HEALTHY COMMUNITY - The Seattle Foundation

After 60 years,The Seattle Foundation isentering a new era of leadership,harnessing individual philanthropyto build a strong communityfor all residents.

Philanthropy has changed since the Foundation began in 1946. Today’s donorswant more data, more context and more strategies for addressing the issuesthat vex our community. At the same time, our area is also changing throughpopulation growth, shifting demographics and economic development.The issues facing King County – and their solutions – are increasingly varied,complex and often national or global in scope.In response, The Seattle Foundation began its Healthy Community work,bringing together qualitative and quantitative information on the well-beingof the county, as well as the experience of the Foundation, its donors and localnonprofits. The result is this report. It lays out a strategy for long-term improvementin the community and provides a guide for working towards it throughphilanthropic investment.Central to the Healthy Community concept is the recognition that thechallenges facing the community often touch on more than one area. Donors’giving strategies can do the same. In many cases, a strategic gift can speedmultiple improvements with one innovative approach – expanding jobprospects by funding education, reducing discrimination by funding the artsor improving health by funding neighborhood projects. The strategies listedin this report aren’t definitive. They are meant to highlight successes and pointthe way to others.The Foundation is pleased to share this report with our donors and the entirecommunity. We hope that it will inspire new interests, new ideas anda few “ah-ha’s” as we work together to build a healthy community.Our work goes beyond the report. Additional data is available on our website,where donors can also explore funding opportunities and prescreened proposalsfrom local organizations. Exchanges with local leaders and nonprofit staffwill continue to inform our guidelines for donors and a framework for giving.Thank you to the hundreds of people who contributed to this report’sdevelopment. We are especially grateful to the Boeing Company for itsprinting contribution.We look forward to working with our generous citizens to create and sustaina healthy community in the place we all call home.PHYLLIS J. CAMPBELL, MOLLY STEARNS, MICHAEL BROWN AND THE REST OF THE SEATTLE FOUNDATIONTACKLING THE ISSUE

CONTENTSUP FRONT4 Getting Started6 Building Our Healthy Community8 Informed Choices11 Giving with The Seattle Foundation12 Regional Trends to Watch14 King County, the Place We Call HomeTHE elements16 BASIC NEEDSTackling the issues of food, housing andhomelessness, a living wage and freedomfrom discrimination

24 Health and WellnessTackling the issues of wellness andpreventative care, access to healthcare,long-term care, family violence andmental health34 EducationTackling the issues of early learning,supporting schoolchildren andlifelong learning42 EconomyTackling the issues of training workersfor better jobs, helping employers thriveand supporting small business50 Arts and CultureTackling the issues of art for children,access and participation, and helpingthe arts flourish58 Neighborhoods and CommunitiesTackling the issues of neighborhood living,social support and joining together66 EnvironmentTackling the issues of caring for theenvironment, promoting environmentalawareness and balancing interestsLEARN MORE74 Disparities80 Methodology82 Bibliography88 Acknowledgments

getting startedHow to use this reportThis report shows donors how they can makea difference in the local community, regardlessof their philanthropic experience, interests orgoals. Some donors know exactly what issuesthey want to fund, while others need a startingpoint. Some want to see immediate improvements;others want to plant the seeds for longtermchange. Some want to address thecommunity at large, and others choose to focuson a particular location or population. Thereport provides insights and information forevery kind of donor.What’s Inside: An Outline of the reportThis Healthy Community report takes an in-depth,well-informed look at the overall well-being of King Countyby examining seven critical areas, or elements: basic needs,health and wellness, education, economy, arts and culture,neighborhoods and communities, and environment. As theseareas are interdependent, each element chapter may touch onrelated material from elsewhere in the report. While everychapter reads as a self-contained unit, it may prompt furtherexploration. The report also includes separate sections forlarger trends and disparities, which provide useful backgroundinformation for any element chapter.The content in this report reflects conversations with hundredsof local nonprofit staff, community leaders and experts.The Seattle Foundation also drew on numerous surveys andother data sources to compile the report, as well as on its60 years of experience as a grantmaker in King County. (Seethe “Methodology” section for more information.)Icons show whethera trend is improving,worsening or unchanged.HOW WE’RE DOING:Trends in King County from the 2005 Communities Count reportemployment rateaffordable housingfreedom from discriminationTrendsThis brief section describes some of the most significant forcesaffecting residents of King County. Many of these forces arenationwide or worldwide in scope, and most affect more thanone element.GETTING STARTED

The Elements of a Healthy CommunityThe seven element chapters are the “meat” of the report.Though they don’t address every possible issue or area of giving,each element chapter includes the following features:In a Healthy Community A visionary statement of whatthe community can achieve.How We’re Doing A graphical representation of trends inkey indicators, based on the 2005 Communities Count reportand other outside data sources. Icons denote whether the giventrend is improving, worsening or unchanged.Putting It in Context A general overview of the situation inKing County, including discussion of larger trends that affectthe given element and challenges that must be addressed toimprove it.People’s Perspective Comments and observations from localresidents and other community stakeholders.Donor Experiences Insights and anecdotes from Foundationdonors who are currently giving in that area.Every element chapter then takes an in-depth look at a fewpressing issues in that area. The issues broken out in this wayaren’t the only significant ones, just key areas where donorscan have an impact. In addition to a quick overview, each issuesection includes several common components, described inthe graphic below.Understanding the elements: a sample pageDisparitiesThis section breaks down available data in King Countyto reveal differences based on racial/ethnic group, income,education, age, gender, sexual orientation and region. Thepatterns can help donors refine their giving in a number ofways, including learning more about a particular group orregion of interest, pinpointing who is most in need and who ismost likely to succeed, and gauging whether nonprofits areaddressing the populations most in need.What’s Next?The Foundation’s website, www.seattlefoundation.org, is theultimate resource for donors. It provides further informationon the Healthy Community effort, the Foundation itselfand, most importantly, prescreened grant proposals from localnonprofits. The proposals are for donors who want to takeaction immediately. Donors are always encouraged to contacttheir donor services representative with questions or forhelp focusing their giving. Donors with areas of interest notspecifically addressed in the Healthy Community report cancontact their donor services representative for further assistance.By the Numbers A snapshotof a few recent statistics or trendsthat bring the issue into focus.Some Promising Strategies*Effective approaches thatdonors can fund now.Dig Deeper Tips for donors whowant to connect, partner, lookbeyond and learn so they canleverage their giving or get moreinvolved on an issue.What’s Working* Examples oflocal programs that are successfullymaking an impact on the issue.* The strategies and examples aren’texhaustive. They are meant to givesome specific ideas about what’s possibleand to inspire the imagination.GETTING STARTED

BUILDING OURHEALTHY COMMUNITYA friend from the neighborhood looks after ayoung mother’s children so she can go back toschool and get a better job. A better job letsher provide for her kids and spend evenings athome with them. Good care and a stablehomelife make it easier for the kids tolearn at school. Learning wellallows them to grow into healthyand involved citizens – who inturn help their neighbors.No person stands alone,and helping someone hasmultiple benefits thatextend far beyond that oneperson at that one time.HEALTHY COMMUNITIES …people working together…people working together…people working together…people working together…people working together…people working together…people working together…people workingENVIRONMENTNEIGHBORHOODS& COMMUNITIESARTS &CULTUREBASICNEEDSWhen employees bike or share a bus ride to work, they stayhealthier, nurture neighborhood life and protect the region’snatural beauty – all of which make King County an attractiveplace to work and do business. Music, dance and other art formsshowcase the county’s many cultures and points of view, therebyfostering civility and drawing more people into singing, performingand creating. Efforts such as these work in good times andin bad, for people of all backgrounds and means.ECONOMYHEALTH &WELLNESSEDUCATIONThe Seattle Foundation’s Healthy Communityframework is a vision of what strong communitylife could look like and how philanthropycan play a role in creating it. Using thisframework, donors see how they canhelp build a high quality of life for allKing County residents by focusingon seven core areas, or elements.A healthy community:Meets the basic needs of its residents.Promotes health and wellness.Creates quality education and learningopportunities for all ages.Ensures a vibrant and diversified economy.Provides broad access to arts and culture.Fosters strong and connected neighborhoods and communities.Protects and stewards its natural environment.BUILDING OUR HEALTHY COMMUNITY

Each element affects all the others, as well as the entirecommunity. If one element lags, others can suffer dramaticallyas well. If one improves, so does the community as a whole.With this sense of community, philanthropy becomes morethan minimizing problems or helping the so-called “needy.”Using the Healthy Community framework, donors can helpall residents improve their lives. They look at the biggerpicture. They see how issues overlap, then give strategically.They take a long-term view on investments and outcomes.They favor programs that are convenient and responsive tousers, not just providers. And they measure success by what’schanged, not just what’s been done.Beyond our donors, this framework could help engagethe broader community on where it should head and howto get there.what’s workingKent Youth and Family Services offers programs that provide multiplecross-element services, including work training for at-risk youth, transitionalhousing for homeless adolescent mothers and their children, medical anddental screenings for local residents, and recreational opportunities for all.Seattle Art Museum’s Olympic Sculpture Park brings beauty to downtownSeattle and opens up public access to the waterfront. Built on a previousbrownfield site, it not only eliminates an environmental problem, but alsonurtures business development and community interaction.FareStart offers homeless and disadvantaged men and women hands-ontraining and job placement in the food service industry. These menand women become a part of the FareStart kitchen, where they preparenutritious food that goes on to feed other people in need.See the “Methodology” section if you’d like to know more about thedevelopment of The Seattle Foundation’s Healthy Community approach.BUILDING OUR HEALTHY COMMUNITY

informed choicesHow donors can make every dollar countRegardless of your experience with giving,all donors want their contributions to make adifference. Data can help identify needs andopportunities, but personal investment in theoutcomes is the key to a sense of satisfaction.Starting with the issues you care about mostand knowing what you want to achieve makesgiving meaningful. Once you’ve determinedwhat you want to focus on, the following tipscan maximize the effectivenessof your giving.Stick with it Keep an eye on the ultimate goal you are workingto achieve. Positive movement toward that goal often comes ina series of small steps. For example, if your goal is improvingyouth reading skills, you can choose to support book purchasesor programs where adults read with kids, among other effortsthat help build toward your desired outcome.Think outside the box The best solution to a problem may lieoutside the parameters people typically discuss. For instance,one way to help prevent Alzheimer’s might be to fund travelingarts programs for seniors, because exposure to new ideas, settingsand people helps protect against dementia and depression.And while you may start out working on one issue, a strongsolution may end up having positive effects that carry over toother areas. For example, a youth chess program maynot only provide supervised out-of-schoolpolicyexperiences for a child, but also improve thatchild’s math and comprehension skills.WHERE DO YOU WANT TO HAVE IMPACT?communityorganizationgrouppersonDetermine at what level you want to makean impact As a donor, you may want tohelp individuals in need or improve thelives of a certain group of people. Or youmay want to strengthen the programs andinstitutions serving the community. Perhapsyou want to change the social environmentthrough policies that affect the community morebroadly by focusing on issues such as clean air orseat-belt use. Many donors work at multiplelevels simultaneously.INFORMED CHOICES

Donor Story:Maryanne Tagney Jones“Most people don’t know that you can support thepolitical issues you care about through philanthropicgiving. You can’t donate money to political partiesthat are not 501(c)(3)s, but you can support votereducation, issue education, issue lobbying andother kinds of advocacy. For instance, I give tothe Washington Conservation Voters EducationFund, which is the nonprofit sister organization ofthe Washington Conservation Voters. It’s a veryeffective form of advocacy.”Find a solution and fund it Commit your support to aneffective solution or a new approach to a problem you careabout – ideally one backed up by research, outcome evaluationor a compelling statement of cause and effect. You could takethis idea and run with it in a couple of ways. You could supportits replication in other places. Or you could support otherorganizations that are implementing it.Consider nonprofit infrastructure and working-capital needsWhile it is important to keep a sharp eye on administrativeexpenses, investing in a nonprofit’s infrastructure – fromtechnology and staff training to planning, research, programdevelopment and evaluation – provides the strong foundationnecessary for getting results.Work together Many individual donors find satisfactionin working and learning with other donors and in poolingresources to make larger grants. The Seattle Foundationencourages individual donors to partner on grant proposalsreceived through the Community Grantmaking Program.Ask questions Very few of society’s tough challenges havesimple solutions. Most persistent issues are the result of a longand complex set of factors and circumstances. Askingquestions about the root causes of issues, as well as about agiven organization’s approach, can provide critical insight intoa problem and its potential solutions. The Foundation’s donorservices staff is always available to answer your questions orhelp you evaluate an organization.Support people helping people One of the most valuableattributes of a vibrant community is people’s willingness to jointogether for the common good. With a modest amount ofsupport, a small group of committed community members canclean up a neighborhood, restore salmon habitat or improvetheir children’s school. Some innovative programs haveharnessed the power of trusted family, friend and neighborrelationships and used them to reach disenfranchised populations,ease cultural transitions and build collective action. Theyalso connect through networks to coordinate their activities,enhance cooperation and smooth the way for collective actionto solve complex problems and create community resources.Support the nonprofit sector Grants to specific organizationsand programs can make an immediate impact on the community.Less recognized and equally important to long-term health areinvestments in organizations that strengthen nonprofits andallow them to do their work. Intermediary organizations playa host of invaluable roles in helping groups of nonprofits withrelated missions build linkages, develop partnerships, increaseadvocacy and undertake joint planning. These groups alsoprovide training, management assistance and technology support.INFORMED CHOICES

Donor Story:Matthew Wiley & Janet Buttenwieser“When we first started our fund we sat down andexamined where we had been giving to see if there werepatterns in the causes we supported. It was a good way toget our giving more in line with our philosophy and also todefine what our philosophy was. Then we identified fiveareas we wanted to focus on: low-income housing, lowincomeaccess to healthcare, programs for immigrants and refugees, education(specifically college prep for low-income teens) and the environment. These are thethings we feel most passionate about. On the one hand it may seem broad, but for us itfeels really focused. We realize that a community needs all of these things to truly thrive.”Knowing what worksThe Seattle Foundation uses a range ofcriteria to identify effective programs andorganizations. Donors may wish to use thesame standards for their own evaluations,or they can view prescreened proposalsfrom local organizations atwww.seattlefoundation.org/mygiving.We believe effective programs:• Address an identified community need within the HealthyCommunity framework.• Use a methodology that makes sense and takes intoaccount accepted or best practices in the field.• Build on a thoughtful, practical plan that outlines specific outcomes.• Explore innovative approaches, participants and partnerships.• Are delivered by an organization that is knowledgeableabout the issue and the people it serves.• Engage the skills, abilities and experiences of community membersin creating effective change together.• Take advantage of opportunities for coordination withother programs and avoid duplication.• Are culturally competent.• Are responsive to the people they serve and respectful of communities’dignity and need for hope.• Have staff and volunteers that reflect the community.• Are delivered in user-friendly ways and locations that overcomebarriers to participation.• Respond to the diverse needs of constituents and offerresources or referrals to other programs when needed.• Foster civic engagement.10 INFORMED CHOICES

Giving with The Seattle FoundationYour gift is as individual as you are. That’s why The SeattleFoundation makes it simple to manage your giving withinsight and compassion while making a difference in theways that matter most to you.The Seattle Foundation encourages personal philanthropyto improve the quality of life in King County and beyond.More than 1,200 individuals, families and businesses givethrough The Seattle Foundation, setting up funds that workmuch like private foundations but offer distinct benefits.Community insight Draw on our 60 years of experience.Flexibility Give according to your personal interests andmanagement preferences.Satisfaction Make effective grants that build a healthycommunity.Confidence Depend on solid investment strategies,governance and oversight.Freedom Let our professional staff handle the administrativetasks and due diligence.If You Have a Fund at The Seattle FoundationJoin with the Foundation or other donors in supportingan issue you care about. There are a number of options forleveraging collective impact.• Make grants to local organizations working to build ahealthy community. Prescreened proposals can be foundat www.seattlefoundation.org/mygiving.• Contact your program and donor services representativeto learn more about organizations working in your area ofinterest, ask questions about the findings of this report orstrategize about your giving.• Contribute to one of the Foundation’s seven newly establishedHealthy Community funds – one for each of the HealthyCommunity elements: basic needs, health and wellness,education, economy, arts and culture, neighborhoods andcommunities, and environment. Thesecollective funds will support organizationsand projects using effectivestrategies to create positive changein the community.• Dedicate a portion of your givingto the Foundation’sCommunity Needs Fund tosupport nonprofits servingKing County – regardless ofissue area. Grantees areselected from applicants tothe Community GrantmakingProgram based on the criteriafound on the opposite page.If You Don’t Have a FundWhether or not you currently give through The SeattleFoundation, we hope this report helps inform your giving.There are a number of options for working with the Foundation.• Contribute to a Healthy Community fund, described above.• Start a fund at The Seattle Foundation. By establishing anamed fund, a donor becomes a partner with the Foundationin achieving his or her charitable goals. Depending on yourdesired level of involvement and the kind of support youwant, you might consider a donor advised fund, a communityfund, an area of interest fund or a designated fund – nowor through your will. Contact the Gift Planning team at(206) 622-2294 to learn more.GIVING WITH THE SEATTLE FOUNDATION 11

