MAST at CISC

The IFC will collaborate with AlcoSmart to have a Chinese Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (MAST). A MAST permit is required by law to serve alcohol anywhere the State of Washington. Classes are just 3 hours long, offered in Chinese, tests are available in Chinese. After completing the course and exam, participants will receive their MAST permit on the same day.

Date: 6/14, 7/12 or 8/9 (Monday)

Time: 2-5pm

Permit fee: $40

Location: CISC's International Family Center- Seattle

For registration or details, please call 206-624-5633x4150 Cheryl Lee

Or go to www.alcosmart.com

CISC Students Featured in Youth Art Works Exhibition

The artwork of CISC students is currently being featured in a special exhibition put on through the Pratt Fine Arts Center’s Youth Art Works Program. at the Triangle Art Gallery in downtown Seattle  Each year, Pratt provides free art classes to over 600 kids and youth from Seattle’s Central District and surrounding neighborhoods, helping these students develop their individual voices and build skills to succeed in school and life.   

These pictures are from a reception that was held on May 20^th at the downtown Seattle YMCA where the kids got to show off their work to the public.  The exhibition runs from May 1^st-31^st so there is still time to visit and see the work of these talented young artists if you haven’t already.

Redmond Play & Learn

Just found out today that one of the participants in this play and learn group, a grandfather, finds it so worthwhile he takes a $20 cab ride to Grasslawn Park every week so he can participate in the group with his grandchild.

Now, that's dedication!

To learn more, contact Saulai Cheung at saulaic@cisc-seattle.org or just stop by any Thursday from 10:00 to 11:30.

Adobe Youth Voices Live 2010

On May 13^th high school students from CISC’s after school program were selected to participate in the Adobe Youth Voices Live 2010 event at the Seattle International Film Festival Cinema in Seattle Center.  Over the course of several months the students worked with Adobe Premiere and Flash software to produce a short video entitled “Welcome to the USA”.  The video gives advice to new Chinese immigrants about what they can expect in the United States and features many CISC staff as well as other students from the after school program. 

Launched in June 2006, Adobe Youth Voices is the Adobe Foundation's global signature philanthropy program designed to provide youth in underserved communities with the critical skills they need to become active and engaged members of their communities and the world at large.  Thanks to Adobe, CISC is able to provide high tech video production training for new immigrant youth who would otherwise have limited or no access to professional production software.

Watch their video here! Welcome To The USA: "immigration advice"

International Family Center - Kent

Chinese Information Service Center’s International Family Center-Kent has moved to a new, larger space in order to meet the growing needs of families in South King County. IFC-Kent is now located at:

18123 East Valley Highway, Suite 105
Kent, WA 98032
425-251-4300




The new center has more than double the space, is easily accessible via public transportation (Metro bus lines 153,155,161, and 247) and has plenty of free parking. As a result the new IFC-Kent is able to help and serve more families than ever before. Improvements in facilities allow CISC to better assist families who are in need and are only possible thanks to your generous contributions. Thank you again for your support!

Please visit our new Kent center Tuesdays, or Thursday through Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm. For more information, contact Gilbert Leow at 425-251-4300 or gilbertl@cisc-seattle.org.

CISC Receives 2010 Hepatitis B Outstanding Leadership Award

On May 6^th, 2010 CISC was honored to receive the 2010 Hepatitis B Outstanding Leadership Award at the 2010 Annual Hepatitis B Forum.  Given by the Hepatitis B Coalition of Washington State, the award is presented to organizations and/or individuals who demonstrate leadership and commitment to raising hepatitis B awareness in the API community. 

The Hepatitis B Coalition of Washington State is dedicated to reducing hepatitis B disease and its complications through innovation, education, and community partnership. Currently, CISC is partnering with the Hepatitis B Community Engagement Workgroup in order to assess hepatitis B awareness levels in the API community and address gaps, barriers, and take advantage of potential opportunities in health services.  Ultimately, this partnership allows CISC to expand its current efforts to improve the health of the API community. International Family Center Coordinator Mabel Kwong (pictured) accepted the award on behalf of CISC

Asian Pacific Islander Celebration at Seattle Center

On May 2nd the Seattle Center House hosted the Asian Pacific Islander Celebration to commemorate the beginning of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event was put on by the Asian Pacific Directors Coalition in partnership with Seattle Central Festal and included performances from Asian-American soul and R&B artist Dawen, the Chinese Community Girls Drill Team (pictured), Seattle Matsuri Taiko, Filipino Youth Activities Drill Team, Apna Bhangra Crew, and Cambodian Dance Preservation Group, among many others.

CISC Executive Director and Chairperson of the Asian Pacific Directors Coalition Alaric Bien delivered the event's opening remarks. In his speech, Alaric focused on the growing disparities in education and healthcare within the Asian American community and the need to address those issues.

The event was well attended with people from a variety of different backgrounds coming together to celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Rice for Seniors

Once again, Brownie Troop 52844 is using proceed from their cookie sales to purchase and distribute rice to low income seniors.

They're here at CISC this morning, bagging and giving away 400 pounds of rice!  Way to go girls!!

Some of these seniors came early for the noon event - before 10:00.  And we hear one woman was actually waiting at the door at 7:00 a.m.!

Understanding Insomnia

Did you know that 30-50% of Americans are affected by insomnia? One of the major causes is stress, and being a full-time caretaker of a loved one can certainly be stressful. On April 24th, our Family Caregiver program had a seminar that focused on the emotional factors that lead to insomnia, and how to achieve a better quality of sleep in the future.

