Tuesday, November 28, also known as Giving Tuesday, kicks off a season of giving intended to inspire generosity in communities. Over the past several months, many members of our community have sought out ways to support Bellevue School District students, staff and families. We invite all those interested to take part in the season of giving by learning more about how they can support our community partners. Whether through the giving of time, treasure or talent, we are grateful to all those who enrich and uplift our school district. We thank you for your generosity in support of our learning community.
These organizations provide mental health and well-being supports, before and after school activities, mentoring, tutoring, emergency resources and more. The following partners are just a sampling of the many community organizations who directly support our schools and district every day in many ways.
Bellevue LifeSpring
In 2022, Bellevue LifeSpring, in partnership with the Bellevue School District, opened the Bellevue Family Hub located at Highland Middle School. The Hub serves as a central location where families can meet with trained LifeSpring volunteers to connect with vital resources. In addition, the Hub partners with other community organizations like Hopelink, to provide educational workshops that support adults and teens with job interview skills and information to help build strong financial futures. This year, a second Hub location was opened at Stevenson Elementary School.
Bellevue Schools Foundation
Funding for many critical district programs and events is provided through the Bellevue Schools Foundation. For almost 45 years, the Bellevue Schools Foundation has promoted and funded a multitude of learning opportunities for students. Learn more about the impact BSF has had on district schools in their 2023 Impact Report.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue
For more than 70 years, Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue (BGCB) has provided safe spaces for youth when they are not in school. The BGCB serves over 12,000 youth in Bellevue between the ages of 3 and 18 with programming focused on academics, health and leadership. They operate nine school-based clubs, two teen centers, a clubhouse and three clubs within public housing communities. Recently, Bellevue School District staff, community members and business leaders gathered at the Hidden Valley Fieldhouse to hear about the impact of BGCB in the community and focus on how to build a brighter Bellevue. Special guests included Brad Evans, former captain of the Seattle Sounders FC and Mario Bailey, Vice President of Community Engagement for the Seattle Seahawks. Keynote speaker for the event was Troy Dannen, Director of Athletics for the University of Washington.
International Community Health Services
What began as a one-room, all-volunteer clinic in Seattle’s international district fifty years ago has now expanded to 10 locations throughout the region providing health care services to thousands of patients each year. The Bellevue School District is fortunate to have a school-based health center at Highland Middle School, in partnership with International Community Health Services (ICHS). The Highland Health Center is open to all BSD students and provides treatment of illness, injuries and ongoing health conditions, in addition to well-child visits and immunizations. ICHS and BSD also partner with Youth Eastside Servies at the Highland Health Center to provide support for mental health and substance use concerns.
Jubilee REACH
The mission of Jubilee REACH is to bring healing, build community, and transform the lives of students and families in Bellevue. Staff and volunteers work to further the mission through four pillars: public schools, the community center, the thrift store, and community-building events. In partnership with BSD, Jubilee REACH site coaches develop relationships with students before, during and after school. In elementary and middle schools this involves athletics and activities programs, at the heart of which are trusting relationships between students and Jubilee REACH staff and volunteers. At the high school level site coaches engage with students and provide social, emotional and academic support.
At the Jubilee REACH center, qualified families receive assistance with rent, utilities and food support. The center offers before and after-school care, tutoring as well as beginning, intermediate and advanced-level language classes for adults who speak a first language other than English.
Rainier Athletes
Rainier Athletes provides BSD students with unique wraparound mentoring that includes support from their school, community, family, coach and mentor. Dedicated mentors are paired with students and build relationships to foster greater confidence, advocacy and engagement both in and out of the classroom. This network of support helps to motivate students to deepen their sense of belonging and allows them to achieve their greatest potential. Rainier Athletes supports and mentors over 100 BSD students across 12 school locations. In addition, they work with over 40 community sports leagues and other youth-focused organizations to cover the cost of participation, registration for youth programs, and coordination of transportation as needed.
Youth Eastside Services
Youth Eastside Services (YES) is a leading Eastside behavioral health services provider for children and youth through the age of 22. They provide prevention, diagnosis and treatments for mental health and substance use disorders. There are more than fifty YES locations in East King County, and the Bellevue School District is fortunate to partner with YES to provide free on-site, dually licensed mental health and substance use counselors to support student mental health and well-being. School year services and programs include support groups, screenings, assessments, referrals, parent education and alcohol and drug education classes for those needing intervention.
Family and Community
In addition, numerous community organizations support Bellevue School District families in need by providing direct access to supports and services including: Backpack Meals for Kids, Hopelink, KidVantage (formerly Eastside Baby Corner), Mary’s Place, and Treehouse.
Finally, Bellevue School District is grateful for the continued support that our community provides for students and staff through the tireless efforts of our PTSAs, Special Needs PTA and various parent booster clubs.