SEATTLE, Sept. 18, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Place, an independent non-profit agency, celebrates their 20th school year serving families struggling with poverty and homelessness. First Place is widely known as a school for homeless children providing educational, mental health and housing services. The agency kicks-off the 20th anniversary year with a gala dinner on September 19, 2008 featuring Rafe Esquith an internationally recognized teacher and author.
September marks the start of the 20th school year for Seattle's First Place, known as a school for homeless and low-income children. The agency is both an elementary school and social services agency serving families -- with school-aged children -- who are in crisis or struggling with homelessness.
First Place was founded in 1989 when many school districts had a policy that did not allow students without a permanent address to enroll. The school opened in the basement of a church in February 1989. "We wanted to celebrate our 20th Anniversary this entire school year. We are proud of our accomplishments and that we have survived this long," said Dr. Doreen Cato, Executive Director of First Place for the past 11 years.
Children attending school at First Place do so while their parents are living in emergency shelters and in motels so we can move them into stable housing. In its earliest years, children were only able to attend for about four to eight weeks at a time, which was as long as shelters would allow their family to stay. Now families are with First Place for up to three years, and they attribute much of that change to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In the past ten years The Gates Foundation created the Sound Families Initiative which committed funding in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties to increase family self-sufficiency. The result was more transitional housing in the Seattle area and more streamlined services for families to reach self-sufficiency. When more transitional housing became available, families were able to work on the stability of their home and their children.
First Place has survived major government funding cuts which caused many similar organizations to close down or change their format to before and after school centers. First Place jumped into action securing enough funding from private foundations and individuals to keep going -- and created a funding program to ensure sustainability.
Currently First Place serves over 1,000 individuals each year through its various programs.
Where we're headed
Currently First Place is running a statewide drop-out prevention program and is opening a brand new Preschool program in January 2009.
To kick-off our 20th school year, First Place will hold a dinner gala on September 19, 2008, featuring Rafe Esquith as the keynote speaker. The event will also feature emcee Lisa Gangel, KING5 News Reporter, and entertainment by Josephine Howell, a local jazz singer who was a former client of the agency, a former student speaking about her experiences at First Place. Gangel is currently a volunteer at First Place.
To Attend the Gala Dinner
The 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner will be held Friday, September, 19, 2008 at the Seattle Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Reception and wine tasting begins at 6:00 pm, dinner and program begin at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $150 per person. Tickets can be purchased by calling Cassie Short at (206) 323-6715.
About Rafe Esquith
Rafe Esquith, one of America's most celebrated teachers, will bring his unique perspective from his experience teaching in a Los Angeles neighborhood plagued by poverty, gangs, drugs and guns. His work has been highlighted in a highly-acclaimed PBS documentary, The Hobart Shakespeareans, and he has been featured on CBS' 60 Minutes and NPR's All Things Considered. He is the author of two books, "Teach Like Your Hair Is On Fire," and "There Are No Shortcuts."
About First Place
First Place is a school and social services agency devoted to helping children and their families, in the great Seattle area, who are vulnerable due to transition, crisis or homelessness. First Place provides a comprehensive array of family services including pre-kindergarten through sixth grade education, housing, food, clothing, counseling and job search assistance.
Interview and Photo Opportunities
FRIDAY, September 19, 1:30-2:30PM
* Rafe Esquith receives private tour of First Place, has a chance to meet students, staff and Dr. Doreen Cato, Executive Director of First Place.
FRIDAY, September 19, 7:00-8:30/9PM
* Dr. Doreen Cato, Executive Director of First Place * Rafe Esquith, author and highly acclaimed educator * Parents and students of First Place School** * Former client of First Place * Community and business leaders attending the First Place Breakfast
**Some students cannot be photographed or filmed. Photographers please check in with Chris Cooper for a list.
Please also note First Place is a semi-confidential location -- no photography of the outside of our building is allowed.