REGIONAL TRENDSTO WATCHSeattle and surrounding King County haveearned a national reputation as an ideal placeto live, in part due to the overall high qualityof life. Seattle regularly ranks near the top ofmany “Best Cities” lists, bolstered by its reputationfor literacy and culture, economic andenvironmental sustainability, and outdoorrecreation. Other national surveys pay tributeto the livability of the county’s smaller cities,such as Redmond, Bellevue,Kent, Kenmore, Issaquahand Woodinville.That rosy picture, however, is far from complete. Beneath thesurface, the good life doesn’t extend to everyone, particularlypeople of color and those with low incomes. Quality of lifeis also fragile, subject to constantly shifting local and globalforces – some so gradual as to escape notice, others almost toofast to keep up with. But King County must contend with allof them in order to preserve its appeal. The following are sometrends that will strongly affect the region over the next 20 years.Higher housing costs Affordable housing is harder to findlocally, especially for medium- and low-income households thatface a growing income gap when compared with more affluenthouseholds. Expensive housing costs hurt household budgets,neighborhood diversity and business growth. Suburban andurban sprawl results from demand for homes that low- andmiddle-income families can afford, but it dilutes communities,causes large losses of green space and contributes to air pollution.Booming technology New technologies increase access toshopping, healthcare, education and connect people. But whencoupled with an expanding online media culture, they can alsoisolate people from family members, neighbors, local servicesand public life.12 REGIONAL TRENDS TO WATCH

Growing ethnic diversity Communities, employers andschools must increase their openness to and understanding ofpeople of color and immigrants, many of whom have a homelanguage other than English. These groups now make up aquarter of King County’s population; in the Kent SchoolDistrict, for example, students speak 86 languages. Nationwide,the white population may be in the minority by 2050.Population growth and aging The local population maydouble over the next century, raising demand for housing anddevelopment and threatening clean air, clean water, naturalresources and green space. The population is also growingolder. By 2020, the number of Washington residents aged 65and older is expected to almost double, affecting healthcare,housing, workplaces and civic life.Inadequate healthcare coverage One-sixth of King Countyadults under 65 years old have no healthcare insurance, increasingtheir risk for preventable serious illnesses and catastrophicmedical costs. People are paying more and more for healthcareinsurance, yet many still have inadequate coverage or accessto medication, mental healthcare and long-term care.Reduced federal funding Federal government funding for thearts and human services (healthcare, food and housing) isfalling, leaving a substantial gap that state and local governments,private funders and nonprofits cannot bridge.Expanding global competition Local companies will increasinglycompete worldwide for employees (not just customers), as othercountries produce more college-educated and highly skilledworkers. Meanwhile, there will be fewer jobs for less-educatedpeople as the economy continues to shift toward being moreknowledge-based.Climate change Studies indicate that pollution-driven globalwarming is shrinking local snowpacks and raising watertemperatures, thereby posing a threat to water supply andwildlife habitats.Rising obesity rates Many local adults fail to exercise enough,and more than half are now overweight or obese, raising theirrisk for serious health problems like diabetes and heart disease.One out of three children is already overweight or at risk ofbecoming so.REGIONAL TRENDS TO WATCH 13

KING COUNTY,THE PLACE WE CALL HOMEHome to the city of Seattle, Microsoft Corporationand breathtaking natural beauty, King Countyis the most populous county in Washingtonstate and one of the largest and richest in theUnited States. Like most large U.S. counties,it is undergoing dramatic change, transformingfrom a sleepy region of aircraft and lumberworkers to a place known worldwide for itscoffee-drinking, mountain-biking,New Economy professionals.About twice the size of Rhode Island,King County extends from the waters ofPuget Sound to the peaks of the CascadeMountains. Its 2,126 square miles includedozens of cities and towns, thousands ofrural acres and national forests full of fir,pine and spruce. Water is everywhere,from the Sound and Lake Washingtonto the dozens of rivers and streams thatcomplement the mountain views.Originally named for former U.S. Vice President WilliamRufus King, the county officially changed its namesake toDr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the mid-1980s. Native Americanculture and issues permeate the regional image and conscience(Seattle is named for the late Duwamish leader Chief Sealth),even though Native Americans now represent only a smallpercentage of the total population.our demographicsNearly 1.8 million people call King County home. They tendto be relatively affluent (the 2004 median household incomewas $55,144, compared with $44,389 nationwide)and well-educated. More than 90 percent of adultsolder than 25 have high-school diplomas, and morethan 50 percent of all residents have a bachelor’sdegree or higher – more than one and a half times thenational rate. Local educational institutions, includingthe University of Washington, have a high profilenationally and internationally.The population has grown by more than 250,000 since1990. Newcomers bring greater diversity to a regionwhere “ethnic” used to refer to the local Scandinaviancommunity. People of color now make up a quarterof the region’s residents, up from 15 percent in 1990.Those of Asian descent are the largest ethnic group(10.8 percent of the population in 2000), while Latinoshave doubled their numbers since 1990. In the HighlineSchool District alone, families speak nearly 60 languages.14 KING COUNTY, THE PLACE WE CALL HOME

The City of Seattle has historically been home to a highproportion of the county’s residents, but now two-thirds ofthem live in other cities and rural areas. Bellevue has becomea large urban and economic force, and cities in South KingCounty, such as Kent, Auburn and Burien, are growing andbuilding strong local identities.our economyThe county’s economy has also evolved with the ascent ofMicrosoft and other high-tech companies. Nearly half of allWashington jobs are in King County. By 2001, a third of thesewere in “services,” which includes software. In contrast, just12 percent of county jobs were in manufacturing, a far cryfrom when Weyerhaeuser and Boeing drove the local economy.Medical and pharmaceutical companies are on the rise,dominating lists of the county’s fastest-growing job sectors.our lifestyleBut it’s the local lifestyle, as much as the booming economy,that has raised the region’s profile. “Commute” for many peoplemeans a quiet morning ferryboat ride, with the OlympicMountains or Mount Rainier as a backdrop. Drawn to thesenatural spaces, King County residents are avid skiers, hikers andkayakers. They also enjoy more low-key pleasures, such asreading books, attending films (Seattle International FilmFestival is the country’s largest) and – famously – sipping coffee.Seattle is home to major-league baseball, football and basketballteams, among other professional sports. And the region hasa strong tradition in the arts, particularly in visual arts, theaterand popular music. Its pantheon of resident artists ranges fromthe late Jacob Lawrence and Kurt Cobain to Dale Chihuly.One percent of all government construction funding inSeattle goes to public art.Civility is prized: It’s customary for drivers to stop in the middleof the street to allow pedestrians to cross. Many candidatesfor public office tout their commitment to protecting wildsalmon and local watersheds. Businesses and individuals willspend more money to make construction or renovation projectsenvironmentally friendly.our givingIn the last decade, the region has also garnered attention forits charitable giving. The area’s oldest families helped buildthe University, as well as local museums, theaters and otherart institutions. With the technology boom of the 1990s cameanother surge in philanthropy. The Bill and Melinda GatesFoundation, built on Microsoft’s success, is now the world’slargest charitable foundation. But the boom also created a waveof young individual philanthropists – people in their 20s and30s who could afford to retire and build second careers bringingcomputers to underserved kids or helping people with AIDS.These new donors bring fresh perspective and energy to thelarger philanthropic community and expand the possibilitiesfor future success.KING COUNTY, THE PLACE WE CALL HOME 15

BASIC NEEDSTackling the issues of food, housing andhomelessness, a living wage and freedomfrom discriminationIn a Healthy Community, everyonehas the basic necessities of living.Everyone has plenty of nutritious food, safe andcomfortable shelter, and suitable clothing. Peopleknow about essential services and can accessthem easily. Affordable housing is available in avariety of neighborhoods. Everyone has theopportunity to get a job that pays a living wage ormore. People are treated fairly in employment,housing and education.HOW WE’RE DOING:Trends in King County from the 2005 Communities Count reportAFFORDABLE HOUSINGLIVING-WAGE INCOMEINCOME DISTRIBUTIONFREEDOM FROM DISCRIMINATIONA COMMUNITY VIEW: “Our community’s socialservices form an intertwined safety net – all ofthese services are very, very connected, and wehave to understand that an impact on one has aripple effect on all of the others.”TACKLING THE ISSUES 17

PUTTING IT IN CONTEXTMAKINGendsMEETSoaring housing costs, lagging incomethreaten stabilityKing County is one of the wealthiest counties in the United States,but more than 100,000 of its children visit food banks everyyear. The county is home to some of the nation’s most successfulcompanies, but many households struggle to afford rent andother basic expenses. Residents pride themselves on civility, butdiscrimination affects residents across King County, with thosewho are younger, non-white and lower-income most likely toreport an incident. One-quarter of King County adults say theyexperience discrimination, with the most common incidentsbased on age, gender, social class and race.Many households are struggling in King County. Byone estimate, a single-parent family needs to earnnearly $53,000 a year to cover essentials, butalmost half of King County households liveon less. Meanwhile housing prices aresoaring, and many affordable low-incomeoptions are concentrated in areas far awayfrom job centers. Higher housing costscrowd out budgets for other essentials,such as medicine or food. More than300,000 people visit King County foodbanks each year; others simply gohungry. Even a modest illness or shorttermjob layoff can tip a low-incomehousehold into chaos or homelessness.These problems aren’t unique to King County; they affectevery large metropolitan area in the United States. But localand state governments, as well as nonprofits, must address themto a large extent. That’s because the federal government –historically the source of most public aid – has in recent yearstightened the eligibility requirements or decreased funding forsuch programs as food stamps, housing subsidies and reducedpriceschool lunches.Helping people gain stability and self-sufficiency requiresinvestment in a variety of community supports – inBURgERSMaidServiceAdminschools, social services and culturalinstitutions – all of which improveopportunities for success. For example,parents with dependable shelter canconcentrate on working andtaking care of their families.Children with full stomachs paymore attention in school. And peoplewith adequate income are free topursue healthy lifestyles.ONE JOB WON’T DO ITA King County single parent of twomust earn more than triple theminimum wage to cover essentials.18 BASIC NEEDS

PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVE:WHAT THE COMMUNITY is sayingAmong 100 community leaders from 10 Seattle neighborhoods,lack of affordable housing was rated as the most seriousissue affecting neighborhood well-being.South King County families in low-income apartments thinkavailability of affordable housing is extremely poor, althoughsocial services providers think it is good.The emergency food network is strong but needs bettercoordination, say several nonprofit leaders.Only a third of Eastside residents think their community isdoing a “good” or “excellent” job providing social/humanservices, compared with two-thirds of Seattle residents.Donor Story: Lindie WightmanA COMMUNITY VIEW“Community is critical.You can give somebody aroom, but if he stays in thatroom by himself he is goingto be pretty miserable.People need community inorder to thrive.”“I give to the areas that directly affect quality of life. But it’snot just about buying a meal for others or giving them aplace to sleep. All basic needs are related. There are somany people who just aren’t getting what they need. Myparents grew up during the Depression, and that impactedthe way they raised me. Back then you could have a bluecollarjob and still make a livable wage to support yourselfand your family. But that’s very difficult to do now. Peoplecan’t afford housing, especially in this area, with housingcosts skyrocketing. And the stories of the children that don’thave the opportunities they should break my heart.”VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS AT WWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING 19

WHAT’S WORKINGThe Children's Alliance advocates for hot breakfastand lunch programs during the school summer break,so children get nutritious food year-round and areready to learn when school starts in September.West Seattle Food Bank will share space withcommunity organizations that provide financialmanagement, counseling and other services helpingpeople move past crises to stability.Senior Services delivers frozen meals to olderpersons who are unable to prepare nutritious mealsor leave their home to shop. The meals are easy towarm for people with limited mobility, prepared withthe special dietary needs of seniors in mind andadaptable to a variety of special diets.FOOD1 IN 10 ADULTS DON’T HAVEENOUGH FOR FOODEach year, at least one in 10 King County adults run out of money for food atsome point as they struggle to cover other costly essentials. Some people don’tknow where to get relief, some lack transportation, and others are too ashamedto seek help. Although the emergency food network is considered strong,emergency food services could be more convenient, nutritious and appropriateto the cultural and religious backgrounds of the people who use them.Available food doesn’t always accommodate the special dietary needs ofthe chronically homeless, who often suffer fromillness, substance abuse and other debilitatingconditions. Emergency food programs are also toooften segregated from other services their clientsneed, such as housing, counseling or employment.dig deeper by connecting: Talk to your local foodbank about its current needs and organize a food drive tosupport it.Adults Who Run Out of Money for Food34% of soup kitchen and shelter clients are from familieswhere at least one member works. 40% of emergency foodrecipients report having to choose between food andhealthcare expenses.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDImprove quality, not just quantity, of emergencyfood. Emphasize fruits and vegetables, as well asculturally appropriate foods and specialty itemsfor seniors, infants, the infirm and pets.Expand coordination among support agenciesto make emergency food service continuous andconvenient for those who need it.Bring other support services to food banklocations so people can address multiple needsin one stop.Deliver food to people where they already are– to children in schools, to the homeless on thestreet, to seniors at home.Create community gardens to provide lowincomefamilies fresh, nutritious and organicproduce.Educate people about their eligibility forprograms such as food stamps and the SpecialSupplemental Nutrition Program for Women,Infants and Children (WIC).VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING20BASIC NEEDS

HOUSING and homelessnessHOME PRICES SOAR, PEOPLELEFT WITH FEWER CHOICESPeople with lower incomes have fewer and fewer choices for affordable housingbecause of soaring home prices. The cost of housing is so high that many lowwagefamilies end up paying more than 30 percent of their total income andthen struggle to pay for other essentials such as food, heat or medical care. Asingle unexpected bill can force a family into homelessness, which significantlyexacerbates existing problems with employment, money management orillness. Others become homeless because of domestic violence, or they sufferchronic homelessness because of substance abuse or other physical and mentalhealth problems. Without help building their financial and personal stability,homeless people face enormous difficulty regaining shelter. Meanwhile, supportservices, transitional programs and homeless shelters are overwhelmed, withmany shelters turning away several people for every one taken in.An estimated 8,300 people are homeless on any given night in King County.One-quarter of them are children, and another quarter have been homeless for two years or more.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDImmediately house people who become homelessand link them to the support services they need sothey can regain stability more quickly and atlower long-term cost.Provide support services to people in transitionalhousing so they can move more quickly intopermanent housing and keep it.Expand implementation of innovative strategies tocreate affordable housing in a variety of neighborhoods,such as community land trusts, whichacquire and hold land but sell off buildings atlower cost.dig deeper by learning: Read the 10-Year Plan to End Homelessness inKing County at www.cehkc.org/index.shtml.WHAT’S WORKINGPlymouth Housing Group houses formerly homeless singleadults and provides customized case management, along withsupportive services, such as employment services and clothing,to give tenants the chance to stabilize.HomeSight provides purchase assistance loans of up to$45,000 for moderate- and low-income first-time home buyers,along with education classes, financial assessment and coachingsessions to help buyers create budgets and action plans.Fremont Public Association helps homeless people movetoward shelter and long-term stability by offering moneymanagementand debt-reduction assistance.Help people stay in housingby providing short-termrent relief and other selfsufficiencytools.Support day centers, whichgive homeless people aplace to take a shower, dolaundry, make telephonecalls or look for employment.Provide home-buyereducation for first-timehome seekers.Build housing-developmentprojects to create and maintainsubsidized housing for low-income people.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGBASIC NEEDS 21

