Slog
News & ArtsFriday, October 2, 2009
Strangercrombie Strangercrombie Is Coming: Who Should We Give To?
Posted by Paul Constant on Fri, Oct 2, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Last year, we raised over 50,000 dollars for Treehouse, a charity that helps helps over 4,000 kids a year with clothing, school supplies, tutoring, and other critical services. But the big question is: Who should we give to this year? There are dozens of deserving Seattle-based charities, and after the dismal financial year that was 2009, many of them could really use Strangercrombie's hot cash injection.
We'll let you vote on the most worthy charity next week, but for right now, we'd like you to suggest your favorite Seattle charity in the comments. Who needs the cash? Let us know!
2
http://www.childsplaycharity.org/
Child's play is a pretty great locally based charity, but they give to hospitals all over the planet so perhaps it's not local enough?
Child's play is a pretty great locally based charity, but they give to hospitals all over the planet so perhaps it's not local enough?
5
There was one in consideration last year helping the homeless with laundry and showers. Urban Rest Stop I think it was called.
A very important resource for the current economy.
A very important resource for the current economy.
6
Seattle Humane Society. To make up for all the animal-dissing that transpires on the Slog.
http://www.seattlehumane.org/
http://www.seattlehumane.org/
8
Is it un-kosher to suggest the organization I work for?
All-Ages Movement Project
http://allages.net
All-Ages Movement Project
http://allages.net
10
I vote for the Discovery Institute, cause they are all charity head cases ...
Oh, wait, non-profit ... ok, how about Washington Bus?
Oh, wait, non-profit ... ok, how about Washington Bus?
11
Childhaven provides therepeutic care to babies, toddlers, and preschoolers who are drug-affected, abused, and/ or neglected. They are local (with 4 branches, including one on Broadway!) and entirely non-religious. http://www.childhaven.org/
14
I agree with #9. Solid Ground has a focus on poverty-related programs, particularly hunger and housing.
17
Most everybody is standing up for the chillun.
I say give granny some. After all she doesn't have much time left, what with the death panels and all.
How about Senior Services? http://www.seniorservices.org
I say give granny some. After all she doesn't have much time left, what with the death panels and all.
How about Senior Services? http://www.seniorservices.org
18
Though it's technically in Lynnwood -- PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society) is a great resource, both for wild and domestic animals. http://www.paws.org/
19
i would add my vote for Solid Ground. they have so many good projects that give dignity to low income families and individuals in our area. apart from that seattle has a number of community based clinics that could always use help: sea mar, seattle indian health board, country doctor to name a few
20
What about, maybe, Harborview's charity-care fund? I don't know if it's effective for change, but it still needs to be funded. The "Harborview Mission of Caring Fund" is described at the bottom of this page:
http://depts.washington.edu/meddev/givin…
http://depts.washington.edu/meddev/givin…
21
ryther.org (Ryther Child Center) supports abused/ traumatized foster children that are too mentally ill/ behaviorally unstable to live in regular foster care. Seeks to stabilize children's bx enough that they can be reintegrated into a more normal environment. Two programs closed last year due to limited funds. I know there are many deserving charities, but honestly I don't think there's any one that's more deserving than this one. These kids are messed up and Ryther seriously has the potential and ability to give these kids their life back. W/ more resources the amazing work done there for these kids (ages 5-13) could be greatly increased. Also, it's the only residential treatment program for sexually aggressive youth in the state and this kind of treatment, when provided to children that need it, is much more successful than if you wait until they're adults. Other disorders commonly addressed include ptsd, attachment disorders, severe disruptive behavior disorders and severe anxiety disorders.
22
Stay Safe Seattle:
A local harm reduction and drug education group
aimed at the all-ages dance scene but servicing helping
service the 21+ crowd soon too.
Church of Bass
-a kid
A local harm reduction and drug education group
aimed at the all-ages dance scene but servicing helping
service the 21+ crowd soon too.
Church of Bass
-a kid
24
Last year Treehouse was looking like an also-ran in the voting until my wife posted that Charity Navigator had given them top ratings and the others were pretty lame in comparison. Then the votes swung in their favor.
So anyway, Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has 2 stars out of 4, The Humane Society for Seattle/King County has 4/4. 826 and Solid Ground aren't rated.
The others in Seattle with 4 stars are: YWCA of Seattle - King County - Snohomish County, Snow Leopard Trust, Market Foundation, Virginia Mason Health System, GRIST, Seattle Aquarium Society, Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Washington Trails Association, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, CRISTA Ministries, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest, PATH, Museum of Flight, Washington Policy Center, Lakeside School, Washington Environmental Council, YMCA of Greater Seattle, Mission to Unreached Peoples, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, the Washington Toxics Coalition.
