Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about a workforce development partnership for youth and young adults in South Seattle.

United Way-supported grantees Reclaiming our Greatness and Glover EmpowerMentoring are teaming up to launch the GEM to Greatness Collaborative. The partnership will equip youth and young adults with the knowledge, skills, relationships, and support needed to build healthy and financially secure lives.

We’ll chat with Reclaiming Our Greatness founder and director Marshaun Barber and Glover EmpowerMentoring founder and director Kendrick Glover about their partnership and each organization’s current work current work to support and empower communities in South Seattle. 

And we will spotlight our new giving program United Circle and our upcoming Conversations for Change virtual event, From Crisis to Community.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about the sport of ultimate frisbee with staff from All Girl Everything Ultimate Program (AGE-UP), a Seattle-based, United Way-supported organization that uses the sport to foster community, build leadership, and teach social justice.

Hourglass sat down with AGE UP’s Co-Executive Director Ash Escobar and program manager Anthony “Zig” Ziegler to discuss the local origins, growth, and impact of ultimate frisbee. We will also chat with United Way director of Education Strategies, Joy Sebe, about AGE Up’s work as part of United Way’s Racial Equity Coalition, which delivers youth programming that promotes positive cultural identity and helps youth succeed in school.

And we will spotlight our new giving program, United Circle, and our upcoming Conversations for Change virtual event, From Crisis to Community.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about our Engagement Coordinators and highlights Brendlyon Linton, who is stepping down from the role after 26 years in the role.

United Way’s Engagement Coordinators help us strengthen relationships with our workplace partners, support campaigns and events, and connect more people to United Way’s work throughout King County.

In this episode, we will chat with Brendlyon about topics including how she and other Engagement Coordinators inspire and challenge communities to do more to care for their neighbors in need. 

We will also chat with Magdalena Ruiz, United Way Engagement Manager, about Brendlyon’s impact as an Engagement Coordinator and the role’s importance at United Way.

We will also discuss an upcoming in-person Happy Hour and Hellos event and our Conversations for Change virtual event, From Crisis to Community.

Good news happens. This week's episode is our monthly commentary and perspective from United Way president and CEO Blair Taylor.

This month, Blair will discuss his take on the state of American education from the perspectives of a parent, an adjunct professor, and the leader of a nonprofit organization. And he’ll also discuss how United Way of King County is working to make quality education affordable and accessible to young people in our county.

We will also discuss an upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event, and an event sponsored by United Way grantee FEEST.

 Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. United Way of King County joined more than 350 attendees from other United Way agencies at the West Regional Conference in Portland, OR.

Members of United Way of King County staff led discussions on many facets of our work, including our public-private partnerships that generate resources and support for community-based organizations running early learning programs.

For this week’s episode, we sat down with our education strategies director, Joy Sebe, and community impact manager, Holly Lackey, for a conversation on topics including the importance of sharing best practices with like-minded organizations and ways we’ve built trust across sectors through our public/private partnerships.

We will also discuss our Community Partnership Kit Offerings and an upcoming volunteer opportunity at United Way supported by grantee El Centro de la Raza.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about the past and future of the Seattle Indian Services Commission.

The United Way supported commission was launched in 1972 to provide housing and planning services and programs to address the needs of Indigenous residents in King County. 

For this episode, we’ll chat with Commission chair Iris Friday and its Development Manager Demarus Tevuk about the commission’s history and its plans for a Native Village and Gateway project that will provide affordable housing holistic family services, and economic opportunities for Indigenous people all while celebrating Indigenous Native cultures.

We will also discuss our Community Partnership Kit Offerings and an upcoming volunteer opportunity at United Way supported grantee El Centro de la Raza.

Good news happens. This week's episode is the first in a monthly series that will feature commentary and perspective from United Way president and CEO Blair Taylor.

In July, Blair became United Way’s third president and CEO since 2000, and we’re excited to have Blair speak directly to our listeners on topics including his vision for our organization and the unique impact we can make to address concerns in our communities.

