The Sophia Way

Joy, Laughter, Connections! Our Community Brunch on October 19th was a heartwarming celebration of togetherness. The women we serve had the chance to shop for cozy winter wear, enjoy haircuts, and proudly show off their new looks! Our amazing staff and volunteers made sure it was a day to remember with delicious food, fun bingo, and fantastic prizes. One participant said it best: "The food was amazing, the music was lively, and the variety of goods was incredible. The hugs and smiles were exactly what I needed. Thank you, Sophia Way for this beautiful experience!" Even more photos are coming soon!

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? If you're a high school student eager to help and available to volunteer in person in the Bellevue/Kirkland area, the Youth Engagement Committee is your chance to take action and help women experiencing homelessness in East King County. Whether you’re into advocacy, fundraising, or volunteering, this Committee is all about using your voice and skills to create real change. Monthly meetings will be held via Zoom, beginning next Tuesday, October 29th. Please pass this information along to any students who may be interested! It’s a fantastic way for them to get volunteer hours, develop leadership skills, and make a lasting impact in our community. Learn more and sign up today at sophiaway.org/yec.

There's still time to sign up for Coffee with the Executive Director next Tuesday. Sign up at https://lnkd.in/g-JpaatQ and start your day with updates and insights on The Sophia Way's programs from our Executive Director, Dietra Clayton.

A major milestone in our journey! In November 2012, we proudly hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Sophia’s Place—our first shelter providing 21 women with a safe, supportive space. Thanks to the generous donation of space by St. Luke's Lutheran Church, we were able to offer these women a new beginning. Just two months later, on December 7th, 21 women moved into their new home, filled with joy knowing they no longer had to sleep on floor mats. Instead, they had raised beds, personal space, and access to amenities, including a full-size kitchen, community area, and more. "Knowing that I have the same safe place and bed every night is huge!" said one woman, sharing what it meant to her. Read about Sophia’s Place: https://lnkd.in/gxUjvdBf

Thank you to Tata Consultancy Services for their September meal donation. They have been providing a hot lunch once a month since 2018! Longtime repeat donors like this wonderful group help ensure that we are able to nourish women in our community. Want to join them? Visit sophiaway.org/nourish.

We honor every person who has walked alongside us and continues to support our mission. Our Resilience & Renewal Celebration is for you as much as it is for the women we serve. Sign up now and join us on December 7! sophiaway.org/tsw15

You're invited to Coffee with the Executive Director on Tuesday, October 29! Hear updates about our programs and ask any questions you may have for Dietra Clayton, The Sophia Way's Executive Director. RSVP for this free event at https://lnkd.in/g-JpaatQ.

At The Sophia Way, we understand that the path to homelessness can stem from a variety of factors—limited income, health challenges, debt, and trauma. Since its inception, The Sophia Way has embraced the ethos of "walking alongside" women experiencing homelessness. This philosophy, championed by our late founder Helen Leuzzi, emphasizes that our mission is not just to provide immediate shelter but to create a comprehensive continuum of care that supports women on their journey from homelessness to stability. This continuum of care begins with providing a safe, welcoming environment – one where women are treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Learn more about this approach in our latest blog post: https://lnkd.in/gQy7YD83.

This Indigenous Peoples' Day, we honor the rich cultures, histories, and enduring contributions of Native American and Indigenous communities. We reflect on their resilience and strive to deepen our understanding and respect for Indigenous knowledge and traditions. At The Sophia Way, we work to support all women in finding a safe and stable place to call home. #indigenouspeoplesday

With cold and wet weather on the way, preparing needed items for the season was on our to-do list, and Aditi Patil and her colleague from Wipfli got it done! They moved cold weather items, including coats, hand warmers, and sleeping bags from the Donation Center to Sophia's Place, and also reorganized the storage area. We are so grateful for their support and hard work!