Third Quarter Updates from the SNG Team!

Aaliyah Boyd-Ivey • October 22, 2024

October 2024

A Spooktacular Season of Safety and Community! 🎃

As the crisp autumn air rolls in and spooky decorations light up our neighborhoods, Seattle Neighborhood Group is brewing up more than just Halloween treats-we're stirring up exciting initiatives that strengthen community ties and ensure everyone feels safe, no matter the season.

Whether carving pumpkins, donning costumes, or trick-or-treating, October is a great reminder of the power of coming together as a community.

This month, we're unmasking new ways to make our neighborhoods safer, highlighting important upcoming events like our inaugural Community Safety Summit and the much-anticipated IMPACT! Safe Schools Student Leadership Conference. So, while you enjoy the thrills and chills of Halloween, remember to stay engaged in our ongoing efforts to create safer, more resilient neighborhoods.

From ghoulish gatherings to impactful conversations about safety, there's something for everyone this fall. Let's make this season one to remember!

Third Quarter Updates

East African Senior Meal Program


This fall, we celebrated a successful Farm Fest. The event brought together community members to enjoy fresh produce, engage in fun activities, and strengthen family connections. It was a wonderful opportunity to promote healthy eating and highlight the importance of supporting local farms. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a memorable experience!



We are excited to introduce Ayinalem, our new intern joining the East African Senior Meal Program. Ayinalem will be assisting with our growing program and supporting the seniors we connect with each week. Her dedication and passion for community service will undoubtedly enhance our efforts to provide nourishing meals and companionship to our seniors, ensuring they feel valued and cared for.


South Park Public Safety Activities


South Park saw a variety of impactful activities aimed at youth engagement and community safety. SNG partnered with Cultivate South Park to provide financial literacy education to 12 local youth, covering budgeting, credit, and investing, while linking these lessons to the socio-economic realities of their communities. Additionally, we collaborated with the Seattle Police Department and One Sky Foundation for a back-to-school giveaway, distributing backpacks and school supplies along with crime prevention resources for families. Our participation in National Night Out saw us hosting a community barbeque, distributing more than 200 safety kits, and engaging residents in crime prevention efforts.


We continued supporting neighborhood safety by launching the South Park Neighborhood Watch and actively participating in community meetings such as the SW Precinct Crime Prevention Council. SNG also contributed to the Duwamish River Festival and South Park Summer Party, providing safety resources to over 300 attendees. Moving forward, we aim to expand youth programming, improve graffiti removal initiatives, and strengthen our small business outreach while maintaining strong community connections through newsletters, social media, and public safety training.


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


In Rainier Beach, we continue to create vibrant, safe spaces for young people to thrive. Over the past few months, we've been focusing on beautifying Rainier Beach, including a new mural project that celebrates community and positive engagement. The mural will add a colorful, inspiring touch to the park, further enhancing its role as a safe and welcoming space.


Looking ahead, we're excited to announce our upcoming Toy Donation Drive! Stay tuned for more details on how you can contribute and help bring holiday joy to families in need this season. We're also preparing for our annual Light Up the Beach event, where the community gathers to decorate the streets and brighten our neighborhood during winter.


Let's continue making Rainier Beach a beautiful and safe place for youth!


Community Safety Summit

Rainier Beach: Inaugural IMPACT Community Safety Summit



Mark your calendars for the inaugural IMPACT Community Safety Summit at the El Centro de la Raza Cultural Center, noon - 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 16.


This summit is designed to foster meaningful dialogue between community members, local businesses and government representatives to discuss public safety solutions tailored to Rainier Beach's unique needs.


Topics will include mental health support, violence prevention and strategies to engage youth positively. Your voice is essential so come and be part of this important conversation.


National Estate Planning Awareness Week

National Estate Planning Awareness Week: Leave a Lasting Legacy


As we mark National Estate Planning Awareness Week, it's a perfect time to think about how you can make a lasting impact on the community through thoughtful planning. By including Seattle Neighborhood Group (SNG) in your estate plans, you can help us continue our mission to create safer, more equitable communities.


