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WSCAP Newsletter April 16, 2026
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April is National Volunteer Month
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“There were 405,624 hours of volunteer time donated to CAAs in Washington” State, based on the FFY 2023 STATE CSBG FACTSHEET <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818eb
d4ce40eb&id=e0a28a33ac&e=290850492e> . Volunteers are an essential part of Community Action!
Built to Serve: How HopeSource Equips Its Staff to Show Up for the Community
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HopeSource <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=55443768a7&e=290850492e> ’s mission is to equip, encourage, and empower others because
hope changes everything. By investing in our internal culture through tools like CASTLE, DISC, and Driving Forces, we equip ourselves to work together more effectively, encourage each
other to show up fully and authentically, and empower one another, our clients, and our community with our unique strengths and gifts.
Every day, people in crisis walk through HopeSource’s doors needing to be met with compassion, empathy, and intention. While our clients are our primary focus, our incredible staff who
walk through those same doors every day to serve their community need compassion, empathy, and intention to show up for their colleagues in the same way.
People are incredibly complex, which means working effectively with others requires more than just our best intentions. At HopeSource, we prioritize using tools and frameworks that help
us understand and appreciate those around us and equip us to adapt to one another to become more effective.
Several years ago, HopeSource realized we needed tools to give us a shared language for understanding one another and for living out our CASTLE values. We adopted a tool called DISC
that provides a framework for understanding human behavior. It provides a baseline for describing behavior without judging that behavior. As humans, we tend to bring our own biases,
lenses, and value judgments to different behaviors, while the DISC model helps us become more empathetic toward one another. We might observe the same behavior as someone else does,
yet describe it entirely differently, giving way to the tendency of attributing others’ behavior to their character and attributing our behavior to our circumstances.
Continue reading…. <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=bde53223c2&e=290850492e>
Multi-Service Center’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: In their corner
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“It’s really appreciated, no that isn’t the right word. It was life-saving for my mom,” shares Belinda.
Belinda’s 86-year-old mother Claire had her first stroke last year prompting a need to move out of her home into an assisted living facility. Claire’s first stop after her hospital stay
was a skilled nursing facility. Ten days into her stay there, Claire had a significant second stroke and the facility delayed calling an ambulance.
As she was getting ready to be discharged from her second hospital stay, Belinda wanted to take a more active role in finding her a suitable place to go for recovery and long-term care.
Claire suffers from mild dementia and the strokes had increased her confusion. She also was showing symptoms of depression and was no longer able to live on her own.
Belinda found a facility that would accept her mom. “It looked like a a good environment, a place to get better with excellent and outstanding care,” she shared. At that time Claire
had 90 days left on Medicare and was making progress in her recovery with physical therapy at the new facility. Surprisingly, the facility determined that Claire didn’t qualify for
continued skilled care and they gave Claire notice that Medicare would stop payment. She had two days to move out or pay $700 a day to stay there. She was on oxygen and had no care
plan provided for future treatment. Claire suffered her third stroke.
“They were informed by the facility that they didn’t accept Medicaid and then later that she would have to wait for a Medicaid bed to open. The facility moved to discharge her quickly
again. Claire received a discharge notice but didn’t have final approval from Medicaid yet. Belinda felt that they were trying to get her mother out of the facility before Medicaid
kicked in which is not legal under federal and state laws. All skilled nursing facilities that accept Medicare Part A are dually certified as Medicaid beds.”
During the Medicaid application process, Belinda and her brother learned they could file an appeal and also contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which is operated by Multi-Service
Center <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=bbd131cdb9&e=290850492e> . Claire reached out and was connected with Jeffrey York, a King
County long-term care ombuds.
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CityStream: How El Centro de la Raza helps teens take first step toward work
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Getting your first job is a major milestone in a young person’s life. But sometimes language barriers, limited access to opportunity, or simply life itself can get in the way. El Centro
de la Raza <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=e61f61c9b8&e=290850492e> helps Seattle-area high school students clear that path through
its J.O.B.S. Readiness Program. For many, it is the nudge they need to find success. Enrique Cerna and producer Randy Eng bring us the story.
Learn more HERE <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=7045f5dc28&e=290850492e>
SPD Dedicates Three Officers to Magnuson Park, Citing Success with “Disorder” and Property Crimes During Pilot
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Citing a “double-digit” reduction in crime since the launch of a pilot that added police patrols in and around Northeast Seattle’s Magnuson Park last summer, Seattle Police Chief Shon
Barnes announced that SPD will assign three full-time officers to the park. The officers will report to the North Precinct, and will essentially be on call there if needed, but otherwise,
their jobs will involve patrolling the park and doing what Barnes calls “neighborhood-oriented policing.”
PubliCola first reported <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=43392335cc&e=290850492e> on the pilot expansion in January.
