KCHA NEWS - March 2008
Ballinger Homes youth grow recycling passion
Naty Weldetnsae is trying to save the planet one plastic water bottle at a time.
The 14-year-old Ballinger Homes resident is one of the most enthusiastic participants in the Family Support Center’s new recycling program. She knows that recycling is one way she can make a difference in the global effort to clean up the environment.
“I want to help, and little things do help,” she said. “I think it’s good to help the environment so that we don’t fill up the landfills.”
Morgan Moore, an AmeriCorps member through the King County Housing Authority and the Center for Human Services, started the recycling program at Ballinger’s Family Support Center. She wanted the youth who spend time there to have a chance to learn about the benefits of recycling. And Moore says she’s been thrilled to see many children not only recycling what they use at the center but also bringing in newspapers, plastic bottles and other recyclables from home.
“It’s catching on as people see other people doing it,” she said.
Moore also has tried to teach the children about how they can reduce their waste by reusing items whenever possible. For example, rather than giving each child his or her afternoon snack in a Ziploc bag, the children now have their own plastic cups that they can fill with snacks day after day.
“It’s really a simple thing,” Moore said. “That’s made a huge difference in the amount of garbage every day.”
That kind of thinking also inspired Naty to start reusing water bottles at home.
Anwar Shah, a 16-year-old who attends the Ballinger Family Support Center’s
after-school program, thinks that recycling
helps people learn more about how what
they do affects the world.
“People our age don’t always think
about this stuff,” he said. “Recycling is
one way we can pay back Mother Nature.”
Hoang Nguyen, 16, said he’s inspired
to recycle partly because he’s read about
the devastating effects of deforestation in
some regions of the world.
“In the rainforests, every year they are
cutting down more,” said Nguyen, who
also attends the after-school program. “If
we can reduce what we use, we can reduce
the number of trees they have to cut down.
If we reduce and reuse, more wildlife will
be saved.”
Tamara Piwen, the center’s family support
manager, said she’s been impressed
by how much passion the children and
teenagers at Ballinger have for the new
recycling program.
“They are so excited to do this,” she
said. “They feel so good about taking care
of the environment.”
Five ways you can become
a ‘trash terminator’
1. Recycle more of what you use.
Find out about all the items you can
recycle at www.earth911.org and
at 1-800-CLEANUP. For more on
King County recycling, go to www.metrokc.gov.
2. Choose products with minimal
packaging, and buy in bulk.
Avoid individually wrapped items.
A jumbo box of cereal uses less
packaging than several single-serving-
sized boxes.
3. Choose durable, reusable
products rather than single-use,
disposable items. For example:
Use cloth napkins rather than paper
ones. Get your coffee in a refillable
mug. Use canvas bags for shopping.
4. Reuse bags, containers, packing
materials and other items. Bags,
cardboard boxes, bubble warp,
packing peanuts and padded envelopes
can be used many times.
5. Reduce your use of paper.
Whenever possible, use e-mail,
take care of personal business online
and use the library.
You might have heard that the King County Housing Authority has started a review of its existing policies related to checking residents’ income and calculating rent for the Public Housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher programs. As new policies are developed, we want to ensure residents have the chance to ask questions and provide input. Below are answers to residents’ frequently asked questions about the Rent Reform Initiative.
Why is KCHA making changes to its
rent policies?
The current way that KCHA checks
residents’ income and calculates rent is
complicated and time-consuming for both
residents and KCHA staff. KCHA wants
to make the policies easier for residents to understand and for staff to administer;
it’s just the right thing to do.
How are income and rent currently calculated? What will change after Rent Reform takes effect?
Currently, households must submit third-party documentation every year showing all of their income sources. KCHA checks the information through an online system. Residents can get deductions for some items like out-of pocket medical expenses for elderly and disabled households and childcare for
working families.
Not all income sources
are included in the calculation.
Under Rent Reform, KCHA is considering
doing reviews less often and simplifying
the way deductions and rent are
calculated.