A LIVING WAGEquarter of residents earnless than living wageMany King County residents are living on too little income. About 10 percent(including nearly 50,000 children) live in poverty. Nearly a quarter of all KingCounty residents earn less than a living wage ($38,600 for a family of four in2004, or twice the federal poverty level), and people of color are much morelikely to live in poverty than white residents. But finding better-paying jobs isincreasingly difficult for less-educated or non-English-speaking people, as thelocal job market becomes more high-tech and service-oriented. Helping peoplebuild greater prosperity often requires addressing multiple factors – individualmoney management, health and skills, as well as broader educational or jobmarkettrends.dig deeper by partnering: Give to the Foundation’s Basic Needs HealthyCommunity Fund, which supports nonprofit organizations helping low-income peoplein King County.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDProvide interview-skills training, businessattire and other support to help people get andkeep jobs.Expand job-training programs that lead toemployment and higher wages.Locate employment-support services at lowincomeapartment complexes and other placeswhere people in need already are.Help low-income families build wealth bylinking them with instruments such as the earnedincome tax credit or a matched savings account.Encourage government policies that allowfamilies to meet basic needs and attain selfsufficiency.Subsidize essentials such as rent, utilities, foodor medical bills for people in crisis.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING22.6% of King County residents earn less than a living wage.WHAT’S WORKINGInternational District Housing Alliance helps low-incomefamilies build savings for home ownership, further education orfind business opportunities through Individual DevelopmentAccounts, a three-to-one savings matching program.New Futures brings after-school programs, language classes andother support services to low-income apartment complexes, alongwith information about food stamps, rent assistance and otherrelief resources. Residents work closely with service providers.22 BASIC NEEDS

WHAT’S WORKINGThe Cross Cultural Health CareProgram offers cultural competencyand interpreter trainings for healthcareprofessionals.Hate Free Zone staffs a statewidehotline for hate-incident and discriminationreporting, including referrals tolegal and other relevant resources.freedom from discriminationHalf of hate crimes incounty linked to raceA quarter of the adults in increasingly diverse King County say they’ve experienceddiscrimination, and that fraction is double among young adults, the poor andracial minorities. Incidents reported by local residents occur most frequentlyon the street or in public, followed by in the workplace. These incidentscan create instability and obstruct access to education, employment andcommunity life. Lack of cultural understanding and language barriers caninterfere with access to medical care. Half of the hate crimes in King Countyare linked to race and leave parts of the community feeling unsafe.dig deeper by looking beyond: Ask nonprofits you support how you canhelp them promote diversity or cultural understanding through staff training orother programming.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDCreate opportunities for the community to learnand talk about discrimination.Help healthcare facilities become morewelcoming and respectful to their increasinglydiverse clientele.Expand good interpreter programs at socialservice agencies, medical clinics, schools andgovernment offices.Support public policy that encourages fairtreatment for all.Raise awareness about discrimination – what itis, where to report it and how to stop it.Support cultural competency training fornonprofit organizations to help them better servetheir clients.Adults Who Experience Discrimination49% of non-whitesVIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING64%of those who earn less than $15,000 a year56% of those under 25BASIC NEEDS 23

health andwellnessTackling the issues of wellness and preventative care,access to healthcare, long-term care, family violenceand mental healthHOW WE’RE DOING:Trends in King County from the 2005 Communities Count reportphysical activityOVERweight and obesitystresshealth insurance coverageand accessdomestic violenceinfant mortalityteen birthsadult and underage alcohol useadult and underage tobacco useviolent crime ratemotor vehicle crash deathsIn a Healthy Community, everyonestrives for a healthy lifestyle andoverall wellness, and the communitysupports their goals and ensures thatthey have access to quality healthcarewhen they need it. Children, adults andelders pursue and maintain healthy lifestyles.The community supports wellness and spiritualwell-being for everyone, in addition to physicalfitness. Individuals, service providers andhealthcare systems emphasize preventive care.Everyone can get good, affordable medical, dentaland mental healthcare. The community seeks tostop domestic violence and child abuse. Theelderly and people with degenerative diseases canget affordable, high-quality, long-term care.TACKLING THE ISSUES 25

PUTTING IT IN CONTEXTtakingCareHealthier lifestyles and betteraccess to care are keyGood health and flourishing communities go hand in hand. Peoplestay healthier and happier when they have fulfilling workbalanced with adequate rest and leisure time, cleanenvironments and plenty of recreational opportunities, andaccess to high-quality healthcare. Good health is intrinsicallyvaluable for the individual, but it brings additional benefits tothe community. Recreation brings people out to meet theirneighbors. Good health means fewer days absent and greaterproductivity at work and at school. Healthier people not onlycost less to employ over the long run, but also are more likely toavoid the catastrophic potential consequences of poor physicaland mental health, such as homelessness.King County’s health outlook is mixed. It’s home to world-classhealthcare facilities, but most aren’t easily accessible to the onein six adults with no healthcare insurance (the highest ratesince 1991). Here, as elsewhere nationwide, employers areoften the sole providers of healthcare coverage for adultsunder 65. Small employers struggle to find affordablehealth plans, and part-time employeesoften have no health insurance options atall. Even when people are insured, thecoverage isn’t perfect. Premiums haveskyrocketed, and coverage may beinadequate for prescriptions or alternativetreatments, such as naturopathyand acupuncture. People who needlong-term care or are mentally ill have an even harder timefinding affordable, dependable treatment.The region has a wide variety of opportunities to nurture themind and body: fitness clubs, camps, bicycle and walking trails,spiritual centers, yoga studios, sports leagues and more. Butnearly half of the county’s adults aren’t getting enough dailyexercise. Fewer people are smoking, but more than half of alladults are overweight or obese, which raises their risk for seriousillnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.And even as overall violent crime rates decline, thousands ofKing County families every year still suffer the effects ofdomestic violence and child abuse. Experts assume that manymore incidents go unreported.Neither do these general health trends affect everyone thesame way. People of color and people from lower-income orless-educated households are much more likely to be obese,sedentary or uninsured. Although overall infant mortalityand teen birth rates have dropped, they remainhigher among African Americans, NativeAmericans/Alaskan Natives and Hispanics/Latinos. And people from those groups,along with immigrants and members of thelesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender community,often encounter discrimination orcultural insensitivity at healthcare facilities.26 HEALTH AND WELLNESS

A COMMUNITY VIEW“Obesity and lack of physicalactivity together are a nearequivalentrisk to tobacco. Weneed to change the socialnorms as we did in tobacco andcounter the marketing of fastfood with our own messages.”PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVE:WHAT THE COMMUNITY is sayingResidents in low-income apartments in south King Countycite several barriers to healthcare, including lack oftransportation, translation and reliable information about whatservices are available and at what cost.Services other than basic medical care – dentistry or mentalhealthcare, for example – are woefully unavailable topeople with low incomes, according to families and socialservice providers.High Point residents say that many elderly residentscan’t get healthcare because they can’t leave home withoutassistance.Donor Story:Jean Brockenbrough“As a school nurse, I work withan interesting and challengingmix of children. At one of myschools more than half of thestudents come from lowincomefamilies, and somehave significant disabilities. Working with these childrenand their families allows me to see the needs that they have.Whether it is purchasing equipment for our disabledstudents or providing scholarship funds for after-school andsummer day-camp programs, I find it very satisfying toprovide these children with opportunities.”Family planning and prenatal care services aren’t reachingeveryone in the community.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS AT WWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING 27

WHAT’S WORKINGThe YMCA of Greater Seattle provides daily fitness classes, outdooractivities, summer camps and other programs to more than 125,000 localresidents a year, serving people of all ages, races, faiths and incomes.The Barbershop Project, sponsored by Brother to Brother, trains barbersserving the African American community to teach others how to protectthemselves and their loved ones from HIV. The barbers also link customers tofree HIV training, testing and counseling.Delta Society improves human health with service and therapy animals.Through its Pet Partners Program, they train and screen volunteers and theirpets to take part in visiting-animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes,rehabilitation centers, schools and other facilities.wellness and preventative caresupporting healthy livesThe best way to avoid illness is to proactively prevent it with a healthy lifestyle andearly intervention. People stay fittest when they eat well, exercise and avoidsmoking, heavy drinking, unprotected sex and other risky behaviors. They alsoneed rest, relaxation and fulfillment to feel their best. Prenatal care protectsmothers and babies, while support for new parents prevents avoidable infantdeaths. The elderly and disabled need regular care, social contact and earlytreatment to head off physical and mental decline or nursing-home stays. Clearpolicies that support healthy lifestyles, such as adequate time for exercise andleisure, or flexibility for family caregivers, can help promote good health. Theseapproaches benefit community life,improve health and reduce long-termcosts, but it’s usually only people witheducation, time and money who are able32%58%10%45%1994 2004Overweight adults, King CountyObese adults, King CountyTotal adult population, King County37%18%we’ve put on weight latelyto pursue them. Half of King Countyresidents are now overweight or obese,including more than 15 percent of allchildren. People without college degrees,those who make less than $50,000 a yearand people of color are less likely to getadequate exercise and more likely to berestricted by poor health.dig deeper by partnering: Considerestablishing a new medical research fund atThe Seattle Foundation for a specifichealthcare need.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDEncourage programs that promote fitnessas a group activity to be done with familyand friends.Expand health and fitness programs aimed atyoung people, especially those that teach kidshealthy habits in the first five years of life.Develop wellness approaches that addresssocial connections, mental health and stressreduction, along with fitness and nutrition.Improve prenatal care and early-parentingsupport for teenage, African American andNative American/Alaskan Native mothers,who suffer disproportionately high rates ofinfant mortality.Use community leaders or networks toteach HIV/AIDS prevention and other riskreducingbehavior.Engage older adults and the disabled inexercise, classes and social get-togethers.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING28HEALTH AND WELLNESS

access to healthcare15,000 children in kingcounty without insurance84% of full-time workers in Washington state are employed by companies thatoffer some form of health insurance. But those employers constitute only 63% of all firms in the state.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDA growing number of King County residents have no health insurance, which is aserious risk to health, wealth and stability. One in six adults under 65 has nocoverage, along with more than 15,000 county children. Uninsured rates arehigher for people of color and those with low income and little education.Because doctor visits are expensive, uninsured people often don’t seek early –and less costly – care that could spare them from discomfort, lost workdays,serious complications and even death. By the time they’re sick enough to seekhelp, emergency and medical treatment can result in medical bills far beyondtheir ability to pay. They may face bankruptcy or homelessness, while theunpaid costs of their care get passed on to the insured. Even among theinsured, coverage may be expensive and inadequate for certain care servicesand prescriptions, mental health or alternative treatments like acupuncture.There are fewer opportunities for low-income children and adults to accessdental care. People of color, non-English speakers, and sexual and genderminorities may not only receive poorer care, but also often encounterdiscrimination that further obstructs their access to care.dig deeper by looking beyond: Support advocacy organizations trying toexpand healthcare access for all residents.Expand health insurance coverage to more childrenand adults by pursuing strategies rangingfrom advocacy to better information and referrals.Link people to existing low-income or low-costhealth insurance programs.Enhance community health clinics that providehigh-quality medical and dental care to uninsuredor underinsured patients.Expand insurance coverage for acupuncture,naturopathy and other alternative treatments.Expand interpretive services, culturalcompetence and specialized care forcommunities likely to encounter discrimination.Recruit dental and medical volunteers to provideservices to low-income children and adults.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGWHAT’S WORKINGVerbena Health supports healthcare for lesbians, bisexual women and transgender individuals through free healthscreeningevents, peer education, health fairs, retreats for cancer survivors and caregivers, and cultural-competency training.Puget Sound Neighborhood Health Center Clinics help people enroll in low-cost or free healthcare insurance plans.Pioneer Square Clinic and Plymouth Housing Group’s Podiatry Project provide on-site podiatry and nursing visits tohard-to-reach, low-income-housing residents, nearly all of whom were previously homeless. Foot care offers an effective,nonthreatening point of contact to engage residents, assess their unmet medical needs and guide them to receiveappropriate medical care that will promote good health and increase the likelihood of maintaining stable housing.HEALTH AND WELLNESS 29

long-term careaging population and chronicillness build demandMore people than ever need long-term care, but few are able to find or afford goodcare. Between 2005 and 2020, the state’s over-65 population will almostdouble. Although people are now living healthier into old age, most peopleover 85 have impaired mobility, and half suffer mental decline. Meanwhile,people of all ages with developmental disabilities, HIV/AIDS and otherchronic, debilitating illnesses need help with daily tasks like dressing andeating, as well as supervision and medical care. Long-term care providers rangefrom family members to home-care agencies, assisted-living facilities andnursing homes. But family members may be overwhelmed, while professionalservices suffer from low wages, high turnover and spotty quality or safety. Evenmediocre care can cost hundreds of dollars a day, especially in the expensivePuget Sound market, and most of it isn’t covered by Medicare, pensions orconventional health insurance.W E’RE GOING GREY2005 2020By 2020 W ashington population over 65 will double. Source: Communities Count 2005we’re going grey By 2020, Washington’spopulation over 65 will double.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDdig deeper by learning: Familiarize yourself with the public-policy issuesaround long-term care.WHAT’S WORKINGThe Senior Wellness Project at the Northshore Senior Center is part of a network to give older adultsaccess to low-cost, high-quality health-promotion programs. The program helps seniors set and meet individualgoals to enhance their health through exercise and social activity; manage chronic diseases; cope with chronicconditions, lifestyle changes, fatigue, medications, painand depression; and through physical conditioning,decrease the risk of falling.Bailey-Boushay House provides care to people withHIV/AIDS by offering a skilled-nursing, residential-careprogram and interdisciplinary adult day program. It alsoserves medically and socially frail individuals who sufferfrom homelessness, mental illness and substance abuse.Elderhealth Northwest brings in-home services toseniors, including bathing and personal care, laundryand linen service, meal planning and preparation,housecleaning and shopping.Help people afford and plan for long-termcare through information, education andadvocacy.Expand adult day programs for seniorsand disabled adults, which connect participantsto their communities and give family caregiversa break.Promote activities – recreational, fitness,educational and social for seniors and thedisabled – so they can remain healthy physicallyand mentally.Make assisted-living and nursing-home servicesbetter, safer and more culturally responsive.Support animal companionship, homeretrofittingprograms and other home-basedservices to foster independent living.Provide mentors, respite care, easy access toresources and support for family members whoare caring for seniors or disabled family membersat home.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING30HEALTH AND WELLNESS

family violenceNEARLY 12,000 domesticviolence offenses a yearEducation, intervention and social support are keys to helping King County’sthousands of domestic-violence and child-abuse victims. Nearly 12,000domestic-violence offenses are documented countywide each year, andalthough the victims are predominately women, domestic violence canaffect any person, of any age and background. Children and the elderly areparticularly vulnerable. King County authorities also investigate nearly10,000 reports of child abuse and neglect each year, with complaintsranging from malnutrition to battery and sexual assault. Children underage 4 are most at risk, and experts assume many more incidents gounreported. Domestic violence and child abuse cause injury, lost work andschool days – and even death – and are a leading cause of homelessness forwomen and children. Children and others who witness violence suffer arange of consequences including trauma, poor physical and mental health,social difficulties and placement into the struggling foster-care system.They are more likely to become substance abusers or violently abusivethemselves. Curbing the abuse requires multiple approaches: educatingindividuals and communities, intervening as soon as abuse begins,providing safe places to stay and supportingstrong social networks to draw out oftenisolated victims. Additional trainingcan also help law-enforcementofficials, healthcare providers andsocial workers recognize and stopviolence and abuse.dig deeper by learning: Talkwith your hurts donor There services were 11,968 representative domestic-violenceabout incidents the family in 2004. violence system that helpskeep people safe.11,968murderviolation ofprotectionorderrapeaggravatedassaultsimple assaultWHAT’S WORKINGAbused Deaf Women’s Advocacy Services provides services to deaf and deafblindvictims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence, including transitionalhousing in apartments with adaptive equipment, such as TTYs for telephone access,Braille signage and flashing lights to warn of fire or indicate a knock at the door.Parent Trust for Washington Children provides integrated support to familiesat risk for abuse and neglect, including parenting classes and 24-hour helplines inEnglish and Spanish. The program reaches out to Latino and Filipino communities,as well as to new fathers and families affected by substance abuse.YWCA’s Anita Vista program provides low-cost transitional housing and supporttoward self-sufficiency for victims of domestic violence and their children. Residentsalso receive classes, counseling, job help, and physical and mental healthcare, inaddition to domestic-violence education and advocacy services.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDUse existing community networks and leaders todiscourage family violence, resolve conflicts morepeacefully and draw out victims who may be isolated.Address the special needs of children withintervention and treatment programs for those whohave witnessed violence, and support dating- anddomestic- violence education for adolescents.Expand free or low-cost legal services to victimsof domestic violence.Support families with young children and highstress with parent education, support groups, homevisits, counseling and caregiving relief.Address the roles of men and boys in stoppingfamily violence with programs that teachnonviolence and healthy relationships to discouragebullying or sexual harassment.Provide parenting education to people fromimmigrant communities, with instructors from withinthose communities who can teach in their nativelanguage and understand cultural norms.Train law enforcement officials, healthcareproviders and teachers to recognize the signs ofand intervene to stop violence and abuse.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGHEALTH AND WELLNESS 31

