Today, we've featured Unleash the Brilliance, a partner in the Trauma Informed Restorative Practices (TIRP) Village, to hear how they've supported TIRP Village scholar's parents and families during the pandemic through community-based outreach support and resources. This is the second blog in an ongoing series that shines light on the importance of mental and emotional health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope to amplify our partner's critical work and connect our community to additional emotional and mental health tools and resources through Community Well-Being, an initiative led by Best Starts.

We.APP believes that every child has a story, but not all children are empowered or can openly share their experiences with others. With Best Starts support, We.APP trains teaching guides to work alongside classroom educators in a co-teaching model, offering the only public speaking class for students across four Seattle Public Schools. For an entire school year, more than 260 scholars in grades 4th – 12th discover their unique voice and create original speeches that express their views on education, home and life.

As we enter the holiday season and move into a new year, we become more acutely aware of the impact that COVID has had on all our lives, however big or small.
This is the first blog in a three-part series that shines light on the importance of mental health during this challenging period.

Today, we chat with Meg Cary, a Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at King County, who reconnects us to what’s important during this moment. She provides evidence-based tips to support your mental well being and resources for individuals from all walks of life.

Black communities in King County are incredibly resilient and strong. We know from history, data, and lived experiences that Black individuals are disproportionately impacted by systemic racism and generational trauma; yet, despite the disparities baked into our systems — from food access to quality healthcare — they collectively lean into each other and rise with strength, love, and power.

Today, we want to highlight some incredible People of Color led community partners who show up for their communities everyday.

When you hear, “lead poisoning,” do you imagine an issue from the past — a concern of your parents, or grandparents’ generation? While lead poisoning has dramatically declined, it remains a serious issue. In fact, it may come as a surprise that lead still poisons thousands of people in the U.S. every year.

In our third story, we travel to West Seattle to meet the Naisher family. Originally from the Marshall islands, Jim, his parents, his sister and her children experienced challenges ranging from chronic health issues, language barriers and financial instabiliy - all of which contributed to their struggle with maintaining housing and employment.

As we look towards a new year, we simultaneously reflect back on our community relationships and the lived experiences of youth, children, and families across King County — honest and real stories we are fortune to share. In 2019, Best Starts...

As we look towards a new year, we simultaneously reflect back on our community relationships and the lived experiences of youth, children, and families across King County — honest and real stories we are fortune to share. In 2019, Best Starts...

As we look towards a new year, we simultaneously reflect back on our community relationships and the lived experiences of youth, children, and families across King County — honest and real stories we are fortune to share. In 2019, Best Starts...