21 Jun Coffee with the Executive Team

Posted at 08:31h in spotlight by

Highlights of the event held on June 15, 2022

Senior women seeking shelter have unique needs and The Sophia Way ensures they have the resources to find stability. With support from Lewith Trust, we have started a program that provides three women with housing in cottages with support services.

The Behavioral Health Program has begun with a Behavioral Health Specialist working with clients and ready to help staff when needed. They have also been holding de-escalation training for shelter staff.

Like most employers, we are facing some challenges in hiring – from frontline staff, Programs Managers, and a Human Resources Manager. While we work towards living wage pay, the challenge remains. Currently starting pay is $21/hour with a goal to reach $30/hour.

Recently, we submitted our request to the Eastside Cities for funding in 2023 and 2024. Funding was requested that would help with achieving living wage pay and operating 24/7.

2022 has been a remarkable year for getting people into housing.  Our goal for the year is 100, and case managers have found housing for 44 women.  Many of them have been through the emergency housing vouchers, which include a year of case management

In addition to helping women find housing, case managers also support women in finding employment, building life skills, and getting help for mental and physical health issues. They work with each woman to create a stability plan with short- and long-term goals. All programs and services follow the principles of the trauma-informed care approach from beginning to end and incorporate DEI as part of every function and decision.

Opportunities for community engagement

  • Volunteer at the shelter or donation center
  • Nourish women by donating a meal. We rely on community-provided meals and food donations
  • Donate gift cards from Target, Safeway, QFC
  • Consider speaking up at community meetings or city councils as they consider funding for the 2023-2024 funding cycle. We can help provide talking points
  • Take a tour of our shelters. Email jola.p@sophiaway.org

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