Serve Ethiopians Washington: A Journey from Crisis Response to Community Empowerment
Serve Ethiopians Washington (SEW) was founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially established to address the pressing health, social, and economic impacts faced by Ethiopian and East African refugee and immigrant communities in King County. What started as an urgent response to a global crisis has transformed into a resilient organization dedicated to empowering these communities through a variety of initiatives.
At the outset, SEW focused on providing immediate relief to those hardest hits by the pandemic. This included distributing essential supplies and offering rental assistance to prevent evictions, which were particularly vital during the lockdown periods. As the pandemic progressed, SEW expanded its services to include health literacy programs specifically tailored to the needs of the community, ensuring that vital COVID-19 accurate information was accessible in languages such as Oromo, Amharic, and Tigrigna.
Serve Ethiopians Washington Staff distributing free children’s diapers
Transition and Growth With the easing of the pandemic, Serve Ethiopians Washington (SEW) didn't slow down; instead, it shifted its focus to meet longer-term community needs through strategically planned initiatives that promote environmental justice and workforce development. Recognizing the potential to create sustainable career paths, SEW launched the Newstart Workforce Development Program, a transformative initiative that enrolled seven taxi and rideshare drivers into South Seattle College's Aviation Maintenance program, in collaboration with Airport University.
Simultaneously, SEW reinforced its commitment to environmental stewardship by enhancing local green spaces and fostering community engagement. This included forming partnerships with the Green Seattle Partnership and spearheading the South King County Tree Captains project. These projects focus on urban forestry initiatives and tree planting, which not only beautify and enrich the environment but also actively involve community members in the stewardship of their surroundings. Through these efforts, SEW continues to cultivate a healthier, more sustainable community landscape.
More recently, SEW has been a vital player in environmental justice programming. SEW has received support from state, county, city, and local governments, as well as from foundations, for its environmental justice initiatives. SEW has been active in educational programs, hosting workshops on environmental justice and climate change, supported by the Seattle City Environmental Justice Fund, the WA State Department of Health HEAL Act Grant, and other partners. SEW currently operates in King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties, focusing primarily on environmental initiatives
Investing in the youth is a cornerstone of SEW’s mission. Through various programs, SEW has provided educational opportunities, mentorship, and leadership training. Initiatives like the SEW Soccer Game Initiative for youth are designed to build skills and foster a sense of community responsibility among young people. This effort not only prepares them for future challenges but also ensures they have the tools to contribute to their communities effectively.
Serve Ethiopians Washington Soccer Game Initiative for Youth
Serve Ethiopians Washington (SEW) also focuses significantly on supporting seniors and enhancing civic engagement, alongside providing essential services for migrants and asylum-seekers. The organization has established several impactful programs such as the East African Senior Recreation Initiative, which enhances the mental and physical health of seniors by organizing culturally relevant recreational activities and improving access to public spaces with transportation support. Additionally, the Digital Empowerment for East African Seniors initiative, supported by the City of Seattle Information Technology, provides seniors with smartphones, affordable internet plans, and tailored digital literacy training, helping bridge the digital divide and promote inclusivity.
Serve Ethiopians Washington Senior Support Initiative at Be’er Sheva Park
Furthermore, SEW works on civic participation through its Voter Education Fund project. This initiative empowers Ethiopian immigrant communities with culturally tailored voter education and engagement activities, fostering greater participation in democratic processes. SEW also offers culturally responsive case management, direct services, and community education workshops, supporting Sub-Saharan African migrants and asylum-seekers in King County. These programs collectively underscore SEW's commitment to fostering an inclusive, informed, and engaged community across diverse age groups and backgrounds.
SEW has faced several challenges in its mission to support the Ethiopian and East African communities in King County. Despite its impactful initiatives, the organization has navigated difficulties related to funding and operational sustainability post-pandemic. The initial surge of grants and support during the COVID-19 crisis helped launch and expand their programs but maintaining that level of financial input as the immediate crisis waned has been a significant challenge. This shift required SEW to adapt and seek new funding sources to sustain its operations and continue providing essential services to the community.
Despite these challenges, SEW remains committed to its mission, continually seeking new partnerships and funding opportunities to support its varied programs and extend its impact across the community. This dedication ensures that SEW can continue to empower and uplift the East African immigrant and refugee communities in Washington.
Community Recognition and Future Outlook
SEW's efforts have not gone unnoticed. The organization has been recognized as a critical community resource, receiving praise for its comprehensive approach to community service and its dedication to inclusivity and empowerment. Looking ahead, SEW plans to expand its impact further, focusing on increasing its educational offerings and continuing its advocacy for environmental justice and community wellbeing.
From its emergency response beginnings to its current role as a pillar of community strength and resilience, Serve Ethiopians Washington exemplifies the power of community-driven efforts in creating sustainable change. Through continued support and collaboration, SEW aims to ensure that the East African immigrant and refugee community in Washington not only survives but thrives.
Read Serve Ethiopians Washington impact story Planting Trees for the Future, Profile by University of Washington Center for Environmental Health Equity.
Planting Trees for the Future, Profile by University of Washington Center for Environmental Health Equity.