The link above is all the ones within 5 miles of the 98101 zip, sorted by rating.
So anyway, Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has 2 stars out of 4, The Humane Society for Seattle/King County has 4/4. 826 and Solid Ground aren't rated.
The others in Seattle with 4 stars are: YWCA of Seattle - King County - Snohomish County, Snow Leopard Trust, Market Foundation, Virginia Mason Health System, GRIST, Seattle Aquarium Society, Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Washington Trails Association, Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust, CRISTA Ministries, Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest, PATH, Museum of Flight, Washington Policy Center, Lakeside School, Washington Environmental Council, YMCA of Greater Seattle, Mission to Unreached Peoples, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, the Washington Toxics Coalition.
The link above is all the ones within 5 miles of the 98101 zip, sorted by rating.
26
The Youth Suicide Prevention Program www.yspp.org
This group is working to get youth, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, counselors...anyone who works with or comes into contact with young people on a regular basis to understand and destigmatize youth depression, recognize risks and warning signs, and actually know how to help a teen who is in danger of suicide. This work is especially crucial when it comes to supporting gay and lesbian teens whose suicide rate is around 4 times higher than that of hetero youth. They work statewide but are located right here in Seattle.
This group is working to get youth, parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, counselors...anyone who works with or comes into contact with young people on a regular basis to understand and destigmatize youth depression, recognize risks and warning signs, and actually know how to help a teen who is in danger of suicide. This work is especially crucial when it comes to supporting gay and lesbian teens whose suicide rate is around 4 times higher than that of hetero youth. They work statewide but are located right here in Seattle.
28
What with the economy and the lack of health-care these days - what about Seattle Children's Hospital? Show those Laurelhurst bitches that Seattle actually likes having a world-class pediatric institution in the city.
32
I'm casting my vote for the YMCA of Greater Seattle (four stars in the charity navigator!), specifically the Transitions program. For those who don't know:
I used to work for the Y (on the "gym" side of the building) and I can tell you that the Transitions program helped a lot of teens move from the "troubled youth" category to the "contributing member of society" category with flying colors. It's GOOD STUFF.
The YMCA Transitions program is designed to assist moderate- to high-functioning young adults, ages 18 – 23 in King County who are or have been in foster care or out-of-home placement at some time during their adolescence and who need assistance in maintaining stable housing, developing independent living skills, educational support and career development. Various housing options are available depending on the needs of participants ranging from supported host homes to individual apartments, and all participants gain skills through workshops and program staff support. Participants pay a percentage of their monthly income to the program and gradually take over payment of rent and bills as they become self-sufficient and graduate from the program.
I used to work for the Y (on the "gym" side of the building) and I can tell you that the Transitions program helped a lot of teens move from the "troubled youth" category to the "contributing member of society" category with flying colors. It's GOOD STUFF.
34
speaking of health care - the only reason i'm able to get mine is b/c of the great folks (and sliding scale rates) @ the non-profit Country Doctor Community Health Clinic - http://www.countrydoctor.org/index.php?o…
they offer the following:
* Adolescent Services
* Adult Services
* Infant and Child Services
* HIV Care and Case Management
* Interpretation Services
* On-site Pharmacy
* Patient Support Services
* Prenatal and Pregnancy Care
* Senior Services
* Specialty and Hospital Care
as well as a sliding scale acupuncture clinic, natural health care for the LGBTQ population(s), and more.
check out their site. they also run the carolyn downs family medical center.
they offer the following:
* Adolescent Services
* Adult Services
* Infant and Child Services
* HIV Care and Case Management
* Interpretation Services
* On-site Pharmacy
* Patient Support Services
* Prenatal and Pregnancy Care
* Senior Services
* Specialty and Hospital Care
as well as a sliding scale acupuncture clinic, natural health care for the LGBTQ population(s), and more.
check out their site. they also run the carolyn downs family medical center.
35
Guide Dogs for the Blind, is always looking for donations. They are always needing donations and puppy raisers, and they do a tremendous public service, though they are not as well publicized.
http://www.guidedogs.com/site/PageServer…
I don't think there is a more rewarding experience than raising a puppy, being able to return him to "school" for formal training, and then being a part of seeing the joy on a blind person's face when they receive a dog that will be their lifeline to independence and mobility for years to come.
http://www.guidedogs.com/site/PageServer…
I don't think there is a more rewarding experience than raising a puppy, being able to return him to "school" for formal training, and then being a part of seeing the joy on a blind person's face when they receive a dog that will be their lifeline to independence and mobility for years to come.
