Hourglass: United Way of King County

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation with Nneka Payne of CHOOSE 180, a United Way-supported, Burien-based organization that works to transform systems of injustice and support young people impacted by those systems.CHOOSE 180 recently expanded its work into Pierce County and has plans to go statewide. We chatted with Nneka about topics including an update on CHOOSE 180’s expansion, the organization’s efforts to connect with local youths, and an upcoming CHOOSE 180 outdoor event in Pioneer Square.We will discuss an event celebrating the return of the annual Summer Meals Program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about civic engagement with NAWDIM, the Native American Women’s Dialog on Infant Mortality.NAWDIM is a Seattle-based, United Way-supported collective of Indigenous care providers, community members, grandmothers, and allies who provide advocacy, education, and support for Indigenous infants, mothers, and families in Washington State.NAWDIM is currently working with the Seattle-based Native Organizers Alliance on a national research project to amplify concerns of Indigenous people before, during, and after elections. We’ll chat with NAWDIM co-coordinators Shelley Means and Leah (LEE) Tanner about their efforts to ensure that state and local Indigenous voices are heard, particularly on the eve of this year’s August Primaries and the November General Elections.We will discuss an event celebrating the return of the annual Summer Meals Program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with our new president and CEO, Blair Hamilton Taylor, who once served as chair of United Way’s Board of Directors. We will chat with Blair about topics including his decision to return to United Way, his time on the board, his vision for the organization, and the words of wisdom he lives by. We will discuss an event celebrating the return of the annual Summer Meals Program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. The FIFA Men’s World Cup has taken our area by storm, and on July 1, six youths from the United Way-supported nonprofit 4-C Coalition will take part in the flag-bearing ceremony for the Round of 32 World Cup matchup at Seattle Stadium. For this episode of Hourglass, we sat down for a chat with 4-C director Hazel Cameron and Toroid Ryan, Community Strategies Consultant for 4-C, who will serve as a chaperone for the youths during the Flag Bearing Ceremony. The two discussed the importance of being part of the World Cup and how it’s already had an impact on the youth who will participate in the festivities. We also have an announcement about United Way’s new president and CEO, and we will discuss ways you can still get your taxes prepared for free by United Way. Thanks for tuning in!