If I pay utilities, will I continue to get
a utility allowance?
Currently, KCHA plans to keep utility
allowances for residents who pay for utilities
on their own. But KCHA also plans to
simplify these complicated allowance
schedules.
KCHA says it wants to make its new
policies “revenue neutral.” What does
that mean?
“Revenue neutral” refers the income
KCHA receives from resident rent payments.
KCHA hopes to create policies that
neither make money nor lose money for the
housing authority.
Do residents have a chance to give
input about the changes?
Yes. KCHA already has been meeting
with groups of residents, including the
Resident Advisory Council, and community
organizations to discuss possible improvements
to its rent policies. If you hear about
a meeting, please join in. Before anything
takes effect, KCHA will have a public
hearing. Information about the hearing and
proposed changes will be posted online at
www.kcha.org and in resident newspapers.
Also, KCHA has set up an e-mail address
– rentreform@kcha.org – for residents to
submit comments or questions.
By Heather Miller
King County Housing Authority
Patricia Pineda is a Mexican American whose parents weren’t native English speakers. But they made her education a top priority.
“That’s what has allowed me to succeed,” said Pineda, who is Toyota Motor North America’s group vice president for legal, philanthropy and administration.
She hopes Toyota’s Family Literacy Program will bring similar success both in and outside the classroom to many Highline Public Schools students who come from immigrant families.
Toyota announced in February that three Highline elementary schools – White Highline Superintendent John Welch said. Center Heights, Mount View and Beverly Parent Maria Mora, whose two daughters Park – are the newest sites for the literacy attend Mount View Elementary, said the program, which helps meet immigrant fam-program not only allowed her to work more ilies’ educational needs. The company has closely with her children but also was help-contributed $600,000 to fund the program ing her gain the English skills she needs to at the three schools, which have an average continue her own education. of 32 percent Hispanic enrollment. The National Center for Family Literacy
“We’ve been given an opportunity to coordinates the program. The Highline make a positive difference in the lives of schools were among five new sites choour children and our families,” said David sen for the program among some 230 Darling, principal at White Center Heights applications from 39 states, said Sharon Elementary. Darling, the national center’s president
Under the K-3 program, children receive and founder. quality literacy instruction and their parents also spend time sitting side-by-side with them in class. Parents also get help learning English and ways they can support their child’s education at home.
“We know that a child does better in school and in other areas of their lives when parents are involved in their education,”
By KCHA Staff
Do you need help finding a job,
learning English or finishing your high
school math homework? Assistance
with all of that and more is available
for free at the Center for Career Alternatives
(CCA) in the Kent Family Center.
CCA offers:
• A job readiness training program
that helps clients with applications,
cover letters, resumes, mock interviews,
financial literacy and life skills
training.
• A job club program that assists
clients with job searches and problems
on the job site.
• Job placement and retention services.
• Short-term vocational training
referrals.
• Beginning and advanced computer
classes in using Microsoft Office 2007.
Instruction is available for the following
programs: Word, Publisher, PowerPoint
and Excel.
• English as a Second Language/citizenship
classes, which provide permanent
residents with information about
filing an application for citizenship, the
interview process and the exam on U.S.
history and government. Information
and forms also are available to help
residents file for adjustments to their
immigration status.
• SAT workshops that
give students the chance
to learn about test taking
and to practice the SAT’s
critical reading, math and
writing sections.
• A Washington Assessment
of Student
Learning (WASL) Academy
that focuses on improving
students’ reading
fluency, comprehension,
writing and math skills.
• A Title III program to
help elementary school-aged
children who aren’t
native English speakers
to increase their reading, writing and
math skills.
• Homework instructional assistance
for middle and high school students in
math, English, social studies, health
and science. Students also can use the
center’s computers to prepare presentations
and projects.
• Instruction for students seeking
to earn their General Educational Development
(GED) or to retrieve high
school credits.
