The Sophia Way

We are gearing up for our Fall Community Brunch - October 19th! This special event offers the women we support a chance to refresh their wardrobe, receive haircuts and makeovers, and enjoy a delicious brunch. And you can help make it more special! Some of the items on our Amazon Wish List are on sale for the next seven days - boots, coats and sweatpants! Every purchase you make brings us closer to creating a day of joy, empowerment, and connection for the women. Shop now at https://lnkd.in/gNg6Wzfn.

Introducing: a new way to hear from the King County Regional Homelessness Authority! Just call (206) 930-8846. This new automated system will provide comprehensive information about shelter services, severe weather activations, additional KCRHA information, and the Ombuds Office.

We are excited to mark the 4th anniversary of Helen’s Place today! This significant achievement is a testament to the unwavering support from our incredible community. Over the past four years, Helen's Place has provided shelter and stability to more than 370 women, with 88 finding their home. It has been a sanctuary of hope, offering not only a safe place to stay but also essential resources to help women rebuild their lives. From case management to training and life-skills workshops, our dedicated staff is committed to empowering women every step of the way. The impact is evident in the stories of those who have come to the shelter. For instance, one client who faced chronic homelessness found a turning point at Helen’s Place. Her primary obstacles were lack of income and mental health issues. Through a collaborative effort with her case manager, she was connected to vital mental health resources and assisted with applying for Social Security Income. This comprehensive support gave her newfound hope for the future. Another client, who had never learned to drive, was supported by her case manager in finding a cost-effective driving course and provided with a driver’s manual for the written test. She is now on her way to gaining this important skill, which will enhance her independence and opportunities. We extend our deepest gratitude for your ongoing support. Here’s to continuing this journey and making an even greater impact in the years to come!

In addition to volunteering at the Donation Center, corporate volunteers also give their time and energy to assembling sack lunches at their place of work, organizing donation drives for much-needed items such as toiletries and paper products, and providing hot meals. A group from Tata Consultancy Services in Bellevue has been providing a hot lunch once a month since 2018! Pictured: the group volunteering in 2019 Learn more about the impact of corporate volunteer groups at https://lnkd.in/gujMWbUd.

A guest at Sophia’s Place, experiencing the harsh reality of homelessness for the first time, found herself overwhelmed by the challenges of adapting to life in a shelter. The unfamiliar environment, coupled with the emotional weight of their situation, made the transition difficult. Recognizing the critical need for support, her Case Manager connected her with The Sophia Way’s in-house Behavioral Health Specialist and with CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SERVICES OF WESTERN WASHINGTON’s CReW program. With their ongoing support, the guest has started to build resilience, develop coping strategies, and take meaningful steps toward a more secure and hopeful future. We value our community partnerships, which ensure that we can help the women we serve thrive by connecting them with the right resources and providing holistic support.

Ashwari Shende is a junior high school student at International Community School in Kirkland. Three years ago, inspired by a visit to Helen’s Place, she started the Summer Bakery to raise funds to support The Sophia Way. "I had the opportunity to visit Helen’s Place, The Sophia Way’s Kirkland shelter, with my mother and was struck by the compassion of the staff and volunteers, as well as the strong sense of community I saw there. I also noticed the need for products and services besides meals and wanted to do more by raising money to support in any way I could I have always loved baking, and the women in my life have greatly influenced that love. It started with watching my mom create what then seemed to me like magic in the kitchen and grew to intense curiosity as I observed my mother’s best friend in India whip up sweet treats for her small business. At first, I would beg my mother to let me help her by measuring and stirring the ingredients; once I was old enough to bake on my own, I was hooked. Inspired by these experiences, I merged my passion for baking and my appreciation for the women who have impacted me so deeply with my desire to help The Sophia Way, and thus, The Summer Bakery was born. The Summer Bakery is an online business that I operate out of my home kitchen during the summers. For the past three years, every summer, I bake desserts once a week and deliver them to customers who place orders via my website. All sales proceeds have been donated to The Sophia Way! It has been incredibly fulfilling to combine my love for baking with a cause so close to my heart. Each order not only brings joy to my customers but also contributes to the support and empowerment of women in need."

Every year, we show our appreciation for the Support Network with a picnic celebration. This year, Marianne Jones, Executive Director of The Carrie Lewith Charitable Trust, generously invited us to The Lewith Cottages. The Trust, in partnership with The Sophia Way, offers these cottages as transitional housing to women over 62. Marianne gave a tour, and Lucy Lincicome, our Housing Case Manager, shared how the cottages provide stability for two years. The Support Network members were delighted to see the cottages and spoke with a guest moving to her new place. We are grateful to our Support Network members for all they do!

Corporate volunteer groups bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that enhance our services and programs. Their camaraderie and teamwork make the day both productive and enjoyable. It’s evident that they have a great time working together, laughing, and bonding over the shared experience. Many volunteers mention that they are there for team building, and it’s heartening to see them connect and grow as a team while making meaningful contributions to The Sophia Way. Earlier this year, we hosted our largest volunteer group at the Donation Center – a team of 40 from Microsoft. They also made a financial donation that allowed us to purchase much-needed shelving and totes. Their main project was building metro shelving and reorganizing our rooms, which became a fantastic team-building exercise. Their enthusiasm was truly infectious. The joy and energy in the room, amplified by the music from our PA system, created a heartwarming atmosphere of camaraderie and achievement. For more on the impact of corporate volunteers, and to learn how your organization can get involved, visit https://lnkd.in/gujMWbUd.

Our friends at Friends of Youth recently announced a partnership with the Shoreline Fire Department to offer six new Safe Place sites. Safe Place is a homelessness prevention initiative for youth aged 12-17. We love seeing the community come together to prevent homelessness! "Fire departments are symbols of safety in our communities, and their role is especially vital for youth facing homelessness. The Shoreline Fire Department will play a key role in providing stability and support by offering safe refuge and connecting youth with our Safe Place coordinators."

Thank you to Arpita Dacy (Mrs. Universe America 2023-2024) and her family for volunteering with the AmPowering organization to prepare sandwiches for Helen's Place Kirkland and Sophia's Place. She also donated cupcakes to celebrate her and her daughter's birthday. "We are very passionate about giving back and sharing positivity and love with our community. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to share love and positivity with the members of Helen's Place."