Learn about the impact of FOCS and see how our programming brought families together in 2024! Access the full report HERE.
In this Newsletter:
Office Updates: You're Invited to FOCS Open House!
Funding Updates: Support FOCS and #GiveBig
Program Updates: Join us at these Upcoming Events!
Spread the Word: Seeking FOCS- Friendly Spaces
Office Updates
Photo of Christine, FOCS exiting Executive Director, Kendra, Interim Executive Director, and FOCS Founders
Thank you to Christine Tang, FOCS's exiting Executive Director.
Read her letter to the FOCS Community HERE and learn about her impact at FOCS HERE.
Welcome Kendra!
Our Interim Executive Director.
Learn more about Kendra HERE.
Welcome Abrehet!
Our new Family Programs Manager
Congratulations:
Jesse has been promoted to Director of Programs and Data
Abbie has been promoted to Advocacy Director
Jacob has been promoted to Operations Manager
Join us at the FOCS Open House on May 20th!
Join us on May 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the Metropole Building in Pioneer Square for the FOCS Open House—a chance to envision the future of our new space, where families of color can feel at home, supported, and empowered to thrive.
This event is a celebration of community and belonging, where we’ll share stories, connect with partners and families, and look ahead to FOCS' next exciting chapter. Enjoy a delicious meal from That Brown Girl Cooks and learn more about how your support helps us grow and serve more families in the Seattle area. We invite FOCS parents, donors, community leaders, and supporters to join us as we shape the future together.
Show your support for FOCS by telling your friends why FOCS matters to you! This #GiveBig, we invite you to support us by doing one or all of these three things:
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedInto help build our momentum. Tell all your friends and family why you support FOCS through #GiveBIG.
Spread the word! Forward this email to your family and friends along with a personal note explaining why you believe in our work and why they should #GiveBIG.
We can’t wait to celebrate the difference your generosity will make when you #GiveBIG on May 6-7!
FOCS Program Updates
A Big Thank You to Pathwaves for Their Continued Support!
We are excited to announce that Pathwaves WA has extended their grant for our Fellowship for another 5 years! This generous support will cover the costs of the position and provide invaluable policy advising to help us build pathways for leaders of color in early childhood systems. Pathwaves WA is dedicated to creating pathways for leaders of color to hold decision-making roles, empowering them to shape policies that will positively impact future generations.
Learn more about the amazing work Pathwaves WA is doing to create equity in early childhood systems here: https://pathwaveswa.org/
Spring Parent Groups are Starting Soon!
Join FOCS Spring Parent Groups – Spots Are Still Available! Don’t Miss Out, Invite Your Friends to Be Part of the FOCS Community!
South Seattle Parents of BIPOC Newborns (In-Person)*
Wednesdays, 10:00 am-12:00 pm
May 14-July 9
South Seattle Parents of BIPOC Waddlers (In-Person)*
Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30 pm
April 23-June 11
Indigenous Parents Group (In-Person) May 2025 meeting dates coming soon!
This group is for parents with children 0-5 years old. It is a facilitated gathering for Indigenous Parents (American Indian/Alaska Native/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander) of all genders. Children are welcome to attend.
North End Parents of BIPOC Waddlers (In-Person)*
Fridays, 5:30-7:30 pm
May 2-July 11 (No meeting 5/9, 5/23, and 7/4)
North Seattle Parents of BIPOC Newborns (In-Person)
Thursdays, 6:00-8:00pm
May 15-July 17 (no meeting 6/19)
More groups to be announced soon! Check our website at focseattle.org for the most up-to-date information.
*Group meeting locations are disclosed at the time of registration.
Join Us for FOCS Kids Melanin Spectrum Celebration TOMORROW!
Attend this FREE in-person event celebrating connection and empowerment for BIPOC children on the autism spectrum! BIPOC and neurodiverse parents and professionals organize this event to create a safe space for neurodivergent children and families.
Open to children aged 0 to 17 and their families. FOCS will provide food, activity stations, games, a calming sensory room, and community sharing. Children are encouraged to bring comfort tools (e.g., headphones and fidgets). Parents must always be present to ensure a supportive environment for everyone.
Join Us for a Community Care Check-In on Friday, May 23rd!
This event follows up on our post-election community care check-in, with the goal of continuing to build connections and support within our community. Our conversation will center around national and state-level policy issues affecting BIPOC and immigrant communities, especially those shaped by the current presidential administration and executive orders. We hope to connect these discussions to ongoing state-level advocacy efforts that align with FOCS' advocacy work.
This gathering will be a space to share experiences and perspectives as we support one another. Our goal is to foster connection and dialogue, empowering FOCS as we work together to build collective power through ongoing conversation.
Date: May 23, 2025 Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Virtual via Zoom
Join us for a night of connection and community care as we come together to support each other and build a stronger, more united future.
As we move back to in-person parent groups and offer more events for families to gather, we are currently searching for free or low-cost meeting spaces in the King County area and surrounding Native reservations. Preferably kid-friendly spaces!
If your organization or business is open to having FOCS families come to your space, contact us!
For over a decade, FOCS has grown from a small community of mothers seeking connection into a thriving network, thanks to your support! Your contributions allow us to continue to offer free parent groups, connect families, and advocate for racial justice. As we gear up for our fall programming and continue our advocacy work, we invite you to become a FOCS monthly donor. Your generosity sustains our current efforts and helps build a future where all families can thrive in supportive, empowering spaces.
About Families of Color Seattle
(FOCS- pronounced "folks")
FOCS connects families, caregivers, and children of color through peer-led parent support groups; spaces to share culture, skills, and resources; and racial justice education and advocacy. Our vision is that children of color are born into a loving community that is racially and economically just. Visit focseattle.orgto learn more about our programs.
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