Barnes said SPD chose Magnuson Park, which is surrounded by some of the city’s wealthiest neighborhoods, “because it’s the second largest park in our city [and] we have housing on the
property”—hundreds of low-income and affordable units run by Mercy Housing and Solid Ground. <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=58089ab3df&e=290850
492e>
“We also chose this location because I heard from the community about … the rise in disorder crimes” such as noisy parties and street racing, Barnes said.
In the expanded program, SPD will assign three full-time officers, working in pairs to do bike and foot patrols in and around the park, getting to know people who live in the area and
“fulfilling our obligation of problem oriented policing and community policing, which is the hallmark of my leadership philosophy,” Barnes said. The officers will be assigned to the
North Precinct and will still be expected to respond to calls from other areas if necessary.
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Job Posting: Controller - Grays Harbor
Coastal Community Action Program
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: Are you a strategic finance leader ready to make a measurable impact? Coastal Community Action Program <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818e
bd4ce40eb&id=6dd3320c0d&e=290850492e> located in Aberdeen, WA is seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to join our passionate nonprofit dedicated to social services in Homeless
housing supports, Workforce development and job support placement services, Low Income Transportation supports, In Home Care, and Senior Nutrition Programs in multiple counties in
Western Washington. This is a high-impact role where your financial leadership will directly support mission growth, operational excellence and long-term sustainability in the communities
that we serve.
Our website coastalcap.org <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=fe13ac10d3&e=290850492e> shows the full service delivery.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Controller is an Exempt position. The Controller will work closely with the Chief Financial Officer to support general accounting business functions. CCAP is
mainly grant funded and follows grant accounting guidelines. The primary duties include managing other accounting team members, day to day accounting tasks, accounts receivables through
accounting software and other programs, daily bookkeeping, data entry and record keeping, and bank reconciliations.
This position will provide timely, proactive and professional customer service to all internal and external customers.
Learn more here: http://www.coastalcap.org/.../2026/04/Controller-final.pdf <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=8e19940d34&e=290850492e>
Your Voice Can Keep Families Housed and Together
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At Neighborhood House <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=d17e81ea47&e=290850492e> , we see every day how housing is not just about
shelter. It is the foundation that allows families to access early learning, manage chronic health conditions, maintain employment, and remain connected to their communities. When that
foundation is disrupted, the effects ripple across every part of a family’s life.
A newly proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) threatens to do exactly that.
In February 2026, HUD introduced a proposed rule that would significantly change who can receive federal housing assistance, including public housing and Section 8 vouchers.
What the Proposed Rule Would Do
Two key changes are at the center of this proposal:
1. Ending prorated assistance for mixed-status families
Currently, families with mixed immigration status can receive prorated assistance, meaning subsidies are calculated only for eligible household members. For example, in a household of
four where one parent is not eligible, they would receive assistance covering only a portion of the rent.
Under the proposed rule, that option would be eliminated. If even one member of a household is ineligible, that household member would either need to move out, or the entire family could
lose assistance.
2. Requiring verification for every household member
All individuals living in assisted housing would need to verify citizenship or eligible immigration status with documentation (e.g., birth certificate or passport).
Why This Matters
While mixed-status households represent a relatively small portion of those receiving housing assistance, the impact of this rule would be anything but small. National estimates suggest
that tens of thousands of people including up to 55,000 U.S. citizen children could lose housing support if the rule is implemented.
Children are likely to bear the greatest burden. Housing instability is not just a disruption of place—it is a disruption of childhood. Research shows that children who experience eviction
or frequent moves are more likely to face developmental delays, poorer mental health and physical health, and setbacks in school (Bess et al., 2023; Leifheit & Schwartz, 2023).
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Home Trust of Skagit looking into adding affordable housing in Hamilton
Home Trust of Skagit has agreed to buy 43 acres in Hamilton from Forterra, with hopes to build affordable housing and to conserve 13 acres of environmentally sensitive land.
"We know that eastern Skagit County faces both housing affordability challenges and flood risk," Home Trust of Skagit Executive Director Felicia Minto said in a Tuesday news release.
"This project gives us the opportunity to thoughtfully explore housing that is affordable, community-centered, and aligned with the town’s long-term resiliency goals."
The project's main goal is to provide affordable housing for households earning 80% or less of the area median income, especially the workforce and senior populations. Supportive housing
is not planned due to the distance from services.
Home Trust is advancing the project in collaboration with the town of Hamilton, the Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group and Community Action of Skagit County <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com
/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=dbd1f08212&e=290850492e> .
Currently, the nonprofit is conducting a feasibility study for the project in collaboration with Community Action.
This phase includes assessing housing options, environmental impacts and infrastructure needs. Home Trust welcomes community input as part of this process.
The next phase would involve planning and potential development steps.
Home Trust would lead homeownership components, while Community Action would lead affordable rental housing.