The FIFA World Cup men’s soccer tournament is underway, and the area’s first match will be held on Monday, June 15, at the newly renamed Seattle Stadium. But for all its excitement, the World Cup has raised local concerns, particularly regarding some of our area’s most vulnerable populations. Hourglass recently sat down with Derrick Belgarde of the Chief Seattle Club, a United Way-funded organization that provides shelter, services, and spiritual support to Indigenous people experiencing homelessness. Chief Seattle Club is in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, adjacent to Seattle Stadium, where much of the foot traffic during the World Cup is expected. We chatted with Belgarde about topics including the precautions Chief Seattle Club is taking as it continues to support populations experiencing homelessness during the World Cup and how he’d like to see the financial windfall from the tournament be used to address our homelessness crisis.We will also discuss ways you can still get your taxes prepared for free by United Way and an upcoming summer event sponsored by our grantee, CHOOSE 180. Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship, which each year provides 20 local college students with $5,000 each for basic needs and other expenses.We sat down with Emily Portillo, United Way Bridge to Finish Senior Program Manager, to discuss her work with the Nordstrom Scholarship, its impact on local students and colleges, and how students can apply now, as applications are accepted through June 30th.We will also spotlight an upcoming United Way Happy Hour and Hellos event this month in North Seattle and a July event in Pioneer Square sponsored by United Way grantee CHOOSE 180.Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with United Way partner Symetra Financial Corporation, a Bellevue-based diversified financial services company. Symetra has partnered with United Way for more than 15 years through programs such as Bridge to Finish, a United Way one-stop resource on local college campuses that helps students access services to complete their education.We’ll chat with Sharmila Swenson, Symetra's Vice President of Public Affairs and Social Impact, and Beth Osborne, Symetra’s Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Community Partnerships, on topics including how our Bridge to Finish program aligns with Symetra’s commitment to strengthening communities. And we’ll chat with Emily Portillo, United Way’s Bridge to Finish Program Manager, about how the support from partners like Symetra helps United Way serve local college students in areas such as financial and housing stability.We will also spotlight an upcoming United Way Happy Hour and Hellos event this month in North Seattle and a July event in Pioneer Square sponsored by United Way grantee CHOOSE 180.Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode is about Mary's Place, a United Way supported, Seattle-based organization that provides resources and support to King County families experiencing homelessness. We’ll chat with Mary’s Place’s prevention & stability director Miriam Clithero, and its community impact director, Alyson Moon, about the organization’s approach to addressing homelessness, its partnership with United Way and ways the organization has pivoted amid the everchanging housing crisis. We will also spotlight United Ways June Happy Hour and Hellos event in North Seatle and a July outing in Pioneer Square courtesy of United Way grantee CHOOSE 180.Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about Pack the Bus, United Way’s May 20th volunteer initiative in partnership with Communities in Schools Greater King County. Pack the Bus is designed to support students and families during the summer months by providing a busload of essential items, including food, hygiene supplies, and activities.We sat down with Communities in Schools director Jamie Greene and Alexis Silva, United Way senior community and volunteer engagement manager, to discuss the importance of keeping kiddos nourished and engaged all summer long and the details of Pack the Bus. We will also discuss ways you can still file your taxes for free through United Way and spotlight a summer event in Pioneer Square sponsored by United Way grantee CHOOSE 180. Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This episode is the second in a two-part series on United Way of King County staff members visiting Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers from Washington state. Today’s episode looks at our visit to the recent United Way Worldwide Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day in D.C.  More than 300 United Way leaders from 47 states and Puerto Rico gathered for the Advocacy Forum to share best practices, craft policy strategies, and meet with Senate and Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill to discuss issues such as strengthening food security, investing in housing programs, and creating more access to free tax preparation.  Hourglass sat down with United Way of King County’s Amanda Sandoval and Connor Walsh, as well as Jim Cooper of United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, to discuss expectations before the event and reflections after speaking with lawmakers. We will also spotlight two upcoming United Way events: Pack the Bus and Happy Hour and Hellos. Thanks for tuning in. 