We will also spotlight our Community Partnership Kit Offerings and an upcoming Seattle Storm game that will benefit United Way grantee Filipino Community of Seattle.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about our partnership with Puget Sound Energy, a Bellevue-based company that for more than 150 years has been synonymous with providing power to residents and businesses.

We sat down with Carol Wallace, Puget Sound Energy’s director of customer operations, and Carrie Bates, United Way director of institutional philanthropy, for a discussion on topics including our partnership that helps customers save on their energy bills and Puget Sound Energy’s energy assistance programs that folks can take advantage of right now.

We will also spotlight our Free Summer Meals program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings. 

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about storytelling.

We chatted with Loren Niemi, lifelong storyteller and founder of the Minneapolis-based American School of Storytelling, about topics including his four storytelling techniques for social change and whether those techniques have been used to address an issue our county has been grappling with for years—homelessness and housing.

We also chatted with United Way chief impact officer Regina Malveaux, our Senior Director of Philanthropic Engagement, Gary Rubin, and marketing strategist Kayla Dunn about how our organization uses storytelling to convey the impact of our work beyond facts and figures.

We will also spotlight our Free Summer Meals program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about our partnership with the Stolte Family Foundation.

The foundation’s support for United Way and our programs, like ParentChild+, has enabled us to invest in maternal wellness, early learning, and the strengthening of parent-child relationships.

For this episode, we will chat with Kim Wright, executive director of the Stolte Family Foundation and Stolte Family Organizations/Joy Sebe, United Way director of education strategies, on topics including the Stolte Family Foundation’s commitment to ParentChild+ and its partnership with United Way.

We will also spotlight our Free Summer Meals program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings.

Good news happens. Perhaps you’ve seen or heard about the outdoor and indoor murals that recently went up at United Way’s Second Avenue office. For this week’s episode, we’ll tell the story behind those murals.

We sat down with mural artists Teddy Stat Phillips and Maya Milton, Alexandra Nason of Urban Artworks, the organization that partnered with United Way on the project, and Taylor Roberson, United Way’s associate director of Marketing, who led the project.

We will also spotlight our Free Summer Meals program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings.

Good news happens. As the FIFA men’s World Cup wrapped up on July 19, this week’s episode closes out our coverage of the tournament’s impact on local communities and organizations.

We spotlight El Centro de la Raza, a local United Way-supported nonprofit that sent two dozen youths from its middle and high school programs to the final World Cup match via free tickets from the City of Seattle Mayor’s office.

We chatted with El Centro youths and staff about the once-in-a-lifetime World Cup experience and about how the organization, located in Seattle and Federal Way, keeps youngsters engaged in its programs year-round.

We will also spotlight our Free Summer Meals program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings.

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation with Nneka Payne of CHOOSE 180, a United Way-supported, Burien-based organization that works to transform systems of injustice and support young people impacted by those systems.

CHOOSE 180 recently expanded its work into Pierce County and has plans to go statewide. We chatted with Nneka about topics including an update on CHOOSE 180’s expansion, the organization’s efforts to connect with local youths, and an upcoming CHOOSE 180 outdoor event in Pioneer Square.

We will discuss an event celebrating the return of the annual Summer Meals Program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about civic engagement with NAWDIM, the Native American Women’s Dialog on Infant Mortality.

NAWDIM is a Seattle-based, United Way-supported collective of Indigenous care providers, community members, grandmothers, and allies who provide advocacy, education, and support for Indigenous infants, mothers, and families in Washington State.

NAWDIM is currently working with the Seattle-based Native Organizers Alliance on a national research project to amplify concerns of Indigenous people before, during, and after elections. 

We’ll chat with NAWDIM co-coordinators Shelley Means and Leah (LEE) Tanner about their efforts to ensure that state and local Indigenous voices are heard, particularly on the eve of this year’s August Primaries and the November General Elections.

We will discuss an event celebrating the return of the annual Summer Meals Program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with our new president and CEO, Blair Hamilton Taylor, who once served as chair of United Way’s Board of Directors. We will chat with Blair about topics including his decision to return to United Way, his time on the board, his vision for the organization, and the words of wisdom he lives by. 

