This morning, a very special event is happening for First Place.  If you were unable to attend, please join us at our “virtual table”.

We’d like to share some exciting highlights from today's program:

First Place truly is WHERE HOPE BEGINS to so many children and families.

First Place serves over 1,200 individuals each year - and we celebrate each new success as if it is our first.  

We started our program this morning with alumni students sharing successes as a graduate of First Place. Here is a sampling.

Gabriel is 7th grade student involved with Seattle Young People's Project working in the community to research issues affecting students.

Dre is a junior at Cleveland High School and his family has maintained stable housing for 6 years.

Fatima is a student at Shoreline Community College and will soon transfer to Seattle University to continue studying criminal justice. She is also an intern at a law firm. She credits First Place as being a stepping stone to a new life.

First year teacher Christina Miller sees hope in her students every day. Here is an excerpt of her speech.

"I give hugs, band-aids and check-pluses. I get dandelions, boogers and love notes.

I went to grad school to learn how to use just enough glue, cut on the lines, and write really fast.

But that’s not what I am here to talk to you about. I am here to tell you why I show up every day.

I often get stuck on the idea of 'homelessness' because it is such a huge part of our population and it seems it should be the focus point. After all, according to the 2010 count, over half the homeless population in Seattle consists of families with children. That’s daunting. I may know how to use just enough glue, but what do I know about how to help?

What I do know, is that when children deal with trauma, and turmoil, the approach to teaching them becomes completely different. These kids know how to survive, but how do I teach them to dream?" Read the full speech.

Marcelas Owens is an First Place graduate with national impact. This Spring his efforts advocating for better healthcare led him to the White House where he stood next to President Obama while the heath care reform bill was being signed. Last year, he received a standing ovation at this same event for sharing his story and then we had no idea where his passion would take him.

This morning Marcelas spoke about how First Place helped him get though the tough times losing his mother and how the agency was a catalyst for his advocacy.

 

In the winter of 1989 Alexandria Slider was 8 years old, living in the Aloha Inn with her mother and two sisters, and attending First Place School. Twenty-one years later she is a successful small business owner, a homeowner and a First Place volunteer and donor. This video tells more of her journey.

 “Coming from the background that I have had, and having the interrupted childhood and then turning into the strong person in my family in caring for my mom and my sisters, I feel like I’ve arrived at a place where I can give back to the community. And I feel great to say that First Place is the charity I want to focus on.”

Alexandria Slider, owner Soul the Salon

"This morning we have seen a number of successes from our very first year all the way through the current. The question is, how can we do more? We are working on expanding our program through collaborations with agencies in communities which have a high need for the type of services First Place provides - such as Kent and Grays Harbor County. We are also working on expanding the housing we can provide to families. We hope you stay tuned in the coming months to learn more about these exciting ventures.

In addition to the work we do is the passion behind the work. This is my passion because I know what it's like to be homeless. I know what's like to be a kid and wonder where your next meal is coming from and where you will sleep at night."

Dr. Doreen Cato, Executive Director, First Place

Today the ask for support comes from Dan Brettler, a long-time friend and supporter of First Place, and CEO of Car Toys.

"Now is your opportunity to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Now is your opportunity to create hope for individuals in need.

Today I would like you to think about making a MEANINGFUL donation to support the programs of First Place. For each person that amount is different. For some, it is the cost of a dinner out or your monthly cable bill. For some it is much more.

Tom and Sonya Campion, Lucky Seven Foundation, and I, know first-hand the difference our donations will make in the lives of so many children and families living with the risk and reality of homelessness.  The need is great and we want to assure that more students like Fatima, Dre, and Alexandria can find hope and a future at First Place. 

To show our commitment to you as First Place supporters, we will match gifts of $250 or more that you pledge today to double your donation.  It is my personal goal that we raise $300,000 here today and with your help I know it is possible." 

Please consider a donation to First Place today.

 

Donate online. Add the note "Virtual Table"

Download the event pledge card and send by mail (pdf).

Thank you so much for your past and future support of our programs. We invite you to come down to First Place for a tour and to see our work in action. Learn more.

We encourage you to invite people to sit at your virtual table by fowarding this email to your friends, family and colleagues who you know will be touched by the stories shared here.

Our warmest appreciation for your support.

Dr. Doreen Cato, Executive Director

First Place relies on financial and in-kind donations as well as dedicated volunteers to meet the needs of children and families. Stay updated with through our blog!