Community
Community Stories
30
2021
Dr. Jerry and Elaine Ramsey: A Historical Legacy To Set The Record Straight
Dr. Jerry Ramsey and his late wife, Elaine, were true lovers of Tacoma long before it became the hottest housing market in the nation. Through their work as educators and authors, they built connections to the region’s history. As engaged community members, they also built lasting supports for generations to come. “Elaine and I have never lived outside of the Tacoma area”, said Dr. Jerry. > Continue Reading
4
2021
COVID-19 Conditions Strain School Districts and Nonprofit Partners as More Youth and Families Experience Homelessness
Marilee Hill-Anderson, Directory of Community Engagement of the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District paints a picture of the staggering need families in the district are facing right now, “We had a family who was illegally evicted from a local motel that had been there for a year and a half as homeless. They were > Continue Reading
12
2021
Government Volume, Philanthropic Flexibility Ensure CARES Act Dollars Reach Pierce County Residents
Even with a massive infusion of federal dollars, getting money to those who need it most isn’t easy. When Pierce County received $158 million in CARES Act funding last summer, the money came with a tight deadline to get it out to the community: December 31, 2020. Heather Moss, the director of Human Services in Pierce County, explains > Continue Reading
12
2020
Youth Hunger For Connection Served Up By Online Expanded Learning Opportunities
With the music pumping and blue disco lights flashing (well…in one kid’s room, at least) students and instructors from Tacoma Arts Live’s Hip-Hop Movement class moved together, via webcam, through the steps of a routine they had just learned. “I’m panting like my dog.” one of the students said, coming closer to the screen as > Continue Reading
12
2020
Make Civic Engagement Personal To Make It Last
Jennifer Keating, Land Use Planner for Puyallup Tribe of Indians, and her family maintain a family tradition during election season, “My significant other and I, we’ve created a tradition with our blended families where we sit down with the campaign guide and the kids vote. They go through the guide and they compare, and they > Continue Reading
10
2020
Giving Tuesday Can Be A Gateway To Greater Community Impact
Mary Hammond played clarinet in her small Michigan hometown’s marching band, but, “First blizzard, I said, ‘This is for the birds!’” and she immediately switched to the choir. Her musical father nurtured in her a soft spot for music, as well as an interest in investing. A biochemist who would read Value Line at the Grand Rapids > Continue Reading
8
2020
The Legacy of Mr. Rogers In Tacoma’s Whole Child Virtual Expanded Learning
For more than 30 years Mister Rogers used his groundbreaking PBS television show to make a personal connection with millions of children. Speaking directly into the camera, he invited his viewers to join him in learning new things, playing together, and reflecting on what it means to be a good “neighbor”. “Expanded Learning Opportunities have always provided a unique space for students to make connections with each other and with a caring adult.” Building on > Continue Reading
8
2020
Technology and Internet Access Are Essential Needs Under COVID-19 Conditions
Arriving to work one day at Tacoma’s Peace Community Center, Development Director, Lianna Shepherd met a mother in desperate need of reliable internet bandwidth in order to work from home, “She’s worked for Delta Airlines for years, and now suddenly has to perform her customer service duties from home. The woman says, ‘I don’t > Continue Reading
8
2020
Where There’s A Will There’s A Way To Build A Thriving Future
2020 has been a year of uncertainty and change, with everything from physical distancing to mask wearing to Zoom work, school, and parties becoming our new day-to-day. Despite the current disruptions, many people have been inspired to re-imagine their future – and the future of their communities. “We’ve experienced an uptick in clients requesting estate planning services since COVID hit,” said Ken Ford, Attorney with Morton McGoldrick in Tacoma. “COVID > Continue Reading
13
2020
Local Online Learning Adapts For Youth Who Don’t Want To Feel Alone
‘I just don’t like feeling alone.’ The youth Choreographer’s Workshop at Tacoma Arts Live looked a lot different this summer. Gathering on screen via Zoom, instead of in a dance studio, each student rehearsed their routine in their own individual square with their sound settings on mute. Whenever a classmate had a question or needed > Continue Reading