Written and verbal translation services
also are available. Staff at the
center can speak Arabic, Italian, Russian,
Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog
and Visayan.
The center is at 13111 S.E. 274th St.in Kent. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday.
For more information, drop by the
center or call 253-639-1162.
WASL testing season
approaches
High school 10th-graders are
scheduled to take the Washington
Assessment of Student Learning
(WASL) reading test March 10
and 11 and the writing test March
12 and 13.
Sophomores aren’t scheduled to
take the math and science tests until
April. That’s also when elementary
and middle school children
take all of their WASL tests.
Frequently asked questions about the WASL
What is tested on the WASL?
The WASL tests are based on the state’s learning standards. Here is how the subject tests break down from grade to grade:
Reading: Grades three, four, five, six, seven, eight and 10
Writing: Grades four, seven and 10
Math: Grades three, four, five, six, seven, eight and 10
Science: Grades five, eight and 10
What types of questions appear on the WASL?
The WASL includes multiple-choice, short-answer and essay questions. In addition to demonstrating content knowledge, students also are expected to apply their thinking skills to solve problems and explain their answers.
How do students who are English Language Learners (ELL) participate in the WASL tests?
All students who are ELL must participate in all WASL tests scheduled for their grades regardless of the number of years they have been in the United States.
The only exception is students who are in their first year of enrollment in U.S. schools. These students are not required to participate in reading or writing tests, but they must take the math exam.
In addition to participating in WASL, ELL students annually must take the Washington Language Proficiency Test-II (WLPT-II) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
By Heather Miller
King County Housing Authority
Nebiat Gebreziabher, 17, and Justin Cox, 19, have big plans for their futures.
Cox wants to become a police officer after he finishes college. Gebreziabher expects to pursue a career as either an architect or a fashion designer.
But setting long-term goals for themselves isn’t the only thing they have in common.
Cox and Gebreziabher also were selected as the Youth of the Year — in 2007 and 2008, respectively – at the Southwest Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County.
Teenagers apply for the Youth of the Year program by writing essays about family, home, school, community service, service to the club, moral character and life goals and preparing a speech about “What the Club Means to Me.”
After their applications are reviewed, they are interviewed by a panel of judges — mostly club board members. The chosen Youth of the Year winners from across King County go on to compete in a regional contest.
Gebreziabher is an Evergreen High School senior who has been a club member for eight years.
“Nebiat’s impact on the club as a role model has been incredible,” said Tara Irvin, the Southwest Branch’s interim executive director. “Her involvement in our programs as well as her transformation into a strong, confident and outspoken young lady has allowed her to take a bold stance within the club and in her own life.”
Cox, who joined the club four years ago, is in his second year at South Seattle Community College and now a club staff member.
“When I moved here from Los Angeles, they saw how I continued to keep my grades up and help out the younger kids,” he said.
Though she initially was nervous about giving a speech to board members and competing against others in the King County contest, Gebreziabher said the entire experience was a rewarding one.
“It was a lot of fun,” she said.
Cox said he thinks the Youth of the Year award winners act as examples to other children and teenagers.
“You get a lot of respect from the kids,” he said. “You can show kids it’s O.K. to be a winner. You don’t always have to be the bad kid that’s really popular in high school. You can be the cool kid in high school and still get your school work done.”
National Reading Day on March 2 acts as a reminder that it’s never too soon for parents to start reading with their children. Below is a list of March story times at area King County libraries:
AUBURN
Auburn Library
1102 Auburn Way S.
253- 931-3018
Mondays: 10:15 a.m. Toddler Story Time; 11 a.m. Preschool Story Time; 7 p.m. Spanish-English Story
Wednesdays: 10:15 a.m. Family Story Time; 11 a.m. Baby Story Time
BELLEVUE
Bellevue Regional Library
1111 110th Ave. N.E.
