What's New in the ZONE?

July 2023

Letter From The Director

Dear Tyana,

There is so much good happening in The ZONE. Kids in free after school and summer programming, adults compensated to attend pre-employment courses, and households receiving ongoing support with their personal goals so that all family members can thrive. Our Resident Steering Committee has elevated needs this year directly to the State Board of Education, Ballmer Group, Gates Foundation, Washington Student Achievement Council, and priorities were even carried with me to a policy summit in DC.


Gratitude to the 111 partners who directly worked together in The ZONE in 2022, and are still here in growing numbers addressing systems and adapting programming to best serve our children, youth and adults in Northeast Spokane. We are developing a new housing program to address the needs of currently housed families who are worried about staying housed. Through Family Advocates, these households will receive financial and employment coaching, housing support, and be connected to their schools and resources at the Northeast Community Center. Two new staff members have joined The ZONE to launch this work, which will complement the voucher program already at NECC.


Student voice has directed programming partnerships this summer. Rising seniors are being compensated for lost work time to collect documents for their FAFSAs and literally write the college application and scholarship essays through supported workshops. THEY asked to do their essays in the summer before their busy year begins.


Our community-based organizations have asked us to provide funding for more staff training and interventions for the increased behavioral health needs of students in their programs. Our funding requests and disbursements now reflect this whole-student need. We look forward to the opening of our Behavioral Health Clinic on campus this fall with MultiCare to provide deeper supports, which originated from resident priorities set at the beginning of 2019.


Getting back to my teaching roots and my love of the boundless possibility, confidence, and hope children possess, I’ve stepped away from future strategy and daily operations to see and sit with kids on occasion. This grounds our 2Gen/Whole Family work, and allows me to see how all these efforts knit together creating impact that lasts for generations. Thank you for your investments in Northeast Spokane.


Warmly,

Jene Ray

JRay@NECommunityCenter.com

MultiCare sponsors 10 ZONE Hoopfest Teams for students in NE Spokane

Our new Behavioral Health Clinic is opening this fall!

An Updated Housing Resource Flyer

On June 30th, guidelines changed again for what to do when facing eviction. Our Unified Housing Messaging Workgroup updated this flyer for tenants so they know what to do and who can help. This can be downloaded from our website for your clients.

Download

Fun at the Farmer's Market

The Hillyard Farmer's Market is every Monday from 3-7 pm here at NECC, and during five of those markets this year, we have Community Resource Fairs, offering vital services to our neighbors including legal assistance, employment opportunities, student and adult learning activities, and more. Coming up on August 28th we will have our Back-to-School event and give away backpacks and school supplies to local kids.There is still time to sign up to table. Free food, give-a-ways, music, and activities means hundreds of neighbors attend.

Sign Up

Our Biggest Essential Skills Cohort Yet

This year's Essential Skills class is off to a great start with 18 participants. Classes are being held at Gonzaga Family Haven. The women meet M-Th, from 8:30-12:30, and are building skills for next steps in the career pathway of their choice. Work attire is provided from YWCA, and teaching and mock interviews are provided by Gonzaga students, faculty, and staff. Those who finish the six-week course will be eligible for a paid internship through Work Source, partially funded through GSI. We are so proud of this program, and these ladies!

Welcome Amanda!

Amanda Randall is Our New Housing Diversion Case Manager

Amanda has a background in Permanent Supportive Housing, and most of her experience has been working with families and individuals to maintain housing stability. She has a passion for working with families and empowering them to grow and thrive, and she loves living and working with people in Northeast Spokane. Seeing clients gain confidence and making connections with each other and the community is one of the highlights of the work she has done. She has made lasting connections with local organizations and is looking forward to expanding that network.

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