We will discuss an event celebrating the return of the annual Summer Meals Program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. The FIFA Men’s World Cup has taken our area by storm, and on July 1, six youths from the United Way-supported nonprofit 4-C Coalition will take part in the flag-bearing ceremony for the Round of 32 World Cup matchup at Seattle Stadium.

 For this episode of Hourglass, we sat down for a chat with 4-C director Hazel Cameron and Toroid Ryan, Community Strategies Consultant for 4-C, who will serve as a chaperone for the youths during the Flag Bearing Ceremony. The two discussed the importance of being part of the World Cup and how it’s already had an impact on the youth who will participate in the festivities.

 We also have an announcement about United Way’s new president and CEO, and we will discuss ways you can still get your taxes prepared for free by United Way.

 Thanks for tuning in!

The FIFA World Cup men’s soccer tournament is underway, and the area’s first match will be held on Monday, June 15, at the newly renamed Seattle Stadium. But for all its excitement, the World Cup has raised local concerns, particularly regarding some of our area’s most vulnerable populations. 

Hourglass recently sat down with Derrick Belgarde of the Chief Seattle Club, a United Way-funded organization that provides shelter, services, and spiritual support to Indigenous people experiencing homelessness. Chief Seattle Club is in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, adjacent to Seattle Stadium, where much of the foot traffic during the World Cup is expected. 

We chatted with Belgarde about topics including the precautions Chief Seattle Club is taking as it continues to support populations experiencing homelessness during the World Cup and how he’d like to see the financial windfall from the tournament be used to address our homelessness crisis.

We will also discuss ways you can still get your taxes prepared for free by United Way and an upcoming summer event sponsored by our grantee, CHOOSE 180. 

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship, which each year provides 20 local college students with $5,000 each for basic needs and other expenses.

We sat down with Emily Portillo, United Way Bridge to Finish Senior Program Manager, to discuss her work with the Nordstrom Scholarship, its impact on local students and colleges, and how students can apply now, as applications are accepted through June 30th.

We will also spotlight an upcoming United Way Happy Hour and Hellos event this month in North Seattle and a July event in Pioneer Square sponsored by United Way grantee CHOOSE 180.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with United Way partner Symetra Financial Corporation, a Bellevue-based diversified financial services company. Symetra has partnered with United Way for more than 15 years through programs such as Bridge to Finish, a United Way one-stop resource on local college campuses that helps students access services to complete their education.

We’ll chat with Sharmila Swenson, Symetra's Vice President of Public Affairs and Social Impact, and Beth Osborne, Symetra’s Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Community Partnerships, on topics including how our Bridge to Finish program aligns with Symetra’s commitment to strengthening communities. 

And we’ll chat with Emily Portillo, United Way’s Bridge to Finish Program Manager, about how the support from partners like Symetra helps United Way serve local college students in areas such as financial and housing stability.

We will also spotlight an upcoming United Way Happy Hour and Hellos event this month in North Seattle and a July event in Pioneer Square sponsored by United Way grantee CHOOSE 180.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode is about Mary's Place, a United Way supported, Seattle-based organization that provides resources and support to King County families experiencing homelessness.

 We’ll chat with Mary’s Place’s prevention & stability director Miriam Clithero, and its community impact director, Alyson Moon, about the organization’s approach to addressing homelessness, its partnership with United Way and ways the organization has pivoted amid the everchanging housing crisis.

 We will also spotlight United Ways June Happy Hour and Hellos event in North Seatle and a July outing in Pioneer Square courtesy of United Way grantee CHOOSE 180.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about Pack the Bus, United Way’s May 20th volunteer initiative in partnership with Communities in Schools Greater King County. 

Pack the Bus is designed to support students and families during the summer months by providing a busload of essential items, including food, hygiene supplies, and activities.

We sat down with Communities in Schools director Jamie Greene and Alexis Silva, United Way senior community and volunteer engagement manager, to discuss the importance of keeping kiddos nourished and engaged all summer long and the details of Pack the Bus.

 We will also discuss ways you can still file your taxes for free through United Way and spotlight a summer event in Pioneer Square sponsored by United Way grantee CHOOSE 180.

 Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This episode is the second in a two-part series on United Way of King County staff members visiting Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers from Washington state.

