A Mexican dinner will be provided, and they’re asking people to please RSVP by Thursday, Jan. 26 – by e-mail at info@plnwa.org, or by phone at (206) 241-7900.

If you’re not familiar with Para Los Niños, here’s some info from their website:

“Para Los Niños is a grassroots community organization founded by members of the community it serves—the growing immigrant, Spanish-speaking population in South King County.”

For more info, check out their website here, or their Facebook Page here.

Burien non-profit Para Los Niños has been selected as a 2011 Grant Award Finalist by the Latino Community Fund, and they’re asking our Readers to help them by voting for them.

Only one vote is allowed per e-mail account, and you’ll automatically be added to a newsletter. However, you can opt out by choosing “unsubscribe” in the first newsletter you receive.

The link to vote is included in the note below:

Dear Friend of Para Los Niños,

We are happy to announce that Para Los Niños has been selected as a 2011 Grant Award Finalist by the Latino Community Fund!

As a finalist, Para Los Niños needs your vote to be selected as a 2011 Grant Award winner. Please consider taking the time to login and vote for Para Los Niños through the LCF website with the following link:

http://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/5832/signup_page/grant2011

We thank you for your continued support of Para Los Niños and its programs here in our community!

If you’re not familiar with this organization, here’s some info from their website:

Para Los Niños is a grassroots community organization founded by members of the community it serves—the growing immigrant, Spanish-speaking population in South King County.

In 2003, a group of Latino parents gathered to talk about education. As a result of this meeting, Para Los Niños was born with the following priorities: to support the education of Latino children, with a focus on early childhood development; to maintain and promote their culture and language; and to teach English as a second language in order to develop leadership and civic engagement for parents in the community.

To support these priorities, the founding group of parents knew they needed to address the particular barriers they faced as immigrants. The barriers are many. They include economic challenges, language and cultural barriers, and discrimination.

In addition, school systems function differently in our parents’ home countries than in the United States. Therefore, a lack of information and understanding of how the educational system works in the United States presents an additional challenge as well as creates isolation from the broader community. In response to these particular challenges, Para Los Niños was organized.

With input from the community, it developed programs that met the needs of the community. These programs range from providing school readiness and ESL education to helping parents develop the skills and motivation for community involvement. In all its work, Para los Niños and its programs represent the desire of a community change that can support all immigrant families in their complex journey through the educational system in the United States.

Burien non-profit New Futures announced Saturday (Sept. 24th) that it has appointed veteran board member, management professional, and long-time Burien resident Jennifer Ramirez Robson as its Interim Executive Director.

Ramirez Robson begins her new role as Interim Executive Director on Oct. 1.

Since January 2008, she’s served as Management Analyst for the City of Burien, a job she’ll be leaving Sept. 30.

Here’s more from a press release:

Ramirez Robson replaces outgoing Executive Director Mario Paredes, who recently resigned for personal reasons. While the agency is saddened to lose such a tireless supporter of New Futures and wish him the best, the Board moved forward with its succession plan and selected a strong and capable leader in Jenn Ramirez Robson.

In her new role, Ramirez Robson will lead the organization’s development and community relations efforts, as well as the management of programs at New Futures’ four sites in south King County.

“Jenn is the perfect person to lead New Futures,” said board president Luis Fraga. “She was the unanimous choice of the board due to her deep knowledge of the needs of the families we serve and her professional accomplishments. She has the management, budget, and technology expertise to help New Futures maintain its current services and achieve its next phase of development.”

Ramirez Robson has served on New Futures’ Board of Directors since 2007. She brings a thorough understanding of the organization’s mission, programs to help children and families, and its donor base. While on the board Ramirez Robson has served on the board’s governance and development committees and as its vice president.

Ramirez Robson has more than 20 years of management experience in the private sector and in local government. During her career she has served as a management analyst for the city manager of Burien, as well as a policy adviser, legislative analyst, project manager and technology professional with the City of Seattle. Ramirez Robson also has extensive experience as a supervisor and manager in the hospitality industry in Seattle.

