Cascade People’s Center still offers many programs and resources, even in the face of funding cuts and tough economic times for non-profits. Here’s a breakdown of what CPC can provide for the greater Seattle community in 2009, and a look at what it takes in order for us to offer these resources.
What CPC Currently Offers
1. CPC is open 30 hours per week allowing access to valuable community resources, including:
- A community kitchen
- Free reading materials & cozy couches
- A computer bank with internet access
- Public restrooms
- Free bus tickets
2. Resource referral during open hours
3. Programs facilitated by staff and volunteers, including:
- Community Family Club (in partnership with Campfire)
- Weekly Community Breakfasts (in partnership with The Wednesday Breakfast Project)
- Reunion de las Mujeres (in partnership with Casa Latina)
- YBoys Outdoor Trips (in partnership with YBoys)
- Play and Learn (in partnership with Casa Latina)
- Skill-building Classes (in partnership with Seattle Free School)
- Neighbor Afternoons (in partnership with Cascade Cultural Arts Co-op)
4. Accessible space for community groups to hold meetings and events
What CPC Needs to Do to Make Those Things Happen
1. Apply for grants to cover operation and program costs
2. File monthly reports to fulfill obligations to our parent organization, LCS, and funders
3. Plan and implement fundraising events and support other grassroots fundraising efforts. Events for the 2009 calendar year include:
- Southlake Grill Dinner
- Jewish Voice for Peace’s Silent Auction
- Comite Guelaguetza’s Kermes
- Wednesday Breakfast Project’s V-Day Fundraiser
- 3rd Annual Auction, “Growing Our Community”–April 3rd 2009
- Comedy Underground–May 12th 2009
4. Envision the future of CPC and make plans for fiscal & organizational sustainability. Activities associated with this:
- Leadership committee/Advisory Council
- Community meetings
- Staff meetings & supervision
- Support, training, and professional development
5. Maintain the building with support from volunteers, EcoCascade, and the Parks Department
6. Develop and strengthen partnerships with organizations, businesses, and individuals to provide: financial donations, volunteer time, program support, and in kind donations.