December 2023 Newsletter

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FOCS Newsletter
December 2023

In this Newsletter: 

  • FOCS Parent Groups Unite More Families!
  • New Partnerships and Free Events for FOCS!
  • Year-End Giving is Here: How Your Support Impacts BIPOC Families and Businesses
  • Spread the Word: FOCS is Hiring and We're Searching for a New Home! 
FOCS Parent Groups Unite More Families!
Exciting news! Thanks to Jesse's quick and collaborative efforts, FOCS established a partnership with Hummingbird Indigenous Services Pilimakua Family Connections Program and was able to launch an Indigenous Parents Group this Fall!

We had an overwhelming response—the group FILLED well before the registration deadline! The 20 families that registered for this hybrid group will be connecting both virtually as well as in person throughout the greater Seattle area!

This group supports parents with children under five years old, building parenting skills, and exploring discussions on identity and race which are core to the FOCS parent group curriculum. 

2023 Parent Group Glows

  1. We started the shift back to our original in-person, neighborhood-based parent groups—a hallmark of FOCS since we began in 2013.
  2. Our virtual parent groups continue to welcome families from all Seattle metro areas, ensuring accessibility for everyone!
  3. Thanks to community support and grant funding, we were able to offer 25 parent groups to families of color free of charge this year! Peer-led parent groups included:
  • Black Moms Group
  • Indigenous Parents (in partnership with Hummingbird Family Services Pilimakua Family Connections Program)
  • Parents of Children with Disabilities
  • Expecting Parents 
  • Parents of Newborns
  • Parents of Waddlers
Winter Parent Group Update

Our Winter 2024 Parent Group schedule is in the works! We will be offering groups for parents with newborns, waddlers, Parents of Children with Disabilities, and a much anticipated Dads Group!

Check our website for updates and registration information in the coming weeks!
New Partnerships and Free Events for FOCS!
We're continuing to build community connections through our FOCS Family Programming! 
  • We recently teamed up with the Seattle Art Museum to offer free Family Fun Workshops, a series of programs designed to engage both kids and adults in learning and creating together.
  • We're collaborating with the University of Washington for free football and basketball tickets to our families 
  • We partnered with Bellevue Parks & Community Services Department and the Bellevue Botanical Garden Society to offer free tickets for FOCS families to attend Garden d’Lights
Year-End Giving is Here: How Your Support Impacts BIPOC Families and Businesses

Many are familiar with FOCS' parent group model—where parents come together, supporting each other and fostering community. However, our parent groups are more than just parent-led; our Peer Group Facilitators actively nurture and guide fellow parents. FOCS invests in their growth through ongoing training and unwavering support which has resulted in many Facilitators transitioning into DEI positions and other vital roles in the community to foster systemic change.

Beyond our immediate circle, we collaborate with numerous BIPOC professionals and consultants from Seattle, inviting them to share knowledge with FOCS families. Through our Parent Groups and free informational sessions, these experts empower our community with insights, resources, and tools to be stronger parents for their children. 

Your end-of-year tax-deductible donation directly fuels our mission to uplift families of color. It enables us to expand our Parent Group offerings by training more Peer Group Facilitators and allows us to contract with more BIPOC professionals and leaders to bring crucial knowledge to our families.

Every contribution you make translates into free programming for families of color while also supporting local BIPOC-owned businesses and parent leaders!

Donate Here!
P.S. Consider advocating for FOCS for your employer matching program! To learn more or request information, email us at info@focseattle.org
Thank you to our Grant Funders!

This past month, we were awarded the following grants to continue our advocacy and mobilization work as well as continue to expand our parent groups!
  • Social Justice Fund - Reproductive Justice Grant
  • The Glaser Foundation - supporting FOCS' Parents of Children with Disabilities affinity group
Spread the Word
FOCS is Hiring!

We’re searching for a Director of Operations Strategy! Seeking someone passionate about community-based organizations, social justice, and supporting BIPOC families.

The Director of Operations Strategy will be a strategic thought partner and leader who reports to the Executive Director. The successful candidate will ensure the whole organization, and all its core operations functions, will run most effectively to deliver the best quality programs to the community.

Operations and organizational development include hands-on management and execution of functions such as: administrative and financial processes, human resources/staff culture, IT, and organizational planning /capacity building.

We highly encourage applicants from the communities we serve, including working parents of color, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with multiple intersectional identities.

Priority Application Deadline: January 5th, 2024

Apply Here!
FOCS is Seeking Peer Group Facilitators
Did you know our Peer Group Facilitators are parents just like you? If you’re a former FOCS parent group participant ready to support new parents on their journey, or if you have a gift for creating safer places for families and parents of color to be themselves, contact us to attend our upcoming Quarterly Peer Group Facilitator info session!

Peer Group Facilitators are paid contractors who receive ongoing training and support to grow as individuals and professionals. Learn more and sign up to become a paid Peer Group Facilitator today!
Become a Peer Group Facilitator
FOCS is Seeking Childcare Providers!
As we move back to in-person parent groups we are looking for licensed providers to come and support our families during meetings and events. Sign up to learn more and support FOCS families!
Childcare Provider Signup Form
FOCS is Seeking a New Home!
We are seeking a new office space in South or Central Seattle.

Do have any leads? Help us find our new home and send us an email at info@focseattle.org with any listings you've got. 
About Families of Color Seattle
(FOCS- pronounced "folks") 
FOCS connects families, caregivers, and children of color through peer-led parent support groups; spaces to share culture, skills, and resources; and racial justice education and advocacy. Our vision is that children of color are born into a loving community that is racially and economically just. Visit focseattle.org to learn more about our programs. 
Did you know you can also make recurring donations to FOCS? Become a monthly donor and support FOCS families all year long!
 🏽 Help us reach more families of color by sharing this email!

More Ways to Stay Connected!

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Learn more on our Website! Learn more on our Website!
Copyright © 2023, Families of Color Seattle, All rights reserved.

Our email address is:
info@focseattle.org 

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