September at ULMS
Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
Empowering Communities. Changing Lives.
Thank you for staying in the loop with us! Our team of staff, partners, and volunteers work hard and are excited to share our impact and progress with you.
Below you'll find highlights and important updates from our work over the last 30 days, as well as the inside scoop on what's to come.
ULMS Digital Intake Application
If you are interested in our programs or are in need of direct service assistance, please complete our Support Services Intake Application. This application will help us learn more about your current economic circumstances and help us assess which programs or services will best align with your needs!
Era of Essential Service: 22nd Annual Breakfast
On Thursday, November 30, 2023, the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle will host it’s 22nd Annual Breakfast: Era of Essential Service, with special guest – comedian and bestselling author – Trevor Noah!
The Annual Breakfast is the Urban League’s signature event – with this year’s fundraising goal being $1 million dollars to help empower ULMS essential programming and services provided to the community.
Public registration will be open before the end of this month so be on the lookout for updates! Event sponsorship opportunities are already available.
For more information and additional event details, please visit urbanleague.org or click the ‘Learn More’ button below!
Ready to Begin Empowering Your Community?
There are several ways in which individuals & organizations can share in our mission to empower the those we serve. Whether you become a volunteer, official ULMS member, email subscriber, ULMS Young Professional, or community partner, we are always in need of the incredible support from people like you helping to create a stronger, more equitable community!
Because of you, those most vulnerable among us are provided with opportunities to feel seen, heard, protected and valued.
ULMS Takes 21 Youth to the 33rd Annual Youth Leadership
ULMS took 21 Youth with 6 Chaperones to the 33rd Annual Youth Summit in Houston, Texas. Students got to experience a one-of-a-kind opportunity to come together and engage in a transformative experience of learning, leadership, and personal growth to help empower them for college, career, and life. This year's theme: We Got Next: Youth on the Rise, exposed youth to the ideas, people, and real-life college experiences that will support their evolution from student to future community leaders. During the event, students also had the chance to interact with influential figures from the Urban League movement and representatives from diverse local and global organizations and companies. Special thank you to Alaska airlines for supporting this amazing opportunity for students.
[RECAP] 2023 Summer Resource Festival
Our 2nd Annual Summer resource Festival was a success! We had over 230 attendees, 22 service providers, 19 attendees in the Homebuyer Education Workshop, more than 25 art class participants, and 100 backpacks with school supplies disbursed to local students!
Huge thank you to everyone who attended, and we also want to extend our utmost gratitude to our food vendors, art class and homeownership workshop instructors, and local community partners who helped make this event as successful as possible by providing resources, services, and various opportunities to the community. We couldn't have done it without you!
[RECAP] 'Back to School' Farm Day
We had a great time with our community at our first Farm Day of the year -- Back to School edition! With around 30 attendees, families were able to receive free giveaways including school backpacks and gardening kits, learn about Environmental Justice and Urban Farming through a game called "Kids Lotería/Bingo", make their seasoning or tea presented by our friends from Nurturing Roots, and get a tour of the farm where they harvested apples, mint, and more! Special thank you to CitySoil Farm for opening up their space, as well as to Front & Centered for partnering with us to make this event possible!
[EVENT] Partnerships & Pastries
Join the ULMS Young Professionals as we team up with our friends at Hopelink to present our first ever 'Partnerships & Pastries' event! This will be an opportunity to enter the chat with local esteemed nonprofit leaders who will share their insight on how to be a change maker in your community and build an equitable, inclusive mindset around philanthropy. The panel includes: Margie Haywood, Owner/CEO of Work & Play Lounge; Darnesha Weary, Co-Owner of Black Coffee NW; and Josalyn P. Ford, VP of Development at Hopelink. Discussion will be moderated by Brooke China, Corporate Relations Officer at Hopelink.
Free beverages and pastries will be provided through Black Coffee Northwest. This event is free and open to the public. However, RSVP is required due to limited seating.
Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023
Time: 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Location: Black Coffee NW | 2300 S. Jackson St. Seattle, WA 98122
[EVENT] Partnerships & Pastries
Join the ULMS Young Professionals as we team up with our friends at Hopelink to present our first ever 'Partnerships & Pastries' event! This will be an opportunity to enter the chat with local esteemed nonprofit leaders who will share their insight on how to be a change maker in your community and build an equitable, inclusive mindset around philanthropy. The panel includes: Margie Haywood, Owner/CEO of Work & Play Lounge; Darnesha Weary, Co-Owner of Black Coffee NW; and Josalyn P. Ford, VP of Development at Hopelink. Discussion will be moderated by Brooke China, Corporate Relations Officer at Hopelink.
Free beverages and pastries will be provided through Black Coffee Northwest. This event is free and open to the public. However, RSVP is required due to limited seating.
Date: Thursday, September 28, 2023
Time: 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Location: Black Coffee NW | 2300 S. Jackson St. Seattle, WA 98122
September 2023 ULMS Employee Spotlight!
For this month's employee of the month, we raise up to John Buenavista, who works as our Assistant Manager for the Communications & External Affairs Department!
John is a true all-star on our Communication & External Affairs team. His passion for artistry and dedication to finding the most creative ways to support each department have been instrumental to highlighting the work ULMS does to empower our community.