Ramirez Robson begins her new role as Interim Executive Director on October 1, 2011. She can be reached at the New Futures administrative office at (206) 248-9647 or at jennr@newfutures.org.

New Futures’ mission is to partner with families in their communities and with educators to ensure that children succeed in school and life. Its integrated, culturally relevant programs build skills, foster connectedness and promote strengths. New Futures operates vibrant community learning centers at four low-income apartment complexes in South King County. New Futures provides on-site children and youth, family, and community-building programs for over 1,800 people on an annual basis.

The Board of Trustees for the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence announced Monday (March 28) that they have selected Ashely Fosberg as their new Executive Director.

Ms. Fosberg is a longtime resident of the Highline area, with a wealth of experience working in the public schools. Her latest task was serving as chairperson of the very successful “Heart and Soul,” the bi-annual auction benefit that raised over $100,000 for the Marvista PTA (read our coverage of that here).

Other Highline District involvement experiences have been with the Athletic Advisory Committee and the Middle School Assessment Committee. Some area residents will remember her also as the owner of the B-Town Scoop ice cream shop in Olde Burien. Ashley has also been the manager of the Gregory Seahurst Swim Club. Her other non-profit experience has included over seven years as the Director of Marketing with the Seattle Art Museum and prior to that , the Director of Communications at the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

Ms. Fosberg will begin to phase in her employment with the Foundation in Mid-April, just in time to provide help with their biggest event of the year, The Gold Star Benefit on May 13th. This year the Gold Star Benefit will offer either a breakfast or lunch choice for attendees (read our coverage of that upcoming event here).

Her full-time responsibilities will start on September 1, 2011.

“We are delighted to have someone with Ashley Fosberg’s experience and talents to lead our Foundation to provide even more services and funds to the students and teachers of the Highline School District,” the board announced Monday.

The Highline School Foundation for Excellence is a 501c3 non-profit organization established in 1999 with the purpose of providing community resources to help Highline Public Schools succeed. For more information, visit their website here: http://www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org.

According to the HSF website’s job description:

The Executive Director provides leadership for the organization and is responsible for the management of all staff. This position reports to the President and Executive Committee of the Foundation. The Executive Director is expected to promote and communicate the mission and objectives of the Foundation, to drive fund development and to raise awareness of the Highline Schools Foundation in the community. The Executive Director will strive to increase the Foundation’s fundraising to more than $1 million annually and be a critical strategic partner in helping the Highline School District achieve its vision.

This is your opportunity to support Para Los Niños’ programs, while at the same time enjoying some delicious homemade Mexican tamales!

But you’d better act fast – the deadline to place orders is this Friday, March 4th.

Tamales will be ready to pick up on Monday, March 7th, from 10am-8:00pm at their office, which is located at at 425 SW 144th Street in Burien.

Two options are available:

• Chicken tamales with green sauce
• Vegetarian tamales with poblano peppers,vegetables and cheese

They are asking for a minimum $25 donation for a dozen tamales.

You can make your payment on their website using the PayPal button, or make checks payable to Para Los Niños or bring cash when you pick them up.

Please email your orders to info@plnwa.org, or if you have any questions call (206) 241-7900.

About Para Los Niños
Para Los Niños is a non-profit community-based organization with the mission to increase the academic success of Latino students through parent and community engagement.

For additional information about Para Los Niños please visit their webiste: www.plnwa.org.

On Monday (Nov. 29), two of Burien’s most prolific non-profits announced that they were merging – the Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center (RDCC), established in 1921, is merging with Navos, one of the largest providers of community mental health services to low-income people in King County.

Following the merger, the Ruth Dykeman campus will continue to operate at its current location on SW 152nd, will retain its name and will continue offering residential treatment programs for youth and adolescents. RDCC outpatient counseling services will become part of NAVOS’ Child and Family Services department and will continue to be offered on the Ruth Dykeman campus.

