Those in Fremont who find themselves having difficulty paying for food for themselves and their families can always find assistance at three food banks that serve this area. The Ballard Food Bank, the Greenwood Food Bank, and the FamilyWorks Food Bank in Wallingford are always willing to share what they have, donated from within our neighborhoods, with those in need, especially in these extra difficult times.
The FamilyWorks Food Bank is still distributing bags of pre-packed food outside, while their building is prepared for its re-opening (along with the re-opening of the Wallingford Branch of the Seattle Public Library.) A number of safety features – hand-sanitizing stations, signage about face coverings and distancing, shields, air purifiers, etc. – are being installed.
However, FamilyWorks staff and volunteers built dollies, shelves and filled crates to be able to distribute food, childrens’ supplies and whatever else they can outside. Masks, distancing and safety measures still apply – and anyone unable to visit the Food Bank, due to severe health concerns or possible COVID-19 symptoms, is encouraged to contact FamilyWorks for other options, at 206-694-6727 or on the website (click here.)
FamilyWorks also offers family programs, four of which are available as virtual, on-line activities. In late July, in partnership with Solid Ground, FamilyWorks will add a Cooking Matters class. Find out more on the FamilyWorks website.
In an effort to assist clients, and give them a stronger voice, FamilyWorks is distributing public comment postcards to all their participants. The postcards allow FamilyWorks clients to hold their elected officials accountable, and make their voices heard to Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, our North Seattle City Councilmembers Debora Juarez, Dan Strauss, and Alex Pedersen, plus the two At-Large Councilmembers Teresa Mosqueda and Lorena Gonzalez. If there are any other officials, leaders, or elected politicians that FamilyWorks’ participants might want to contact, please let them know.
FamilyWorks wants to do its best by its clients, and those in need in our community, as it has always done. For long-time Executive Director Jake Weber, building resiliency in the FamilyWorks community has been a vocation and learning experience. However, Weber has decided to move on, with her last day being July 10th. On July 8th, Marcia Wright Soika will step in to FamilyWorks to lead the team of staff and volunteers that aid clients of FamilyWorks.
Find out more about FamilyWorks programs, and about how to donate to the Jake Weber Honorary Fund, on the FamilyWorks website (click here.) Or, learn there about how to access FamilyWorks services, including the Food Bank.