WHAT’S WORKINGCrisis Clinic offers youth suicide prevention education in highschools. Through its Survivors of Suicide bereavement groups,the Clinic provides support of family and friends who have losta loved one.Family Services’ Beyond the Baby Blues program providesinformation, education and support to mothers with postpartummood disorders. The program also provides psychotherapyservices aimed at improving coping skills and reducing stress.Plymouth Healing Communities provides a stable, caringhome for formerly homeless people who have beenhospitalized with mental illness. Its Neighbor Companionprogram supports mentally ill people living independently.mental healthregardless of who youare, disorders can strikeOne in five people will suffer a mental disorder this year that disrupts their work,health and relationships. Mental disorders range from anxiety to eating andsleep disorders, as well as clinical depression and schizophrenia. They canaffect anyone and be brought on by substance abuse, genetics or stress. Theyalter mood and behavior in a way that causes impairment and sometimes evenviolence and suicide. About half of all people with serious mental illnessdevelop substance-abuse problems. They are at high risk for homelessness andincarceration, making up at least a quarter of the homeless on any givennight and as much as one-fifth of the prison population. Treatment can helpsubstantially, but many obstacles can get in the way. The illness itself maycloud judgment. Family and friends may not recognize symptoms. Even thosewith health insurance sometimes have trouble affording necessary counseling,hospitalization and medication. Even though research increasingly links it tophysical or chemical dysfunction, mental illness also continues to be seen as acharacter defect, a stigma that discourages many sufferers from admittingsymptoms or getting help.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDProvide high-quality, long-term services andsupport for mentally ill children and adults.Support suicide prevention programs andcrisis lines.Reduce child abuse and exposure to domesticviolence, which increases children’s risk fordeveloping emotional and behavior problems.Raise awareness of mental illness and itssymptoms, especially among children, andfollow up with assessment and treatment.Bring mental health services to places withdisproportionately high numbers of mentally illpeople, such as homeless programs and prisons.Expand housing and employment programs tohelp create stability for mentally ill people.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING32dig deeper by looking beyond: Did you know a major cause ofhomelessness is mental illness? Ask your donor services representativeabout ways to support community-based programsthat treat mental illness.In Washington state, suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents.HEALTH AND WELLNESS

EducationTackling the issues of early learning, supportingschoolchildren and lifelong learningHOW WE’RE DOING:Trends in King County from the 2005 Communities Count reportQuality, Affordable Child CareAcademic Achievement: Test ScoresParent Involvement in Child’sLearningAdult Participation in Life-EnrichingActivitiesIn a Healthy Community, the lives of allpeople are enriched by quality education.Parents and caregivers get the support they needto love, nurture and guide children to theirgreatest potential, starting from birth. Childrenare ready to learn at school, and schools are readyto teach them. Youth have access to out-ofschoolprograms that provide alternative andenhanced learning opportunities, as well asinteraction with caring adults. Educationalinstitutions prepare students for the jobs of todayand of tomorrow. All residents have lifelongaccess to education, whether to pursue hobbies,learn English or improve job prospects. Schoolsand educational institutions foster creativity andimagination. Schools, families and the largercommunity support one another, and youngpeople feel connected with all of them.TACKLING THE ISSUES 35

PUTTING IT IN CONTEXTearning atallAGESGrowing diversity and changing economyreshape educationKing County schools are evolving to meet the needs of a more diversecommunity and economy. The traditional system was designedfor a more homogenous population, in which most childrenstayed home until kindergarten, and people could find goodjobs with a high-school diploma. The future system mustprepare people of all ages to participate fully in a global,knowledge-driven economy and culturally diverse age.Both the federal and state governments haveattempted reform in public schools withmandates, such as the federal No Child LeftBehind Act and the Washington Assessmentof Student Learning (WASL) testing.Currently, many public-school students arefalling short of required standards or failing tograduate on time. School districts are not equallyfunded and have varying capacities to generate additionalrevenue to pay for extra subjects, activities, class time and outof-schoolsupport. More affluent families often choose to pay forprivate education, particularly in Seattle. The crisis in ourschools has generated much citizen activism and dialogue onhow to improve the educational system.Disparities outside school also affect outcomes within. Schoolswho struggle with the WASL tend to be located in the poorerregions of the county. Their students may lack out-of-schoolsupport essential to their development: not only mentoring,tutoring, computers or extracurricular programs, but shelter,food, safety and stable homes. People who don’t finish highschool often can’t earn enough to cover their bills; they evenrisk poorer health.Outside of the K-12 system, jobtraining, English instruction andother forms of continuing educationare crucial for maintaining a robustand adaptable workforce, especiallyas more immigrants seek jobs andthe economy shifts away from olderindustries such as fishing, loggingand manufacturing. Access tolifelong learning also has broaderbenefits for civic life, health and well-being, but local opportunitiesare scattered, and students may be hindered by cost.The same can be said of local child care and preschooleducation, in spite of overwhelming evidence that strong earlylearningprograms engender much better school performanceand overall development. Parents and other caregivers needsupport to provide a nurturing, stimulating environment, andchildren who lack such experience enter kindergarten lessprepared than their peers and are unlikely to catch up.36 EDUCATION

A COMMUNITY VIEW“The achievement gap isa cancer in our schoolsystem. The overallsystem won’t improveuntil this is addressed.”PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVE:WHAT THE COMMUNITY is sayingEastside and South King County residents rank education as anarea where they most need additional support, ahead ofpublic safety or civil rights.High Point residents praise neighborhood youth programs butcall for more adult-learning opportunities, especially forlimited-English speakers.“We need to expand the definition of education beyondacademics to include all domains of learning – social,emotional, cognitive and physical.”“Quality education unites the community acrossneighborhood, race and class divisions. Schools are one ofthe key places where people learn to understand each other.”Donor Story:Fraser Black“I believe that an effectivedemocracy can only make gooddecisions if the majority of thepopulous has a solid education. Agood education impacts manyaspects of our society – economicprosperity, family structure and social needs. I used to giveprimarily to elementary and higher-education programs, butrecently I have focused on education in the first five years oflife. Research has proven that dollars spent on earlylearning have the greatest impact at the least cost to society.Children who are far behind their peers entering first graderarely catch up and end up costing society much more downthe road than the price of early-education programs.”VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS AT WWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING 37

WHAT’S WORKINGChild Care Resources is leading a countywideeffort to provide resources and support to family,friend and neighbor caregivers to help them do thebest job they can of nurturing children’s development.Jumpstart Seattle matches at-risk preschoolchildren with college students who help them developliteracy, language and social skills.Talaris Research Institute works to improve thehealthy social, emotional and cognitive developmentof children from the prenatal period through age 5 byproviding parents with practical information to raisetheir children effectively.EARLY LEARNINGit’s never too earlyResearch is uncovering the critical role early education plays in a person’s developmentand future success. However, excellent learning environments for childrenup to age 5 are hard to find and even harder to afford. The research findingsabout young children’s development and how and when they learn isn’treaching many parents and caregivers. Despite numerous local efforts,professional child care is still plagued by inconvenience, spotty quality, lowwages and high employee turnover. Many families find good care unaffordable,but public and employer support is minimal. Many parents choose to havetheir children under 3 cared for by family, friends or neighbors while they workor go to school, because they are trusted, affordable and can also betteraccommodate nontraditional working hours. Supporting these caregiversmatters, since the kindergarten preparation of more than half of the county’slow-income children is in their hands.dig deeper by partnering: Support the Business Partnership for EarlyLearning, administered by The Seattle Foundation, which is funding two researchbasedearly-learning programs for the children in Seattle who are least likely to beginkindergarten prepared to learn.In a recent report by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, kindergartenteachers in Washington state report that, overall, of incoming students wereadequately prepared for kindergarten.38 EDUCATION44%SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDExpand caregiving and preschool programsin step with developmental research, such asincorporating “child-initiated” strategies that useplay to teach reading and math skills.Provide early learning support infamiliar settings, tailored to caregivers’customs and language, through trustedcommunity organizations.Bring parents together to discuss successes andfrustrations in a relaxed atmosphere.Foster exchange between early childhoodcaregivers and K-12 educators, particularlykindergarten teachers.Support public/private efforts that enhanceparent and caregiver education and support childcare, preschool and other learning environments.Translate research on early development intopractical materials for parents and caregivers.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING

supporting schoolchildrenkids and schools need helpto succeedChildren need more support in and out of school to thrive and prepare for adultlife. Although WASL scores are rising in most county districts, schools inpoorer regions continue to fare worse than those in affluent ones. Most ontimegraduation rates aren’t improving, and many employers remaindissatisfied with local graduates’ job skills. As schools focus on meetingexpanding federal and state mandates, students receive little instruction inart, music and other classes and activities that can improve self-esteem,personal development and academic performance. Staff in both public andprivate schools struggle to keep up with effective teaching methods. Outsideschool hours, many students lack essential support: supervision, help fromfamilies and neighbors, engaging after-school activities, access to technologyand, for older adolescents, employment opportunities.dig deeper by partnering: Contribute to the Education and HealthyCommunity Fund, which supports organizations that help prepare students withschool- and college-readiness programs.ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTFourth-grade students from select districts who meet state standards, King County, 2005.School DistrictShorelineLake WashingtonBellevueKentFederal WayMath80%78%74%68%61%Reading88%90%87%81%83%School DistrictAuburnSeattleRentonHighlineTukwilaMath59%59%51%45%42%Reading78%77%75%69%63%WHAT’S WORKINGRainier Scholars places students of color in rigorousacademic programs starting in sixth grade and providesongoing support services to students and their families for afull decade.Chess Mates Foundation uses chess to teach childrencreative problem solving and critical-thinking skills, sharpenmemory and concentration, and communicate with their peersin a team atmosphere.Refugee and Immigrant Parent Advocacy Networkhelps immigrant parents understand the school system andplay a more active role in their children’s education.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDSupport extracurricular programs that giveyouth a chance to succeed outside the classroomand connect them to caring adults, as well as theirneighborhoods and cultural communities.Build work experience among high-schoolstudents and prevent dropping out by combiningwork, internships and volunteer opportunities withclassroom learning.Cultivate programs that enrich learning anddevelop leadership.Subsidize curricula that are being cut fromschool budgets, such as art and music.Foster long-term mentoring and tutoring relationships.Identify hallmarks and best practices of educationand nurture them in public and private schools.Washington State Total Math: 61% Reading: 79%VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGEDUCATION 39

WHAT’S WORKINGAsian Counseling and Referral Service offers Englishclasses at work sites, with lessons tailored to language skillsthat workers need on the job everyday.King County Library System’s “The Library Connection @Southcenter” is located at a local shopping mall andpromotes literacy, provides tutoring, supports job searchesand offers storytelling in addition to books and multimedia.Pratt Fine Arts Center offers educational and artisticprograms, including classes, workshops and studio access forglass, sculpture, painting, drawing and printmaking.lifelong learningeducation expands mindsand boosts incomeContinuing education helps maintain a thriving workforce and community, but it’snot always easy to pursue. Jobs today are more likely to require higher educationand special training. Even though the region has many college graduates,high-tech employers say that in addition to weak technical skills, localapplicants often lack ability in communication, Education problem Pays solving Off and criticalthinking. The county also has moreAveragenon-Englishannual salaryspeakersbasedseekingon educationwork. Tolevel.become better and more adaptable employees, adults need opportunities tocomplete high-school equivalents, pursue degrees, improve their Englishand learn new job skills. Lifelong learning also has broader benefits. Itnurtures resourcefulness, civil discourse and community involvement.It can even boost physical and mental health. Butcurrently available opportunities often conflict with workschedules or family responsibilities. Technology canfacilitate access but is underused. And unlike inK-12 education, adult learners are oftenrequired to pay their own way.1-12monthsAASOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDHelp market continuing-education offeringsof libraries, senior centers, public radio andtelevision stations, and other providers.Bring classes and activities to apartmentcomplexes and other places where both adultsand children can participate.Improve usage of existing distance-BA+learning programs and othertechnological conveniences.Utilize K-12 resources forinstruction in English as a secondlanguage or for high-school equivalencyprograms.Expand and diversify continuing-educationprograms.Subsidize child care or transportation foradult students.dig deeper by connecting:Check out a lecture orworkshop offered by your localcommunity center or library.ShortTermOn-the-job training$23,459 $35,124 $43,817Degrees$65,520VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGSource: United Way of King County Community Assessment 2004education pays off Average annual salary based on education level.40 EDUCATION

EconomyTackling the issues of training workersfor better jobs, helping employers thrive andsupporting small businessHOW WE’RE DOING:Trends in King County according to Prosperity Partnership’s2005 Economic Analysis of the Central Puget Sound Regionand the 2005 Communities Count report.Employment RateAvailable Manufacturing JobsPersonal IncomeHouseholds WithoutLiving Wage IncomeIn a Healthy Community, the regionaleconomy creates quality employmentopportunities for everyone by trainingand supporting workers and attractingand developing businesses. The regionattracts a diverse community of employers overthe long term by offering high quality of life,sound infrastructure, plentiful resources andreasonable costs. The economy creates jobs withgood pay and benefits for all sorts of people.Educational institutions and training programsdevelop a highly qualified and innovative localworkforce. People have access to good-quality,affordable child care, transportation and otherservices that support work. Businesses, governmentsand economic-development organizationswork together to strengthen the economy andaddress broader support issues for employers andworkers. The region nurtures small-businessdevelopment through education, training andaccess to capital.TACKLING THE ISSUES 43

PUTTING IT IN CONTEXTKEEPINGthe enginehoTCreating good jobs, good workers fuels economyLike all communities, King County has an enormous interest infostering and sustaining a diverse economy that provides goodjobs for its many different inhabitants. And like many U.S.counties with high costs of living, it faces multiple challengesin doing so.Once centered on lumber andaerospace, Puget Sound is now hometo fast-growing businesses in sectorssuch as information technology,electronic shopping, biotechnologyand long-term healthcare. Localresearch institutions attract andsupport these industries, and thearea’s cultural life and naturalbeauty help draw a mobile,highly educated “creativeclass” of workers.But these industries must stillcompete nationally and globally, oftenwith companies from regions with lower costs or betterinfrastructure. Companies and residents alike complain aboutPuget Sound’s clogged roadways. Many employers feel that localapplicants are substantially unprepared for work, while expensivehousing and child care threaten our region’s ability toretain and attract skilled workers. Balancing all these interestsand helping both employers and workers to thrive requirescooperation, planning and leadership.Improving education will not only create a more qualifiedworkforce, but also give workers their best chance at adaptingto inevitable change. The shift toward information- andservice-driven industries has left many people behind, even asthe broader economy and average personal incomehave grown. Education and training also helpsensure equitable access to good jobs – thosewith adequate pay, benefits and leisure time.People of color are disproportionatelyrepresented in low-wage jobs, andeven in times of economicgrowth, 8 percent of thepopulation remains inpoverty.The region could alsoimprove assistance to itsnearly 60,000 small businesses.These small ventures provide jobs andself-sufficiency, and their founders oftencontribute leadership and character to the community.But most struggle with planning and growth, and many willclose their doors within five years without additional support.The growth and viability of the region is dependent upon itsability to foster and support entrepreneurs and small businesses.44 ECONOMY