“Operating as a single and larger organization will create efficiencies as Navos has earned a reputation as a well-administered organization with strong financial management and support services,” reads a statement.

Jim Dykeman, grandson of founder Judge King Dykeman and a long time RDCC Board member, endorsed the agreement to combine agencies, commenting, “I am very pleased about this new relationship with Navos. By integrating our resources during these difficult economic times, RDCC will have additional capabilities to provide programs and services to the more vulnerable children in our community.

Dr. David Johnson, Navos CEO, added:

“This is a combination that will greatly benefit both organizations: pooling our resources and programs will result in making both RDCC and Navos stronger and more effective in helping children and families with multiple, significant issues requiring a broad range of services.”

Following the merger, the RDCC campus will retain the Ruth Dykeman name and will continue offering its accredited residential treatment programs for youth and adolescents. RDCC outpatient counseling services will become part of NAVOS’ excellent Child and Family Services department and will continue to be offered on the Ruth Dykeman campus.

For 88 years, Ruth Dykeman Children’s Center (RDCC) has served the needs of the community through its residential, home and community-based services. Helping children, families, and communities achieve success and self-sufficiency is the primary goal of each of the programs RDCC offers.

NAVOS is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1966 that offers a full spectrum of innovative mental health services to thousands of low income children and adults each year, from crisis intervention to inpatient care to highly specialized and recovery-oriented outpatient services for individuals and families at every life stage.

Orphan Relief and Rescue is a non-profit that’s moving its offices from Texas to Burien, and they’re holding an Open House on Wednesday, Sept. 1st, from 4pm – 8pm.

It’s open to the public, everyone is invited, and it’s happening at their new headquarters at 15003 14th Avenue SW.

Orphan Relief and Rescue invites you to an Open House as we celebrate our move to Burien, Washington. Orphan Relief and Rescue’s mission is to be a Voice With Action for the children in West Africa that no one else will help. We have been in existence for three and half years and are currently helping 22 orphanages in Liberia and Benin, with a vision to expand throughout Africa.

Please come and enjoy a time of fellowship, fun, friends and food! We are excited to be a part of the greater Seattle community and look forward to meeting you!

WHAT: Orphan Relief and Rescue Open House.

WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 1st, 4pm – 8pm.

WHERE: Orphan Relief and Rescue’s (new!) office: 1416 SW 151st, Burien, WA 98166.

WHO: Everyone is invited!

INFO: Here’s more info from their website:

Mission Statement
We are a voice with action for the orphans that no one else will help.

Program strategy:
Orphan Relief and Rescue is dedicated to work mainly with the uncertified orphanages of Liberia and Benin West Africa, or those orphanages that are at high risk of closing and in great distress. Our goal is to identify and build partnerships with those directors whose desire is to help themselves as we bring help to them. We also seek out those homes whose directors selfishly abuse their position by using children as a source of personal income and insurance of supplied food. (Many abuses occur under these circumstances). After finding such an establishment, we cooperate with the local government to help in any way possible to see that these homes are closed down and the children are placed in a safer environment.

We are first-responders working to raise orphanages to working, governmental standards.

We do not wish to create dependency. We work in such a way as to create self-sufficiency so these directors learn to sustain themselves. We are very upfront and clear that we want them to develop themselves to the point of independence with the ability to help themselves and others in their country.

We bring immediate food and medical relief, construction, capacity building, and mentorship programs to give these children hope for a healthy future. This is done through a field team of 7 international staff and 30 Nationals, and 7 local staff here in America.

Program Goals:

• We want to bring the credible homes up to Sanitary Standards.
• We want to leave them with at least 3 running small businesses to sustain themselves (one being agriculture).
• With our child development program through mentorship and small groups these children are given tools to succeed in life.
• We want to leave each child in a system of education (kid’s in school or trade school format, depending on age of child).

