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 The Eastside has experienced powerful forces in recent years that have putthe human services
system at serious risk. Recently, the Eastside Human Services Alliance met for its first annual Assembly to discuss these forces and to define and prioritize critical issues facing the Eastside.
(EHSA is an independent organization of human services professionals sponsored by Family Resource Center.)
The Real Eastside: All is not well in the midst of plenty, a pamphlet
summarizing Assembly results, was produced to help decision makers understand and address our community's challenges. (Contact me to receive a copy.) Some of the top issues include:
The Eastside Myth: There is a common perception that the Eastside does not have low-income residents with unmet needs. Yet, over 20,000
of our neighbors in East King County live in poverty and thousands more are confronting hurts that dollars alone cannot fix.
No dedicated funding: The lack of a dedicated funding source for human
services perpetuates instability in the system, especially in tough economic times when resources are scarcer and the need for services greatest.
Influx of Immigrants and Refugees:
Eastside agencies are not well equipped to effectively manage the specific needs presented by growing immigrant and refugee populations.
Sacrificing Prevention:
Countywide funding trends are favoring crisis management over prevention. Impressive, successful Eastside prevention programs, are being disproportionately cut.
Funding Competition:
With fewer dollars available, more competition within and across agencies hurts working relationships and may inhibit collaboration.
The work of Family Resource Center is closely aligned with these
broad-based concerns. By supporting agency partnerships, by seeking joint funding for collaborative efforts, and by working to find a new,
sustainable revenue source through our "Fulfilling Our Vision" capital campaign, we are working to counter the lack of funding and to create a powerful, effective network of Eastside nonprofits.
We welcome your support in our efforts to support families and build a healthy and dynamic community.
Pamela Mauk
Executive Director
(425) 869-1174
pamm@familyresourcecenter.org
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