 Today’s episode looks at our visit to the recent United Way Worldwide Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day in D.C. 

 More than 300 United Way leaders from 47 states and Puerto Rico gathered for the Advocacy Forum to share best practices, craft policy strategies, and meet with Senate and Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill to discuss issues such as strengthening food security, investing in housing programs, and creating more access to free tax preparation. 

 Hourglass sat down with United Way of King County’s Amanda Sandoval and Connor Walsh, as well as Jim Cooper of United Ways of the Pacific Northwest, to discuss expectations before the event and reflections after speaking with lawmakers.

 We will also spotlight two upcoming United Way events: Pack the Bus and Happy Hour and Hellos.

 Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode is the first of a two-part series on United Way of King County staff members visiting Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers from Washington state.

This episode looks at our visit to last week’s Food Research and Action Center National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in D.C., where we and other advocates nationwide spoke with members of Congress and the US Senate about combatting hunger and food insecurity.

Hourglass sat down with Sara Seelmeyer, United Way’s director of Ending Hunger, and Madeleine Vistica, United Way Food Security Program Manager, to discuss their expectations before the event and their reflections after speaking with lawmakers.

 We will also spotlight our May 5 GiveBIG event and our upcoming Pack the Bus event.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation about homeownership with Anzhane Slaughter of the Seattle-based organization Young Black Homeowners and Dawn Bennett of the Kent-based, United Way-supported organization African American Leadership Forum. Anzhane and Dawn have partnered on a program that provides six-figure down payment assistance to Black and Brown families seeking to purchase homes in our area. 

We'll also offer one last reminder about this year's Free Tax Preparation Campaign for those who still have time to file, and we'll discuss a local volunteer opportunity. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode is the third installment of a three-part series on 2026 state, county, and city policy. 

We'll chat with Nancy Lu, United Way public policy coordinator, and Amanda Sandoval, United Way's director of systems change and policy, on topics such as takeaways from this year's State Legislative Session, updates on city and county policies, and an upcoming United Way staff visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers from Washington state.

We'll also offer one last reminder about this year's Free Tax Preparation Campaign for those who still have time to file, and we'll discuss a local volunteer opportunity. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation about taxes with Ryan McFerran, United Way Senior Financial Stability Program Manager, and Ramon Ortiz, an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Washington Law School and managing director of the law school’s Federal Tax Clinic.

We’ll discuss topics including United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign, which is currently in full swing, and information for ITIN filers. 

We’ll also provide information on one of our most popular Free Tax Prep sites, at Southcenter Mall.

And we’ll also discuss a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. For this episode, we’ll talk about financial planning with James McBain, senior vice president and regional director of wealth planning and trust advisory at US Bank Private Wealth Management. 

Hourglass was pleased to have James on as a guest for a similar episode this time last year. For this episode, James will discuss topics like planned giving and donor-advised funds, and he’ll also offer year-round financial insight for people who qualify for United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign, which is currently in full swing.

We’ll also offer more information on how you can have your taxes prepared by United Way free of charge, as well as a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about Sacred Land Collective, an Auburn-based, Black-owned, 78-acre partnership that offers programs, retreat spaces, and cultural ceremonies for people to gather, rest, and heal. United Way and its partners have held retreats at Sacred Land Collective, and for this episode, we’ll chat with Sacred Land Collective co-founder and Director Omi King and event manager Jaylon Nazario about the collective’s efforts to cultivate healing for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.

We’ll also chat Mari Hirabayashi, United Way Events & Marketing Manager, on our support of businesses and resources owned by People of Color. 

And we’ll discuss our Free Tax Prep Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity. 

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Bookie Gates of Baseball Beyond Borders, a Kent-based, United Way-supported youth development organization that combines baseball and softball with mentorship and education. 

We’ll chat with Bookie about Baseball Beyond Borders' recent Seattle-HBCU baseball series and how he’s working to keep interest in the sport alive among local youth of color.

We’ll also talk about our Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

This week's episode features a conversation with Norine Hill, founder and director of Mother Nation, a Seattle-based, United Way-supported organization that provides cultural healing services, housing support, and other resources for Indigenous women and families. 