"Affordable housing is one of the most urgent needs in our region," Community Action of Skagit County Executive Director Bill Henkel said in the news release. "We are especially focused
on solutions that serve the families, seniors and workers who already call this community home. This effort builds on decades of work in eastern Skagit County, including conversations
around flood relocation and long-term community stability."
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Mount Baker Station Lots Eyed for Redevelopment After 20 Years
One parcel to become affordable homes, the other faces challenges for market-rate development.
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After nearly two decades of sitting vacant, two Sound Transit-owned parcels next to the Mount Baker light rail station in Seattle's Rainier Valley are moving toward redevelopment. The
smaller northern parcel will be transferred to the city's affordable housing office to host around 4-8 affordable townhomes or flats, while the larger southern parcel will be offered
for market-rate development despite steep slopes and environmental constraints.
Why it matters
The redevelopment of these long-neglected parcels represents a rare opportunity to add new housing, both affordable and market-rate, in a transit-oriented location that has seen little
recent investment. How the sites are ultimately developed will shape the future character of this Rainier Valley neighborhood.
The details
Sound Transit owns roughly 2 acres near the former UW Laundry site and is defining goals for transit-oriented development at the 'East Portal' of the Mount Baker Station. The smaller
northern parcel near S McClellan Street will be transferred to the city's affordable housing office, likely hosting 4-8 affordable townhomes or flats. The much larger 100,000 square
foot southern parcel will be offered for market-rate development, but faces challenges like steep slopes and an environmentally critical area designation that will limit what can be
built.
* Sound Transit's system expansion committee recently signed off on a resolution to declare the two parcels as surplus and prepare them for eventual offering.
* The city has already tapped El Centro de la Raza <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=3984b28e23&e=290850492e> and Mercy Housing Northwest
to redevelop the adjacent UW Laundry site into a 431-unit affordable housing project.
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Neighbors by Your Side | Kelly’s Story | Celebrating 60 Years of SNAP
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KELLY DAWN FINDS PURPOSE IN HELPING NEIGHBORS STAY SAFE AT HOME
After seven years with SNAP, <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=84bc399cb5&e=290850492e> Kelly Dawn still lights up when she talks
about solving problems. As director of housing services, Dawn leads the teams behind SNAP’s weatherization, minor home repair and single-family rehabilitation programs. Together, they
help low-income homeowners, many of them seniors, keep their homes safe, efficient and livable.
“I love problem solving,” Dawn said. “That’s probably the number one thing that goes on here. We solve problems, whether that’s internal or for our clients. Trying to get to a yes for
a client: “Yep, we can help you.’ I love trying to figure out what we can do to get to a good solution.”
From retail and banking to nonprofit work
Dawn joined SNAP in 2019 after working as an assistant manager at Walmart and spending several years in banking, where she advanced from teller to vault teller. While she valued the
leadership experience, she wanted a career with stronger work-life balance and deeper community impact.
“I found that I like doing things to help people, nonprofit-wise,” she said. “I realized that retail management was not what I wanted to spend my life doing. SNAP had an opening, so
I applied, got here and decided that this is exactly what I wanted to do.”
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Affordable housing project receives grant
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An Oak Harbor affordable housing community project, Mulberry Village, just received a whole lot more money.
During a city council meeting Tuesday, Oak Harbor council members unanimously approved a $1 million funding agreement between the city and the Washington State Department of Commerce.
The Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program encourages local governments and contracted providers to build affordable housing by helping offset utility infrastructure and development
costs, Grants Administrator Wendy Horn said.
The Mulberry Village project construction is already in the works.
“This project is going to create 96 multifamily units,” Horn said.
Its developer completed the pre-application stage with the city, submitted a site plan and applied for all other project financing through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission,
Horn said.
During council discussion, Peterson questioned how unit pricing levels are regulated. In response, Horn explained that the developer must maintain affordability for a minimum of 25 years
and up to 40 years, based on 80% of area median income, which is enforced by the Department of Commerce.
Not a stranger to funding affordable housing initiatives on the island, more recently, Island County gave Opportunity Council <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818e
bd4ce40eb&id=3da801f1e9&e=290850492e> and Blue Ridge Cascade funding for the Mulberry Village project as well, Horn noted.
Under the agreement with the Washington State Department of Commerce, the city will act as the grant manager and pass the funds to Opportunity Council as the subrecipient.
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Heart, Soul, And Joy Program Helped Address Black Maternal Health Disparities
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A program designed to support Black women during pregnancy is helping shape ongoing efforts to address maternal health disparities in communities that have long faced unequal access
to care.
For Black women, who face maternal mortality rates nearly three times higher than white women, access to basic tools like blood pressure monitoring can mean the difference between life
and death. Programs like Heart, Soul, and Joy were created to change that reality by putting resources and support directly into the hands of those most at risk.
Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Washington–affiliated program adapted perinatal care when in-person services became limited, providing participants with at-home
monitoring kits that included blood pressure cuffs and wellness tools designed to track not only physical health, but also emotional and social well-being.
“The program was in response to COVID, but when COVID shut down all perinatal care for emergency visits, we had to shut down as well,” said Dr. Rachel R. Chapman, a professor of anthropology
at the University of Washington. “But we knew that the community we served would absolutely have less access to blood pressure monitoring, which is lifesaving for Black women because
hypertension or heart disease can impact pregnancy.”
“Chapman said the work has continued to grow beyond the original program, including through a 2022 initiative led by the American Heart Association focused on improving maternal health
through quality improvement and professional education, helping expand awareness and address disparities affecting Black women.
“Our work has brought us into a new collaboration between the University of Washington and Byrd Barr Place. We are in the midst of something called the good Black birth initiative,”
said Chapman. “And together, the anti-racist center for Health at UW and Byrd Barr Place <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=ff1db92b41&e=290850492e
> have brought together about 15 Black birth working organizations to do what is needed to bring a good Black birth to all families and communities.””
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Web Content Regulation Deadlines Fast Approaching
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Community Action Agencies (CAAs) face upcoming deadlines for complying with federal regulations that improve public access to web content, mobile apps, and kiosks. These rules require
public and private CAAs to conform with specific standards to make online content more perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for individuals with disabilities.
CAAs with 15 or more employees must comply with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) rules (HHS Web Rules) by May 11, 2026; CAAs with 14 or fewer employees must comply by
May 10, 2027. Similar regulations issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) also apply separately to public CAAs, with deadlines starting April 24, 2026.
HHS Section 504 Regulations
The HHS Web Rules will soon require all CAAs to ensure their web, app, and kiosk content is accessible to individuals with disabilities. In May 2024, HHS issued a final rule that updated
its regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), a federal statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs or activities
supported by federal funds.1 Section 504 applies to all organizations that receive federal financial assistance, including both public and privateCAAs.2 Federal agency regulations,
including from HHS, that implement Section 504 have existed for decades.3 The HHS Web Rules amend these regulations and extend Section 504 principles to the modern era by requiring
certain accessibility standards for grantees’ online content.
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This is more than a survey.
It’s a declaration.
For the Record, WA is a statewide initiative to capture what’s real in Black communities <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=be24bc7604&e=290850492e>
and beyond. Your voice shapes services, funding, and policy. This is your chance to speak up and be counted. The truth doesn’t belong in someone else’s report. It belongs in yours.
Share what’s really happening in your life and your community. On the record.
Take the Survey <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=090f1284cb&e=290850492e>
Additional Languages <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=6ff8118b53&e=290850492e>
Answer with the Avatar <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=710bd217d6&e=290850492e>
Led by Byrd Barr Place and backed by trusted community partners across the state.
About the Washington Statewide Community Needs Assessment
For the Record is a bold, community-centered effort to listen, document, and act on the needs and experiences of people across Washington State. Led by Byrd Barr Place <https://wapartnership.us4.list
-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=3bec8559fa&e=290850492e> , this Statewide Community Needs Assessment (CNA) is conducted in partnership with Community Action Agencies
and grassroots organizations to uncover the issues affecting everyday life in our communities—especially among those historically left out of the data.
Every three years, CNAs are conducted to assess barriers, strengths, and unmet needs across Washington. This year’s effort goes deeper, amplifying voices that are often unheard in statewide
conversations.
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Across the Map: Community Currents Driving Change
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We’re excited to announce our first-ever MDC <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=98711ebb08&e=290850492e> Comedy Benefit Show on April
23! Don't miss out, get your seats now!
This is so much more than just a comedy show and a fun night out. All proceeds will go directly into supporting our clients. Proceeds from ticket sales will help support critical programs
and services like withdrawal management, housing, education, and employment right here in Tacoma and Pierce County.
So laugh hard. Give back. Make a real difference.
<https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t85/3/16/1f560.png> Doors 5:45 PM | Show 6:30 PM
<https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t6b/3/16/1f4cd.png> Edison Square, Tacoma
<https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t16/3/16/1f39f.png> Limited tickets, so grab yours now:
https://givebutter.com/mdc-comedy-benefit-show <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=6f0e73eb6a&e=290850492e>
Okanogan County Veterans Stand Down
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Please join us at our 2026 Okanogan County Veterans Stand Down event!
A Veterans Stand Down is a community-based event that provides free services and support to Veterans. The term “stand down” is a military term used to describe a time where troops are
allowed to rest and recover from combat operations. In this context, it reflects a safe, supportive environment where veterans can access support in one place.