A COMMUNITY VIEW“What might appear to bea strong economy sometimesbenefits only a narrowslice of the community.You can have a vibranteconomy yet still leave alot of folks behind.”PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVE:WHAT THE COMMUNITY is saying“Diversity in the workforce is an essential asset forglobal competitiveness.”“Our community isn’t doing well at creating a vibrant anddiverse economy – this is one of our greatest challenges.”“One way to solve many of the challenges facing our communityis to help people attain well-paying jobs. If as a communitywe have a vibrant economy, then we’re able to raise all ships.”“Business needs to be a strong partner in building ourcommunities in all areas: educating people, hiring workers andproviding technical assistance to job-training organizations.”Donor Story:Dan Regis“Unofficially, we call ourfund ‘Go Fish.’ You know thesaying: ‘Give a man a fish,and he’ll eat for a day. Teacha man to fish, and he’ll eat forlife.’ What we try to do is teachpeople to fish. We support organizations like FareStart thattrain people in need to do a job and teach them all of thesurvival skills and values needed in the workplace. Theytrain you to do a job that is always going to be there – whileit might not be a high-paying job, it’s a job that allows peopleto become self-sufficient. The success rate for that programis very high, and it fits with my basic philosophy.”VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS AT WWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING 45

WHAT’S WORKINGThe Port of Seattle’s Airport Jobs Employment InformationCenter allows local aviation-related employers to post vacanciesand helps job seekers – half of whom are immigrants andrefugees – find postings, prepare resumes and improveinterview skills.Seattle Jobs Initiative provides low-income individualsindustry-specific training in growing sectors, along with trainingin job search, interview and financial-literacy skills.Passport to Success, a partnership among local high schools,government and the University of Washington, helps studentswith disabilities explore careers, gain work experience andmake a successful transition to life after high school.Training workers for better jobsJob seekers lack basicskills, employers sayEmployers should be able to easily find qualified local hires, and workers shouldbe able to easily find good jobs. Ensuring that both become a reality requiresattention to education, management and cross-sector cooperation. Nearly halfof Washington employers say local job applicants, even those with collegedegrees, often lack basic skills. Improving local education and job training notonly strengthens the workforce, but also allows workers to adapt more quicklyin the rapidly changing economy. Good education and training programsensure that job opportunities are available to all sorts of qualified people inthis increasingly diverse region – immigrants and natives, men and women,young and old, disabled and not. Businesses, communitygroups and government leaders must also work togetherto ensure that workersreceive adequate wages andbenefits, access to childcare and other support, andenough leisure time to restand contribute to civic life.dig deeper byconnecting: Donateclothing, equipment andservices to programs thathelp people get jobs.360320280THOUSANDSNEW JOBSGovernmentHealth ServicesBusiness ServicesManufacturingOLD JOBS240’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04’05SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDExpand successful job-training andapprenticeship programs that consistentlyplace graduates in good jobs.Support community and technical colleges,a critical source of job training and retraining.Improve education and training in communication,problem solving and critical thinking,the skills employers say are often lacking inlocal job applicants.Focus training on populations that oftenhave trouble getting work (seniors, thedisabled and non-native English speakers) orsupport training that draws nontraditionalpopulations to certain jobs (women in car repair).Foster partnerships among business, governmentand the community to improve servicesthat support work, such as good affordablechild care and public transportation.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGAT YOUR SERVICE Since 2000, Washington state has lost 70,000 manufacturing jobs,which have been replaced primarily by jobs in government and service industries.46 ECONOMY

seattle at work Out of the 150 largest U.S.metro areas, Seattle is ranked as the 73rd bestplace for businesses and careers.Helping employers thriveBoosting the climatefor businessA thriving, diverse community of employers is a crucial ingredient for ensuring asteady supply of good jobs and a more stable employment rate. King Countymust address multiple issues to continue attracting employees and employers,whether large commercial operations, family-owned bookshops or nonprofits.These issues touch on areas from quality of life to energy and other resources,from infrastructure to governmental regulation. The region’s natural beautyand lifestyle make it a pleasant place to live and work, and local universitiesand other research institutions do a good job supporting industry growth.But soaring real estate prices make the region expensive for employers andtheir employees, and struggling public schools in some areas are a challengefor families. Businesses and residents alike complain about the region’s overwhelmedhighways and transportation infrastructure. And even as the areastruggles to preserve its green space and keep water and air clean, employersstill need energy, natural resources and room to grow.dig deeper by connecting: Get involved with programs that can benefitfrom your business knowledge and skills.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDSupport local educational and researchinstitutions, which advance industry,entrepreneurship and job creation, and make theregion a good place to live.Expand arts, culture and heritageWHAT’S WORKINGThe Institute for Systems Biology unravels themysteries of human immunity and disease, attractsnew talent to the region and spawns growth insmall biotech businesses.The Prosperity Partnership brings together morethan 150 government, business, labor and communityorganizations to work on ensuring long-term economicprosperity and creating 100,000 new jobs for thecentral Puget Sound region.Enterprise Seattle helps recruit high-value companiesto King County by providing information and otherassistance; it also connects businesses with localgovernment, research institutions and workforce groups.institutions, and preserve the region’snatural spaces, which significantly enhance theregion’s attractiveness to talented employees.Develop policy solutions on transportation,taxes, regulation, energy and housing throughthink tanks, business groups or communityorganizations.Encourage coalitions among business,government and community groups on issuesof common interest.Provide capacity building or diversitytraining to small employers and nonprofits.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGECONOMY 47

WHAT’S WORKINGShorebank Enterprise Cascadia provides loans to undersupportedsmall businesses and nonprofits. Over the past two decades, its $32million in loans have helped create and preserve more than 1,500 jobs.The Bellevue Entrepreneur Center, a collaboration among government,business and academic partners, provides small-businessdevelopment services to the community’s growingminority and immigrant population.Washington Technology Center provides critical training and servicesto companies, entrepreneurs and investors to help expand technologicalinnovation and economic growth in Washington state.Supporting small business60,000 strong andgrowing in King CountySmall businesses create jobs, nurture new ideas and give the community character,but they need planning and technical support to endure. Although manyemployees work for large companies, King County is home to nearly 60,000small businesses that make up a uniquely local and essential part of the economy.They tailor services to the community, handpick stock and offer craftsmanshipnot always found elsewhere. They serve as starting points for high-techand other new ideas. They give entrepreneurs a chance at leadership andself-sufficiency (family-run small businesses have particular appeal for manyimmigrants and refugees). But many would-be entrepreneurs don’t know whereto begin or lack access to capital. Those that do get started often struggle withfinances and organization. On average, their employees receive less generousbenefits than those who work for larger employers. Small businesses oftencompete with larger companies, which usually have more marketing powerand other capacity, as well as thebuying power to commandlower supply prices.dig deeper bylearning: Askyour donor servicesrepresentative aboutmicro-loan programsfor local residents tryingto start businesses.48 ECONOMYMOM-AND-POP1,1785,21750-99 employees7,49120-49 employees11,03732,57410-19 employees5-9 employeesSMALL BUSINESSES. REALLY SMALL.Businesses with under 100 employees in King County Source: ?1-4 employeesSOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDSupport programs that successfully connectbusiness resources and capital to entrepreneursfrom underserved communities, such aspeople of color or women.Provide workshops and technical assistanceon starting a small business through faith,ethnic or neighborhood communities.Develop leadership, business planningand management capacity at existing smallbusinesses or organizations.Supply small amounts of capital (less than$5,000) to help people start a business, or helpbuild assets through Individual DevelopmentAccounts or the earned income tax credit.Encourage people to shop within walkingor biking distance of home, since many smallbusinesses rely on neighborhood patrons.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGSMALL BUSINESSES. REALLY SMALL.Businesses with under 100 employees in King County.

arts andcultureTackling the issues of art for children, access andparticipation, and helping the arts flourishHOW WE’RE DOING:Trends in King County from the 2005 Communities Countreport and the Creative Vitality Index, 2004.presence of artsgiving to nonprofit artsorganizationsarts-related employmentIn a Healthy Community, arts andculture enrich the lives of all residents.People participate in community-based arts andculture events, such as visiting museum exhibitsand attending performances. People make music,art and literature individually and together, acrossdifferent generations and backgrounds. Childrenlearn about and engage in music, drama and otherart activities from many different cultures andcountries. Organizations and individuals providefinancial support for the arts and for culturalprograms in schools and other public places.Members of the community surround themselveswith art, especially the work of local musicians,artists and authors.TACKLING THE ISSUES 51

PUTTING IT IN CONTEXTcreativityexploring ourand heritageLocal arts scene enrichescommunity, but challenges remainArts and cultural opportunities in the Puget Sound region areexploding. Since 1997, King County has added or restored anumber of first-rate concert halls, theaters and museums, suchas Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at Seattle Center and theKirkland Performance Center. At the same time, more diversecultural options are proliferating through nonprofit andcommunity-based arts organizations. These include manyheritage organizations, like the Wing Luke Asian Museum,Nordic Heritage Museum, Central District Forum for Artsand Ideas, and La Casa de Artes.Expansion of the arts enriches the region in anumber of ways. The region’s cultural reputationhelps employers attract the most educated, mostsought-after employees. Artwork sales, ticket sales,and dining and lodging used by art patrons havemore than doubled in the past decade, pumpingsignificant revenue into the local economy. The artsalso bring the community together by engagingeveryday people in everyday places – on theradio, in street performances, in communitychoirs and orchestras. They showcase the vastarray of cultures that make up the King County communitythrough events like the annual Cultural Crossroads Festival inBellevue. They promote creativity and tolerance for new ideas.But none of these benefits supersedes art’s intrinsic value – itsability to capture mysterious or solitary experience and portraysomething meaningful and often beautiful. Music, paintings,stories and other works allow their creators to discover,interpret and imagine. They are irreplaceable sources ofdelight, inspiration and comfort.While the local arts scene is flourishing overall, it still faces anumber of challenges. Soaring home prices and costs of livingare hard on many artists, most of whom work forthemselves or for nonprofits. Government andother traditional funding sources are changing, andarts organizations are relying more on earnedincome from sources such as ticket sales, gift shopsand publications.Meanwhile, future arts participation may be compromisedbecause of reduced arts education for schoolchildren.Many public K-12 schools are minimizing arts classes sothey can focus more resources on meeting state and federalmandates. As students get less formal access to music,dance and other art forms, they lose exposure that helpsbuild lifelong involvement in the arts. Arts organizationsincreasingly are forced to build an audience base throughyouth education and broader outreach to people who havenot traditionally participated in the arts. Although casting awider net may ultimately strengthen the community, oftenorganizations find themselves diverting the resources formaking art toward educating and creating an audience – aninvestment that may not pay off for a decade or more.52 ARTS AND CULTURE

“In the healthiest of communities itcan be hard to tell what camefirst: a commitment to vibrantand diverse arts and culture oran active, connected citizenrycommitted to social justice. Doesone make the other possible?A COMMUNITY VIEWPEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVE:WHAT THE COMMUNITY is sayingThe arts reveal the soft and forgiving side of our nature.Our cultural presence opens the door to our humanity.Cultural organizations have the power to engage thecommunity in living. They can bring inspiration, entertainment,political ideas and even positive disruption to people’s lives.The creative voice of the arts should be involved incommunity improvements related to education, public safety,economic development and strong neighborhoods.Supporting the art of diverse cultures is an importantmeans for sustaining and recognizing indigenous art forms,seeing into other people’s worlds and protecting the diverseviews in our society.Individual artists need affordable living and workingspace, sufficient income, access to healthcare and opportunitiesfor career advancement in order to survive and thrive inKing County.Donor Story: Jane& David Davis“The arts are the best ourculture has to offer, and wefeel our support mattersbecause funding for the artsis so precarious. It’simportant for us to supportinstitutions like the art museums, symphony, theaters,dance and opera, as well as the art education programsoffered by the libraries. Young people today are flooded withso much amplified noise and violence in pop culture. Weworry that they will never be exposed to the traditional artsthat express the depth and richness of our civilization.”VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS AT WWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING 53

WHAT’S WORKINGSeattle Opera takes opera into area high schools via the“Experience Opera” program, which also gives teachers customcreatedstudy guides for integrating opera into classroom curricula.Everyone Has a Song teaches communication skills, moneymanagement and basic business principles through music to youthof color who are at risk of failing in a traditional classroomenvironment. The program recently expanded to include tutoringand homework assistance.Seattle Public Theater helps expand the horizons of K-12students with year-round classes and school-break camps, wherekids get scripts (often Shakespeare’s plays) on Monday and stage aperformance on Friday with the help of professional theater artists.Students explore reading and communication from new angles.art for childreninspiration for a lifetimeExposing children to the arts inspires lifelong imagination and creativity, but artseducation is disappearing from schools. Art especially benefits children, whothrive on imagination and yearn to express often overwhelming emotions andexperiences. The arts nourish resourcefulness and creativity and can giveotherwise poor academic performers a chance to shine. Music, dance andother art forms can also connect kids to their neighborhoods and culturalcommunities. But across the state, many K-12 schools offer less than an hourof instruction each week in music and other art forms. A third have no visualarts instruction at all, and three-quarters have no theater or dance. And goodafter-school arts programs aren’t always easy to find or afford.dig deeper by learning: Ask your donor services representative how you canshare your artistic talents with programs that are serving kids.30%10%Music Visual Art Theatre Dance60%25%39%8%34% 73%2%17% 16%81%SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDHelp teachers integrate art into the curriculum.Involve children in making their own art, inaddition to enjoying the works of others.Bring arts opportunities to children wherethey already live and play so they can makeand learn about art at places like communitycenters and after-school programs.Use art as a way to reach children whoaren’t succeeding in conventional academicenvironments or have different learning styles.Support cultural festivals and gatherings tolink young people with their cultural heritagesand advance understanding across cultures.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING0 hours of arts education 1 hour or less arts education 2–5 hours of arts education6 hours or more of arts educationhow HOW MUCH much TIME time FOR for THE ARTS? the arts? Arts Education Arts education in Public School in public school.Source: WA Arts Commission Arts Education Resource Initiative: The State of Arts Education in the State54 ARTS AND CULTURE

access and participationmaking art for allAll kinds of people should enjoy the arts, as well as make art themselves.Although King County has a high arts-participation rate, participation is stilloften highest among residents who are white, college-educated or affluent.Multiple factors can hinder access for others: inadequate leisure time, excessivecost or transportation and scheduling problems. Some may be unfamiliar withthe arts or feel uncomfortable and out of place at arts events. Members of KingCounty’s growing immigrant population often have language barriers. Butsurveys may not capture the art or music-making of lower-income, minorityor immigrant households. A healthy arts ecology provides all citizens a rangeof entry opportunities – informal and formal, small and large – in all kindsof disciplines.dig deeper by partnering: Consider underwriting an arts event toensure accessibility for all.74%Reading or Book Club49%Arts & Crafts27%Actively PerformingMusic or Dancewhat do we do for fun? What adults in King County in 2004 actively participated in.WHAT DO WE DO FOR FUN? What adults in King County, 2004,actively participated in. Source: Communities CountSOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDAttract artists from underrepresentedpopulations and involve diverse communities increating and performing works of art.Work with community organizations tointroduce low-income families andschoolchildren to museums and culturalactivities, and overcome transportation, cost orfamiliarity barriers.Help arts organizations broaden participationwith marketing and audience development.Bring performances into places where people’saccess to art may be hindered, such as underservedneighborhoods, nursing homes andretirement communities.Support arts participation within and acrosscultural and ethnic groups and at culturalfestivals that bring many such groups together.Make art a part of people’s everyday livesby bringing public art to neighborhoodsand workplaces.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGWHAT’S WORKINGThe Take Part in Art initiative brings together more than 100 local arts andcultural organizations to collaborate in regional marketing, public relationsand audience development.SouthEast Effective Development’s “Concerts in the Park” series bringsfree outdoor performances by national and local musicians to southeastSeattle green spaces near communities of color and lower-income households.The Nature Consortium teaches environmental lessons through the creativearts by offering free classes such as Nature Ceramics, Masks of Nature and3-D Nature Sculptures to K-12 youth living in public-housing communitiesthroughout King County.ARTS AND CULTURE 55