In just 3 years we undertook projects at more than 20 orphanages in Liberia and Benin, including…
8 – major construction projects, new dormitories and school buildings
8 – wells dug or rehabilitated
6- new latrine and shower blocks
* More than one ton of food delivered every month — more than 70,000 lbs to date
* Hundreds of children protected by mosquito nets and screens
* Hundreds of children off the floor and into beds with quality, hygienic mattresses
* Seeds, tools, and training to help plant hundreds of acres every year
* Monitoring to prevent abuse and advocacy to protect those most at risk
* Hundreds of children treated regularly for parasites and skin ailments
* Established partnerships with local clinics to provide ongoing primary healthcare
* Pigs, chickens, and goats purchased and distributed for raising

Child development team prepared many orphan kids for a healthy life spiritually, physically and emotionally as well as making sure each child attends school.

Working with the most needy orphanages, we are faced with abuse and neglect in many forms. We take an active role in Liberia’s Child Protection Network, a task force charged with preventing and addressing abuse and child trafficking. Along with concerned partners in local governments and the United Nations, Orphan Relief and Rescue takes an aggressive, proactive approach to protecting and advocating for children.

How it all began:
Nothing could prepare us for what we were about to see when we visited a little orphanage home that housed 109 very hungry and sick children in Benin, West Africa. As little lethargic and sick children came up to greet us, we could not help but see in their hollow eyes that they were in serious trouble. They had no water, toilets, or showers. The nearest clean water was two miles away. They ate only a small amount of rice once a day. Without intervention, these kids were not going to live long. In trying to find any organization in the area to help, we were told that their situation was too complicated. Big organizations were afraid of creating dependency. They each told us that they could not get involved. So we stepped in and helped this home ourselves, not realizing that this would be the first of many. We soon traveled to Liberia, where we would find the scenario repeated: no one willing to help the worst of the worst. In coming back to America we made a conscious choice to not forget the many children we had seen that were suffering. Through many sleepless nights Orphan Relief and Rescue was birthed by Tim and Rebecca Pratt and Matt LePage.

Here’s a video:

Click here to view the embedded video.

This will be the second year their yellow bus will appear in Burien, and Nancy Woodland, Executive Director of WestSide Baby, knows that the Burien community has a big heart and challenges us to try to collect more diapers than the West Seattle Bus last weekend.

“The bus will be empty, ready and waiting for thousands and thousands of disposable diapers. 30,000 were collected in West Seattle and we’ve heard there is a competitive spirit to match the community spirit in Burien.” shared Woodland. “Drive or walk up, or even climb aboard with your diapers and know you’ve done something tangible to help a local family.”

The goal for Saturday is to collect 50,000 diapers, and we just know B-Towners can rise to the challenge.

Local organizer, Jill Mudge, has also arranged collection sites at two area grocery stores, Normandy Park QFC and Albertson’s on SW 160th. Diapers collected at those sites on Thursday and Friday evening and Saturday daytime, will all be brought to the Bus at Burien Town Square. Mudge states, “I’ve seen this community do amazing things to help those in need. I know we can beat West Seattle!” Mudge also secured a donated bus thanks to the YMCA, further insuring that donations collected will go toward diapers instead of event costs.

Last year WestSide Baby distributed more than 200,000 diapers to local children. That number is expected to climb this year to nearly 350,000 and this amount still does not fill the need. Food stamps do not cover diapers and at approximately 23 cents each that can average $70 to $100 per month for a struggling family.

“This most basic need should be as important to us all as putting food on the table,” remarked Woodland. “WestSide Baby distributes more than 8000 diapers each week and we depend on community donations to help fill that need. We are so thankful to the community for donating diapers and cash donations at our Stuff the Bus events…their actions truly do make a difference in someone’s life.”