425-450-1765
Wednesdays: 4 p.m. Preschool German Story Time; 7 p.m. Hindi Story Time
Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. Toddler German Story Time
Library Connection at Crossroads
15600 N.E. Eighth St.
425-644-6203
Fridays: 7 p.m. Mandarin Story Time
Saturdays: 11:30 a.m. Spanish Story Time
BURIEN
Burien Library
14700 Sixth Ave. S.W.
206-243-3490
Tuesdays: 10:30 a.m. Preschool Story Time
Wednesdays: 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Toddler Story Time
Thursdays: 10:30 a.m. Toddler Story Time
Fridays (except for March 14): 11 a.m. Baby Story Time
DES MOINES
Des Moines Library
21620 11th Ave. S.
206-824-6066
Mondays (except for March 31): 7 p.m. Children’s Story Time
Wednesdays: 10 a.m. Preschool Story Time; 10:45 a.m. Toddler Story Time; 11:30
a.m. Baby Story Time
Saturdays: 11 a.m. Story Time in Spanish
FEDERAL WAY
Federal Way Regional Library
34200 First Way S.
253-838-3668
March 3, 24: 11 a.m. Preschool Story Time
March 4, 25: 11 a.m. Toddler Story Time; 7 p.m. Pajamarama Story Time
March 6, 27: 10:15 a.m. Young Toddler Story Time; 11 a.m. Preschool Story Time
Federal Way 320th Library
848 S. 320th St.
253-839-0257
Tuesdays: 7 p.m. Spanish Story Time
Fridays: 11 a.m. Children’s Story Time
March 5, 26: 10:15 a.m. Toddler Story Time; 11 a.m. Preschool Story Time
March 7, 28: 10:15 a.m. Young Toddler Story Time
KENT
Kent Regional Library
212 Second Ave. N.
253-859-3330
Tuesdays: 10:30 a.m. Preschool Story Time; 7 p.m. Children’s Story Time
Wednesdays: 10:30 a.m. Preschool Story Time; 7 p.m. Russian Story Time (except for March 26)
Thursdays: 10:15 a.m. Toddler Story Time; 11 a.m. Baby Story Time; 7 p.m. Spanish Story Time
Fridays: 11 a.m. Children’s Story Time March 8: 11 a.m. Dr. Seuss Celebration
KIRKLAND
Kirkland Library
308 Kirkland Ave.
425-822-2459
Mondays: 10 a.m. Japanese Story Time
Tuesdays: 10 a.m. Toddler Story Time; 11 a.m. Preschool Story Time
Wednesdays: 10 a.m. Young Toddler Story Time; 11 a.m. Preschool Story Time; 7 p.m. Children’s Story Time
Fridays: 10:30 a.m. Young Toddler Story Time
SHORELINE
Shoreline Library
345 N.E. 175th
206-362-7550
Mondays: 10:15 a.m. Young Toddler Story Time; 2 p.m. Chinese Story Time
Tuesdays: 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. Toddler Story Time; 1:30 p.m. Preschool Story Time; 7 p.m. Pajamarama Story Time
Wednesdays: 10:30 a.m. Preschool Story Time; Noon, Baby Story Time
WHITE CENTER
White Center Library
11220 16th S.W.
206-243-0233
Thursdays: 11 a.m. Children’s Story Time
Residents celebrate recent renovation at Paramount House
By Candace Ives
King County Housing Authority
Resident Kay Vosika describes the newly upgraded Paramount House as a wonderful place to call home.
The 70-unit Shoreline building, which houses seniors and individuals with disabilities, recently completed critical fire and life safety improvements. Paramount has new fire alarms and a new sprinkler system. Plus, the building got a much-needed face-lift that has transformed the entire building from dark and outdated to fabulous, fun and colorful.
“Our building is much safer, beautiful and quiet again,” said Vosika, a senior who has lived at Paramount House for several years.