Youth Art Works Exhibition

CISC after school youth will have their art on display this month at the Douglass-Truth branch of the Seattle Public Library.

The Pratt Fine Arts Center provided free art instruction to help our students develop their individual voices and build skills to succeed in school and life.

Come take a look at some of the fine examples of art, now through May 30 - 23rd & E Yesler!

Emergency Preparedness Workshop

Disasters happen everywhere. Even in Seattle, where we have earthquakes, windstorms, and flooding. An emergency safety plan can save lives, which is why the International Family Center-Seattle will be having a workshop on Emergency Preparedness on June 3rd. It will be conducted by staff from the City of Seattle's Office of Emergency Management. During this workshop, clients will learn about the hazards we are most likely to face in Washington, how to be safe in different disasters, how to put together an emergency supply kit, and more. Details below:

Date: Thursday, June 3rd, 2010
Time: 9:30-11:00am
Location: International Family Center, 611 S Lane St, Seattle WA 98104

For registration and further information, please contact Cheryl Lee at 206.624.5633 x 4150.

Starbucks

A big THANK YOU you to Starbucks and manager Ken Song for supporting our After School Program and donating pastries and goodies for their afternoon snack each week!




Graham crackers and juice gets old real fast when you get it 5 days a week.


If there are leftovers, maybe the staff will get a shot at it??

Elderly Case Management

This update from our monthly staff meeting:  CISC saw a first quarter jump in the number of seniors it is providing case management services to from 526 to 539.

Now this may not sound like very much, but county-wide, there were only 40 new cases, and CISC had 18 of them!

Thank goodness we have a corps of incredibly dedicated and passionate case managers who ensure that each of their 100+ clients gets the proper services and attention they need and deserve!  They help our seniors live healthy independent lives for as long as possible and in their own homes.

New Donation Options

Here's something new.  Now, with Click&Pledge, you can make your donations easier than ever!

You know how on PBS, they always say you can pay your pledge in installments?  Like $10 per month for a total of $120?  Or 4 easy payments of $250?  Well, now you can do the same with CISC!

OK, so we don't have mugs or umbrellas to give you.  But that just means that more of your donation goes directly to services for Asian and other immigrant clients and their families.

Just click on the Donate Now button on our blog or on our website, enter the amount, and choose the frequency of payment. It's safe, it's easy, and it's 100% tax deductible!*

Go ahead - give it a try!  You know you want to!



*Please consult with your tax professional as your individual situation may vary.

Flooring Done

Flooring at the new International Family Center-Kent was installed over the weekend - and it looks great!

A big thanks to our friends at KT Building Supply for donating all the flooring!  Versatile, good looking, and durable.

Our line dancing participants will love its dancability.  Our play and learn families will love its warmth. And our staff just love its attractiveness and easy maintenance!

Next time you're ready to do a little home remodeling, be sure to check out KT Building Supply!

CPR Workshops

The Seattle Fire Department Medic II Program will be holding the following two CPR workshops for Vietnamese clients on Monday, April 19th at the International Family Center-Seattle. All participants will become certified after training. Please contact Mabel Kwong at 206.624.5633 x 4151 with any questions.

Infant/Child CPR class (including injury prevention and safety): 10am-12pm
Adult ESL CPR class (including recognizing and understanding heart attacks): 12:30pm-2:30pm

Fall Prevention Certificate Course

The Sunshine Garden Senior Day Care center at CISC is working with Senior Services to hold a fall prevention course in Mandarin. The program, known as "A Matter of Balance," is an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels.

The 8-session class is being held every Wednesday from 1-3pm at the International Family Center-Seattle, at 611 S Lane St., starting on April 7th. A $15 fee for the workbook and snacks will be charged. 

For more information, please contact Andes Kong at 206.624.5633 x 4121.

Kudos to Our Play and Learn Group!

This from our partner at the Beacon Hill Library:

Your hard work has paid off! I was at a Getting School Ready planning meeting at Maple Elementary last night. They will be starting a Play and Learn in the CDSA space at Maple School, starting April 19, so the coordinator told the group that they had visited our Play and Learn at the library. She was full of praises for your program--how well run it was, how smoothly it went, how diverse our families were, how it met all goals they hope to achieve, how much fun everybody was having. I had to let you know how impressed everyone was and how they will no doubt try to replicate your success.

Thanks for your good work,

Diane

Free Nutrition Cooking Course in Mandarin

The Washington State University King County Extension Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) will be providing a series of 6 nutrition cooking classes at International Family Center-Seattle. Participants will learn how to keep up a healthy, delicious, and affordable diet according to the latest nutrition guidelines. Anyone who takes part in all six classes will receive a small gift, certificate, and a recipe. The presentation will be in Mandarin.

Dates: 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/13, 5/20, and 5/27
Time: 1:30-3pm
Location: CISC/International Family Center-Seattle (611 S Lane St, Seattle, WA 98104)

To register or for more information, please contact Mabel Kwong at (206) 624-5633 x 4151.

Line Dancing Class

Have you ever wanted to try line dancing? CISC's International Family Center held a class last Saturday, and the next session will begin on May 1st. The cost is $24 for 8 weeks. And if you've never seen a line dance before, check out our class in action in the video below.

For more information, contact Mabel Kwong at (206) 624-5633 ext 4151 or mabelk@cisc-seattle.org.