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.
Legislative News: Inslee signs Orwall’s Language Access bill
“It has been a very long journey and, while I am proud and truly happy that we finally reached our goal, I am first and foremost grateful for the community’s invaluable support and encouragement over years of perseverance, and for the solid partnerships established with colleagues in both chambers and both caucuses,” said the Des Moines Democrat.
A new law will help families access interpreters in WA public schools
Advocating for Mental Health Systems Change
Our Advocacy and Civic Engagement Program Manager, Moses Perez, has been involved in efforts to address mental health in our state.
Rep. Tina Orwall and ODMF Family Leaders Speak on Language Access
Rep. Tina Orwall (D-Des Moines) and Open Doors for Multicultural Families staff and Family Leaders discuss the importance of Language Access in helping families communicate with school staff.
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 serve on the ASHC…he now serves as President of ASHC!
Making Friends While Exploring the Outdoors
During the Summer, the outdoors beckons us. This past summer, our Youth Team partnered with Outdoors for All to host a series of outdoor outings as a part of our Friendship Club program. Youth including Alice, pictured here with her mom, ventured into the outdoors.
Providing Opportunity via Friendship Circle
“I am very happy to have your support. My son does enjoy Friendship Circle so much and always looks forward to signing on Zoom.”
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 listened.
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. He connected the mother and daughter to necessary disability-related services.
A Youth Self-Portrait: “The Earth is My Eyes”
Jason displayed remarkable artistic potential in a recent session of Friendship Circle. He shared about his painting, “It makes me feel happy. And it looks like space. This is the sun. The earth is my eyes. The moon is my mouth. Here is a galaxy as my stomach.”
