Our Newest Board Members

Emmanuel Arhu works for the City of Seattle in the IT department as a Systems Engineer. In his past time, he enjoys music. The main thing he would like to contribute to FFYB is training others in technology. This may include assisting parents with helping their children get online for classes; and navigate other daily activities using common apps such as Microsoft Word, etc. We are glad to have Emmanuel here!

Velizca Kwee is an international college student from Indonesia, majoring in Business. Her eyes are set on getting into the University of Washington when she is done with her first two years of college. Time management is very important to her, as much as giving back to her community. Velizca volunteered at an orphanage for children with disabilities, running a charity for toys and clothes. She wants to see inside of their world of others by getting on their level to interact with them. We are glad to have Velizca here!

During our Board Meeting held on November 29th, 2021, the majority voted to include them on our board. First Five Years & Beyond welcomes them with open arms!

We Are Expanding!

We are excited to announce that First Five Years & Beyond is moving to a larger office space in the same building! The big reason? We are growing. More family members are being born, more community partnerships are forming, and new programs are created to empower youth and families to thrive! We cannot think of a better way to start off 2022. These days we are still getting organized, but feel free to stop by during one of our events to say “hi”. We now have a landline where we can be reached at: (253) 766-1659.

Our new office space will be located directly above our current space in suite #201. The plan is to start utilizing both office spaces by March next year once the renovations are complete. 

Thank you to all of the parents who are the backbone of FFYB, and thank you to all of our partners who have helped make this happen!

November In Review

Risho Sapano, MA, International Development / Founder & Executive Director for Mother Africa visited our Kaleidoscope Play & Learn on Saturday 11/27, "I am really impressed with your programming." First Five Years & Beyond has collaborated with Mother Africa in years past on engaging families of color in Kent in whole-child activities. Dear Mother Africa, we appreciate our continued partnership!

Holiday Help

Here are a list of holiday help from community-led organizations near you. If you have registered through these organization's platform already, you should receive a follow up email from them. If you have further questions about their programs, please contact them directly.

Ongoing Programs This Month

• Promoting First Relationships: Children grow and thrive in the context of close and dependable relationships that provide love, nurturance, security, responsive interaction, and encouragement for their exploration. The Promoting First Relationships (PFR) program supports families in navigating these concepts as they build a nurturing relationship with their young children. 
• Kaleidoscope Play & Learn: Organized playgroups for young children and the people who take care of them. A facilitator plans and sets up activities for the children and their caregivers. Facilitators also help caregivers learn more about child development, how children learn through play, and what caregivers can do at home to help the children grow and learn. We host these playgroups on Saturdays in person from 12p-1:30p in our office located in Kent.
• Developmental Screening Program: Our program uses the Ages & Stages Questionnaire(ASQ:SE-2/ ASQ-3) to support families as they track their children’s development in an effort to promote healthy child development and promote school readiness.
• The ASQ-3 is composed of 21 questionnaires designed to be completed by parents of children 2 months to 5 ½ years as a quick way to monitor their children's language, Gross Motor, Fine Motor, Problem Solving and Personal-Social development.
• The ASQ:SE-2 questionnaire focuses on supporting parents in concentrating on the importance of social-emotional competence in their young children.
• Between screenings, our staff will stay connected with the families by offering them fun activities they can do with their child, sharing parent education materials, and providing information about helpful community resources.
• Afterschool Homework Help: Through our partnership with the United Way volunteer program, we provide 20 hours per month of after school tutoring services. Do you want to be a tutor? Visit the United Way/First Five Years & Beyond volunteer portal.

Important Dates

Event: FFYB End-Of-Year Celebration 302 W. Harrison St. Ste 101 Kent, WA 98032

Date: December 18th, 2021 @5pm PST (add to your calendar)

Holiday Closures - First Five Years & Beyond will be closed on Christmas Day (12/25) and the day after (12/26).

We will resume services again on Monday (12/27).

King County Covid-19 Resources for Families

• Need help with child care costs? You may qualify for financial assistance to help pay for child care if you live in King County, meet the income guidelines, and have been negatively impacted by Covid-19. Complete their application here. Deadline: As long as funds are available.
• Applications are now open for rental assistance in King County. Deadline: As long as this program is available.
• FEMA is now accepting applications for funeral expenses paid after January 20, 2020 for deaths caused by COVID-19. If you would like to apply, please gather the necessary documents and call 1-844-684-6333. They are not accepting online applications.There is no deadline.
• Do you and your family need financial support to successfully isolate or quarantine? Anyone living in King County who tests positive or is exposed to COVID-19 may be eligible to receive a one-time household bill payment of up to $1,500 to help pay their current rent, mortgage, utility, water, phone and internet bills. For eligibility information, visit the King County website. Deadline: As long as funds are available.
• Washington Listens provides support to people who feel sad, anxious, or stressed due to the events of this year including COVID-19 and wildfires. If you're experiencing stress from COVID-19, call or text us today at 1-833-681-0211

First Five Years & Beyond

Providing parents with the skills, tools, and resources needed to support their children

https://www.ffyb.org 206-504-9560

302 W. Harrison St, Suite 101 Kent, WA 98032