Typical Services Offered:
* Meals, clothing, and hygiene supplies
* Medical, dental, and mental health screenings
* Assistance with VA benefits and discharge upgrades
* Housing referrals and employment services
* Legal aid and substance abuse counseling
Veterans Stand Downs organized in partnership with Okanogan County Community Action Council <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=204e92bd0c&e=29085049
2e> , and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help veterans regain stability, access earned benefits and connect with long-term support resources.
Location:
Okanogan County Fairgrounds <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=9d54bbbd1d&e=290850492e>
175 Rodeo Trail Rd <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=e565916d95&e=290850492e>
Okanogan, WA 98840 <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=179b9a8f05&e=290850492e>
Date & Time: Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, Time: 9am – 3pm PST
Click here <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=b773ec1ead&e=290850492e> to register as a vendor or resource for this event.
OIC: <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=381190bdf5&e=290850492e> Growth, Goals & New Beginnings
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Don’t forget! <https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t4/3/16/1f680.png> Our “Growth, Goals & New Beginnings” is coming up on April 24th at 4 PM! Join us at the Teen Center
(Henry Beauchamp Community Center, Yakima) for an inspiring talk with guest speaker Andy Torres from the WA Building & Construction Trades Council.
What Matters Most 2026
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We are celebrating 120 years of Neighborhood House <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=82823301d0&e=290850492e> !
Since 1906, Neighborhood House has been showing up. For families finding their footing in a new country. For kids who need a safe place to learn. For elders navigating systems that weren’t
built for them. For anyone who’s been told they don’t belong.
What Matters Most is where we come together—community members, partners, supporters—to celebrate the work, hear the stories, and keep it going. Food, drinks, performances, and real talk
about what it takes to build belonging in Seattle.
Your ticket supports housing, education, adult education, employment, youth & family services, health programs, and everything in between. Because this work doesn’t stop, and neither
will we.
Learn more and register HERE <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=3e646429ec&e=290850492e>
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Solid Ground <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=f33f217482&e=290850492e> : Groundswell Gala
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Join us for an evening of purpose, celebration, and collective power.
Step into a movement rooted in community, where resilience, hope, and transformation take the spotlight. We’ll honor the individuals and families breaking cycles of poverty, along with
the incredible community walking beside them to build a better, more equitable future for all.
Following an inspiring program and a powerful moment to invest in this vital work, the celebration continues with live music, dancing, and the joy that comes from standing together,
united in purpose.
Let’s build momentum. Let’s shape our future. Let’s keep the groundswell going.
WHAT: Groundswell Gala
WHEN: Friday, May 15, 2026
* 5:30pm – Reception
* 6:45pm – Dinner Program
* 8:30pm – Afterparty
WHERE: Summit | Seattle Convention Center (900 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101) <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=dfd407d9e2&e=290850492e>
TICKETS: BUY TICKETS HERE <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=37f189032b&e=290850492e>
* Early Bird: $180/Ticket, $1,600/Table of 10
* After April 10: $200/Ticket, $1,800/Table of 10
QUESTIONS? Contact our Events team at events@solid-ground.org.
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Register Now <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=23698f064a&e=290850492e>
View Agenda <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=1cc96ecbf4&e=290850492e>
NEUAC Conference Event Agenda Excerpts
Monday, May 18
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
* Pre-Conference Session 1: Byrd Barr Place <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=537fdbd7a4&e=290850492e> Site Visit
* Meet: Offsite - in Lobby
* Speakers: Dr, Angela Griffin, Leon Forde
* Join a hands-on volunteer opportunity at Byrd Barr Place, a Community Action Agency serving Seattle and beyond. Tour Byrd Barr Place's headquarters in a historic fire station in the
heart of Seattle, and help sort items for Byrd Barr Place's food bank- "The Market."
Read More <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=6fe3be72d5&e=290850492e>
Tuesday, May 19
8:30 AM – 10:00
* AM Plenary 1: Welcome to Seattle
* Columbia Ballroom
* Speakers: Katrina Metzler, Mayor Katie B. Wilson, Michael Bradford, Shaylee Stokes, Donny Stevenson
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
* Breakout Session: When Stories Drive Policy: Shaping Energy Affordability Through Lived Experience and Equity
* Quinault Ballroom
* Speakers: Linda Garcia, Shaylee Stokes
* Energy affordability isn’t just about rates and programs, it’s about people. Behind every utility bill is a story of resilience and hope, yet policy conversations often separate lived
experience from the systems shaping it. This session explores how storytelling grounded in empathy an...
Read More <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=6bb9c4303f&e=290850492e>
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
* Breakout Session: Community Action & Energy Assistance: Policy Developments and Effective Advocacy
* Elwha Ballroom B
* Speaker: Ryan Gelman
* Community Action Agencies (CAAs) remain critical partners in delivering LIHEAP, weatherization, and utility-based energy assistance, even as federal policy and funding decisions continue
to evolve throughout the year. This session will provide a clear, big-picture overview of the congressional ac...