We’ll chat with Norine about Mother Nation’s origins, its impact, and what she believes King County must do to address its housing crisis.

We’ll also discuss our Free Tax Preparation Campaign and local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode is a conversation with Kristi Brown, the renowned chef and owner of That Brown Girl Cooks catering and Communion Restaurant and Bar in Seattle.

United Way is proud to say we have supported Kristi on her way to becoming one of our nation’s most highly acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs. For this episode, we will chat with Kristi about her passion and drive for her craft, her connections to United Way, and her new dining venture in Seattle. 

We will also discuss our ongoing Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about Parent Child Plus with its new CEO, Stephen Cockrell.

United Way is proud to support the national ParentChild+ program and its local agencies as part of our commitment to early learning. United Way caught up with Cockrell recently when the new leader of the New York-based national organization visited the Seattle area. 

We chatted with him about stepping into his new role, the current state of early learning nationally, and how Washington state and organizations like United Way help prepare our kiddos for formal schooling. We also chatted with Joy Sebe, United Way education strategies director, about our commitment to Parent Child Plus.

Plus, we will highlight our ongoing Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

This week's episode features a conversation about SNAP, namely, who is going to cover the costs to keep the federal nutrition program running?

Hourglass recently sat down with Elsa Young, United Way Food Security Impact Manager, about a recent nationwide advocacy effort to delay federal mandates to shift some of SNAP benefits costs to states, how Washington state is responding to impending changes to the program, and ways you can make your voice heard to help determine the fate and future of SNAP.

We will also discuss United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign and an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Teresa Mosqueda, a current King County council member and former member of the City of Seattle council. 

Teresa has been a steadfast supporter of United Way programs and services that benefit our community, including our Free Tax Preparation campaign that is up and running at locations throughout King County.

In this episode, we chat with Teresa about topics such as the changing landscape of local politics, the county’s recent motion on funding for federal Department of Homeland Security agencies, and resources county residents should take advantage of to make their earnings go further.

We will also discuss an upcoming United Way Emerging Leaders event and a local volunteer opportunity. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a discussion about United Way’s Black Community Building Collective, a group of more than a dozen Black-led nonprofits that share best practices, craft strategies, and use United Way resources to help bring power to King County’s Black community. 

For this episode, we will chat with four members of the Black Community Building Collective about the Collective’s impact since its launch in 2020 amid the George Floyd tragedy.

We will also discuss an upcoming United Way event and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. It’s Tax Season, and that means United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign is up and running. From now until April 19, qualified residents can have their taxes done free, either virtually or at one of our 20 locations across King County.

In this week’s episode, we sat down with Ryan McFerran, United Way senior program manager for tax credits and financial stability, and corporate relations manager, Carrie Bates, United Way, for a discussion about our Free Tax Prep Campaign, what to expect when filing this year’s taxes how United Way keeps its tax sites safe and accessible for residents of all backgrounds and the impact of our campaign in our communities.

We will also discuss an upcoming event and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode is the second installment of a three-part series on 2026 state, county, and city policy. 

We’ll discuss the City of Seattle and King County governments, both of which gained new leaders from last year’s election. 

We sat down with Amanda Sandoval, United Way's director of systems change and policy, to discuss how our elected leaders at the city and county levels will address issues such as housing, childcare, and challenges posed by federal funding cutbacks.

We will also discuss our Free Tax Preparation campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Time and again, it seems as if Seattle’s annual King Day march and rally has coincided with moments in our nation’s history that shed light on injustice, inequality, and the progress we haven’t made in eliminating both.

Monday’s march and rally at Garfield High School was held two days after Garfield students staged a walkout and demonstration in response to recent actions among members of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (or ICE) amid the nation’s anti-immigrant crackdown. 

The Garfield students' protests are like those being held across the country since the killing of Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on January 7.

For this week’s episode of the Hourglass United Way podcast, we chatted with Shaude’ Moore, chair of the Seattle MLK Jr Organizing Coalition, on how each year the coalition braces for the possibility of unrest during the event.