Good news happens. This week's episode is the first of a two-part series on United Way of King County staff members visiting Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers from Washington state.This episode looks at our visit to last week’s Food Research and Action Center National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in D.C., where we and other advocates nationwide spoke with members of Congress and the US Senate about combatting hunger and food insecurity.Hourglass sat down with Sara Seelmeyer, United Way’s director of Ending Hunger, and Madeleine Vistica, United Way Food Security Program Manager, to discuss their expectations before the event and their reflections after speaking with lawmakers. We will also spotlight our May 5 GiveBIG event and our upcoming Pack the Bus event.Thanks for tuning in. 

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation about homeownership with Anzhane Slaughter of the Seattle-based organization Young Black Homeowners and Dawn Bennett of the Kent-based, United Way-supported organization African American Leadership Forum. Anzhane and Dawn have partnered on a program that provides six-figure down payment assistance to Black and Brown families seeking to purchase homes in our area. We'll also offer one last reminder about this year's Free Tax Preparation Campaign for those who still have time to file, and we'll discuss a local volunteer opportunity. Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode is the third installment of a three-part series on 2026 state, county, and city policy. We'll chat with Nancy Lu, United Way public policy coordinator, and Amanda Sandoval, United Way's director of systems change and policy, on topics such as takeaways from this year's State Legislative Session, updates on city and county policies, and an upcoming United Way staff visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers from Washington state.We'll also offer one last reminder about this year's Free Tax Preparation Campaign for those who still have time to file, and we'll discuss a local volunteer opportunity. Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation about taxes with Ryan McFerran, United Way Senior Financial Stability Program Manager, and Ramon Ortiz, an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Washington Law School and managing director of the law school’s Federal Tax Clinic.We’ll discuss topics including United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign, which is currently in full swing, and information for ITIN filers. We’ll also provide information on one of our most popular Free Tax Prep sites, at Southcenter Mall.And we’ll also discuss a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. For this episode, we’ll talk about financial planning with James McBain, senior vice president and regional director of wealth planning and trust advisory at US Bank Private Wealth Management. Hourglass was pleased to have James on as a guest for a similar episode this time last year. For this episode, James will discuss topics like planned giving and donor-advised funds, and he’ll also offer year-round financial insight for people who qualify for United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign, which is currently in full swing.We’ll also offer more information on how you can have your taxes prepared by United Way free of charge, as well as a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about Sacred Land Collective, an Auburn-based, Black-owned, 78-acre partnership that offers programs, retreat spaces, and cultural ceremonies for people to gather, rest, and heal. United Way and its partners have held retreats at Sacred Land Collective, and for this episode, we’ll chat with Sacred Land Collective co-founder and Director Omi King and event manager Jaylon Nazario about the collective’s efforts to cultivate healing for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.We’ll also chat Mari Hirabayashi, United Way Events & Marketing Manager, on our support of businesses and resources owned by People of Color. And we’ll discuss our Free Tax Prep Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity. Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Bookie Gates of Baseball Beyond Borders, a Kent-based, United Way-supported youth development organization that combines baseball and softball with mentorship and education. We’ll chat with Bookie about Baseball Beyond Borders' recent Seattle-HBCU baseball series and how he’s working to keep interest in the sport alive among local youth of color.We’ll also talk about our Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