38
how about that charity in ballard that just got jacked 30 thou or something? they could probably use the money...
39
How about Neighborhood House: (www.nhwa.org)
They serve primarily immigrants and refugees, many of whom have been drawn to Seattle because of our city's growing reputation for openness towards the Other, the Stranger. At this point, what greater advantage does America have than our capacity welcome others, however imperfectly. Places like Neighborhood House, which helps immigrants and refugees adjust to life in America, are crucial if we are to maintain this stance of friendship and openness toward the world.
They serve primarily immigrants and refugees, many of whom have been drawn to Seattle because of our city's growing reputation for openness towards the Other, the Stranger. At this point, what greater advantage does America have than our capacity welcome others, however imperfectly. Places like Neighborhood House, which helps immigrants and refugees adjust to life in America, are crucial if we are to maintain this stance of friendship and openness toward the world.
40
I second Seattle Youth Garden Works! Teaching homeless kids job skills by digging in the dirt, growing their own vegetables and selling at the U District Farmers Market . . . that's a lot of good stuff in one organization.
41
just a comment on charity navigator -- it's taking into account revenue *growth* and program *growth*...so, for example, seattle public library foundation only has 2 stars. their $$$ to programming are good and the $$ for admin/fundraising are within industry standards. but because their revenue has gone down almost 20%, they're getting fewer stars. This even though their programs were reduced almost by half (which is most likely programming cuts to try to balance less revenue). It's only part of the story if you just look at the star ratings....
44
Seattle Youth Garden Works is my number one pick. www.sygw.org
They provide farming, agriculture and job market based education to homeless and underserved youth in the greater Seattle area.
The program was founded in 1995 by Margaret Hauptman, who wanted to provide jobs and training for homeless youth in the University District. Through her volunteer job at a drop-in center, she became aware of how street-identified youth were disenfranchised and so created a program that aimed to involve and empower youth. We started a small landscaping project and have grown into the successful garden to market project that we run today.
The garden is a perfect setting for a job skills training program for youth. Crewmembers learn valuable and marketable job skills in a supportive work setting. They learn how to plant, tend, and harvest organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers from seed for market, how to write a resume, cashiering, customer service, sales tracking and inventory, entrepreneurship and marketing skills, reliability, and how to be an effective employee. In addition, crew members go on field trips, learn about food security issues, perform community service projects, and cook meals using the produce that they grow.
They provide farming, agriculture and job market based education to homeless and underserved youth in the greater Seattle area.
The program was founded in 1995 by Margaret Hauptman, who wanted to provide jobs and training for homeless youth in the University District. Through her volunteer job at a drop-in center, she became aware of how street-identified youth were disenfranchised and so created a program that aimed to involve and empower youth. We started a small landscaping project and have grown into the successful garden to market project that we run today.
The garden is a perfect setting for a job skills training program for youth. Crewmembers learn valuable and marketable job skills in a supportive work setting. They learn how to plant, tend, and harvest organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers from seed for market, how to write a resume, cashiering, customer service, sales tracking and inventory, entrepreneurship and marketing skills, reliability, and how to be an effective employee. In addition, crew members go on field trips, learn about food security issues, perform community service projects, and cook meals using the produce that they grow.
45
I don't live in Seattle so I feel I shouldn't vote, but consider donating to a group that doesn't often get a lot of attention.
Some charity/non-profs get a lot more attention than others... spread the love around.
Some charity/non-profs get a lot more attention than others... spread the love around.
46
Charity Navigator is by no means the end all be all evaluation tool for non-profits. Why is Solid Ground not rated, here is the CN response from their website:
"What does it mean that the charity I'm looking for isn't listed on your site?
It simply means that our program team hasn't been able to analyze them yet. Despite the fact that we evaluate, for free, ten times more organizations than anyone else in America has ever attempted, many deserving (and not deserving) ones exist that we haven't gotten to yet. You may know that there are now approximately 1 million charities in this country. We evaluate a lot of them, but there are many still to do."
So elechnos can stop blowing smoke. BTW, Solid Ground had a commanding lead last year during the actual day of voting initially outlined in the poll. Treehouse kicked ass only later.
"What does it mean that the charity I'm looking for isn't listed on your site?
It simply means that our program team hasn't been able to analyze them yet. Despite the fact that we evaluate, for free, ten times more organizations than anyone else in America has ever attempted, many deserving (and not deserving) ones exist that we haven't gotten to yet. You may know that there are now approximately 1 million charities in this country. We evaluate a lot of them, but there are many still to do."
