Posted September 30, 2016 by Michelle Splaver

 How You Can Help!

The Family and Community Engagement Program (FACE/Outreach) fosters communication and awareness of both the needs and the resources occurring in the greater Issaquah community. By sharing information from organizations like Issaquah Nourishing Network, the PTSA network can easily bring together those who are seeking assistance with those organizations and individuals contributing resources. For a list of Outreach opportunities click here.

  

  1. The Issaquah Schools Foundation Tools 4 School Committee is already planning next summer’s event, scheduled for August 26 at Eastridge Church. Committee leaders are seeking volunteers now to chair or join Hair Cuts Committee.  For full job descriptions, go to www.healthyyouthinitiative.org and download materials from the homepage.  Each year, Tools 4 School provides up to 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for Issaquah School District students in need
  2. Issaquah Food Bank’s Harvest program is gearing up for another bountiful summer ! Harvest Issaquah & Farmers Markets volunteers harvest local produce from community fruit trees, serving as a food bank ambassador and collecting produce at local farmers markets. Contact Volunteer coordinator Megan at megan@issaquahfoodbank.org   Our Hands-On Food Bank Ambassador Training at the Issaquah Farmers Market is taking place on May 20, 2017.  Click here to RSVP!
  3. Volunteers needed at YWCA Passage Point for elementary and middle school students in reading and math. Contact Laurel at lkirbawygrenfell@ywcaworks.org. Other volunteer opportunities around gardening, cooking classes and Welcome Baskets.
  4. Eastside Baby Corner's 3rd annual Diaper Derby is coming up fast on May 5th ~ have you signed your business or organization up yet? Last year the Diaper Derby collected almost 55,000 diapers and we'd love to surpass that number this year. If you know a business or organization that should be participating, please have them click here for more information and how to get signed up.  
  5. GIVE BIG is coming May 10th ! Remember your favorite organization.
  6. Stamp Out Hunger is coming May 13. The 25th annual Letter Carriers’ national food drive is important to our local food banks, stocking shelves for our community families.  Simply leave a bag of non-perishable food by your mailbox on May 13, and letter carriers will deliver to local food banks. Visit https://www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive for more information.

 

Current Programs 

  1. Winter Shelters are still open. Visit the Issaquah Nourishing Network website for latest version.  www.nourishingnetworks.net/networks/issaquah/
  2. ENGLISH FOR WORK - AN ESL PROGRAM through Hopelink. Learn English. Prepare for Work. Free classes starting each quarter https://www.hopelink.org/need-help/adult-education
  3. Free GED Classes Start any time. Join us twice a week to improve your reading, writing, computer and math skills so you can get a better job and get your GED. 
  4. KCLS Poetry Contest – Rhyme On is back and runs the month of April. Teens in middle school and up are invited to submit their best poem for a chance to win a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card. For more information and judges' hints, read about the Rhyme On Poetry Contest.
  5. Issaquah Library hosting a new Drop In Resource Fair ! Need help? Single adults, parents, seniors, teens. Drop in and connect to organizations providing essential resources in our community including housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and education.  Wednesdays, 1pm - 3pm.  April 26 & May 31.
  6. Take the next step in your job search! Attend the Issaquah Job Fair with more than 30 local employers. The fourth-annual event is free and open to all ages, with a focus on job seekers ages 16 to 24.  The job fair returns to Pickering Barn, 1730 10th Ave. N.W., from 2-5 p.m. May 2, 2017.  Questions? Contact Candice Baer via email or at 425-837-3450  http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2799&PREVIEW=YES
  7. KCLS Issaquah is hosting Repair Time, Saturday, May 6, 10am - 1pm. Don't toss your broken lamp, ripped jeans or busted chair !  Bring them to the free Repair Cafe ! Skilled "fixers" will help you repair your damaged household items to keep them out of the landfill and save you money !  Visit website for more information and to sign up. Please sign up so "fixer" can be prepared, but walkins are welcome !
  8. Discover local clubs, hobby groups, service organizations and community activities for you and your family at City of Issaquah’s 17th annual Hobby & Volunteer Expo. Saturday, May 20  9am – 2pm Pickering Barn
  9. Improve your résumé by earning a Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification in Word, Excel, or other Office software. Go to www.kcls.org/mos for premium study materials and upcoming test sessions. Over a $150 value per certification test offered free in partnership with the Washington State Library.
  10. OSLC Safe Parking can provide a safe place for Eastside families and single women who are homeless with no place to stay except their cars. No single men, please. Safe Parking times are 9 PM—9 AM. No campers or trailers. This is intended to be a transitional program for families to become stabilized and get into more permanent housing. Intake procedures are required and include criminal records check. Our Savior Lutheran Church 745 Front Street South, Issaquah, WA 98027 Leave Message @ 425-200-0669
  11. Child Care resources: http://childcare.org/family-services/
  12. Issaquah Library Teen Open House (meeting room open for teens to study and hang out). Tuesdays and Thursdays 3-5 pm
  13. Issaquah Library will offer a FREE practice SAT exam for students on Saturday May 20th 11-3pm. Please register. https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/events/search/q=SAT
  14. Study Zone at our libraries ! Issaquah, Newcastle, Renton Highlands, and Sammamish libraries offer drop-in for free homework help from trained volunteer tutors during the week ! Tutoring begins Tuesday, September 9, 2016. The Study Zone schedule is updated frequently and occasionally the volunteer tutors may be unavailable for a scheduled session. Please check for updates at http://kcls.org/study-zone/  or contact your KCLS library before planning to attend a Study Zone session.  
  15. Life After High School Programs offered through KCLS SAT/ACT Math Preparation Tips, The World as Your Classroom, Secrets of College Admissions, Gap Year Study Abroad, College Success for Students with Disabilities, Get a job! The Intelligent Job Search, Your College Planning Checklist and more !  http://kcls.org/teen-subject/life-after-high-school-resources/
  16. Find out if you qualify for a computers and/or free internet access: http://washingtonaccessfund.org/free-and-low-cost-computers/
  17. Issaquah School District students with financial hardship may be eligible for a free computer.  Contact your school office for more details.