Ethiopian Community in Seattle (ECS)

Sobre nosotros

The Ethiopian Community in Seattle (ECS) is a non-profit organization established to provide support services to Ethiopian immigrants in the greater Seattle area. Since it´s inception in 1983, ECS has been a place where Ethiopians came to have someone listen to their concerns and help solve their problems.

Our mission
To facilitate a seamless integration of all persons of Ethiopian origin into the American society. ECS aims to contribute to the social, cultural and civic life of the Puget Sound area as well as to assist Ethiopians and Ethiopian-Americans in preserving and sharing their ancient and rich cultural heritage.

Our vision
ECS envisions a vibrant and active Ethiopian Community in the Puget Sound area. Our aim is to preserve our rich Ethiopian heritage and to ensure that all members are actively involved and share mutual respect.
• Empowering community members to lead dignified lives in the Greater Seattle area.
• Helping mold, guide and mentor the next generation of Ethiopians to be educated, responsible, law-abiding and respectable members of society.
• Extending advocacy services which focus on critical needs in our community, particularly in education, job training and healthcare services. This will be achieved by establishing close partnership with schools, government agencies, employment agencies and healthcare providers.

Programs:
• After School Program: Students work on homework with tutors and participate in extracurricular activities such as arts & crafts and outside activities. This program is for students from kindergarten to 5th grade.
• Senior Meal Program: Seniors come together for morning yoga and enjoy each other´s company during lunch.
• Summer Camp: The Ethiopian Community in Seattle summer camp is an opportunity for kids ages 6-13 to learn together through culturally responsive programming. Some of the major highlights from this past summer included our weekly field trips to the Woodland Park Zoo and Kubota Gardens and the Seattle Public Libraries. We also participated in the Rainier Valley Heritage Parade and Festival and had our very first ECS Night Out with fun activities for the whole family and even an original play by our youth and instructors.
• Coding: Students learn basic skills of coding. This program is for students from kindergarten to 5th grade
• Cultural Immersion: Participants learn Amharic, cook Ethiopian food, learn about Ethiopian leaders in arts/literature, & etc. all ages are welcome.
• EKUB: Adults learn financial skills, build resumes, connect to different resource, etc.
• Computer 101: Adults computer skills such using keyboard/mouse, creating email, navigating Microsoft, & etc

Case Management
• Citizenship Application; Green Card Application; Passport Renewal
• Housing Application & Job Referrals
• Power of Attorney & Notary
• Translations

Sasha Donaldson is the Marketing & Development Manager at the Ethiopian Community in Seattle (ECS).

For other net participants we can offer an expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.