with the Sophia Way since July.\u00a0 As her title suggests, she is concerned with assessing the state of the organization and assisting in developing a plan which can carry it into the future.\u00a0 She has found that there is wide and deep support in the community for the Sophia Way.\u00a0 She also understands that improvements are needed which will bring greater stability to the organization.\u00a0 There is a need to tackle the problem of leadership turnover and to meet the financial challenges that the organization faces.<\/p>\n

She believes that there needs to be greater focus on the core programs of the Sophia Way.\u00a0 There will be cost cutting and some staff reductions \u2013 particularly of administrative staff.\u00a0 There will be restructuring.\u00a0 The work with the Winter Shelter will no longer be solely the work of the Sophia Way but will be done in partnership with Catholic Community Services.\u00a0 The shelter is expected to open this year on November 15 at St. Peter’s and will spend February through mid-April at Redmond United Methodist.\u00a0 She also hopes to further strengthen the partnership with the community.<\/p>\n

Carrie DeVault, who is currently overseeing the Day Center, reports that attendance at the center falls off during summer but begins to pick up again with the approach of cooler and more inclement weather in the Fall and Winter.\u00a0 The program provides meals and a place to gather during the day, with access to showers and laundry facilities.\u00a0 The people served can get support in their job searches and can get job-ready clothes for interviews.\u00a0 A variety of unemployment services are provided.\u00a0 They welcome volunteers \u2013 especially those who are willing to spend time to connect with the women personally.<\/p>\n

Desired donations, in addition to financial support, include unopened makeup, socks, women’s underwear, winter undergarments, coats, hats, and gloves.\u00a0 Their website has a full list of needed items.\u00a0 Their thrift store has been closed to allow them to focus more closely on their core mission, but donations of furniture to support their programs can be donated through Jubilee Reach.\u00a0 Donations in support of the Winter Shelter can be given to either the Sophia Way or Catholic Community Services.<\/p>\n

If you would like to support the Sophia Way financially, consider attending their annual benefit lunch on October 30, 2014, from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, at the Red Lion Hotel in Bellevue, 11211 Main Street.\u00a0 Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen will emcee, and Rex Hohlbein, creator of the Homeless in Seattle Community, will be the keynote speaker.\u00a0 The event is free, but donations will be requested.<\/p>\n

The Sophia Way is looking for office volunteers at its space at Bradford Center.\u00a0 Their old building was sold, and they are looking for new space.\u00a0 For more information about the Sophia Way, visit their website at www.SophiaWay.org<\/a> or call 425-463-6285<\/a>.<\/p>\n

ANNOUNCEMENTS:<\/strong>
\nJerry Hatfield reported that the LDS Church<\/strong> loves doing service and has begun to develop a website, JustServe.org<\/strong>, to connect volunteers of any faith to service projects and opportunities.\u00a0 This will include projects around the world.\u00a0 Check it out!<\/p>\n

Linda Hillesheim reports that a steering committee for the City of Bellevue<\/strong> is developing an energy efficiency program which it hopes to enter in a 2-year competition searching for effective energy efficiency programs and which would provide the winning entry with a $5 million dollar award.\u00a0 Contact the city for more information about this effort.<\/p>\n

Christopher South of Hero House<\/strong> reports that their 9th annual Harvest Luncheon, their largest fundraiser of the year, will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2014, at the Lake Sammamish Foursquare Church at 14434 NE 8th Street in Bellevue.\u00a0 Check-in begins at 11:00 am, with lunch at noon.\u00a0 The raffle will be held before the lunch.\u00a0 News anchor Dennis Bounds with KING TV will be emcee.\u00a0 Members of Hero House will speak about how work can change the lives of those with mental illness.\u00a0 Donations are requested.\u00a0 Your reservations can be sent to harvest@herohouse.org<\/a>.\u00a0 For more information, visit their website atwww.herohouse.org<\/a> or call 425-614-1282<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Karen Studders reported there are currently three tent cities<\/strong> in the area \u2013 Tent City 3, Tent City 4, and Camp Unity \u2013 and they struggle to find places to locate.\u00a0 Tent City 3 has just moved but was unable to find a new congregationally based home \u2013 they are currently on city land and potentially at risk of being evicted.\u00a0 All of this is as a result of the increasingly tight requirements for encampments in communities around the county.\u00a0 King County<\/strong> will be updating its encampment ordinance, which may provide for more options than religious properties.\u00a0 Public comments are due mid-November.\u00a0 The Committee to End Homelessness<\/strong> is also looking to update its strategic plan.\u00a0 The 14th Annual Creating the Political Will to End Homelessness<\/strong> event will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2014, from 10 am to 3 pm, at Bloedel Hall at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle.\u00a0 A $25 donation is requested, but no one will be turned away.<\/p>\n

Steve Roberts of Congregations for the Homeless<\/strong> reported that their Winter Shelter will be opening soon at the Sound Transit facility in Bellevue, and they will be looking for help with meals and transportation.\u00a0 You can check their food calendar at their website.\u00a0 Because the shelter is located in a transit-free area, they are looking for the donation of a van that could be used to transport clients from the shelter to downtown where they can access bus services.\u00a0 Their website can be accessed at cfhomeless.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Nina Weaver of the Eastside Legal Assistance Program<\/strong> reported on their upcoming lineup of workshops.\u00a0 On Wednesday, October 22, from 3 \u2013 4:45 pm, they will offer a workshop on Tenant Rights and Responsibilities at the Mercer Island Community Center.\u00a0 The presenter, Allyson O’Malley-Jones, is an attorney and employee of the Northwest Justice Project, a publicly funded legal aid program.\u00a0 Her practice focuses exclusively on residential landlord-tenant matters.\u00a0 On Thursday, November 13, from 12 noon to 1 pm, they will have a workshop on Long Term Care and Estate Planning.\u00a0 For further information, contact Esperanza Barboa at esperanza@elap.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Elizabeth Maupin reported that both Tent City 4<\/strong> and Camp Unity<\/strong> have been struggling recently to provide adequate meals.\u00a0 For more information about Camp Unity, contact Allen Bolen at allenbolenpro@gmail.com<\/a> or call 206-293-5901<\/a>.\u00a0 For more information on Tent City IV, visit their website atwww.sharewheel.org\/tent-city-4<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Anne St. Germain reported that the Eastside Friends<\/strong> wished to thank all that attended its \u00a0interfaith event in recognition of the International Day of Peace<\/strong> on September 21, 2014.\u00a0 The event was co-sponsored by F.I.R.E. (Fostering Interfaith Relationships on the Eastside) and provided options and training for how to deal with violent behavior non-violently.<\/p>\n

CLOSING REFLECTION: <\/strong>\u00a0The meeting ended with a closing by Warren Marquardson.
\nTHE NEXT EISCC MEETING will take place on Tuesday, November 11, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.\u00a0<\/strong>
\nPROGRAM: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Eastside.\u00a0<\/strong>
\nLOCATION: 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 October 14, 2014 The meeting was held in Bristol Hall of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church beginning at 12:00 noon. WELCOME: The meeting was called to order and conducted by EISCC President Warren Marquardson. OPENING REFLECTION: Jerry Hatfield provided the opening reading and prayer. … Continue reading October 2014 Minutes<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":242,"menu_order":9,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-543","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P4dwA2-8L","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/543","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=543"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/543\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":551,"href":"https:\/\/eiscc.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/543\/revisions\/551"}],"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=543"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}