Category Reclaiming The Narrative

A person in a maroon graduation cap and gown, wearing honor cords, smiles and waves with both hands. Red and gold balloons are visible in the background.

Unlocking What’s Already There

When Bryan C. was told by teachers that college wasn’t in his future, he didn’t accept that narrative. And neither did his family or the community that stood beside them. Through his involvement with Open Doors programming Bryan discovered what…

Two people stand indoors in front of a large window with curtains. The person on the left wears a patterned top, and the person on the right wears a Open Doors for Multicultural Families shirt and a baseball cap.

Connecting a Family to Critical Services

Our Arabic and Kurdish speaking Family Support Specialist, Qaydar Ali, helped a family new to Washington state settle-in to life here. The mother and daughter, originally from Iraq, were living in Michigan, but decided to move to Washington state because…

Seven people stand together on a walkway in front of a large government building with columns and parked cars in the background. The group is smiling and dressed in winter clothing. Leafless trees frame the scene.

Bringing Family Voice to Olympia

Our Family Leaders showed us the power of their voices during a recent trip to Olympia. Family Leaders took time out of their busy schedules to join us for two days to meet with Legislators, and when they spoke, Legislators…

Three men stand together indoors near large windows. The man on the left wears a green shirt, the middle man wears a shirt with an S logo, and the man on the right wears a black shirt with sunglasses hanging from it.

A Rising Advocacy Star: Mahad Dahir

Expect great things from Mahad Dahir. Mahad ran for Vice President of the Associated Students of Highline College (ASHC) and won! He is not only the first person from the Highline Achieve Program, a program for students with disabilities, to…

A person wearing a blue helmet and black outfit rides a low, three-wheeled recumbent bike on a paved path, with green grass in the background.

Cultivating Friendships and Connection

During the pandemic, we held sessions for youth over Zoom where we provided social emotional learning via arts and music. We are now back in person! “My son does enjoy Friendship circle so much and always looks forward to signing…

A young child with brown skin and dark eyes smiles widely at the camera while wearing a pink shirt. The background is outdoors with some greenery and part of a shoe visible.

Keeping Families Safe and Together

Saadiya Hirsi was struggling to find the right services for her 9-month-old, Fadumalaki. She was waiting for services to be delivered in-person but became homeless after COVID-19, and Fadumalaki was then hospitalized. Our Case Managers provided the family with COVID-19…

A group of ten people, including women and children of varying ages, pose together indoors against a decorated backdrop, some wearing costumes. Most are standing, with two women and two children seated in front.

COVID-19 Relief Program

During the pandemic, we provided families with emergency assistance to keep them fed, housed, and digitally connected. We have provided more than $15 million in emergency rental assistance in King County and employment opportunities for people who lost work.