We also chatted with Alexis Silva, United Way Senior Community and Volunteer Engagement Manager, about the coalition’s partnership with United Way and our efforts to keep people engaged in community-centered events well after King Day.

We will also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This episode is the first installment of a three-part series on 2026 state, county, and city policy. 

As the 2026 Washington State Legislative Session begins on January 12, we sat down with Amanda Sandoval, United Way director of systems change and policy, for a discussion about the governor’s budget, expectations around this year’s legislative session, and ways that you can make your concerns heard to lawmakers.

 We will also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Happy New Year! For this 100th episode, we look back at 2025 and look at what’s in store for 2026.

We’ll chat with United Way interim CEO Dr. Catherine Cushinberry about how we at United Way addressed the challenges of 2025 and some of the things our organization seeks to accomplish this New Year, including the naming of a new president and CEO and a renewed commitment to one of our most popular programs.

We will also discuss our upcoming Free Tax preparation campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in! 

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Claudia Kauffman, our Washington State Senator and co-founder of the Native Action Network, a United Way-supported, Seattle-based nonprofit that promotes the full representation and leadership of Indigenous women in local, state, tribal, and national affairs.

We’ll chat with Senator Kauffman about some of her recent efforts to help turn ideas into reality, including the extension of Martin Luther King Jr. Way from Seattle to Renton and Kent, and the impact of Native Action Network, which led the Seattle Seahawks to choose the organization for its Inspire Change Apparel Collection.

We’ll also hear from United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Anna Cronin about our Year-End Fundraising Campaign and discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about United Way's Community Partnership Kit Offerings, packages loaded with essential items for King County residents based on needs identified by neighborhood-based organizations.

Assembling and distributing those kits is part of a volunteer project known as kit builds. We’ve hosted kit builds for companies and organizations in our area for more than a year. 

For this week’s episode, we spoke with Alexis Silva, United Way Senior Community Volunteer and Engagement Manager, about several topics related to Community Partnership Kit Offerings, including the project’s origins, its impact, and what it means to the ever-changing volunteer landscape.

We’ll also hear from United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Anna Cronin about our Year-End Fundraising Campaign and discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about how the SeaTac-based Congolese Integration Network utilizes the early learning program ParentChild+ to help immigrant children and their parents adapt to and thrive in their new country.

We’ll hear from Eveline Bakulu, the early learning coordinator at Congolese Integration Network, and Whitney Nakamura, Community Impact Manager at United Way, about how many King County immigrant families, particularly those from Sub-Saharan Africa, turn to Congolese Integration Network for essential resources and community support.

 We’ll also hear from United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Anna Cronin about our Year-End Fundraising Campaign and discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

 Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This episode is a conversation about Leadership Tomorrow and Project LEAD. Leadership Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization co-founded by United Way that cultivates a network of leaders to address our region’s challenges. It is also the new home of Project LEAD, a nonprofit board training program for people of color, which was founded and previously housed by United Way. 

Project LEAD is now accepting applications for next year’s training cohort. For this episode, we’ll chat with Leadership Tomorrow executive director Bindiya Patel on topics such as the impact of Project LEAD and other Leadership Tomorrow programs, and we’ll hear from Nadia Gandara, United Way Senior Director of Racial Equity Strategies, about Project LEAD’s transition to a new home.

We’ll also hear from United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Anna Cronin about our Year-End Fundraising Campaign and discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. On the eve of United Way of King County's Year-End Fundraising Campaign launch, this week's episode features a conversation with Angel Swanson of Feeding Feasible Feasts, an Auburn-based food relief organization that addresses hunger in five Western Washington counties.

United Way proudly supports Feeding Feasible Feasts, which provides essential resources to local families while ensuring that perfectly edible food is not wasted.

We will also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about our Year-End Giving Campaign, "Hope Doesn’t Quit, Neither Do We."

When you invest in United Way’s work through our annual year-end giving campaign, you help us strengthen our community and ensure that everyone has the support they need.

For this episode, we’ll chat with United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Anna Cronin about campaign topics, including the programs we hope to fund, our board of directors’ match, and the importance of giving at this time of year. 