WHAT’S WORKINGDensho uses digital technology to preserve and make accessibleprimary-source materials on the World War II incarceration ofJapanese Americans, allowing others to explore important themessuch as democracy, intolerance, wartime hysteria, civil rights andcitizenship.Artist Trust supports art at its source – the creative individual –by providing artists with financial support and comprehensiveinformation about opportunities for exhibitions, employment, studiospace and professional development.Cornish College of the Arts, a four-year college offeringbachelor’s degrees in music and fine arts, graduates students whokeep local arts organizations supplied with theater directors,dancers, musicians and other working artists.helping the arts flourishsupporting artists andinstitutionsKing County’s world-class arts community needs help to continue thriving. Localartists, who mostly work for themselves or nonprofits, need affordable housingand benefits. They also need customers for their books, music and otherartwork. Arts organizations of all sizes need administrative support to retainstaff, advance missions, broaden participation and raise funds – especially astraditional funding sources dry up. The region’s growing community of smallor informal organizations needs long-term financial support to establish afoothold. New technology, information and collaborations can help artists andarts organizations create new works orimprove access to resources.5% 4% 1%dig deeper by looking beyond:Did you know there are ways tosupport individual local artists throughphilanthropy? Ask your donor servicesrepresentative about programs thatsustain the local “creative class.’’12%17%49%EarnedIndividualIn-Kind BenefitsGovernmentAssets ReleasedCorporateFoundationMiscellaneousart takes more than artistsPercentage of total income of King County arts/cultural organizations by fundingsource, 2003.6%6%IT TAKES MORE THAN ARTISTS Percentage of Total Income of KingCounty Arts/Cultural Organizations by Funding Source, 2003.Source: Communities Count, 2005SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDGive long-term operating support to artsorganizations.Identify and teach best-management practicesat arts- and culture-organizations so they canbuild participation, improve leadership orsolidify operations.Provide professional developmentopportunities for artists and arts managersthrough internships, classes, technical assistance,and coaching and mentoring.Expand affordable live-work housing forartists, and integrate the needs of the artscommunity into the development of housing andcommercial office space.Use technology to create new art forms andgenerate interest in and access to art.Encourage arts- and culture-organizationsto work together and with community partnersfrom other sectors.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING56ARTS AND CULTURE

A COMMUNITY VIEW“Arts and heritage organizationsbring the community closer.Especially in an urban area, thearts will help unite people whootherwise might not meet orbecome involved.”

neighborhoodsand communitiesTackling the issues of neighborhood living,social support and joining togetherHOW WE’RE DOING:Trends in King County from the 2005 Communities Count reportsocial supportneighborhood cohesionperceived safetycommunity involvementschool support forcommunity serviceIn a Healthy Community, neighbors supportone another, enjoy a high quality of lifeand connect over common concerns. Everybodyhas regular contact with other people and areliable network of emotional and materialsupport. Neighbors depend on one another –borrowing and lending, watching one another’shomes and children, and intervening in problemsituations. Neighborhoods bring together diversepeople and ways of life: the elderly and theyoung, single people and families, houses andapartments, shops and residences, lower-cost andhigher-cost dwellings. Neighborhoods have manyattractive parks, recreational spaces and gatheringplaces. People can walk, bicycle or use publictransportation to obtain most of their daily needs.People believe they can make a difference incivic life and come together around shared localaspirations and concerns.TACKLING THE ISSUES 59

PUTTING IT IN CONTEXTCOMMONgroundSocial support and community involvementconnect residentsCommunity happens where people with common identity and mutualinterests meet. A community might be people who share thesame ancestry or occupation or people who inhabit the sameneighborhood. A community can be as small as one person’sclose friends and family or as large a group as all public-schoolteachers. Connection to community helps people stay healthierand become more stable, and it allows them to thrive in schoolor at work. Strong community life makes civic, business andsocial life flow more smoothly.King County residents are positive about their communitiesand engaged in civic life. More than 80 percent are “somewhatactive” in a local community group, whether as part of faithcommunities or to improve neighborhoods. Locals also overwhelminglyreport that their neighbors are trustworthy andwilling to help one another.Still, only about half of King County residents describe theirneighborhoods as “close knit.” Even in active communitiessome individuals may be isolated, like the elderly, poor, disabledand those who are new to the area or don’t speak English.Americans now work longer hours than citizens of any otherindustrialized nation, and sprawl adds long commutes to the longworking day. The few remaining leisure hours are more likely tobe devoted to consuming media than to social gatherings.Developers, government leaders and the public are thus turninggreater attention to “livable” neighborhoods, where all kinds ofresidences and retail outlets are within pleasant walking orbiking distance of each other. Here, public transportation andsidewalks are easily accessible and well-utilized. People aremore likely to know one another and get together informally.Livable neighborhoods help local businesses, encourageexercise and reduce pollution from driving.Likewise, leaders are paying more attention to “capital,” thetrust and reciprocity that characterizes people’s relationships ina community. A flourishing arts scene, gardening clubs, sportsteams and parent organizations all help build social capital bydrawing out everyday people and bringing them together acrossincome, race and other differences. All of this helps localresidents feel more connected to community life, solve complexproblems and, ultimately, govern their communities moreeffectively.A COMMUNITY VIEW: “I am very involved with socialjustice and poverty issues through my church and latelyhave been working in a nonprofit. Without communitylife, I would not have much hope for progress. It issustenance for the soul and the antidote to apathy.”60 NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES

“I’d like to have more opportunitiesto meet with people andunderstand the perspectives ofthe broader community. Weneed to start locally but thengo beyond geographicalboundaries to establish a widernet of relationships.”A COMMUNITY VIEWPEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVE:WHAT THE COMMUNITY is sayingThe success and vibrancy of commercial districts is closelylinked to walkability and the physical environment,according to residents of Seattle neighborhoods. They saygreenery, well-maintained sidewalks, clean shops and storefronts,and adequate street lighting are especially important andcontribute to the number of pedestrians walking, shopping ormeeting in the area.People in Seattle’s International District have strongconnections with one another, according to local Chineseelders. They treat one another like family.West Seattle residents value new amenities in theirneighborhood including more local shops, good restaurants,the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, community events andbetter sidewalks and paths.Donor Story: Donna Lou“Since starting a family of my own, one of my passions isdeveloping healthy neighborhoods. One of my first projectswas to help rebuild a dilapidated playground in my neighborhood,which drew diverse families. With assistance fromthe city and grants that we received from organizations likeThe Seattle Foundation, we began to see droves of peopleusing the park. It has become a central gathering place fornumerous community events. Now small businesses aredeveloping and really flourishing there. I drive by the parkevery day, and it’s very rewarding to see.”VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS AT WWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING 61

WHAT’S WORKINGThe Pomegranate Center engages community membersto create artistic gateways, benches, shelters, lights andother features that provide gathering places and give theircommunity a distinct identity.P-Patch Trust develops community gardens that bringneighbors together across economic, racial, ethnic, disabilityand gender lines. People garden together, learn from oneanother and create a more livable urban environment.Transportation Choices Coalition’s ActiveTransportation Working Group works to strengthenrequirements for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in cityandcounty-development plans.neighborhood livingsidewalks are theneighborhood playgroundLike most large U.S. counties, King County has seen its communities grow morediluted over the past 50 years – the combined effect of sprawl, busier schedules,and dependence on cars, television and computers. A quarter of all residentswish more restaurants and entertainment were closer to their homes.Countering the trends of modern life requires thoughtful cooperation amongpolicy-makers, developers and the public. Communities thrive when neighborscan meet easily in pleasant common spaces. In neighborhoods with highquality of life, schools, jobs, retail space and other essentials are all a pleasantwalk, bike ride or bus ride away. Restaurants, bookshops, community centersand parks allow people to gather. Public art adorns and connects spaces. Greenspace or front porches encourage neighborly interaction in residential areas,and people feel safe on the street. Such neighborhoods connect people to oneanother, build support for local merchants, reduce automobile-related pollutionand improve health and happiness.dig deeper by connecting: Attend meetings of your neighborhood’scommunity council, or shop at your local farmers’ market.Studies show people are less willing to walk in their neighborhoods whenthey have to deal with stressors like traffic congestion, noise or threat of violence.62 NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIESSOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDCreate and install public art that reflectsthe surrounding community’s character, historyand values.Organize local volunteers to enhance andrestore public space and green space near thecenter of neighborhoods.Deliver social services at the neighborhood level.Encourage residents to walk and bike aroundthe neighborhood, and spread the messagethrough schools, faith communities and culturalorganizations.Foster cooperation among developers,government, nonprofits and the public toencourage strong neighborhood life.Support community developmentcorporations, which undertake housingdevelopment, physical revitalization andeconomic development.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING

social supportneighbors relyingon neighborsCommunity members benefit from both organized and informal social support.Receiving affection and assistance from family and friends makes peoplefeel valued and secure. People with social support are more likely to behealthy and happy, and their families more harmonious. Children who feelconnected to their ethnic and other communities are more likely to thrive,do well in school and stay out of trouble. Social support also yields tangiblebenefits in the form of financial assistance in times of need, or help takingcare of children or elders. Informal support networks often exist amongpeople isolated from the larger community – those who are disabled orinfirm, elderly, homeless, new to the area, non-English-speaking or fromcultures that discourage seeking help. Organizations that work with thesepopulations can often enhance their services by building this peer supportinto their programming.dig deeper bypartnering: Makea bigger impact byinitiating or joininga “giving circle” withother donors. Askyour donor servicesrepresentative formore information.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDBring generations together to help kids andreduce isolation of elders.Encourage services that foster connectionamong participants, who can then support andadvise one another.Help people develop social support by providingspace, food, child care and other resources neededto help them build relationships over a period of time.Strengthen cultural programs or organizationsthat pass on traditions to young people.expand mutual-assistance associations, whichbring together members of a particular community(e.g., a refugee or immigrant community) to supportone another and build on strengths.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGhow often is someone available to:72% Take you to the doctor?WHAT’S WORKINGChinese Information and Service Center hosts a playgroup for preschool children tobring together the often-isolated Chinese grandmothers who care for them. The grandmothersbecome friends and call one another for advice and support.St. James ESL Program arranges tutoring groups to encourage friendships amongparticipants, who then help one another with jobs, healthcare, transportation or child care.Some groups even hold welcoming parties for new immigrants.Horn of Africa Services provides social, linguistic and vocational support to low-incomerefugees and immigrants from all East African countries.77% Show you love and affection?68% Confide in and talk toyou about your problems?61% Get together with to relax?65% Turn to for suggestions on how todeal with a personal problem?75% Love and make you feel wanted??NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES 63

83%83% of adults were somewhat or very active in King County community organizations in 2004.joining togetherthe power of peopleCommon purpose brings people together in thousands of different ways, and withsupport and leadership forms the basis of flourishing civic life. From T-ballteams and chambers of commerce to neighborhood-watch and schoolsupportgroups, people naturally come together around common pastimes orconcerns. More than 80 percent of King County residents say they’re atleast “somewhat active” with such a group. These activities do more thanadvance one purpose or another. They create a culture of participation andengagement, which makes broader community efforts easier to organize,and they build friendships and trust, which give people hope. Suchactivities require time – a dwindling commodity, especially among thosestruggling to make ends meet. But mentoring, training and other assistancecan build lasting, effective organizations and alliances.dig deeper by partnering: Join the Foundation’s Neighbor to NeighborFund, which supports grassroots organizations working to create strongerneighborhoods and community leaders in South Seattle, White Center and SouthKing County.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDPromote community-based projects and events,such as park development, parades, outdoorconcerts or neighborhood festivals.Provide leadership and organizationaldevelopment programs for a wide range ofcommunity groups.Encourage schools, businesses and government tocooperate and recognize community service.Involve traditionally underrepresentedindividuals and community groups in localplanning and decision making.Organize communities around advocacy andcivic activities, such as voter registration drives.Connect neighbors with local schools, one ofthe critical forces for creating strong neighborhoods.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGWHAT’S WORKINGSeattle Works offers people in their 20s and 30s opportunities to serve their community andprovides partner nonprofit organizations with a pool of reliable volunteers. Seattle Works also providesprojects that ask for a one-time commitment and allow volunteers to experience various kinds ofvolunteering.The League of Women Voters of Seattle’s Education Fund promotes citizen education and activeparticipation in civic life by organizing free monthly public forums, featuring speakers who offerdifferent positions on topics that impact King County residents.The Seattle LGBT Community Center serves as a gathering place for recently out or new-to-townlesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, reduces isolation of seniors, increases access tohealth services and conducts development and operations training for other nonprofits.64 NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES

EnvironmentTackling the issues of caring for the environment,promoting environmental awareness andbalancing interestsHOW WE’RE DOING:Trends in King County from the 2005 Communities Count reportAir qualityland coverchemical-free farmlandcommute choicesIn a Healthy Community, everybodyenjoys, learns about and works toprotect a healthy environment that isfree of pollution. The air is clean. Healthyand fresh marine waters support the region’secosystem, people, economy and well-being. Thecommunity values and preserves green space.Neighborhoods have parks and recreationalland, while trail and bike-path systems connectcities and towns. People from all age groups,backgrounds and regions work together tobalance development with the managementand conservation of natural resources.A COMMUNITY VIEW: “Our natural features arewhy many people live here. You have beautifulplaces to go to escape the craziness of yourotherwise busy life.”TACKLING THE ISSUES 67

PUTTING IT IN CONTEXTGREENlivingUrban sprawl and pollution threaten locallifestyles and economyHealthy ecosystems are essential to public health and well-being.People everywhere want to breathe clean air, drink clean waterand be restored by natural places. In King County, the environmentmeans even more. Natural places are central to theregion’s identity, lifestyle and even its economy. Scenic viewsboost home sales, while abundant water, mountains and forestsattract kayakers, skiers and hikers from all over the world,making King County a natural draw as a place where peoplewant to live. More than a quarter of a million people havemoved into the county since 1990.And therein lies the problem. One hundredyears ago, the population of the entire statewas 500,000. Today nearly 3.5 million peoplelive in just the Cascades region, and thatpopulation may double over the next 100years. With growth comes pollution, overcrowdingand loss of natural spaces.Two million acres of Cascade timberland havebeen cleared over the past three decades,much of it low-elevation forest cut down forresidential development. Urban sprawl andheavy commercial traffic contribute to airpollution, while toxic runoff from waste, pesticides and industrycan contaminate local waterways. This pollution impacts thefarmers and tribes who have lived off the land for generations.The Puget Sound marine ecosystem is already in trouble,including its resident orca and salmon populations. Andalthough agricultural chemical use is dropping, sales of othertoxic commercial products are rising.Preserving the natural spaces that are so central to the region’scharacter is complicated, but local leadership is rising to thetask. Dozens of nonprofits help monitor pollution, educateconsumers or empower residents endangered by toxins. Newlydeveloped curricula allow schoolchildren and others ofOur Emerald is Shrinking’86Urban+17%’02Source: Communities CountOUR EMERALD IS SHRINKING’86’02Grass/Agriculture-37%’86’02Forest-19%’86’02Clearcut/RegeneratingForest +65%diverse backgrounds to better experience and appreciate naturalresources. Environmentalists, business leaders, governmentagencies, tribes and community organizations are findingeffective ways to balance conservation with other interests.These successes bring hope for more of the same.68 ENVIRONMENT

PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVE:WHAT THE COMMUNITY is sayingLocal residents recognize the need to include rural communitiesin environmental discussions. They have a quality of life that is uniqueand worth defending – agriculture, pastoral landscapes and a smalltownfeel.Low-income families in South King County and in Seattle’s HighPoint community view the “natural environment” as that of theirapartment complexes. They have concerns about indoor mold, tapwaterquality and trash in play areas. They also say they are unfamiliarwith parks and other ways to connect to nature.West Seattle directs community energy and resources towardenvironmental preservation. Businesses and residents have often cometogether to do cleanups; as a result, wildlife is flourishing, wetlands arecoming back, and residents praise their great beaches and parks.Environmental quality is very important to Eastside residents fortheir quality of life.Donor Story:Maryanne Tagney JonesA COMMUNITY VIEW“Parks and open spaces expandyour thinking about who isyour neighbor; they breakdown false barriers becauseyou don’t have to pay. Theyare community places.”“The environment has always been one of myinterests. I am involved and volunteer in otherareas, but the environment is something thatspeaks to me personally. We look at a piece ofland and say, ‘If we raise this amount of money,we can save this chunk of land.’ We give toorganizations that do great work for the environment.It’s nice to be able to see the concreteresults that come out of their work.”VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS AT WWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING 69

WHAT’S WORKINGThe Environmental Coalition of South Seattle helps businessesand residents – many of whom are not native English-speakers –prevent pollution, conserve energy, manage hazardous wastes andclean up contaminated properties.Puget Soundkeeper Alliance tracks down and works to stopdischarge of toxic pollutants in Puget Sound waters. It is the onlyorganization that regularly monitors and patrols the Sound to detectand document sources of illegal pollution.The Washington Toxics Coalition is working, through educationand advocacy, to establish a model statewide policy of banning anentire class of dangerous chemicals, instead of the typical approachof tackling them one by one.caring for the environmentkeep it clean, greenMany factors threaten the clean water and air that is so essential to the region’shealth and way of life. Pollution-driven climate change may be diminishingregional snowpacks and raising water temperatures, trends that couldsignificantly hurt water supply and habitats of native salmon, as well as that ofsteelhead and other trout. Growth brings more industrial operations, pesticidesand human waste, all of which compromise water quality. Developmentdestroys low-elevation forests, which help cleanse water and prevent flooding.While some local air pollutants have decreased over the past decade, levels ofparticulate matter (from diesel, vehicle emissions and wood-burning) are stilltoo high. Air pollutants hurt vegetation, ruin scenery and likely cause illnessesranging from asthma to cancer. Furthermore, pollution is not evenlydistributed. People who live around the region’s most polluted sites aredisproportionately poor and people of color.dig deeper by acting: Make your yard a pesticide-free zone by replacingchemical pest controls with environment-safe alternatives.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDHighlight water quality, one of the environmentaltopics most likely to interest the averageperson and engage organizations.Help neighborhoods with fewer political orfinancial resources protect themselves fromtoxic substances in the air, water and ground.Support programs that enforce existing rulesabout toxins through monitoring, detection anddocumentation.Support long-term campaigns that promotecomprehensive environmental solutions,rather than issue-by-issue approaches.Expand research and monitoring of the PugetSound, especially projects that involve andinform citizens.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVING1908where have all the salmon gone?In 1908, fishing crews landed 690,000 Chinooksalmon in Puget Sound. In recent years, the commercialChinook harvest has averaged just 64,000 fish.690,000Present64,000690,00070 ENVIRONMENT

promoting awarenessunderstanding why theoutdoors mattersSustaining King County’s public health, natural beauty and economy depends on SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:local residents appreciating their connection to the environment. Children WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDfrom rural and urban areas alike need to experience natural places and understandtheir importance, as do the region’s many newcomers. Consumers shouldConnect young people and newcomerswith the regional ecosystem and help themknow how their choices affect the environment. Parks programs, conservationunderstand the importance of protecting naturalefforts and environmental groups must reach beyond outdoor enthusiasts andresources.other traditional constituencies to connect with families, seniors, businesses,neighborhoods and people of color. Education and engagement policies thatInform consumers about how the products andare shown to be effective should be replicated, Pollution while others is in will most require populous areas services they choose affect the environment.further refinement.Involve community members in environmentalresearch and monitoring.dig deeper by connecting: Volunteer withgroups that enhance and preserve open spacein your neighborhood.NORTH25%Ensure wilderness and parks projects benefita broad range of people – including families,the disabled, people of color and other groups.pollution is in most populous areas75% of all air pollution in 2003 wasfrom South King County facilities, up from55% in 2000.75%SOUTHSupport volunteer habitat restoration projects.Build grassroots environmental constituencies.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGWHAT’S WORKINGAudubon Washington and Seattle Parks andRecreation are developing an environmental center inSeattle’s Seward Park. The center will include classrooms, alaboratory, a nature library and exhibits, and host a varietyof programs for children, adults and seniors.Woodland Park Zoo’s naturalistic exhibits act as livingclassrooms, educating the public about conserving bothanimal species and their environments.The Environmental Science Center in southwest KingCounty brings environmental stewardship programs toScouts, neighborhood children and seniors at a local lowincomeapartment complex.ENVIRONMENT 71

alancing interestsgrowth threatens beautyKing County must balance the many interests of a diverse and rapidly growingcommunity if it is to preserve its unique natural spaces. Since 1990, morethan 250,000 people have moved into the county, many attracted to thewater, mountains and forests. All of that is at risk as the populationcontinues to climb. Keeping the ecosystem healthy and urban spaceslivable will require frequent cooperation among parties with potentiallyconflicting interests: conservationists seeking to preserve and reclaimnatural habitat, newcomers searching for housing, employers needingenergy and space to expand, rural residents wishing to develop their ownproperty or enjoy new shops and services, and farmers and tribes relying onnatural spaces to feed themselves and make a living. All must find commoncause, with the help of government and community organizations.dig deeper by partnering: Meet other donors interested in the connectionbetween environment and health through the donor-initiated Seattle BiotechLegacy Foundation housed at The Seattle Foundation.SOME PROMISING STRATEGIES:WORK THAT DONORS CAN FUNDFoster collaboration on environmental protectionand development planning among activists, farmers,tribes, government, businesses and other stakeholders.Gather and disseminate environmental data tocreate models for collaborative decision making.Support efforts that use incentive-basedsolutions to balance interests effectively.Communicate the environmental benefits ofmixed residential and retail land use includingcentrally located, affordable housing.Promote cleaner sources of energy toaccommodate more users with less harm tothe environment.Support cleaner transportation options, and helpmake them more plentiful and convenient for commuters.VIEW RELATED GRANT PROPOSALS ATWWW.SEATTLEFOUNDATION.ORG/MYGIVINGWHAT’S WORKINGStewardship Partners is working withlandowners throughout the Snoqualmie Valley topromote tools and resources that help maintainagriculture and open space as well as promoteconservation and restoration efforts.Between 1990 and 2000, areas outside the city of Seattle accounted for79% of the county’s population growth.Cascade Land Conservancy’s “CascadeAgenda” brings together a vast array ofconstituencies to conserve more than 1.26 millionacres of land and foster wise development overthe next 100 years, using nonregulatory, marketbasedapproaches and innovative mechanisms.Futurewise promotes managed growth thatprotects farmland, forests and shorelines throughadvocacy, public education and providing technicalsupport to community groups.72ENVIRONMENT

HOW WE’RE DOING:Trends in King County from the 2005 Communities Count reportMost county residents reporthigh levels of affection,companionship and personalsupport – regardless of howmuch money they make.

A COMMUNITY VIEW“I think an ideal community hasgood order and no discriminationbetween different people. Agood environment helps peoplefeel comfortable that they live ina good place. But this dependson every citizen. Help yourselfand help your living place.”disparitiesOne in 10 King County adults occasionally runs out of food money, butamong Latinos the rate is one in three. About 800,000 pounds of toxicchemicals were released into the region’s air in 2003 – three quarters of it inSouth King County. Adults without a high-school diploma are seven timesmore likely not to have health insurance than those with college degrees.The problem is that general trends don’t affect everyonethe same way. Behind every “average” measure ofcommunity welfare, some people are doing better,and others are doing worse – some much worse.The following pages document who’s ahead andbehind of the curve for several key measures,breaking the numbers down by race or ethnicgroup, income, education level, age, gender, sexualorientation or region, as captured by the 2005Communities Count report.In most cases where breakdowns are available, thegroups ahead of the county average are whites andhouseholds making more than $50,000 a year.Other racial/ethnic groups almost always fare worsethan the average, and circumstances also generallydecline with lower income and education levels,among men and young adults, and for residents ofthe southern part of the county (where many lowerincomepeople have moved to find more affordablehousing).On issues relatively unconnected to income –involvement with family, friends and community, forinstance – little racial/ethnic or income disparityexists. Most groups of people express similar involvementin and connection to their neighborhoods andcommunities, and levels of social support are virtuallyidentical across all income and racial/ethnic groups.The disparities that currently exist in King County,therefore, are mostly a reflection of different opportunitiesor experiences. Donors can make a significantimpact on overall community health by supportingunderserved groups and working with them toenhance the quality of their lives.DISPARITIES 75

Our lives aren’t the sameComparing groups against county averagesRaceCovering the essentials is harder for people of color, who run out offood, suffer poverty and experience discrimination much moreoften than the average county resident. Obesity and other healthproblems plague people of color at disproportionately high rates.Non-white residents are also more likely than the averagecounty resident to lack health insurance.adults under 65 without health insuranceKing County Average 14%See p. 29 for more informationPeople living in povertyKing County Average 8%See p. 22 for more information40%18%20%21%14%26%28%8%12%17%6%11%The poverty data comes from the U.S. Census, which uses its own race/ethnicity categories. Each category shownhere is for the specified racial group ALONE. A separate census category, not shown here, represents multi-racialpeople, for whom the percentage living below poverty is 14.0%households running out of food moneyKing County Average 10%See p. 20 for more informationteen birthsKing County Average 11*See p. 26 for more information*Rate per 1000 females aged 15-1736%49*10%8%12%19%22%11*8*9*20*37*76 DISPARITIES

WhiteAfricanAmericanadult obesity ratesKing County AverageKing County Average 18%See p. 28 for more information18%12%17%American Indian/Alaskan Native22%26%Asian/PacificIslander29%Hispanic/LatinoDonor Story:Jeanette Davis-Loeb“My passion comes frombeing a black woman withan incredible amount of lovefor my father and brothers.In the high-school honorsprogram, I had manyteachers tell me that I was smart and that I should goto college. Those encouragements were never given tomy brothers. Teachers just didn’t seem to have thesame expectations for them. There are many middleclassboys who face the same problem, but boys ofAfrican descent have to deal with issues of race inaddition. Creating the Rising Oak Foundation is myfirst effort to help specifically address the needs ofboys of African descent.”adults experiencing discriminationKing County Average 26%See p. 23 for more information26%Non-white Population49%22%Behind the numbers The graphsin this chapter address many issues citedin these pages, using data provided bythe 2005 Communities Count report.See Communities Count 2005 forinformation on which of thesedifferences are statistically significant.http://www.communitiescount.orgDISPARITIES 77

IncomeAlmost all measures show substantial disparity by income level.The poorest households (earning less than $25,000 a year) runout of food at about three to four times the overall county rate.Because they spend a disproportionate amount of their incomeon housing, households that earn less than $35,000 a year areabout six times more likely to go without health insurance,than households that make more than $50,000 a year. Twothirdsof the county’s poorest people (individuals earning lessthan $15,000 a year) experience discrimination, compared withone-quarter of adults overall.People with less income also have higher health risks. There isa higher (disproportionate) burden of being exposed to toxicwaste for people living in poor neighborhoods because themajority of Superfund and hazardous waste sites are located inpoor neighborhoods. Infant mortality rates are higher in poorerneighborhoods than in more affluent ones. As income declines,people are substantially more likely to be restricted by poorhealth, and they have a harder time getting adequate exerciseor avoiding obesity and stress.AgeYounger adults tend to fare worse than older ones on basic needs.Compared with the average King County resident, adults under25 are about twice as likely to run out of food money, gowithout health insurance or experience discrimination. Onlyadults over 44 fare better than average on those issues. Onmatters of health, babies born to women under age 20 are twiceas likely to die within their first year as babies born to oldermothers. Adults under 45 are more likely to get exercise andavoid obesity (a problem that peaks for those aged 45 to 64),but they’re also more likely than older adults to engage in riskybehaviors like smoking or binge drinking. Death-by-homiciderates peak before the age of 25.GenderMen are more likely than women to encounter certain dangers orengage in risky behavior. Men are more than twice as likely to bevictims of homicide as women. Almost a quarter of menreported that they engaged in binge drinking, again more thandouble the rate for women. Men also have higher motorvehicledeath rates at all ages, with the highest rates hittingmen aged 15 to 24, as well as 75 and older. However, womenare much more likely to be the victims of domestic violenceand sexual assault.EducationLife in King County is harder for people without college degreesand particularly severe for people who don’t complete highschool. Compared with college graduates, those who have lesseducation are at least three times more likely to run out offood money and twice as likely not to have health insurance.Half the people without high-school diplomas lack healthinsurance, and they run out of food money 10 times as often ascollege graduates. People with less education are more likely tobe restricted by poor health. Those without college degrees havehigher-than-average rates of obesity and stress, and they are lesslikely to get adequate exercise and more likely to smoke.OrientationsexualDiscrimination and hate crimes are frequently experienced by lesbian,gay, bisexual and transgender people. In King County over 26percent of reported hate crimes were committed in response tothe victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity. In Seattle, itwas 40 percent of the reported hate crimes. Of these crimes,more than one-fourth were assault, and about half wereintimidation. It wasn’t until 2006 that discrimination based onsexual orientation in matters of housing, employment andfinance was prohibited by state law.RegionCircumstances in King County differ by region as much as by age oracademic degree. To some extent, the differences reflect degrees ofaffluence. Trends in health, environment or basic needs tend tobe better than average in the wealthier eastern region and worsethan average in the southern part of the county, where much ofthe low-income affordable housing is concentrated. Discriminationis worse than average in the county’s more ethnically andeconomically diverse areas – the city of Seattle and South KingCounty.The trends also reflect typical gaps between cities and suburbs:Seattle is the hub for arts organizations and funding, and itscitizens exercise and use public transportation more thanresidents elsewhere in the county.78 DISPARITIES

QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUES BY REGIONNorthHouseholds running out of food moneyPrevalence of affordable housing *People living below 200% of federal poverty level (’99) *Reported discriminationSTOPPerceived neighborhood safetySTOPOverweight and obese adultsAdults without health insuranceSocial cohesionSatisfaction with access to public transitPresence of arts organizations and establishments *5520Seattle90East99SouthSTOPSTOPSignificantly BETTER than at least one other regionor King County averageRegionSignificantly WORSE than at least one other regionor King County average*Statistical significance of difference is not available. Assignment of“better” or “worse” is based on highest and lowest ranking regions.The graphs on this page, based on data from the 2005 CommunitiesCount report, don’t reflect a number of other equallyimportant regional disparities, including student achievementin public school. The King County school districts whosefourth graders were least likely to meet state math and readingstandards in 2005 were all in the southern part of the county andSeattle. Nor do the graphs reflect air pollution disparities, whichare mixed. While three-quarters of airborne toxins released in2003 were in South King County, almost 90 percent of airbornecarcinogens released that year were in Seattle or on the Eastside.DISPARITIES 79

METHODOLOGYThe making of A Healthy Community reportThe findings and recommendations in theHealthy Community report draw on informationfrom dozens of sources and over 2,000 stakeholders.Donors, experts, nonprofit staff andother community members shared their insightsin numerous conversations and surveys. TheSeattle Foundation reviewed reports andresearch generated by academic institutions,public agencies, civic institutions and community-basedorganizations. Foundation staff alsoprovided input based on extensive experiencewith the region’s nonprofit community.The Foundation collected data for the report in the following ways.FOCUS GROUPS Facilitated six focus groups in spring 2004 tohelp determine the seven essential elements of the HealthyCommunity framework. Seventy-nine social scientists and localleaders in nonprofits, foundations, business, law, medicine,faith, media and government participated.COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS Convened “Community Conversations”for each of the seven Healthy Community elements toidentify pressing needs, best practices, model programs and keyissues in each element. The seven gatherings included 152experts, nonprofit leaders and staff, as well as Foundation donors.COMMUNITies COUNT Collaborated with King County’sCommunities Count research project to collect quantitativesocial, health, arts and environmental data across the region.Communities Count is a collaborative group of public andprivate organizations committed to providing accurate andtimely reports on the conditions that matter to King Countyfamilies and communities while stimulating improvements inthose community conditions.RESEARCH Researched information on best practices, strategiesand related data to showcase within each of the seven elements.Sources included research papers, articles, academic studiesand special reports. Please see the “Bibliography”section formore information.80METHODOLOGY