The first floor lobby has been fully updated with new tile, paint and a curved art tile wall. Also, the lobby and front entrance were expanded. Rather than a sharp decline, the sidewalk leading up to the building’s front now has a slow, gradual grade with a switchback that’s much safer for residents, especially if they use a wheelchair or walker. There are new mailboxes for the residents, making it easier for them to pick up larger packages. The hallways throughout the entire building received new carpet and paint. Each unit has a new front door and new entryway vinyl.Abig bulletin board was put up next to each unit to accommodate flyers, pictures and more. The community room now features new paint, new carpet and a new microwave and dishwasher.
“For as many months as they were working on the building, the workmen were very helpful and courteous,” Vosika said.
Paramount House residents along with King County Housing Authority staff members recently had a big celebration to mark the completion
There was a terrific potluck dinner with plenty of food, cake and other goodies. Some residents invited their families to see the transformation. Residents enjoyed watching a wonderful DVD created by Ruben Rivera-Jackman, KCHA’s resident services manager, which showed before and after pictures of Paramount House. Everyone had a good time.
The project also gaveAl Khalaf, a KCHA property manager, his own office at Paramount House. Before the upgrade, Khalaf shared an office with a fellow staff member. Now that he has his own office, he will be more accessible to residents and have a nice place to meet with them to answer questions and help them with paperwork.
Paramount House is one of eight buildings undergoing similar improvements as part of an innovative financing transaction by the King County HousingAuthority. That transaction involved federal tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and public housing capital fund bond proceeds.
So far, four buildings, including Paramount House, are finished. Four others — Casa Madrona, Mardi Gras, Munro Manor and Plaza 17 — will be completed this year.
To learn more
An open house to showcase similar fire and life safety upgrades and other critically needed improvements at Riverton Terrace is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. March 5. Riverton Terrace is located at 14410 41st Ave. S. in Tukwila.
Protect yourself against the flu
The flu season can last as late as May.
That means it’s still important to take
steps to avoid getting sick.
• Get a flu vaccine. For people at high
risk for serious flu complications — such
as infants, pregnant women, people with
chronic health conditions like asthma,
diabetes or heart disease, and people 65
and older — getting vaccinated is especially
important.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a
tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then,
throw the tissue away.
• Wash your hands often with soap
and water, especially after coughing or
sneezing. If you’re not near water, use an
alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Stay away from people who are
sick.
• If you’re sick, stay home from work
or school. Avoid other people so that you
don’t make them sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and
mouth.
• Flu antiviral drugs that must be prescribed
by a health care provider can treat the flu or prevent infection.
Flu shots cost $25, but that fee can be
reduced based on income. Those 18 or
younger can have their fee waived. For
a flu shot, call one of these clinics for an
appointment:
AUBURN
Auburn Public Health Center
20 Auburn Ave.
253-833-8400
BELLEVUE
Eastgate Public Health Center
14350 S.E. Eastgate Way
206-296-4920
FEDERAL WAY
Federal Way Public Health Center
33431 13th Place S.
253-874-7639
BOTHELL
Northshore Public Health Center
10808 N.E. 145th St.
206-296-9816
WHITE CENTER
White Center Public Health Center
10821 Eighth Ave. S.W.
206-296-4646
Return unwanted meds for free disposal
Group Health Cooperative pharmacies
now are accepting unused prescription
and over-the-counter drugs. The pharmacies
will properly and safely dispose of the
medications — an effort that helps protect
individual safety and the environment.
Here’s how you can return your unwanted
medications:
• Keep them in their original containers
(must be 12-oz. bottle size or less).
• Bring the medications to a participating
pharmacy (see list below).
• Deposit the medications into the secure
bin marked “medication return.”
• The pharmacies will accept: prescription
medications, over-the-counter medications,
medication samples, medications for
pets, vitamins, medicated ointments and
lotions, inhalers and liquid medication in
glass or leak-proof containers.
• The pharmacies won’t accept: needles,
thermometers, lancets, controlled substances
(narcotics), IV bags, bloody or
infectious waste, personal care products,
business waste, empty containers, hydrogen
peroxide, aerosol cans.