Read More <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=af456e3efb&e=290850492e>
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
* Breakout Session: Improving Access and Removing Barriers for Utility Assistance and Weatherization Programs
* 302 Beckler
* Speakers: Melissa Bookwalter, Elise Kalsted, Mikey Redding, Alyssa Kay, Moderator: Shaylee Stokes
* Join a panel discussion with the City of Seattle Mayor’s Office Innovation and Performance Team, Seattle City Light, and Byrd Barr Place, one of three LIHEAP partners in the Seattle
area.
Read More <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=db514fa133&e=290850492e>
Wednesday, May 20….
Learn more HERE <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=ed42d99595&e=290850492e>
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Impact Talks: Capital for Community Stability – Affordable Rental Housing in Action
* Register <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=048101af6d&e=290850492e>
* Tuesday, May 5, 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM
* Online
* Anyone can view and join.
Self-Help's upcoming Impact Talk will focus on innovative strategies to expand and preserve affordable rental housing. We will explore how mission-driven capital can scale solutions
in the rental housing sector by examining:
* Innovative initiatives across the country providing high-quality, stable housing for low- and moderate-income households
* Strategies for sustaining rent-stabilized housing without overreliance on public subsidy
* Community-centered models in Naturally Occurring Affordable Housing (NOAH) that combat displacement
* Successful partnerships, such as the Nuestra NELA Fund, led by LA Más
* The broader economic mobility and wealth-building potential unlocked through housing stability
Access to safe, stable, and affordable housing remains one of the most urgent challenges facing communities nationwide. Addressing this crisis demands a coordinated ecosystem of capital,
partnerships, and community-rooted strategies that span preservation, development, and pathways for long-term housing stability.
Learn more HERE <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=9290174612&e=290850492e>
The American Affordability Tracker <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=9eba62018a&e=290850492e>
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Since December 2020, residential electricity spending has increased by 28 percent on average, straining household budgets. Gas prices have also risen sharply, with the national average
up $1.00 per gallon since late February 2026. Aging energy grid infrastructure and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers are expected to push these costs even
higher.
The Urban Institute’s American Affordability Tracker now includes residential electricity expenditures and updated gas price data, giving changemakers a better picture of utility costs
in their communities. Knowing the average price of a gallon of gasoline and how much people spend on electricity monthly can help inform targeted policy responses to these rising costs.
Explore the tracker and our companion brief, <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=7c6c3c3691&e=290850492e> and learn where and how affordability
can be addressed.
Explore the American Affordability Tracker <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=e579cca7ce&e=290850492e>
Continue reading….. <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=a28caebfae&e=290850492e>
Child care crisis forces WA county to try an unusual solution
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Garfield County — In his four years on this Earth, Aller Matheny has had five different child care providers.
At one point, his mother, Ashlyn Deatherage, considered driving her son two hours to Spokane so he could stay with her sister during the workweek.
Deatherage’s predicament is all too familiar in a nation with a massive child care crisis, and in a state where estimates suggest about half of residents live in areas considered extreme
child care deserts.
But here in this corner of rural Southeast Washington, the situation is even more dire. Garfield County has no licensed child care centers or in-home care. Parents must rely on informal
arrangements or drive long distances.
Right now, Deatherage pays a family friend $45 a day to take care of Aller, who enjoys his caregiver’s homemade tacos.
In the fall, Deatherage hopes her son can start prekindergarten at Pomeroy Elementary. Until then, she worries about another potential shake-up in care.
“I’m very lucky to have the people that we’ve had,” Deatherage said. But if her fiancé hadn’t grown up in Pomeroy, with a local network to tap, “There would be no one.”
Continue reading…. <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=092209ddf5&e=290850492e>
Survey shows food insecurity remains high in Washington state
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Higher food prices are hitting everyone's wallets as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are changing how Washingtonians feed their families.
A recent survey <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=b3a5b38e0c&e=290850492e> found that for Washington households struggling with food-insecurity,
higher grocery costs are the most challenging bill to afford.
"Food prices are going up; fuel costs are going up," said Jennifer Otten, associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington and lead
researcher for the Washington State Food Security Survey (WAFOOD). "At the same time, some households still have not regained the economic security that they lost during the early phases
of the pandemic."
Researchers conducted the first WAFOOD survey <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=9b8b0aacd2&e=290850492e> in the summer of 2020 as
a way to track the pandemic's impacts on food and economic security in the state. So far, four surveys have been completed. They surveyed more than 5,000 people, with an oversampling
of those in low-income households.
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Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has donated again—a week after gifting millions to a college, she’s just given $70 million to Meals on Wheels America
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While billionaires have come under fire for not living up to their philanthropic promises, one person is rising from the rest: MacKenzie Scott. She’s pouring billions into education,
public health, and the environment—and now, she just funneled some of her fortune to help feed and support millions of Americans.