This week's episode features a conversation with Norine Hill, founder and director of Mother Nation, a Seattle-based, United Way-supported organization that provides cultural healing services, housing support, and other resources for Indigenous women and families. We’ll chat with Norine about Mother Nation’s origins, its impact, and what she believes King County must do to address its housing crisis.We’ll also discuss our Free Tax Preparation Campaign and local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode is a conversation with Kristi Brown, the renowned chef and owner of That Brown Girl Cooks catering and Communion Restaurant and Bar in Seattle.United Way is proud to say we have supported Kristi on her way to becoming one of our nation’s most highly acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs. For this episode, we will chat with Kristi about her passion and drive for her craft, her connections to United Way, and her new dining venture in Seattle. We will also discuss our ongoing Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about Parent Child Plus with its new CEO, Stephen Cockrell.United Way is proud to support the national ParentChild+ program and its local agencies as part of our commitment to early learning. United Way caught up with Cockrell recently when the new leader of the New York-based national organization visited the Seattle area. We chatted with him about stepping into his new role, the current state of early learning nationally, and how Washington state and organizations like United Way help prepare our kiddos for formal schooling. We also chatted with Joy Sebe, United Way education strategies director, about our commitment to Parent Child Plus.Plus, we will highlight our ongoing Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

This week's episode features a conversation about SNAP, namely, who is going to cover the costs to keep the federal nutrition program running?Hourglass recently sat down with Elsa Young, United Way Food Security Impact Manager, about a recent nationwide advocacy effort to delay federal mandates to shift some of SNAP benefits costs to states, how Washington state is responding to impending changes to the program, and ways you can make your voice heard to help determine the fate and future of SNAP.We will also discuss United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign and an upcoming volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Teresa Mosqueda, a current King County council member and former member of the City of Seattle council. Teresa has been a steadfast supporter of United Way programs and services that benefit our community, including our Free Tax Preparation campaign that is up and running at locations throughout King County.In this episode, we chat with Teresa about topics such as the changing landscape of local politics, the county’s recent motion on funding for federal Department of Homeland Security agencies, and resources county residents should take advantage of to make their earnings go further.We will also discuss an upcoming United Way Emerging Leaders event and a local volunteer opportunity. Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a discussion about United Way’s Black Community Building Collective, a group of more than a dozen Black-led nonprofits that share best practices, craft strategies, and use United Way resources to help bring power to King County’s Black community. For this episode, we will chat with four members of the Black Community Building Collective about the Collective’s impact since its launch in 2020 amid the George Floyd tragedy.We will also discuss an upcoming United Way event and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. It’s Tax Season, and that means United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign is up and running. From now until April 19, qualified residents can have their taxes done free, either virtually or at one of our 20 locations across King County.In this week’s episode, we sat down with Ryan McFerran, United Way senior program manager for tax credits and financial stability, and corporate relations manager, Carrie Bates, United Way, for a discussion about our Free Tax Prep Campaign, what to expect when filing this year’s taxes how United Way keeps its tax sites safe and accessible for residents of all backgrounds and the impact of our campaign in our communities.We will also discuss an upcoming event and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode is the second installment of a three-part series on 2026 state, county, and city policy. We’ll discuss the City of Seattle and King County governments, both of which gained new leaders from last year’s election. We sat down with Amanda Sandoval, United Way's director of systems change and policy, to discuss how our elected leaders at the city and county levels will address issues such as housing, childcare, and challenges posed by federal funding cutbacks.We will also discuss our Free Tax Preparation campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Time and again, it seems as if Seattle’s annual King Day march and rally has coincided with moments in our nation’s history that shed light on injustice, inequality, and the progress we haven’t made in eliminating both.Monday’s march and rally at Garfield High School was held two days after Garfield students staged a walkout and demonstration in response to recent actions among members of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (or ICE) amid the nation’s anti-immigrant crackdown. The Garfield students' protests are like those being held across the country since the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on January 7.For this week’s episode of the Hourglass United Way podcast, we chatted with Shaude’ Moore, chair of the Seattle MLK Jr Organizing Coalition, on how each year the coalition braces for the possibility of unrest during the event.We also chatted with Alexis Silva, United Way Senior Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager, about the coalition’s partnership with United Way and our efforts to keep people engaged in community-centered events well after King Day.We will also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This episode is the first installment of a three-part series on 2026 state, county, and city policy. As the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session begins on January 12, we sat down with Amanda Sandoval, United Way director of systems change and policy, for a discussion about the governor’s budget, expectations around this year’s legislative session, and ways that you can make your concerns heard to lawmakers. We will also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Happy New Year! For this 100th episode, we look back at 2025 and look at what’s in store for 2026.We’ll chat with United Way interim CEO Dr. Catherine Cushinberry about how we at United Way addressed the challenges of 2025 and some of the things our organization seeks to accomplish this New Year, including the naming of a new president and CEO and a renewed commitment to one of our most popular programs.We will also discuss our upcoming Free Tax preparation campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in! 

