Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Shop at Safeway, Raise Money for CISC


CISC has joined a program called eScrip that allows people to support schools through their shopping. In our case, donations from the program will support our Step Ahead Bilingual Preschool program. The Preschool serves 4- year old immigrant children who are English learners speaking Chinese dialects or Asian languages at home, and prepares them for school learning in a bicultural environment. 


This is how it works: 
1. go to www.escrip.com and click on "Sign Up"
2. Search for CISC Step Ahead Preschool or enter our Group ID: 500025005
3. Complete the sign up process
4. Whenever you use your Safeway card or shop with other participating merchants, the company will donate a percentage of what you purchased to our Bilingual Preschool. 

It's free, easy, and your information is completely private. Visit www.escrip.com for more information.

Community Health Fair


On September 18th, CISC's International Family Center-Seattle, together with International Community Health Services, hosted a Community Health Fair. We had 17 different participating agencies from around King County involved, including Back and Neck Pain Center, Northwest  Kidney Center, Rainier Occupational Medical Center, Washington Osteoporosis Coalition, SHIBA, Swedish Breast Care Center, Swedish Hospital,UW School of Dentistry, Within Reach, UW Expanded Food & Nutrition Educational Program, and more. These agencies offered free medical screenings, educational information sessions, and outreach navigation to help patients find accessible health care in the future. In total, 157 participants took part in the event.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Communities Connect

Senator Maria Cantwell announced Thursday a $4.2 million grant to improve technology access to underserved communities in Washington.  As part of the Communities Connect Network, CISC has been working with our partners to improve and upgrade our technology services and training to immigrants and their families.

No word yet on specific dollar amounts, but we're excited to be able to continue work to develop and enhance CISC's International Community Technology Center.  Stay tuned for more information as we get it!

Friday, September 17, 2010

Cathay Bank

Monday, CISC received a check in the amount of $15,000 from the Cathay Bank Foundation to support programs that reach across the generations.

Programs with multi-generational impact such as our preschool and youth programs that enhance academic achievement and bicultural identity, bilingual parent education and family counseling, and elder services and caregiver support.

Pictured here with Executive Director Alaric Bien are Cathay Bank employees Thomas Ng and Kenyon Mayeda.  Thank you Cathay!

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Drivers Needed!

Do you have any friends who speak Chinese or Cantonese and are interested in being a volunteer driver to give seniors (especially our Chinese seniors who are limited in English) a ride to their medical appointments?  You will receive mileage and parking reimbursement and supplemental insurance from Senior Service.

Please contact Theresa Lam at theresal@cisc-seattle.org or 206-624-5633 x 4137, and thanks for your help!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Certified


Congratulations to Sunshine Garden Lead Worker Andes Kong, who just received her AIRS Certificate! This is a professional credential for human services employees who are trained to help connect clients to the services they need. She joins CISC staff members Stephen Lam, Boliver Choi, Meiyu Cheung, and Cathy Lee in holding the certificate.

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Getting to Know the Naturalization Process

Becoming a U.S. citizen is a goal for many of the people who come to CISC, but the process can be intimidating at first. A couple of weeks ago we had some assistance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Four officers worked with us on our USCIS Naturalization Info Session on August 25th, and explained everything from the naturalization requirements to the interview to an audience of about 170. They also discussed the rights and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen and demonstrated a mock interview. The audience appreciated the chance to get an inside view of the whole process, and will hopefully face their own naturalization challenges with an extra boost of confidence.

Baby Boost Information Fair

Are you a parent of a baby or expecting one? CISC's International Family Center is holding a free Baby Boost Information Fair on Friday, October 1st. At the fair you'll be able to connect with important social services (including housing, employment services, and health care), learn more about health and nutrition for you and your children, try some delicious and healthy snacks, and get free stuff!

When: Friday, October 1, 10:30am-12:30pm (please be on time)
Where: International Family Center, 611 S Lane St, Seattle
Contact: Mabel Kwong (Chinese/English), 206.624.5633 x 4151
Quang Do (Vietnamese/English), 206.624.5633 x 4152