Scott recently gave a $70 million unrestricted donation to Meals on Wheels America, a leadership organization that supports nationwide charities in providing meals, social connection,
and safety checks to more than 2 million U.S. seniors and homebound people every year.
The organization announced Scott’s donation last Thursday, adding that her contribution comes at a time when one in three local Meals on Wheels America providers have a wait-list, with
elderly citizens having to wait an average of four months for meals and services.
Scott’s $70 million donation is just a drop in the bucket of her $26 billion philanthropic streak since 2020. The early Amazon employee and ex-wife of Jeff Bezos worth $41.1 billion
is rewriting the playbook of billionaire philanthropy.
How Scott’s $70 million donation will support America’s isolated elders
Thanks to Scott’s latest investment, Meals on Wheels said it can focus more on opportunities to “strengthen the network’s capacity” in the long term and give more resources to local
providers.
Meals on Wheels America currently supports more than 5,000 community-based programs related to senior hunger and isolation. Scott’s gift will make a real difference, the organization
says, but it won’t completely bridge the country’s growing needs. It hopes her donation will inspire others to support.
“We will steward the investment thoughtfully and responsibly to help generate economies of scale and impact that strengthen the capacity of local providers so they can reach more older
adults with meals, connection and care,” Kristine Templin, chief development and marketing officer at Meals on Wheels America, tells Fortune in a statement.
“Ultimately, success means more seniors are able to access the support they need to live more nourished, independent, and healthy lives.”
Continue reading…. <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=ae2418ddee&e=290850492e>
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Public comment open for HUD 2026 Action Plan
Submit your public comment by May 7
The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking feedback on its draft 2026 Action Plan <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=934fd39675&e=290850
492e> . The plan is an update to the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=80cbe3bca8&e=290850492e> , which
includes goals to reduce homelessness, provide decent housing, and improve public facilities and infrastructure with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding.
How can I comment?
Comments are due by 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, May 7.
Commenters can submit feedback in writing or attending a public hearing.
In writing:
* Via email to Jennifer Lane at Jennifer.Lane@commerce.wa.gov <mailto:Jennifer.Lane@commerce.wa.gov>
* By mail to MHU, PO Box 42525, Olympia, WA 98501
In a public hearing:
* Option 1: Virtual hearing
* When: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. PT
* Where: Online on Zoom
* Register for this Zoom meeting on our website <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=8ca95a4476&e=290850492e> .
* Option 2: In-person hearing
* When: Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. PT
* Where: Department of Commerce, 1500 Jefferson St SE, Olympia, WA 98501
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WSCAP LEARNING CENTER
Through our Learning Center, your agency will benefit through improved employee retention and increased staff capacity. This is a FREE resource exclusively for WSCAP members.
Enroll today and begin your training!
To access the WSCAP Learning Center:
* Log in to your WSCAP member account <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=2da48dd366&e=290850492e> or request an account here <https://wapartnership
.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=ae2748ffb5&e=290850492e>
* Click the "Knowledge Base"
* Click "Enroll in the WSCAP Learning Center"
* Follow the prompts and complete the information to create your account
* Click on a course and begin your training!
Over the coming months, you will see more content, courses, trainings, webinars, and resources being added to the catalogue. If you have any questions email us at info@wapartnership.org.
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Share your input: Department of Housing Task Force survey open now
Take to survey by April 26 to shape recommendations for a potential state Department of Housing
Share your experiences with housing in Washington. Your feedback will help inform the Department of Housing Task Force <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce4
0eb&id=a43c0585af&e=290850492e> report, which will provide recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on how to structure a new Department of Housing, which will serve as the state's
coordinating and problem-solving hub to ensure adequate housing supply and housing stability for everyone in Washington.
Take the survey <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=133cc36c03&e=290850492e>
The survey will take about 15 minutes and is open to anyone who is interested. We are not collecting names or personally identifying information. The survey closes April 26.
In December 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson signed executive order 25-12 creating the Department of Housing Task Force. The Task Force's final report is due November 15, 2026, and will be
submitted to the Governor and the Washington State Legislature for consideration. For more information on this effort, visit the Department of Housing Task Force webpage. <https://wapartnership.us4.
list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=33b443a7bd&e=290850492e>
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Washington State Food Security Survey (WAFOOD)
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OIC <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=8e080d3634&e=290850492e> ’s 18th Annual Jobs for Youth Program
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<https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf8/3/16/1f4e3.png> Calling all local businesses and high school age youth! <https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tf8/3/16/1f4e3.png>
Join our annual Jobs for Youth Program on May 27th to connect youth with job opportunities and help prepare the next generation for success.