From photography to graphic design and web development, John puts his heart and soul into every project; skillfully capturing the incredible stories, special occasions, and impactful moments that make ULMS so special and sharing them with the world. In the summer months of June - August, John single-handedly completed 87 creative support requests, collaborating across different teams to complete a variety of projects including flyers, web pages, event photos, and merchandise orders.
Above all, John is a joy to work with. He brings professionalism, courtesy, and intention to everything he does while remaining a shining example of what it looks like to be an exemplary employee. His commitment to creativity and creating room for those we serve to feel seen in digital spaces has significantly contributed to the success of the communications team, and we are incredibly grateful for him.
Thank you for all the work that you do, John!
Youth Maritime Career Launch Program
ULMS' Youth Maritime Career Launch program provides high school students with tools and support towards a future in the Maritime industry! Through hands-on experiential learning and 1:1 networking opportunities, participants in the program gain industry-level training and employment via 3-month paid internship.
To learn more about the program such as time commitment, stipend, application process, and eligibility, click on the button below.
If you have any immediate questions, please reach out to our Youth Engagement Coordinator, Grace Dollente, via [email protected].
2023 Career Bridge
Join the next Career Bridge cohort! The Career bridge training curriculum focuses on soft skills development, job readiness, health and wellness, computer basics and building on participant's individual strengths to prepare them for employment.
Our job readiness course is a 5-week in-person training, Monday through Thursday from 10:00PM to 2:00PM. There is a stipend up to $1000 for participants who go complete the program.
If you work with or know someone between the ages of 18-30 who would be interested in joining, please reach out to our Participant Navigator, Joshua Gardner, via [email protected].
Construction Trades Program
The ULMS Construction Trades Program (CTP) prepares individuals to enter pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, ultimately helping give access to people who are interested in working in the construction industry. CTP also provide wraparound services such as credit counseling, digital literacy, and housing assistance.
Entrepreneurship Excellence Program
The Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle’s Entrepreneurship Excellence Program is designed to develop and expand your small business by providing technical assistance and access to a network of resources to support the growth and sustainability of your business. Interest applications are accepted on a continuous basis.
2023 Homebuyer Education Workshops
Are you ready to begin your homeownership journey? You're in luck because our Homebuyer Education Workshops is in full swing for 2023! Join us to learn more and access available state-provided financial resources to help you get started.
Our next virtual workshop this September:
Saturday, September 16, 2023 @ 10:00AM – 3:30PM
NEW In-Person classes are now available! The workshop is divided into one Tuesday and one Wednesday session; you must attend both for class completion and to get credit. To learn more and register for our next workshop, please visit our page.
2023 Credit & Budget Counseling Workshops
Is your credit preventing you from obtaining a job, making a large purchase, or securing stable housing? This Credit Counseling workshop may be for you! This is a free (virtual) two-hour workshop to help you improve and understand your credit standing.
Our next workshop this September:
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 @ 6:00PM - 8:00PM
To learn more and register for our next workshop, please visit our page.
Mortgage Hotline
ULMS Housing & Financial Empowerment department offers a wide range of programs and services. If you are facing financial hardship and having difficulty paying your mortgage, many resources are available to you. For inquiries, please contact Angela Williams, via [email protected].
Black Business Directory
In an effort to promote community support and uplift our local Black-owned businesses, we’ve created an extensive list of Black businesses local to King County, WA. The list is updated frequently so be sure to come back and check for new additions!
Vacating Records Program
Criminal histories can affect someone’s housing, employment and voting opportunities. Our very own ULMS Advocacy Team is here to help you or a loved one get the record expungement process started. Learn more by clicking the button below.
[RESOURCE HUB] Info Tech
Our Info Tech program is designed to eliminate digital illiteracy throughout the community, shorten the gap caused by the digital divide, help community members develop digital skills for better job opportunities, and more! From digital navigation services to workshops and training programs, we've got you covered.
[RESOURCE HUB] Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice is Social Justice. It's important that all people have equal access to a healthy, safe, and sustainable environment, as well as equal protection from environmental harm. Learn about the history of environmental justice, current health disparities in our community, and resources that can help push forward the Environmental Justice movement.
[RESOURCE HUB] Black Health Matters
Open, transparent conversations in our communities and public information sharing with one another is key to understanding the vaccines — especially if you’re unsure whether or not getting one truly is the right choice for you. Visit the link below for a hub of ULMS resources & activities focused on vaccine education and more!
[RESOURCE HUB] Healthy Black Minds
Healthy Black minds means healthy Black lives. The past couple of years have not been easy on anyone. Between constant disruptions from COVID-19, fight against racial injustices, and stress about climate change, and more, taking care of our mental health is one the most important priorities that we can do for ourselves. Visit the link below for a hub of critical resources and information to support mental health.
Join the Movement: We're Hiring!
If you are interested in joining ULMS and working alongside our wonderful team of staff, now is your chance! Please check out the available ULMS employment opportunities by clicking the button below.
Please note: ULMS has implemented a vaccination mandate for all employees. These positions are subject to the City of Seattle Executive Order 2021-08: COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for City Contractors.