Participating pharmacies:
BELLEVUE
Factoria Medical Center
13451 S.E. 36th St.
425-562-1302
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
Friday
BOTHELL
Northshore Medical Center
11913 N.E. 195th St.
425-489-3113
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
BURIEN
Burien Medical Center Pharmacy
140 S.W. 146th St.
206-901-2405
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
Friday
9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday
FEDERAL WAY
Federal Way Medical Center
301 S. 320th St.
253-874-7000
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through
Friday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
KENT
Kent Medical Center
26004 104th Ave. S.E.
425-251-4070
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
Friday
REDMOND
Eastside Primary Care Clinic
2701 156th Ave. N.E.
425-883-5020
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday
through Friday
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday
Eastside Specialty Clinic
2700 152nd Ave. N.E.
425-883-5940
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through
Friday
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
TRANSLATIONS
Translated Articles from The Voice
ĐANG CẢI TỔ LẠI VẤN ĐỀ TIỀN THUÊ NHÀ Cơ quan cấp phát nhà cửa King County Housing Authority đang duyệt lại các chính sách về việc kiểm tra mức lợi tức của cư dân và hạch tính ra mức tiền thuê nhà trong chương trình gia cư công cộng và chương trình Số
8 .
Nha cấp phát gia cư King County Housing Authority muốn thực hiện các chính sách này cách bớt phức tạp hơn và tôn trọng việc riêng tư của cư dân hơn. Bước đầu tiên là hạch tính ra mức tiền thuê nhà cho qúi vị cư dân cao niên và người bị tàn tật. Các thông tin về dự kiến thay đổi cung cách mà cơ quan KCHA qui tính tiền thuê nhà đang có trên trang mạng ở www. kcha.org và ở văn phòng chính của nha cấp phát gia cư KCHA ở số 600 đường Andover Parkway
W. Tukwila. Sẽ có cuộc thảo luận công cộng vào tháng Tư. Muốn có những đề nghị về các dự kiến thay đổi này, xin hãy gởi điện thư e-mail đến rentreform@kcha.org.
Rent reform underway
King County Housing Authority waxay ku celin ku wqaddaa siyaasad ahaan iyagoo baaraya deegaanka dakhligooda iyo iyagoo eegaya kiradooda Guuryaha Dadweynaha uyo Qaybta loo yaqaan Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher mashruca. KCHA waxay rabtaa inay ku sameyso siyaasaddeeda mid aan dhibaato badnayn iyo mid aad u xaq dhowrid badan dadka deegaanka . Horta hore waxay noqonaysaa in la sifeeyo kirada dadka waaweyn iyo Curyaamiinta deegaanka. Wararka ku saabsan iyo sida loo xisaabinayo ooInformation KCHA xisaabinta kirada dadka Waweynka iyo Curyaamiintaba waxaa laga heli karaa .kcha.org ama KCHA’s Central Office: 600 Andover Parkway W., Tukwila.Dhegeysiga guud waxaa la qorsheeyey ABRIL. Si loo wadaago sida loo soo qorsheeyey iyo is beddelkaba e –mail rentreform@kcha. org.
Hel Tallaal Fluga ah , Dadka ku jira dhibaato naftooda ahi oo u dhibaataysan Fluga sida dadka dhallanka ah , Dadka Urka leh, dadka Xaalad caafimaad oo aan bexeyn waba iyo dadka waaweyn inay is tallaalaan waa muhim.
Tallalka Fuluga waa $25. qiimaha waa la dhimmi karaa waxay ku xiran tahat dakhliga Fuluuga tallalkiisa wac public health center si aad u ballansato. Auburn 20 Auburn Ave. 253-833-8400 Bellevue 14350 S.E. Eastgate Way 206-296-4920 Bothell 10808 N.E. 145th St. 206-296-9816 Federal Way 33431 13th Place S. 253-874-7639 White Center 10821 Eighth Ave. S.W. 206-296-4646