Over the past 10 years, individuals, families, clubs, church programs and other organizations in the Burien and West Seattle community and in Greater Seattle have collected diapers for the WestSide Baby diaper rally. The results help out all year long. Diapers are distributed through partnerships with established social service agencies all over King County with a large number in South King County.

This year, WestSide Baby is fortunate to have a corporate partner in Kimberly-Clark‘s Huggies’ brand, on the heels of a large diaper donation to the organization in June as part of the Every Little Bottom program to help get diapers to babies in need. As the Exclusive Level Sponsor of the event, Huggies is solidifying its commitment to supporting the efforts of organizations like WestSide Baby.

“The issue of diaper deprivation is so pervasive and the need is so great that addressing it adequately will require the combined efforts of corporate support like this as well as individual donations by community members.” Woodland said. “While King County area babies are so fortunate that Huggies is supporting our event, filling the buses with diapers requires the actions of many. With the 10th Annual Stuff the Bus diaper drive, we hope to not only continue our programs of providing a 5-8 day supply of diapers to a family but, hopefully, to increase that number to provide more or to serve more children.“

For more information, visit www.westsidebaby.org, or call (206) 767-1662.

About WestSide Baby
WestSide Baby, in partnership with our community, provides essential items to local children in need by collecting and distributing diapers, clothing, toys and equipment. In 2010, WestSide Baby distributed more than $1.28 million in goods to children up to size 12 serving more than 15,000 local kids. By partnering with 94 established social service agencies, we are able to focus simply on the items children need to thrive while trained professionals can address other issues to give families a hand in a time of need.

Rebuilding Together Seattle (www.rtseattle.org), a nonprofit organization, is currently accepting applications from homeowners in need.

Rebuilding Together Seattle (RTS) provides donated repair services for low-income homeowners, through the support of sponsors and community volunteers.

To qualify for the program, homeowners must be low-income and unable to complete the work independently. We assist those who are elderly, disabled, veterans, and/or families with children. RTS also assists non-profit or community organizations in need of facility repairs.

RTS is connecting with health facilities, government agencies, shelters, senior centers, and community centers to inform others about our program. RTS is need of community leaders to share the word about our program to those in need, with a goal to assist more clients each year.

RTS recently began a Veterans Program, in an effort to bring veteran community members together to help low-income veteran homeowners and their families. RTS also launched an Annual Repair Program that will focus on helping qualified homeowners with quick safety fixes around the house. These fixes include installing grab bars, handrails, skid strips, and updating to energy efficient light bulbs.

Interested parties can call our office to request an application, or view and print our application online at: www.rtseattle.org/forms.php. For more information, you should also check out their blog at rebuildingtogetherseattle.blogspot.com.

If you have any questions about their program, please call their office at 206-682-1231 or email info@rtseattle.org.

“Running Blind” is a fundraiser 5K Run and 1K Family Run/Walk for the

We’re proud to be sponsors of this event, as it is a benefit for the Hear See Hope Foundation, a non-profit that is fighting “Usher Syndrome,” which is the leading cause of deaf-blindness.

This inaugural 5K Run is inspired by Archery Bistro owner Todd McKittrick and his wife Lane, who have four sons, two of whom were born deaf and as time goes on, they become blind because of Usher Syndrome.  The McKittrick family has set up the Hear See Hope Foundation to create awareness and raise money for this syndrome.

For one mile of the run, starting at 12:50pm, participants will have the choice to be guided to walk or run blindfolded while wearing ear plugs, so they can feel what it would be like to be deaf and blind.

As part of the festivities, a BBQ and beer garden, as well as a root beer garden for kids, will be set up on the Normandy Park Towne Center property.  A hay maze will be available with the option of being blindfolded with earplugs, again to see what it is like to experience Ushers Syndrome.

Providing entertainment for the day will be the band The Approximations.  Starting at noon and playing throughout the day, they will be performing  on the Archery Bistro Stage, weather permitting.

