Got Green, a program of the White Center Community Development Association, recently received a grant from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. Below is the official press release:

Paul G. Allen Family Foundation Awards $4.6 Million in Grants

Latest grants continue focus on providing economic relief for region’s most vulnerable citizens and supporting asset building initiatives that promote long-term economic stability

SEATTLE, Wash. – January 26, 2010 – Providing foreclosure counseling for distressed homeowners in southern Oregon and supporting the development of a green jobs initiative for young adults in Seattle’s White Center neighborhood are among the grants recently awarded by The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. These latest grants reflect the Foundation’s continued focus on strengthening the social safety net for those living on the financial edge as well as supporting longer-term initiatives to help low-income families and individuals achieve economic stability.

“During one of the most dramatic economic downturns in history, we remain committed to helping our nonprofit partners and the communities they support respond and adapt to these growing challenges,” said Susan M. Coliton, vice president of The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. “Our latest grants will help people build the long-term social and economic assets they need for economic stability in these uncertain times.”

READ THE REST OF THE PRESS RELEASE AT THE NEW GOT GREEN WEBSITE!

Got Green?, a program of the White Center CDA, produced a hip hop video highlighting the importance of green jobs, green initiatives, and energy conservation. This video debuted at the 2009 White Center Community Summit in December; featuring longstanding Seattle hip hop figureheads Silver Shadow D, Laura “Piece” Kelley, and more.

After watching that, check out Got Green’s partner organization Green For All’s hip hop video, The Dream Reborn (My President is Green):

Pictured is Tony Rago, White Center PAL Boxing Club coach, whose club was featured on the Seahawks website. Hawks Cornerback Josh Wilson visited the center to check out and support the youth activities at the center. Go Hawks!

Watch the full video here

.

Brandon Decker, from Sedona, AZ, is a folk rock, singer songwriter, touring the West Coast in support of his new album. Check out his website at www.bdeckermusic.com.

Check out Let’s Get Lost at www.myspace.com/letsgetlosttogether.

For more information about Dubsea Coffee, check out Dubsea Coffee’s website.

El Paisano cook Lupe Cruz serves birria de chivo. Photo by Hugo Kugiya.

Goats: good for more than just cashmere

The White Center CDA is proud to announce that we have placed our Neighborhood Action Plan online, and in 5 different languages. For more information about the Neighborhood Action Plan, go to the “About” menu and click on “Neighborhood Plan”. You can download the files in PDF form there. You can also click here to go directly to the page. As always, we appreciate your feedback. Email info @ wccda.org with your suggestions and/or comments. Thanks!

The Neighborhood Plan debuted at the 2009 White Center Community Summit on Saturday, December 5 and has also been distributed to partner organizations all over the country.

What is CASASTART?

CASASTART is a positive youth development program aimed at preventing substance abuse and violence among high-risk 11 to 14-year-olds. Neighborhood House CASASTART case managers work with students, their families, and school staff at Denny Middle School and Aki Kurose Middle School to help students improve their school attendance, grades, and behavior.

Why are mentors needed for CASASTART?

Mentors are an important component of CASASTART. Each month, mentors join our students in various activities during after-school hours. These activities range from educational to simply hanging out. By being present each month, mentors become positive adult role models to our students which they may not otherwise have if it were not for the CASASTART program.

Is this a one-on-one mentoring?

No. CASASTART events are group activities and you will be with other mentors and Neighborhood House staff.

What characteristics are you looking for in a mentor?

We welcome mentors from different backgrounds. People who are outgoing, proactive, energetic, reliable, work well with teens, and have great desire to volunteer their time would make effective CASASTART mentors.

What is the required time commitment?

Mentors spend two hours per month with the students plus some planning time with the other mentors. We ask that mentors commit at least six months.

When do CASASTART mentoring events happen?

Since mentors are largely responsible for planning the events each month, they are able to plan the events with their schedules in mind. Generally, events have been held from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. during a weekday.

Does it cost anything to be a mentor?

We only ask for your valuable time, commitment, and energy.

Do you provide training?

Yes. After volunteer forms are submitted and background checks are finished, we set up a time for orientation and training.

I would like to be a CASASTART mentor. What do I need to do to get started?

Please e-mail Romina Rivera, the Volunteer Coordinator for Youth Programs, at RominaR@nhwa.org or call 206 383 6955.

Happy New Year! The White Center CDA looks forward to a successful 2010 and beyond.

Please visit our Classifieds section for information about a current job opportunity at Evergreen High School.

And as always, keep checking out our blog for community events, news and opportunities on how to get involved in the White Center community.