* Local Businesses, Get Involved! <https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/ta2/3/16/1f91d.png> https://ow.ly/7OAt50Y9EV4 <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda
818ebd4ce40eb&id=93424630f0&e=290850492e>
* Youth, Get Job Ready! <https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t1e/3/16/1f31f.png> https://ow.ly/7zu450Y9EV5 <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce4
0eb&id=43af333575&e=290850492e>
* Go to https://ow.ly/9efs50Y9EV7 <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=ab2a5ea940&e=290850492e> to learn more!
Learn more HERE <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=5cf516483a&e=290850492e>
Nonprofits Get It Done
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The Washington State Nonprofit Conference (WSNC) is the largest gathering of nonprofits in the state bringing together nonprofit leaders to learn, connect, and inspire. This year’s Washington
State Nonprofit Conference will be online May 6-7 with in-person regional WSNC locations in Tacoma (Monday, May 11) and Spokane (Friday, May 15). Powerful keynote speakers, memorable
workshops, and invaluable connections await!
Learn more HERE <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=74c252866b&e=290850492e>
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Looking Ahead to the 2026 CAPLAW National Training Conference
We recognize that the Community Action Network is facing a challenging period, and we also understand the importance of looking ahead and planning for the future. With that in mind,
please save the date for our 2026 National Training Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Come ready to connect, learn, and be inspired—then head home energized and ready to put your new insights
to work.
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Monday, June 1, 2026
Pre-conference tours
Tuesday, June 2 - Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Main conference
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM each day
Early Bird Registration: $750
Registration Opens in February
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Tickets on sale now!
Saturday, June 6, 2026 <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=90ab0c2396&e=290850492e>
Muckleshoot Casino Resort Event Center <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=4c8e251b5f&e=290850492e>
MSC’s <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=c444d72f64&e=290850492e> Spring into Action Dinner & Fundraiser is a night you don’t want
to miss! There will be delicious dinner, drinks, auction items, raffles, games, music, and more. All with the same casual and fun atmosphere you’ve come to expect from MSC. We are celebrating
our 25th anniversary of this event (formerly Crab Feed) and we hope you’ll join us!
Early bird ticket deadline: April 15
Proceeds from this exciting event will benefit Multi-Service Center <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=2dd513ed3b&e=290850492e> ’s
programs and services that provide basic support such as food, housing support, and energy assistance to our neighbors throughout South King County.
Thank you in advance for helping us serve the community and fulfill MSC’s mission to uplift communities by increasing equitable access to advocacy, opportunities, and well-being.
Get your tickets today! <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=4036a8e277&e=290850492e>
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Hopelink’s 13th Annual Farm Fresh Feast
Farm Fresh Feast is our annual springtime fundraiser. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal by Herban Feast, paired with specially curated wines, and explore Silent and Live
Auctions filled with unique items and experiences. Throughout the evening, attendees will be entertained with live music, mingle with fellow community and business leaders, and connect
with some of the dedicated staff who work every day to advance our mission and vision.
Registration is now open. Seating is limited, so be sure to purchase your tickets soon to secure your spot.
Register Now <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=dacee487c8&e=290850492e>
Click here <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=ec12b166ad&e=290850492e> to see photos from 2025’s event.
NCAP ANNUAL CONVENTION 2026
SAVE THE DATE
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Register Now for NCAP's 2026 Annual Convention!
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Join us for our 2026 Annual Convention <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=35c0785b0e&e=290850492e> , taking place September 2–4 in
St. Louis, Missouri!
LOCATION
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch
AGENDA
Click here <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=c67fcae935&e=290850492e> to check out the preliminary agenda.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and human services providers play a vital role in strengthening families and communities. As trusted leaders, they bring together professional expertise,
lived experience, and a shared commitment to expanding opportunity.
The National Community Action Partnership’s Annual Convention convenes these changemakers to spark new ideas, highlight effective practices, and navigate an evolving policy landscape.
It’s not just a gathering—it’s a space for connection, learning, and forward momentum.
Participants leave with practical strategies, relevant training, and fresh insights to enhance their work—from supporting whole-family economic mobility to building stronger community
partnerships.
When families are supported, communities grow stronger. The convention equips providers to open doors to stability, increase access to opportunity, and help families build a more secure
future—together.
Register Here <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=cabcf5ba25&e=290850492e>
How to Register <https://wapartnership.us4.list-manage.com/track/click?u=acf3cee5bbda818ebd4ce40eb&id=e7990fa25a&e=290850492e>
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Copyright (C) 2026 | WSCAP | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
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This communication is supported (in part) by Grant Number 90ET0501 from the ACF Office of Community Services, Community Services Block Grant within the Administration for Children and
Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components, operate, control, are responsible
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Washington State Community Action Partnership · PO Box 7130 · Olympia, WA 98507-7130 · USA