Putting a Bold New Vision Within Reach

During the summer of 2020, I joined FamilyWorks at a time of tremendous change. We were transitioning from a founding executive director to only the second one we’ve ever had. We were just at the end of a strategic plan when the world around us changed overnight with a global pandemic, and we saw the sharpest increase we have ever experienced of families in need of our services, especially basic needs. 

At this point in our journey, we are reaching more families and neighbors with our mission than we ever have before. The last three years of community response have been fueled by creativity and stronger partnerships, putting families who have been marginalized by food, economic, and racial injustice at the very center of our work. I am proud of the ways we have emerged from the last few years and the extraordinary resilience of the families we serve. But resilience is not the goal. We have a sharp new vision for vibrant, equitable neighborhoods strengthened by resources designed by and for families furthest from justice. This vision has challenged us to answer new questions with our work:

• • How do we contribute to building a North Seattle where all families have access to programs and services that enhance their safety, stability, and well-being? 
• • How do we transform our food bank from focusing on food access to food justice? 
• • How do we re-frame our work to strengthen supportive services in a way that acknowledges the pathway is not a one-size-fits-all solution?

The Nourishing Communities Campaign puts into motion the critical actions to reach this new vision and respond to these questions. We will resolve FamilyWorks’ debilitating lack of physical space for services and expand our geographic reach. We will invest even more in our staff, FamilyWorks’ greatest resource. We will work side-by-side with communities who are furthest from justice, and prioritize equity for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color with our program design and decisions. And we will invest in technological solutions to meet basic needs in more flexible and comprehensive ways.

• With your help, we can make this bold new vision a reality in our city. Join us!

Sincerely,

Marcia Wright-Soika,
Executive Director of FamilyWorks

Marcia Wright-Soika