Somali Community Services of Seattle Grants

Somali Community Services of Seattle

Somali Community Services of Seattle will organize a series of theater and acting trainings for youth during the summer of 2017. Participants will gain skills that will allow them to share their unique stories and experiences. They will be held twice per week beginning July 17 and concluding September 5, 2017. They will be held at the Rainier Arts Center located at 3515 S Alaska St. There will be a public talent show showcasing the youth performers on a date to be determined in the fall of 2017.

Somali Community Services of Seattle

The Somali Community of Services of Seattle will be hosting the annual Somali Heritage Fest at Rainier Beach High School located at 8815 Seward Park Ave S. The festival will begin with a 4-day soccer tournament starting June 26 - June 30 from 3-7pm. Then the festival culminates with a day-long celebration on July 1, 2023 featuring Somali folk dance, spoken word, music, crafts, food and more. The event is free and open to the public.

Somali Community Services of Seattle

If, as research suggests, youth gun violence (such as that in Rainier Beach) is at least partly due to despair and pain, then why not address the causes? Our Somali youth experience great despair - akin to the typical young aduurance, living alone) to which are added an empty cupboard, eviction, unemployment, lack of a high school diploma, etc. Just as explorers of outer space have intensive training, ongoing communication and detailed user manuals outlining their options, resources, and support available in unfamiliar situations, so should our youth have access to training and other aids to navigate their strange new world. Operation GRIT offers 30 youth (14 to 24 years old) intensive training (60 hours) on essential self-care practices needed for overall well-being, and a violence-free life; related discussion groups (60 hours); a 60-hour media and podcasting workshop; and 3 1-hour podcasts so GRIT grads can share their wellness wisdom with their peers.

Somali Community Services of Seattle

Somali Community Services of Seattle will organize a free and open tutoring program for elementary and middle school students from January to June 2019. Approximately 35 youth will work with approximately 18 tutors from the UW and broader community. In addition, there will be a series of four open community workshops on topics including study skills and parenting students. It is the goal of this project to build community connections and skills in education.