So elechnos can stop blowing smoke. BTW, Solid Ground had a commanding lead last year during the actual day of voting initially outlined in the poll. Treehouse kicked ass only later.
47
Blowing smoke? I didn't say anything that isn't true. I didn't say there is anything wrong with the ones not rated. Just pointing out a source of information.
I wonder if everyone at Solid Ground acts like a dick if don't kiss their ass. Not saying they do. Just wondering.
I wonder if everyone at Solid Ground acts like a dick if don't kiss their ass. Not saying they do. Just wondering.
48
I'm also gonna plug the org I work for: YouthCare is an agency in Seattle the provides shelter, housing, education, and employment training to more than 2,200 homeless youth and young adults every year. We have a lot of programs, but one in particular that I think SLOG readers would like to know about is ISIS house, the first transitional living program for LGBT youth in the country. A lot of the kids there were kicked out by homophobic parents, and it's an incredible place. However, it's also falling apart, and we really need to spruce it up. So, with full disclosure, I nominate housing for young LGBT victims of bigotry!
50
www.seattleeducationaccess.org - they send youth who've been in poverty or homeless to college - it's better than the stimulus package!
56
Rise n Shine, a non-profit that serves teens and kids affected by HIV/AIDs. They provide mentoring, support groups and a week of summer camp for kids who are affected! www.risenshine.org
57
Seattle Humane Society, they sorely need the help right now. Read this piece for more details:
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitic…
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitic…
58
Urban Rest Stop. Everyone needs to shower and wash their clothing. Not only the homeless, but the increasing numbers of poverty level families.
60
New Futures.
http://www.newfutures.org/
"New Futures partners with families
to create communities
where children thrive.
Our integrated, culturally relevant
programs in low-income
apartment complexes build skills,
foster connectedness,
and promote strengths."
http://www.newfutures.org/
"New Futures partners with families
to create communities
where children thrive.
Our integrated, culturally relevant
programs in low-income
apartment complexes build skills,
foster connectedness,
and promote strengths."
61
University Street Ministry - USM provides services for street kids ages 13-25:
• Teen Feed serves hot, nutritious meals five nights a week, 52 weeks a year, in various University District church facilities, and averages between 40 and 70 youth guests per night. In January 2010 Teen Feed is expanding to six nights a week—Sunday through Friday nights to meet the increased need that they are seeing this year.
• Service Links to Youth is a case management program designed to help youth who are ready to begin the transition to life off the street. On a one-to-one basis, they work with youth to identify specific goals such as finding transitional or permanent housing or working towards a GED, and then help them obtain these goals.
• Street Talk Outreach Program ("STOP"), launched in September 2008, is aimed at youth who avoid traditional social service agencies. Every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings, we send out teams of outreach counselors to meet youth in their own environment—the streets, alleys, and shops where they hang out.
• Teen Feed serves hot, nutritious meals five nights a week, 52 weeks a year, in various University District church facilities, and averages between 40 and 70 youth guests per night. In January 2010 Teen Feed is expanding to six nights a week—Sunday through Friday nights to meet the increased need that they are seeing this year.
• Service Links to Youth is a case management program designed to help youth who are ready to begin the transition to life off the street. On a one-to-one basis, they work with youth to identify specific goals such as finding transitional or permanent housing or working towards a GED, and then help them obtain these goals.
• Street Talk Outreach Program ("STOP"), launched in September 2008, is aimed at youth who avoid traditional social service agencies. Every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings, we send out teams of outreach counselors to meet youth in their own environment—the streets, alleys, and shops where they hang out.
62
Seattle Youth Garden Works is affiliated with Solid Ground; SYGW is a coalition member of Marra Farm Giving Garden. Marra is the place where the South End SYGW have their garden plots, where they grow produce sold at Columbia City Farmer's Market.
They're both awesome groups; my point is just that I think Solid Ground, as a locally-focused umbrella organization, is in a great position to distribute the Strangercrombie bucks around to a bunch of programs targeting food and poverty--they have some programs for seniors, and some for youth, and some for age-doesn't-matter, just need. And they get an enormous amount of fresh produce into food banks. (And nope, I don't work for 'em--just a long-term supporter.)
They're both awesome groups; my point is just that I think Solid Ground, as a locally-focused umbrella organization, is in a great position to distribute the Strangercrombie bucks around to a bunch of programs targeting food and poverty--they have some programs for seniors, and some for youth, and some for age-doesn't-matter, just need. And they get an enormous amount of fresh produce into food banks. (And nope, I don't work for 'em--just a long-term supporter.)