COMMUNITY INPUT Reviewed the opinions and observationsof more than 2,000 local residents, collected by eight localcommunity organizations in one-on-one interviews, onlinesurveys and focus groups. Topics focused on the strengths,challenges and opportunities residents observe in theirrespective communities regarding the seven elements.Communities included Asian/Pacific Islander populations;residents of public housing in South King County andWest Seattle; Eastside residents; environmental advocates;20- to 30-year-olds; and youth aged 14 to 21.INTERVIEWS Conducted informal interviews with The SeattleFoundation staff, who perform more than 500 site visitsannually to King County nonprofit organizations to synthesizedonor interests, as well as identify model programs andpromising strategies at work.Donor Story:Richard Miyauchi“I’m very methodical in howI approach philanthropy. I sitdown at the beginning of eachyear and determine whichcharitable organizations holdspecial meaning to me. Certaingroups I donate to on a quarterly basis and others, annually.On occasion I will add a special donation, but for the mostpart I stick to my yearly plan.”The resulting report is thus an environmental scan, synthesizingqualitative and quantitative research. As outlined above,the Foundation did not itself generate quantitative data butdrew on existing sources. Experts and community leaderson The Seattle Foundation board and advisory committeereviewed the report.To view a list of people and organizations that were anintegral part of our research and outreach efforts, please seethe “Acknowledgements” section.METHODOLOGY 81

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThe Seattle Foundation would like to acknowledge the people and organizations that made this report possible.Thank you to the following individuals,who were so generous with their time andresources during the making of this report.Rachel Allen, Program for Early Parent Support(PEPS)Richard Andrews, Henry Art GalleryKimberlee Archie, United Way of King CountyDonald Armstrong, Jewish Family ServiceLupita Ayon, Proyecto Para los Niños de HighlineClaudia Bach, AdvisArts ConsultingJosh Baldi, Washington Environmental CouncilPutnam Barber, Executive AllianceLance Bennett, University of Washington Centerfor Communication & Civic EngagementDr. Stephen Bezruchka, University of WashingtonDepartment of Health ServicesDenese Bohanna, South King CountyCommunity NetworkPieter Bohen, Cascade Land ConservancyBill Borden, Earth Share of WashingtonAnn Bowden, Phinney Neighborhood AssociationAllan BoyceEvelyn Boykan, City of Tukwila Office ofHuman ServicesAlice Braverman, Seattle GoodwillMargy Bresslour, Community for YouthDavid Brewster, Town Hall SeattleDeanna Briese, ACAP Child and Family ServicesMelany Brown, Washington CASHThe Rev. Sandy Brown, Church Council ofGreater SeattleThe Rev. Zachary Bruce, Allies for AfricanAmerican AchievementMark Buckley, Seattle Audubon SocietyDave Budd, Elderhealth NorthwestSusie Burdick, Hearing, Speech andDeafness CenterTom Byers, Cedar River GroupMichelle Caulfield, Sustainable SeattleSuJ’n Chon, Meals Partnership CoalitionSandy Ciske, Public Health, Seattle & King CountySally Clark, Lifelong AIDS AllianceThe Honorable Richard Conlin, SeattleCity CouncilMarie Coon, New Holly Learning CenterMary Ellen Cunningham, MegawattShelley Curtis, Children’s AllianceSteve Daschle, Southwest Youth andFamily ServicesBob Davidson, Seattle Aquarium SocietyRuth Dickey, New FuturesJim Diers, University of Washington Office ofEducational PartnershipsKitty Domres, Food LifelinePeter Donnelly, Arts FundJoseph Drake, Puget Sound Training CenterBob Drewel, Puget Sound Regional CouncilSteve Dubiel, EarthCorpsYarrow Durbin, Washington State Courage to TeachAlan Durning, Northwest Environment WatchMary Dzieweczynski, VerbenaStephanie Ellis-Smith, Central District Forumfor Arts and IdeasJoan FanningJon Fine, United Way of King CountyPaul Fischburg, Delridge NeighborhoodDevelopment AssociationBob FlowersAnne Focke, Grantmakers in the ArtsRalph Forquera, Seattle Indian Health BoardRick Freidhoff, Compass CenterLarry Fried, Bellevue Philharmonic OrchestraPam Fujita-Yuhas, Northwest Fund forthe EnvironmentAileen Gagney, American Lung AssociationJaime Garcia, Rainier Valley CommunityDevelopment FundDebs Gardner, United Way of King CountyTom Geiger, Washington Environmental CouncilRichard Gelb, City of Seattle Office ofSustainability and EnvironmentYalonda Gill, African Americans Reachand Teach Health MinistryBryan Glynn, Cascade Land ConservancyKay Godefroy, Seattle Neighborhood GroupBill Goldsmith, King County Departmentof Community and Human ServicesAndy Gordon, University of WashingtonEvans School of Public AffairsPat Graney, Pat Graney CompanyMatt Griffin, Pine Street Group LLCLori Guilfoyle, United Way of King CountyAudrey Haberman, Pride FoundationLinda Hall, St. Andrews Housing GroupChristine Hanna, Northwest Environment WatchStan Harris, Tiny Tots Development CenterGlenn Harris, City of Seattle Departmentof NeighborhoodsJim Hattori, Seattle SymphonyDenis Hayes, Bullitt FoundationMike Heinsch, Kent Youth and Family ServicesMichael Herschensohn, Northwest FolklifeHelen Hicks, Tiny Tots Development CenterAngelia Hicks-Maxie, Tiny TotsDevelopment CenterDebra Holland, First PlaceKathryn Horsley, Public Health-Seattle& King CountyCatherine Hovanic, Washington NativePlant SocietyKathy Hsieh, City of Seattle Office of Artsand Cultural AffairsRobb Hunt, Village TheatrePeter Hurley, Transportation Choices CoalitionEdward Hutchinson, United Way of King CountyTom Ikeda, DenshoNaomi Ishisaka, Colors NW MagazinePramila Jayapal, Hate Free ZoneDavid Johnson, Highline Mental Health Clinic88ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Kate Joncas, Downtown Seattle AssociationPaula Jones, First AME Child and Family CenterAllison Jones, Catholic Community Servicesof Western WashingtonMegan Karch, FareStartAaron Keating, Port JobsSpider Kedelsky, Town Hall SeattleMatt Kelly, Mavin FoundationMichael Kern, Long Live the KingsDavid Keyes, City of Seattle CommunityTechnology ProgramMichael Killoren, City of Seattle Office of Artsand Cultural AffairsPatricia Kim, Seattle SymphonyHoward King, Chinatown Gate FoundationKelly Kirkland, Mountains to Sound GreenwayM.J. Kiser, Compass CenterPatricia Kiyono, Seattle Arts & LecturesJan Knudsen, KCTS/SeattleJosef Krebs, Annex TheatreTina LaPadula, Arts CorpsTom Lattimore, Impact CapitalAnson Laytner, Multifaith WorksSteve Leahy, Greater Seattle Chamber of CommerceSteve Lerian, Kirkland Performance CenterEunice Letzing, The Neighbor-to-Neighbor ProgramRay Li, Neighborhood HouseBetsy Lieberman, AIDS Housing of WashingtonEric Liu, authorKathy Lombardo, CH2M HillSandy Lowe, Family Services of King CountyDebra Lucas, Valley Cities Counseling& ConsultationElizabeth Lunney, Washington Trails AssociationErin Maher, Human Services Policy Center,University of Washington Evans School ofPublic AffairsVi Mar, Chinatown Gate FoundationPaola Maranan, Children’s AllianceNicole Marci, Downtown EmergencyService CenterPeter Masundire, African Americans Reachand Teach Health MinistryMilenko Matanovic, Pomegranate CenterCarol Maurer, King County Children andFamily CommissionJohn Mauro, Livable Communities CoalitionFrances McCue, Richard Hugo HouseThe Honorable Richard McIver, SeattleCity CouncilTricia McKay, Medina FoundationHerman McKinney, Urban Enterprise CenterFiona Meade, Artist TrustEd Medeiros, Phinney Neighborhood AssociationTerry Meersman, Talaris Research InstituteScott Miles, University of Washington Departmentof Urban Design and PlanningTrish Millines Dziko, Technology Access FoundationKurt Minor, Pacific Northwest BalletJacqueline Moscou, Langston Hughes PerformingArts CenterNate Moxley, Community Coalition forEnvironmental JusticeLinda Nageotte, Food LifelineNeil Nicoll, YMCA of Greater SeattleKT Niehoff, Velocity Dance CenterJill Nishi, Bill and Melinda Gates FoundationBlake Nordstrom, Nordstrom Inc.David Okimoto, United Way of King CountyJoshua Okrent, Low Income Housing InstituteJoseph Olchefske, former superintendent ofSeattle School DistrictLinda Park, Seattle Biotech Legacy FoundationCamron Parker, City of Bellevue HumanServices DivisionEmily Parker, Washington Women’s FoundationLaura Penn, INTIMAN TheatreSarah Phillips, Friends of Third Place CommonsMyra Platt, Book-It Repertory TheatreJerri Plumridge, Southeast Effective DevelopmentMark Plunkett, The Seattle AquariumTina Podlodowski, Lifelong AIDS AllianceJohn Powers, Enterprise SeattleJohn Rahaim, City of Seattle Departmentof Planning and DevelopmentDawn Rains, Seattle Repertory TheatreLori Rath, Rath Law & Mediation PLLCCharlie Rathbun, 4CultureNancy Roberts-Brown, Alliance for EducationMary Jean Ryan, City of Seattle Office ofPolicy and ManagementRita Ryder, YWCA of Seattle-King County-Snohomish CountyRebecca Sadinsky, Powerful SchoolsSili Savusa, Southwest Youth and Family ServicesEric Schinfeld, The ShunpikeJessyn Schor, Transportation Choices CoalitionLynn Schrader, University of WashingtonEvans School of Public AffairsIra SenGupta, Cross CulturalHealth Care ProgramGreg Shaw, Bill and Melinda Gates FoundationRon Sher, Third Place CompanyPaul Shoemaker, Social Venture PartnersJoel Sisolak, Friends of Cedar River WatershedKaren Sisson, Senior Center of West SeattleJason Sloan, Cross Cultural Health Care ProgramRachel Smith, Northwest EnvironmentalEducation CouncilDavid Solet, Public Health, Seattle & King CountyAmy Solmon, Bullitt FoundationSherrill Sparling, Gift of Giving FoundationDamien Spence, United Way of King CountyBetty Spieth, Langton SpiethWendy Stauff, Safeco CorporationChantal Stevens, Sustainable SeattleShannon Stewart, The Vera ProjectLorna Stone, Washington Health FoundationACKNOWLEDGMENTS 89

Mary Ellen Stone, King County Sexual AssaultResource CenterAlan Sugiyama, Center for Career AlternativesFred Swanson, Gay City Health ProjectDeborah Swets, CityClub of SeattleSue Taoka, Seattle Chinatown InternationalDistrict Public Development AuthoritySuzanne Tessaro, Community CapitalJennifer Teunon, Medina FoundationJim Thomas, Community CapitalKen Thompson, Bill and Melinda Gates FoundationLace Thornberg, Washington Trails AssociationJeanne Thorsen, King County Library SystemKip Tokuda, City of Seattle HumanServices DepartmentSusan Trapnell, ACT TheatreHeather Trim, People for Puget SoundPolly Trout, Seattle Education AccessNick Turner, The Vera ProjectKate Turpin, Senior Services of Seattle/King CountyKelly Tweeddale, Seattle OperaHolly Unger, Community Coalition forEnvironmental JusticeTom Uniack, Washington Wilderness CoalitionCathryn Vandenbrink, Artspace ProjectsMaya VengadasalamHuong Vu, Paul G. Allen Family FoundationJody Waits, Child Care ResourcesNancy Whitaker, Children Services of Sno-ValleyJohn Arthur Wilson, The Gallatin GroupMarsha Wolf, Artist TrustKaren Wolf, King County Department ofDevelopment and Environmental ServicesRichard Woo, The Russell Family FoundationCaroline Woodard, Plymouth Housing GroupFrances Yeatts, West Seattle Food BankDavid Yeaworth, Allied Arts of SeattleJanice Yee, Denise Louie Education CenterErin Younger, The Burke MuseumEd Zuckerman, Federation of StateConservation Voter LeaguesNote: The associated organization is reflective of theparticipant’s affiliation at the time of participationSpecial thanks go to Communities Countstaff and supporters, who shared quantitativedata on social, health, arts and environmentindicators across King County. The collaborativeconsists of seven organizations.City of Bellevue Parks and CommunityServices DepartmentCity of Seattle Human Services DepartmentKing County Children and FamilyCommissionPublic Health, Seattle & King CountySustainable SeattleThe Seattle FoundationUnited Way of King CountyWe would also like to extend our gratitudeto the following community organizations,which coordinated outreach to theirconstituencies through one-on-one interviews,online surveys and focus groups.Cascade Land ConservancyInternational District Housing AllianceLeadership EastsideMegawattNew FuturesSafe Futures Youth CenterSeattle WorksSustainable SeattleOur 2004 A Better Tomorrow grantrecipients – selected for their ability toharness the power of people to enhance ourcommunity – helped inform our continuedthinking on a Healthy Community.Center for Human ServicesChild Care ResourcesCity of Burien Arts CommissionMockingbird SocietyNew FuturesPomegranate CenterSt. James ESL ProgramThe following organizations hostedcommunity conversations, provided photosand contributed valuable insight andguidance in the making of this report.Cascade Land ConservancyChickadee MusicDaisy Bee KidsDiscovery Park Environmental Learning CenterHearing, Speech and Deafness CenterHomeSightInternational District Housing AllianceKorisu Club CoopLangston Hughes Performing Arts CenterLeadership EastsideMegawattNeighborhood HouseNew FuturesPhinney Neighborhood AssociationPhinney Neighborhood AssociationSoup KitchenPhinney Neighborhood Preschool CoopPlymouth Housing GroupPort JobsSafe Futures Youth CenterSeattle Indian Health BoardSeattle WorksSustainable SeattleWing Luke Asian Art MuseumWoodland Park Zoo90ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The following board members and donorsparticipated in focus groups, communityconversations and donor stories.The Seattle Foundation TrusteesRick FoxPeter HorvitzKate JanewayJudy RunstadDr. Al ThompsonMaggie WalkerRobert WattThe Seattle Foundation DonorsFraser BlackPeter Bladin and Donna LouLinda BrenemanAnn CorbettJane and David DavisTom DesBrisaySue HoltKate JanewaySally JewellJeanette Davis-LoebRichard MiyauchiJohn MorseDan RegisRobert Rudine and Janet YoderLynn Ryder GrossMaryanne Tagney JonesDoug and Maggie WalkerLindie WightmanMatthew Wiley and Janet ButtenwieserBarbara WollnerThis report was made possible by our dedicatedresearchers, writers and editors: Nancy Ashleyof Heliotrope; Sally Bock and Tana Sennof Pyramid Communications; KathleenSullivan; and Michael Brown and Molly Stearnsof The Seattle Foundation.Thanks to other The Seattle Foundationstaff: Matt Birkeland, Phyllis Campbell, CeilErickson, Sandi Lee, Savitha Reddy Pathi,Debbie Potter, Jared Watson and Sarah Wirz.Karis Cady and Katha Dalton of PyramidCommunications, along with Kelly Okumura,designed this report. Photographer MattWeitkamp of Pyramid Communicationscontributed to this report.The Boeing Company generously donatedin-kind printing.

AD LOCATION“I give to The Seattle Foundation becausethey help me personalize my giving – in bulk.”Jeff Brotman, Chairman, CostcoMaking strategic decisions about where his money goes is something Costco Chairman Jeff Brotman knows a lot about. That’swhy he partners with The Seattle Foundation. “The ability to team with a group who can support your giving is a huge asset,”he says. By handling the paperwork and eliminating the administrative hassles, we help Jeff support the things he cares about.All of which add up to a foundation that delivers smart giving by the truckload. www.seattlefoundation.org 206.622.2294