Child & Family Services – ParentChild+ Graduation Celebration
On August 20, 2025, our ParentChild+ Program proudly celebrated the graduation of 50 children who successfully completed the program. ParentChild+ is a Home Visiting program that empowers parents and supports children in their earliest years, helping families build a strong foundation for school readiness and lifelong learning. Each graduation marks not only the growth of the children, but also the confidence and skills gained by their families in supporting their child’s development.
This year’s celebration was held at a local park along the water, where families gathered for a joyful summer afternoon. Graduates and their loved ones enjoyed a delicious picnic in the sunshine, creating a vibrant community moment filled with laughter, pride, and togetherness.
We are deeply grateful to our partners—the Seattle Public Library, King County Library, and Seattle Parks and Rec—for their partnership and support in making this special milestone possible.
Building Health & Access Together in Federal Way
The recent King County Adult Dental Program (KCADP) event, held in partnership with El Centro de la Raza, was nearly at capacity with 15 patients scheduled and a growing waitlist. This strong turnout reflected the deep need for accessible dental care in our community.
Those served represented the diversity of our region, with patients who spoke Amharic, French, and Spanish. Language access was critical to ensuring everyone received the care and information they deserved, and our Benefits & Resource Navigation team played an essential role in bridging those connections. Through their support, families learned how to independently access vital services such as DSHS, food stamps, Medicaid, Medicare, and more—empowering them to navigate complex systems with confidence.
This collaboration demonstrated the power of community partnerships in expanding access to care, breaking down barriers, and strengthening health equity for all.
KeyBank Helps Students Start the School Year Strong
We are so grateful to April Tomlinson and her team at KeyBank for their generous support of our back-to-school efforts. From July 14 – August 7, they collected backpacks, notebooks, crayons, pencils, and other essentials for K–8 students, dropping off the supplies on August 18. These donations go directly to El Centro de la Raza’s school programs in Seattle, ensuring every child in our community can start the school year ready to learn and thrive.
Your partnership and generosity make a real difference for hundreds of families! If you’d like to help too, please check out our Amazon Wishlist for Back-to-School
Comcast Family Summer Movie Nights at Plaza Roberto Maestas
This summer, Plaza Roberto Maestas came alive with the magic of Comcast Family Summer Movie Nights. Each evening kicked off with a special performance by Teacher Brian’s Grand Music Show, bringing the community together for laughter, music, and shared memories. As the sun set, families enjoyed outdoor movies while exploring delicious meals and treats from our Business Opportunity Center Food Incubator Program’s food cart vendors, filling the plaza with flavor and fun. These gatherings highlighted the power of community, connection, and summer joy for all ages.
Bank of America Student Leaders® Visit Café con El Centro de la Raza
We had the pleasure of welcoming the Bank of America Student Leaders® cohort to our Café con El Centro de la Raza tour—a morning full of connection, inspiration, and cultural education.
During the visit, students enjoyed pan dulce and café while engaging in meaningful dialogue with our staff, community leaders, and fellow changemakers. They toured our historic Beacon Hill building, explored our 43 programs and services, and experienced firsthand how we’re working to bring Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community to life.
The tour provided more than just a behind-the-scenes look—it was a powerful opportunity for students to fortify their leadership skills, grow their networks, and deepen their understanding of community-rooted service.
We’re proud to partner with Bank of America’s Student Leaders® Program, which has supported youth leadership and economic mobility since 2004. Together, we’re cultivating the next generation of thoughtful, community-driven leaders.
College GANAS Students Explore Western Washington University
At El Centro de la Raza, we know that seeing yourself on a college campus is a key step toward getting there. Recently, 40 College GANAS students visited Western Washington University to experience campus life firsthand. They toured the halls, explored dorms, and participated in an admissions session, gaining a clear picture of what college life looks like. Experiences like this help students move from dreaming about their future to confidently envisioning it, empowering them to pursue their academic and personal goals.
College GANAS Program: Summer Research Posters
At El Centro de la Raza, we are committed to empowering youth to shape their own futures—and that’s exactly what our College GANAS Program does. This summer, 35 students took a deep dive into college research, choosing a school and becoming experts on everything from admissions requirements to campus culture. Their efforts culminated in a dynamic research poster presentation, showcasing their knowledge and dedication. More than just a project, this experience equips students with the tools and confidence to navigate higher education and pursue their dreams.
Café con El Centro de la Raza Tour ☕️ – A Huge Success!
Our Café con El Centro de la Raza Tour was a fantastic morning of connection, learning, and inspiration! Participants enjoyed pan dulce and coffee while meeting community leaders and fellow changemakers. Guests explored our historic Beacon Hill building, saw our 43 programs in action, and learned firsthand how we’re advancing Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community.
This tour wasn’t just a behind-the-scenes experience—it was a chance to grow networks, strengthen leadership skills, and be part of a community movement. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it a success!
🎓 Parents as Teachers Program – Graduation Picnic!
El Centro de la Raza proudly celebrated the graduation of 34 families and 37 children from our Parents as Teachers (PAT) program at Steel Lake Park in Federal Way. Over the past two years, these families participated in home visits, group sessions, assessments, and resources—each experience tailored to support their growth and needs.
The graduation was not only a milestone, but also a joyful community picnic that brought together more than 110 family members and supporters. Families gathered to share food, laughter, and movement, starting the evening with lively Zumba, photographs, and dinner, and concluding with a recognition ceremony where each family received their diploma.
Through the Parents as Teachers curriculum, parents gained skills, confidence, and resources to support their children’s development and embraced their role as their child’s first teacher. The celebration highlighted the strength of community, as families honored one another’s accomplishments and the shared journey of learning and growth.
Congratulations to all the families who completed the program—your dedication continues to inspire and uplift our community.