Why Your Support Matters:


  • Empowering Communities: Your legacy gift will support our Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) initiatives and safety programs.
  • Advocating for Change: Contributions help fund our IMPACT! conference, focusing on gun violence prevention and mental health advocacy.
  • Building Trust: Your support strengthens our efforts to engage and collaborate with underserved populations.


How to Get Involved:



  • Include SNG in Your Will: Consider naming Seattle Neighborhood Group as a beneficiary in your estate plan.
  • Spread the Word: Encourage others to think about the impact they can make through estate planning.
  • Learn More: Contact us at info@sngi.org for more details on how to include SNG in your plans.


Your legacy can help us build a safer, more inclusive community for the future. Thank you for your support!


IMPACT! Safe Schools Student Leadership Conference

IMPACT! Safe Schools Student Leadership Conference


Thursday, December 5th @ El Centro de la Raza Cultural Center


The annual IMPACT! Safe Schools Student Leadership Conference is just around the corner. This year, we will focus on gun violence prevention and mental health advocacy, empowering students to lead the charge in creating safer school environments.


More information is forthcoming, but if you're interested in getting involved or want to serve on the planning committee, we'd love to hear from you.


Reach out to Aaliyah at aaliyah@sngi.org for more details and learn how to make a difference.


Your Voice Matters: Safety Concerns in King County


The King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention invites you to share your thoughts on violence involving firearms in our communities. You can share insights anonymously in a short survey HERE or by scanning the QR code above. The survey takes seven minutes or less to complete, and your responses will remain confidential.


Your input is vital in guiding the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention's efforts to improve community safety. Please share this survey with your networks-every voice counts! If you have any questions, please reach out to the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention


Become a Monthly Donor!

Donor Spotlight


We are excited to feature a dedicated donor in each newsletter to acknowledge their invaluable support. If you are interested in being spotlighted, become a monthly donor today!


Why Become a Monthly Donor?

  1. Sustained Support: Your regular contributions provide reliable funding for our initiatives.
  2. Convenience: Set up your donation once, and it will be automatically processed each month.
  3. Impact: Monthly donations create a significant impact over time.
  4. Community: Join a special group of supporters committed to continuous impact.


How to Join

  1. Visit www.sngi.org/get-involved
  2. Choose the monthly donation option.
  3. Select an amount that fits your budget.
  4. Complete the form and become part of our community of monthly donors.



Become a Donor!

Calling All Volunteers: Join Us in Creating Safer Communities!

Want to make a lasting impact in your community? Seattle Neighborhood Group is looking for passionate volunteers to help support our upcoming events and initiatives. Whether it's lending a hand at community safety workshops, assisting with events like our Toy Donation Drive or Light Up the Beach, or simply being part of our ongoing efforts, there are many ways to get involved!


Would you be interested in joining us?


Sign up using Volunteer Sign Up or scan the QR code to stay informed about volunteer opportunities:


JOIN US AT UPCOMING EVENTS


Annual Rainier Beach Boo Bash


When: Sunday, October 27 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.


Where: Rainier Beach Community Center

8825 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118



IMPACT Community Safety Summit


When: Saturday, November 16, noon - 4 p.m.


Where: El Centro de la Raza Cultural Center - 2524 16th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144


IMPACT! Safe Schools Student Leadership Conference


When: Thursday, December 5, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.


Where: El Centro de la Raza Cultural Center

1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144

Second Quarter Updates from the SNG Team!

By Aaliyah Boyd-Ivey • September 16, 2024
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.
A group of people are planting flowers in a garden.

First Quarter Updates from the SNG Team!

By Thomasina Schmitt • March 18, 2024
Welcome to our March update! Spring is finally here and we're pumped about the warmer weather and all the good vibes that come with it. We're also excited about some awesome projects that we have in store for you. We have some amazing community initiatives and events coming up that we can't wait to share with you.
A cup of coffee , a pen , and two sticky notes on a wooden table.

Start the year off right with giving!