65
Safe Schools Coalition
www.safeschoolscoalition.org
--
The Safe Schools Coalition is an international public-private partnership in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth, that is working to help schools - at home and all over the world - become safe places where every family can belong, where every educator can teach, and where every child can learn, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
www.safeschoolscoalition.org
--
The Safe Schools Coalition is an international public-private partnership in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth, that is working to help schools - at home and all over the world - become safe places where every family can belong, where every educator can teach, and where every child can learn, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
66
http://heroesforthehomeless.org - It's getting pretty bad out there and these guys march out there with backpacks and give food to the homeless. I vote for Heroes for the Homeless!
67
I vote for Seattle Education Access (www.seattleeducationaccess.org), I am a single mother, and without SEA's financial/community support I would have never made it with out them being around. SEA specifically targets marginalized and non-traditional populations and helps them succeed in school. THERE IS NO OTHER ORGAINIZATION OUT THERE LIKE THEM!!! We need organizations helping people go to school and succeed in college; I know they have a high success rate (92% I believe). PLEASE CHOOSE SEATTLE EDUCATION ACCESS!!!
68
YSPP -Youth Suicide Prevention Program in Seattle
They work with various providers, schools, etc., to get the word out about kids who are at-risk for suicide. A few years ago they added a GLBTQ Project and the Coordinator has worked hard to collaborate with other GLBTQ organizations in the area (Safe Schools, Lambert House for example). She has also reached out to Faith organizations and not-so-friendly groups, including educators in schools, to get the word out about risks and protective factors that are amplified for gay youth. A conference last year was organized to discuss suicide and gay youth were a major focus of the day. As an educator who has handed out many YSPP business cards, I can honestly say that the work they do is fantastic and for my gay/bisexual and even transgendered students, the resources they provide are above and beyond. I contacted the GLBTQ Coordinator earlier this year when a student was having trouble coming out and she hooked him up with all the right connections - he's doing well thanks to the outreach provided.
They work with various providers, schools, etc., to get the word out about kids who are at-risk for suicide. A few years ago they added a GLBTQ Project and the Coordinator has worked hard to collaborate with other GLBTQ organizations in the area (Safe Schools, Lambert House for example). She has also reached out to Faith organizations and not-so-friendly groups, including educators in schools, to get the word out about risks and protective factors that are amplified for gay youth. A conference last year was organized to discuss suicide and gay youth were a major focus of the day. As an educator who has handed out many YSPP business cards, I can honestly say that the work they do is fantastic and for my gay/bisexual and even transgendered students, the resources they provide are above and beyond. I contacted the GLBTQ Coordinator earlier this year when a student was having trouble coming out and she hooked him up with all the right connections - he's doing well thanks to the outreach provided.
69
Echoing the comments for Seattle Youth Garden Works (sygw.org). The next few months are crucial for SYGW's continued activity in the community as it seeks independence from a larger, org (youth have expressed a strong desire to not work for a religiously-affiliated organization). In order to respond to the youth, SYGW has ramped up it's fundraising efforts (tough in this economy!) so it can achieve independence. This program would definitely benefit from Strangercrombie's hot cash injection!
71
plymouthhousing.org
They provide perminent housing and supportive services (in house case management, 24 hour building staff and nursing staff on site) to homeless and very low income people. They currently operate eleven apartment buildings, partner with several local agencies (harborview mental health, sound mental health, cpc, community house mental health and lifelong aids alliance- to name a few) and are about to open another building in belltown. They accept tenants with little or no income, eviction history, criminal backgrounds etc. It is a great program that works well to help people get off the streets, into stable housing and back into the work force. They deserve your vote!
They provide perminent housing and supportive services (in house case management, 24 hour building staff and nursing staff on site) to homeless and very low income people. They currently operate eleven apartment buildings, partner with several local agencies (harborview mental health, sound mental health, cpc, community house mental health and lifelong aids alliance- to name a few) and are about to open another building in belltown. They accept tenants with little or no income, eviction history, criminal backgrounds etc. It is a great program that works well to help people get off the streets, into stable housing and back into the work force. They deserve your vote!
72
I forgot to add; “For those able to earn them, college credentials offer the best hope for permanent freedom from a lifetime cycle of poverty.” (Anne Reynolds). SEA not only helps students find the resources they need, they also offer a permanet solution out of poverty that so many of us have faced!!! I hope you all vote for SEA, they are so awesome!!!
73
I second @21. Ryther needs help. The staff are overworked due to low funding. Plus, working with these kids day in and day out can be rewarding, but very, very difficult work, both physically and emotionally.
75
The Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP) gets my vote. Let's work to stamp out stigma and taboo's of the past!!!
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