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Claudia Kauffman, our Washington State Senator and co-founder of the Native Action Network, a United Way-supported, Seattle-based nonprofit that promotes the full representation and leadership of Indigenous women in local, state, tribal, and national affairs.We’ll chat with Senator Kauffman about some of her recent efforts to help turn ideas into reality, including the extension of Martin Luther King Jr. Way from Seattle to Renton and Kent, and the impact of Native Action Network, which led the Seattle Seahawks to choose the organization for its Inspire Change Apparel Collection.We’ll also hear from United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Anna Cronin about our Year-End Fundraising Campaign and discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about United Way's Community Partnership Kit Offerings, packages loaded with essential items for King County residents based on needs identified by neighborhood-based organizations.Assembling and distributing those kits is part of a volunteer project known as kit builds. We’ve hosted kit builds for companies and organizations in our area for more than a year. For this week’s episode, we spoke with Alexis Silva, United Way Senior Community Volunteer and Engagement Manager, about several topics related to Community Partnership Kit Offerings, including the project’s origins, its impact, and what it means to the ever-changing volunteer landscape.We’ll also hear from United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Anna Cronin about our Year-End Fundraising Campaign and discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.Thanks for tuning in. 

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about how the SeaTac-based Congolese Integration Network utilizes the early learning program ParentChild+ to help immigrant children and their parents adapt to and thrive in their new country.We’ll hear from Eveline Bakulu, the early learning coordinator at Congolese Integration Network, and Whitney Nakamura, Community Impact Manager at United Way, about how many King County immigrant families, particularly those from Sub-Saharan Africa, turn to Congolese Integration Network for essential resources and community support. We’ll also hear from United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Anna Cronin about our Year-End Fundraising Campaign and discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign. Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This episode is a conversation about Leadership Tomorrow and Project LEAD. Leadership Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization co-founded by United Way that cultivates a network of leaders to address our region’s challenges. It is also the new home of Project LEAD, a nonprofit board training program for people of color, which was founded and previously housed by United Way. Project LEAD is now accepting applications for next year’s training cohort. For this episode, we’ll chat with Leadership Tomorrow executive director Bindiya Patel on topics such as the impact of Project LEAD and other Leadership Tomorrow programs, and we’ll hear from Nadia Gandara, United Way Senior Director of Racial Equity Strategies, about Project LEAD’s transition to a new home.We’ll also hear from United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Anna Cronin about our Year-End Fundraising Campaign and discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. On the eve of United Way of King County's Year-End Fundraising Campaign launch, this week's episode features a conversation with Angel Swanson of Feeding Feasible Feasts, an Auburn-based food relief organization that addresses hunger in five Western Washington counties.United Way proudly supports Feeding Feasible Feasts, which provides essential resources to local families while ensuring that perfectly edible food is not wasted.We will also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about our Year-End Giving Campaign, "Hope Doesn’t Quit, Neither Do We."When you invest in United Way’s work through our annual year-end giving campaign, you help us strengthen our community and ensure that everyone has the support they need.For this episode, we’ll chat with United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Anna Cronin about campaign topics, including the programs we hope to fund, our board of directors’ match, and the importance of giving at this time of year. We will also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Andrea Alexander, a Makah Tribal Elder, activist, and community development expert who leads the Northwest Native Asset Building Coalition, an Edmonds-based, United Way-supported nonprofit that empowers Indigenous communities through education and facilitation. On the eve of Seattle hosting the National Congress of American Indians’ 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace this week, we sat down with Andrea to chat about the Northwest Native Asset Building Coalition’s efforts to provide economic empowerment and asset building to Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.We will also discuss our efforts to help provide food access to residents amid the fallout from the federal government shutdown, as well as our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation about contacting elected officials.Folks say write to your councilmembers, representatives, and your senators when you want issues addressed that you care about. Amid the current federal government shutdown and recent elections that have sent new leaders to the state and local offices, now seems like a good time to contact lawmakers. But how do you communicate your concerns to ensure they’re heard? For this episode of Hourglass, we sat down with Nick Federici, United Way’s anti-poverty policy advocate, to discuss the dos and don’ts of petitioning the people we elect to public office.We will also discuss our efforts to help provide food access to residents amid the fallout from the federal government shutdown, as well as our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode is a conversation with Gabriel Galanda of Huy, a Seattle-based Indigenous organization that provides economic, rehabilitative, educational, and religious support for Indigenous inmates in Washington state and beyond. United Way of King County proudly supports Huy, which ensures that Indigenous people behind bars maintain the rights afforded to all people in our country and receive the cultural support and family connections while serving time.We will also discuss our efforts to help provide food access to residents amid the fallout from the federal government shutdown, as well as our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.Thanks for tuning in!

This episode features a conversation about the possible loss of SNAP benefits to millions nationwide. United Way of King County has championed the impact of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides families nationwide with the means to keep food on the table. However, due to the current federal government shutdown, funding to SNAP hasn’t been replenished, and the program could soon run out of money. We sat down with United Way’s Director for Ending Hunger, Sara Seelmeyer, to discuss what this could mean for the nearly one million SNAP recipients in Washington state and how United Way and our partners are responding to help those already struggling to feed their families.We will also discuss our Free Tax Preparation Campaign and an upcoming volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about United Way’s free Home Grocery Delivery Program.As United Way is set to launch our End of Year Giving Campaign that focuses on Hunger, Hourglass sat down with Cheyenne Stolmeier, United Way food security program manager, and Hannah Gauntz, United Way food security senior program coordinator, to discuss our program that provides free groceries door-to-door to local residents in need. We’ll also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

