$1.8 Million to Serve Individuals Impacted by the Criminal Legal System
Five diverse organizations chosen for community-centered, holistic approaches to service
The Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County (WDC) is awarding five organizations a total of $1.825 million to serve individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. This system creates disparate racial impacts on low-income communities, especially individuals of Black, Indigenous and Latinx origin, making it an important priority toward advancing the WDC’s commitment to equitable economic recovery. The grant will provide upstream and responsive services through community-led organizations that possess, or tap into, community-centered leadership, peer navigation, and the technical expertise needed to support individuals’ journeys toward employment and self-determination.
This was a highly competitive selection from 25 applications totaling a requested $9.6 million, representing a much greater community need than these resources can meet alone. The organizations were chosen for their proven holistic models, their dedication and ability to prioritize racial equity, and their capacity to implement high quality services. This grant is funded by the King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy (VSHSL) and Community Services Operating (CSO) Fund.
Organizations Awarded
Chief Seattle Club: BIPOC-led organization with a focus on peer mentorship, employment support, and multiple pathways for providing stable housing
Community Passageways: BIPOC-led organization with a peer mentorship model centered on ambassadors/resource navigators with lived experience and extensive therapy training
Weld Seattle: organization founded by and for people impacted by the criminal legal system, with a focus on housing assistance intertwined with peer mentorship and employment support
Organization for Prostitution Survivors: grassroots organization founded by a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation, with a focus on connecting survivors with peer mentorship, employment support, and auxiliary community services
TRAC Associates with consortium partners Africatown International and Evergreen Empowerment Network: organization and partners with a strong track record working in the community offering a wide variety of employment and training programs
Quotes
Derrick Belgarde, Chief Seattle Club: “With support from the WDC, we will expand our Native re-entry program to provide employment pathways. Jobs are a crucial component for our relatives returning home from prisons and jails.”
Jay Pershing, Weld Seattle: “This grant will have an immediate positive impact on the community and for individuals transitioning from incarceration, their families, and the businesses that hire them.”
Marie Kurose, CEO of the WDC: “We are pleased to support five exceptional organizations to provide much-needed support to help individuals working to rebuild their lives. This investment is an important first step toward ensuring that no one is excluded from our region’s opportunities.”
Media Contact: Joe Taylor – jtaylor@seakingwdc.org, 206.448.0482
Grants are awarded to our community partners through an open and competitive process.