East African Senior Meal Program

We've seen a remarkable increase in activities for female seniors this year, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to support East African seniors, refugees, and immigrants. By focusing on more engaging activities, we've created a vibrant and welcoming environment at Yesler and Northgate Community Centers, as well as Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands.

In addition to these activities, we've expanded our support efforts for food relief. This includes distributing gift cards for groceries and providing accessible transportation to ensure that seniors can easily attend our programs and access essential resources. These initiatives reflect our commitment to building a safer and more supportive community, empowering individuals to thrive within their neighborhoods.

South Park Public Safety Activities

Youth Engagement & Neighborhood Attachment Activities 

We celebrated Earth Day with Concord International Elementary, distributing crime prevention materials and providing entertainment to build community spirit. Our 8-2-Skate Roller Club, in partnership with Denny International Middle School, offered weekly skate sessions focusing on social-emotional skills, peer pressure, and leadership, culminating in a student presentation at Great Wolf Lodge.

Community Coordination 

The South Park Community Information Team collaborated with local partners to share news and events, enhancing neighborhood connections. Our Neighborhood Watch program recruited and trained volunteers to help police and first responders and support neighbors during critical situations. 

Community Safety Support 

We joined the Mayor’s Public Safety Community Forum to discuss community solutions and advised on CPTED principles. Our newsletter and social media campaigns shared gun safety tips and crime prevention updates and promoted neighborhood events. We worked with SPD Community Service Officers to address criminal activity and integrate new business owners into the community.

Neighborhood Image, Maintenance & Reputation Efforts 

We collaborated with the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition and the Seattle Kraken for a neighborhood cleanup, coordinating volunteers and providing needle safety information and refreshments.

Upcoming Events

Join us at several events, including the annual Duwamish River Valley Festival this summer, CPR/ First Aid training, and Financial Literacy classes. 

Rainier Beach: A Beautiful Safe Place for Youth (ABSPY)

We are thrilled to share our latest achievements in Rainier Beach, emphasizing our commitment to creating a vibrant and safe community for our youth.

This summer, we wrapped up the Detective Cookie's Chess Park mural, a colorful and inspiring addition that celebrates the power of chess and community. Additionally, we created a new mural at the Rainier Beach Dentist's Office, adding another beautiful piece of art to our neighborhood.

Our efforts to maintain and improve Rainier Beach's five "pearls" continue with consistent cleanups and hotspot activations. These initiatives enhance the area's aesthetic appeal and promote a sense of pride and ownership among residents.

We are excited to announce our inaugural Community Safety Summit this September!

Be on the lookout for more details, and join us for this important event. Together, we are making Rainier Beach a more beautiful, safe, and welcoming place for our youth and the entire community.

How CPTED Enhances Safety During Summer

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles are particularly effective during the summer months. Here's how CPTED works to keep our communities safe:

• Increased Natural Surveillance : Longer daylight hours and outdoor activities boost visibility. Well-lit paths and parks deter criminal behavior.

• Enhanced Territorial Reinforcement:  Organize neighborhood events like clean-ups and block parties to foster community bonds and create a visible presence.

• Optimized Natural Access Control:  Maintain clear and welcoming entrances to public spaces with proper landscaping and signage.

• Active Maintenance:  Keep parks and communal areas clean. Promptly address litter, graffiti, and vandalism to maintain a positive environment.

• Community Engagement:  Launch safety programs and activities to educate residents and encourage proactive involvement.

Implementing these CPTED strategies creates safer, more enjoyable environments.

IMPACT! Safe Schools Student Leadership Conference Middle Schools 

IMPACT! Safe Schools Student Leadership Conference

The IMPACT! Safe Schools Student Leadership Conference was a resounding success, thanks to the incredible collaboration and participation of our partners and speakers. This event brought together students, educators, and community leaders to address critical issues surrounding school safety and student leadership.

Our Partners

1. Mental Health Program for Seattle Public Schools:  We were honored to have the Mental Health Program for Seattle Public Schools join us as a key partner. Their expertise and commitment to supporting student mental health were invaluable. They provided essential resources and workshops that empowered students to prioritize their mental well-being and create a supportive school environment.
2. Gun Violence Panel: Progress Pushers:  The Progress Pushers facilitated a powerful panel discussion on gun violence, a topic that deeply impacts our communities. Their insights and real-life experiences shed light on the urgent need for proactive measures and community involvement in preventing gun violence. The panel sparked meaningful conversations and inspired students to take an active role in advocating for safer schools.
3. Keynote Speaker:  Nikkita Oliver: We were thrilled to have Nikkita Oliver as our keynote speaker. As a renowned community leader, artist, and advocate, Nikkita delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking address that resonated with everyone in attendance. Their words encouraged students to embrace their leadership potential and work collectively towards positive change in their schools and communities.

Conference Highlights

The conference featured a variety of engaging workshops, interactive sessions, and collaborative activities designed to equip students with the tools and knowledge they need to become effective leaders. Attendees had the opportunity to:

• Participate in mental health and wellness workshops
• Engage in discussions about gun violence prevention
• Learn from experienced leaders and advocates
• Network with peers from different schools and backgrounds

Looking Ahead

The success of the IMPACT! Safe Schools Student Leadership Conference would not have been possible without the dedication and support of our partners and keynote speaker. We are immensely grateful for their contributions and look forward to continuing our collaboration to create safer and more inclusive school environments.

As we move forward, we remain committed to empowering students to lead with confidence, compassion, and a commitment to safety. Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming events and initiatives.

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the IMPACT! Safe Schools Student Leadership Conference. Together, we can make a difference!