This episode features a conversation with historian and bestselling author Timothy Snyder. United Way is partnering with Seattle Arts and Lectures to co-sponsor an evening with Snyder at Benaroya Hall on Oct. 26 as part of our Conversations for Change series.Hourglass sat down with Snyder to discuss his book On Tyranny: 20 Lessons for the 20th Century, which spent more than 140 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Snyder will discuss his book On Freedom during the Oct. 26 event.We’ll discuss origins of “On Tyranny” and its lessons that inspire people to engage in acts such as defending our institutions, standing out for one’s beliefs and contributing to good causes.We’ll also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation about Emerging Leaders 365, a United Way of King County-sponsored group of more than 10,000 young adults passionate about engaging in a year of impact to support their neighbors. Emerging Leaders support local charities and small businesses, volunteer at nonprofit organizations, and engage in United Way’s Happy Hours & Hellos Series, which allows them to network with fellow professionals over refreshments while learning about United’s work.The next Happy Hour and Hellos event is scheduled for October 14 at Nordstrom Southcenter. Hourglass recently sat down with Emerging Leader Auriella Varley and United Way associate director of marketing Taylor Roberson to discuss the impact of Emerging Leaders and the upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos.We’ll also discuss a United Way Conversation for Change event this month with bestselling author Timothy Snyder and discuss a local volunteer opportunity. Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation with two members of local Indigenous organization that will host a Seattle Public School Board Candidate Forum on October 4 at North Seattle College. We chatted with Lisa Rivera, Board Director of Urban Native Education Alliance and a former Seattle School Board director, and Kamryn Yanchick, Political Navigator at Native Action Network, about hosting the candidate forum and about education issues in local Indigenous communities.We’ll also discuss an upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Tiffany Kelly-Gray of Byrd Barr Place, a Seattle-based nonprofit that offers essential services—including food, shelter, and financial tools—for Seattle area residents. As rising food prices and cuts to federal nutrition programs are impacting people’s ability to put healthy meals on the table, Byrd Barr Place provides innovative ways to meet community needs. We’ll chat with Tiffany about the organization’s efforts to address food insecurity, our communities' current state of need, and Byrd Barr Place’s upcoming Legacy in Motion gala.We’ll also talk about our upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event and a local volunteer opportunity.I’m your host, Joe Burris. Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode discusses United Way’s Indigenous Communities Fund. Since the fund was launched in 2020, we’ve granted about $5 million to local groups to address many needs in King County’s Indigenous Communities.Hourglass sat down with Marlo Klein, United Way Senior Community Impact Manager of Housing Stability, and Liahann Bannerman, United Way Senior Director of Equitable Philanthropy, to discuss the impact of the Indigenous Fund and recent changes that enable us to partner with more local organizations.We will also discuss our upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event, as well as a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation with Dr. Catherine Cushinberry, United Way’s interim CEO.Dr. Cushinberry became interim CEO when President and CEO Gordon McHenry Jr. stepped down in June. Hourglass sat down with Dr. Cushinberry for this episode to discuss topics that include her background and work, her interim role at United Way, and the relationship between nonprofits and philanthropy.We will also hear from United Way board chair Lisa Chin on why the board chose Dr. Cushinberry to lead the organization at this time and where the process for selecting a permanent president and CEO currently stands.We’ll also hear about an upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. We sat down with three United Way of King County housing specialists to discuss the current need for rental assistance and eviction prevention in our county, our efforts (including renewed funding) to help address those needs, and how people might receive financial and legal assistance to stay in their homes.We will also discuss an upcoming United Way Happy Hour and Hellos event, as well as a volunteer opportunity with El Centro De La Raza.Thanks for tuning in.

This week’s episode features a candid and poignant discussion about youth gun violence in our area. We sat down with two young men from the United Way-supported 4-C Coalition and Seattle Cares mentoring movement, as well as the director of Seattle Cares, to discuss an issue affecting far too many of our young people and their families.We’ll also discuss our Free Summer Meals program for school-age children and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in.

This week's episode discusses federal legislation that will cut SNAP benefits to recipients across Washington state and nationwide. We sat down with Sara Seelmeyer, United Way’s Director for Ending Hunger, and Connor Walsh, United Way Associate Director for Public and Private Partnerships. Both recently attended a United Way Worldwide Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., to speak with members of Congress about the potential impact of those cuts.We’ll also discuss our free summer meals program for school-age children and a local volunteer opportunity.I’m your host, Joe Burris. Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation with Jayanna Volle of CHOOSE 180, a United Way-supported, Burien-based organization that has impacted the local juvenile justice system by transforming how our region responds to young people. For more than a dozen years, CHOOSE 180 has worked with the courts, schools, and communities to empower youth in King County with choices that can help change their lives. In this episode, we will chat with Jayanna about the organization’s recent expansion into Pierce County, where it hopes to make a similar impact.We’ll also discuss our free summer meals program for school-age children and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation with Kent resident Yusuf Bashir, who is making an impact in his community while working two jobs. One, as the founder of the United Way-supported nonprofit Falis Community Services, and the other as a bus driver for King County Metro.We’ll also discuss our Free Summer Meals program for school-age youth and a local volunteer opportunity.Thanks for tuning in.