Charles Bontémps serves chef’s salad during Sound Generations’ community dining program Dec. 17, held through GenPride at Pride Place on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. GenPride advocates for older LGBTQ+ adults’ needs through programs and services that cultivate well-being and belonging.
Joy de Leon, center left, a line dance instructor at Asian Counseling and Referral Service, celebrates her retirement at an annual holiday party at Blaine Memorial United Methodist Church in Seattle. “The seniors think it’s just their exercise, but it’s my exercise, too,” she said.
Tashawn Deville, who is pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at The Evergreen State College, grew up using Treehouse’s services for foster youth. “Knowledge is a powerful thing to have where I came from,” said Deville.
Olivia Knysh screeched with delight as the 19-month-old girl’s speech therapist blew bubbles into the air.
Her mother, Vira Knysh, knelt beside the therapist, Marissa Wichers, and asked Olivia if she wanted to do “more bubbles” or “book?”
Kory Caze made it through Army duty in the Iraq War and continued on with his life with a good deal of success. He got a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Washington, then embarked on a career in software sales.
Small moments make mentoring a young person special
Iyla Mitteco remembers the first time she and her student mentee clicked.
On one of their first outings, she picked up the seventh grader from school. As she got in the car, Mitteco asked her what she wanted to listen to.
“She got so excited and said ‘Can we listen to Epic — The Musical?’ ” Mitteco said.
The packed crowd at Benaroya Hall was at rapt attention, eagerly anticipating each line as 17-year-old Janae Lu gave an emotional reading of her poem, “Too Good.”
Tequila Jones is no stranger to hardship.
Her childhood memories were lost to a house fire. Injuries ended her college basketball career. She lost three brothers to gun violence. She’s battled depression and racism.