Cost to participate in the race is $35 for adults and $20 for youth under the age of 14, which includes a t-shirt.  There is an early registration discount, through May 15th, for $30 for adults and $20 for youth.

$5 from each registration fee will be donated to your local school of choice.  Walk registrations will be accepted beginning at 10:00 am on race day but t-shirts will be based on availability.

Here’s more info from the foundation’s website:

The idea to start the Hear See Hope foundation started in August 2004 when our oldest son, Conner (then 5) was diagnosed with Usher syndrome Type 1. We immediately began doing research on Usher syndrome and all eye degenerative diseases. In this we found great hope that we could make a difference and that with funds there will be a cure for Usher syndrome in Conner’s lifetime. We discovered many very helpful and knowledgeable doctors and researchers that are doing all they can to find a cure for Usher syndrome.

With the birth of our youngest son Dalton in April of 2008, we have found a renewed sense of urgency to find a cure. Despite our best efforts to eliminate the chance of Usher syndrome in another child by undergoing Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), a process that was “guaranteed” to eliminate the chance of the Usher syndrome gene, Dalton was born with Usher syndrome. And so, we continue to work harder than ever to find a cure for Usher syndrome.

In late 2007, we were put in contact with another family in Boston who have a daughter named Bella (then 9) with Usher syndrome.  We are collaborating with the Dunning family to fund much needed research.  Mark Dunning, Bella’s father became a board member in 2008. We have our first Boston event scheduled in September 2008.  Also, we are working with the researchers to create an Usher syndrome coalition and website.

We are always looking for other fundraising ideas and other corporate and individual partners to collaborate with to increase awareness of our cause. We need these partners help to fund a cure.  If you have any ideas please contact us. There has been significant breakthroughs in retinal disease research in 2007and there is more hope than ever that a cure is in sight.

We are a 501(c)3 not for profit organization in search of funds to sustain the fight against Usher syndrome. Please help us make a difference by supporting us in our fundraising efforts for preventing, treating and curing Usher syndrome.

Thank you,
Todd and Lane McKittrick
Founders

Here are details on the event:

WHAT: Archery Bistro presents Running Blind 5K Run and 1K Family Run-Walk

WHEN: Sunday, June 6, 2010:

• 12:00 PM start time for 5K
• 12:50 PM start time for 1K family run-walk

WHERE: Race starts and ends at Archery Bistro in Normandy Park Towne Center (19803 1st Avenue So, Normandy Park, WA).

INFO: Benefiting the Hear See Hope Foundation fighting Usher syndrome. Usher syndrome is the leading cause of deaf-blindness.

That's right - this rocker is King County Prosecutor and local resident Dan Satterberg, whose band "The Approximations" will be playing at "Running Blind."

Finish Line Activities:

• The Approximations Band, featuring King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, will be playing at the finish line.
• Full Beer Garden
• Root Beer Garden
• Blind Hay Maze
• Face Painting for the Kids
• BBQ

REGISTRATION: Registration includes t-shirt, and can be completed online at www.hearseehope.com, in person at Archery Bistro (19803 1st Ave So • Normandy Park), by Fax: 206.299.9519 or even by mail – download the registration form here (PDF file):

Running Blind 5K Race
c/o Hear See Hope Foundation
17837 1st Ave So PMB 2
Normandy Park, WA 98148

Race Day: Walk up registrations will be accepted beginning at 10:00 on race day.  T-shirts will be based upon availability.

Checks should be made out to “Hear See Hope.”

Race Day Details:

• 10:00: Registration/check in begins
• 11:50: Pre-race instructions
• 12:00: 5K race begins
• 12:50: 1K family run-walk begins
• 1:30: Awards ceremony

After race festivities will be held at Normandy Park Towne Center near the finish line.

VIDEO: Here’s a video with more info on this cause:

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Help the cause out by downloading, printing and posting a poster here (PDF file).