What We Do
Discover How Serve Ethiopians Washington (SEW)
promotes community growth through environmental justice and sustainability, youth empowerment, workforce training, senior programs, and essential family resources. Explore our initiatives driving resilience and opportunity for East African immigrant communities.
Environmental Justice and Sustainability
Environmental justice lies at the heart of SEW’s mission. With strategic partnerships and community-focused solutions, we address pressing environmental issues impacting underserved neighborhoods.
Healthy Environment for All (HEAL) Act Grant Project: Funded by the Washington State Department of Health, this initiative expands environmental justice programs for East African immigrant communities in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Through workshops and listening sessions, SEW raises awareness about air pollution, climate change, and other environmental risks while advocating for community needs at state-level Environmental Justice Council meetings.
Community Outreach and Education Program for Environmental Justice: In partnership with the Seattle Environmental Justice Fund, this program engages South Seattle’s East African immigrant communities, addressing air pollution, climate vulnerability, and limited green spaces. SEW provides culturally relevant workshops on topics like environmental justice, waste management, and climate adaptation, encouraging active community involvement.
South King County Tree Captains Project: Supported by the Arbor Day Foundation, this project enhances tree canopy coverage in underserved neighborhoods, improving air quality and reducing urban heat. SEW distributes free trees, conducts tree care workshops, and organizes community stewardship programs, with plans to plant 750 trees over three years in partnership with Forterra Northwest.
Rainier Beach Neighborhood Stewardship: Partnering with Green Seattle Partnership, SEW empowers East African communities through tree planting, invasive species removal, and park cleanups at Be’er Sheva Park and other green spaces. This initiative supports Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative by improving accessibility to green spaces.
Be’er Sheva Park Restoration and Water Quality Improvement Project: Supported by King County WaterWorks, this project focuses on environmental sustainability and stewardship. Activities include invasive plant removal, lakebed cleanups, and native tree planting across five acres of wetland and urban forest to improve water quality in Lake Washington.
Engage, Educate, and Discover at Mapes Creek: This project fosters environmental stewardship and salmon recovery at Mapes Creek. Through educational events like field trips and neighborhood walks, SEW raises awareness of local ecology and environmental justice, empowering the community to take active roles in conservation efforts.
Read Serve Ethiopians Washington impact story Planting Trees for the Future, Profile by University of Washington Center for Environmental Health Equity.
Workforce Development
As communities rebuild and individuals seek to regain stability in their lives, we recognize the importance of supporting workforce development. Our organization offers job readiness training, career counseling, resume building, and job placement assistance to help individuals acquire the skills and resources needed for meaningful employment.
Social Programs for Seniors
Recognizing the unique needs and contributions of seniors within our communities, we have established social programs to enhance their well-being, combat isolation, and provide support systems. These initiatives include social gatherings, recreational activities, access to healthcare services, and community outreach to ensure seniors feel valued, connected, and cared for.
Basic Needs Resources for Kids and Families
We understand that many children and families continue to face challenges even as the immediate impact of the COVD-10 pandemic subsides. Our organization is dedicated to providing essential support for kids and families such as diapers, cribs, and educational resources to ensure the well-being and stability of vulnerable families.
Youth Development
Investing in the development and empowerment of young individuals is crucial for their future success and overall strength of our communities. Through our youth development programs, we provide educational opportunities, mentorship, leadership training, and skill-building activities that prepare young people to thrive in various aspects of their lives.
Other Program Areas
Civic Engagement
Voter Education Fund
Funded by King County Elections and Seattle Foundation, this project empowers Ethiopian immigrant communities through culturally tailored voter education and engagement activities, fostering greater participation in democratic processes.
Migrant and Asylum-Seeker Support
MASS Project
In partnership with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services MASS Project, SEW provides culturally responsive case management, essential goods, and community education workshops to support Sub-Saharan African migrants and asylum-seekers in King County.