By Thomasina Schmitt • January 9, 2024
As we begin a new year, let's start a journey of purposeful giving that will leave a lasting impact. We strongly believe that thoughtful generosity has the power to create positive change. Here are some ways that you can prioritize giving in 2024 and make a real difference: Monthly Giving for Sustained Impact: Join our community of monthly donors committed to creating a steady and sustainable impact. Your consistent support provides a reliable source of funding for our initiatives throughout the year, making a meaningful difference in the lives we touch. Leverage the Power of DAFs (Donor-Advised Funds): Maximize your philanthropic efforts by utilizing Donor-Advised Funds. DAFs offer flexibility and strategic planning, allowing you to recommend grants to causes you care about. Let's work together to channel your passion into purpose. Transform Stocks into Social Change: Consider donating appreciated stocks as part of your giving strategy. This not only provides tax advantages for you but also unlocks the potential for greater impact. Together, we can turn financial assets into real change. Craft Your Legacy with Estate Planning: Explore the transformative impact of estate planning. By including Seattle Neighborhood Group in your will or estate plans, you leave a lasting legacy that extends far beyond your lifetime, ensuring your values and commitment to positive change endure. Join us to make 2024 a year of purpose and impact. Your support fuels our mission to create a better world together. Click to explore giving options! Thank you for being a beacon of change.
A group of people wearing green shirts and masks are posing for a picture.

Happy New Year from our Executive Director!

By Thomasina Schmitt • January 1, 2024
As the calendar turns to another year filled with hope and promise, I find myself reflecting on the incredible impact that Seattle Neighborhood Group has made – all thanks to the unwavering support of friends like you. 2023 was a year of challenges but also remarkable achievements. From enhancing safety in our neighborhoods to empowering community members with the tools to thrive, your contributions have been the cornerstone of our success. As we step into 2024, our mission to build safer and more inclusive communities in Seattle remains as vital as ever. But to continue this work, we need your help. Would you consider starting the New Year by making a donation to Seattle Neighborhood Group? Your gift will go directly towards programs that foster community engagement, crime prevention, and the overall well-being of our neighborhoods. Many of our supporters give stock, grants from Donor Advised funds, or make a Qualified Charitable Distribution, all of which are more “tax-smart” than giving cash. Click below to learn more about these giving options. Your generosity is more than a donation; it's an investment in the heart of Seattle. It's an opportunity to join other supporters in creating a tapestry of diverse, vibrant communities where every member can live without fear and with a sense of belonging. Last year, your support helped us achieve incredible milestones. We saw neighborhoods come together to advocate for their safety, youth programs that steered our young people towards positive paths, and initiatives that brought resources to those who needed them most. This year, with your continued support, we can reach even greater heights. As the Executive Director of Seattle Neighborhood Group, I am personally inviting you to be part of our 2024 journey. Together, we can build upon the foundations of trust, collaboration, and empowerment that make our neighborhoods truly special. Thank you for considering a gift to Seattle Neighborhood Group. Your support is the lifeblood of our community's future. Wishing you a peaceful and prosperous New Year, Thomasina Schmitt Executive Director Seattle Neighborhood Group
A crowd of people are holding up signs at a protest.

Our Support of Justice

By Thomasina Schmitt • April 19, 2023
At Seattle Neighborhood Group (SNG), we believe that all people have the right to live safely, peacefully and with the fundamental guarantee of equal protection under the law. As a community organization we see first hand how systemic racism affects Black and Brown people every day. We see how this historical trauma has created strained relationships and mistrust of institutions such as police.  We are outraged by the senseless murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and many others. SNG condemns racism and police brutality. We believe Black Lives Matter and we stand with our communities who are hurting, angry, and grieving. As an organization working for community safety, particularly in underserved communities, we start by acknowledging and taking responsibility for any harm we may have caused in the past. Moving forward we commit to confronting systemic racism and helping to dismantle it. We do this by educating, organizing, and collaborating. Educating: We educate ourselves and others about the long history of racism and white supremacy in our country and how it has infected every area of our society. Organizing: We talk to our communities, we create safe spaces and forums for thoughtful discussion, and we hold our elected officials accountable to create policies that address systemic and institutional racism. Collaborating: We help create bridges and links between residents, businesses, government entities and other organizations to create safe communities and neighborhoods. Please join us in working to dismantle systemic and institutional racism. Stand with us to support our Black and Brown community members and help us heal our hurting city. -Seattle Neighborhood Group
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