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FamilyWorks 

Description

FamilyWorks is a warm and welcoming haven for people and families who might not otherwise have access to healthy, fresh food and parenting or life-skills resources.

The combination of food bank and family resource center in one gives people who lack basic resources a unique opportunity to truly nourish and strengthen their bodies, minds and spirit in a positive, supportive environment.

With barriers to basic needs lifted, FamilyWorks' customers are able to improve their health and well-being, create a more stable foundation for their children and increase their family's resiliency. As a result, they are more able to fully contribute to the strength of the entire community.

Mission Statement
FamilyWorks, a food bank and family center, nourishes and strengthens individuals and families by connecting people with support, resources and community.
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FamilyWorks
1501 N 45th St 
Seattle 
WA
98103 
(206) 694-6727 

Jake Weber 
Executive Director 

Programs

FamilyWorks Programs

FamilyWorks is one of the few organizations in Seattle with a food bank and a family resource center. We provide the following critical resources and programs: 
  • Nutrition: food bank, food delivery program for home-bound and disabled seniors, WIC Public Health Program, cooking demonstrations using food from the food bank, nutrition education
  • Family Support: parenting workshops and six-week parenting classes, programs for teen parents and single parents, weekly parent/child playgroups, family activities, free diapers, children’s clothing, toys and books
  • Life Skills: Computer tutoring for adults, employment counseling, life coaching, classes in CPR and emergency preparedness, individual assistance with securing needed resources
The goals of our programs are to strengthen families, improve skills, and facilitate access to the resources that are needed to increase family resiliency.  FamilyWorks, together with our donors, neighbors, local businesses, other community organizations, and the people we serve, work to strengthen our entire community.

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

2012 was a year of growth and accomplishment for FamilyWorks. This year 340 tons of nutritious food was distributed to very low-income individuals, and we increased the hours of our food bank to include evening hours to meet the increasing needs of those who are working but having a hard time making ends meet. In total, 3,212 individuals received food from FamilyWorks' food bank and food delivery program. 

The addition of a Family Advocate has enabled us to offer more in-depth attention to the multiple needs of families to secure needed resources, and through a partnership with Washington State University's Food $ense program we are able to offer cooking classes and demonstrations for our customers. 

FamilyWorks' other 2012 successes include: 
  • 1,510 people attending family center programs including parent/child programs and parenting classes 
  • 218 individuals received one-on-one assistance, advocacy and referral to a range of resources 
  • 50 teen and young adult parents and their babies received parenting education, life skills development and individual support 
  • 94% of parents reported engaging in more activities with their children that promote early learning and school success 
  • 250 volunteers contributed 6,538 hours of their time in our food bank and family center
We are proud of our accomplishments in 2012 and we recognize that our growth in service points to a level of persistent instability for many families and individuals due to our uncertain economy. We are grateful for and honored by the continued partnership of our donors who recognize the importance of supporting our low-income and at-risk neighbors, and whose generous support allows FamilyWorks to continue providing this valuable resource to our community.

Evaluation


FamilyWorks provides food and support services to low-income and homeless individuals and families through their food bank and resource center in North Seattle. 

Proven Success
In 2011, FamilyWorks provided 450 tons of food to over 1400 households through the food bank and home delivery program.  Over 500 families attended parenting programs, employment assistance sessions, and community workshops through the resource center.  FamilyWorks is unique in that they offer both a food bank and family resource center, providing a one stop shop for those in need. 

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
North Seattle is increasingly becoming a very diverse area.  To meet the need, FamilyWorks recently hired a bilingual advocate to serve Spanish speaking families.  They are also expanding food bank hours to accommodate the needs of working individuals. 

Collaboration
FamilyWorks is launching a unique partnership with the City of Seattle’s Human Services Department and Seattle Parks and Recreation.  Parks and Recreation staff based in community centers will be trained to refer families in need of support services like emergency food to their neighborhood Family Center.  Likewise, Family Center staff across the city will be trained to refer clients to Parks programs.  An added benefit of this new partnership is access to space for FamilyWorks classes and workshops at neighboring community centers.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
3/10/2013 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.
3/10/2011 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.
3/10/2010 $15,000.00support general operating expenses.
10/18/2007 $15,000.00support general operating expenses.
3/16/2005 $15,000.00support general operating expenses.

Financials

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