We will also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Andrea Alexander, a Makah Tribal Elder, activist, and community development expert who leads the Northwest Native Asset Building Coalition, an Edmonds-based, United Way-supported nonprofit that empowers Indigenous communities through education and facilitation. 

On the eve of Seattle hosting the National Congress of American Indians’ 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace this week, we sat down with Andrea to chat about the Northwest Native Asset Building Coalition’s efforts to provide economic empowerment and asset building to Indigenous individuals, families, and communities.

We will also discuss our efforts to help provide food access to residents amid the fallout from the federal government shutdown, as well as our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation about contacting elected officials.

Folks say write to your councilmembers, representatives, and your senators when you want issues addressed that you care about. Amid the current federal government shutdown and recent elections that have sent new leaders to the state and local offices, now seems like a good time to contact lawmakers.

 But how do you communicate your concerns to ensure they’re heard? For this episode of Hourglass, we sat down with Nick Federici, United Way’s anti-poverty policy advocate, to discuss the dos and don’ts of petitioning the people we elect to public office.

We will also discuss our efforts to help provide food access to residents amid the fallout from the federal government shutdown, as well as our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode is a conversation with Gabriel Galanda of Huy, a Seattle-based Indigenous organization that provides economic, rehabilitative, educational, and religious support for Indigenous inmates in Washington state and beyond. United Way of King County proudly supports Huy, which ensures that Indigenous people behind bars maintain the rights afforded to all people in our country and receive the cultural support and family connections while serving time.

We will also discuss our efforts to help provide food access to residents amid the fallout from the federal government shutdown, as well as our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign.

Thanks for tuning in!

This episode features a conversation about the possible loss of SNAP benefits to millions nationwide. United Way of King County has championed the impact of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides families nationwide with the means to keep food on the table. However, due to the current federal government shutdown, funding to SNAP hasn’t been replenished, and the program could soon run out of money. 

We sat down with United Way’s Director for Ending Hunger, Sara Seelmeyer, to discuss what this could mean for the nearly one million SNAP recipients in Washington state and how United Way and our partners are responding to help those already struggling to feed their families.

We will also discuss our Free Tax Preparation Campaign and an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about United Way’s free Home Grocery Delivery Program.

As United Way is set to launch our End of Year Giving Campaign that focuses on Hunger, Hourglass sat down with Cheyenne Stolmeier, United Way food security program manager, and Hannah Gauntz, United Way food security senior program coordinator, to discuss our program that provides free groceries door-to-door to local residents in need. 

We’ll also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

This episode features a conversation with historian and bestselling author Timothy Snyder. 

United Way is partnering with Seattle Arts and Lectures to co-sponsor an evening with Snyder at Benaroya Hall on Oct. 26 as part of our Conversations for Change series.

Hourglass sat down with Snyder to discuss his book On Tyranny: 20 Lessons for the 20th Century, which spent more than 140 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Snyder will discuss his book On Freedom during the Oct. 26 event.

We’ll discuss origins of “On Tyranny” and its lessons that inspire people to engage in acts such as defending our institutions, standing out for one’s beliefs and contributing to good causes.

We’ll also discuss our upcoming Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation about Emerging Leaders 365, a United Way of King County-sponsored group of more than 10,000 young adults passionate about engaging in a year of impact to support their neighbors. 

Emerging Leaders support local charities and small businesses, volunteer at nonprofit organizations, and engage in United Way’s Happy Hours & Hellos Series, which allows them to network with fellow professionals over refreshments while learning about United’s work.

The next Happy Hour and Hellos event is scheduled for October 14 at Nordstrom Southcenter. Hourglass recently sat down with Emerging Leader Auriella Varley and United Way associate director of marketing Taylor Roberson to discuss the impact of Emerging Leaders and the upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos.

We’ll also discuss a United Way Conversation for Change event this month with bestselling author Timothy Snyder and discuss a local volunteer opportunity. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation with two members of local Indigenous organization that will host a Seattle Public School Board Candidate Forum on October 4 at North Seattle College. 

We chatted with Lisa Rivera, Board Director of Urban Native Education Alliance and a former Seattle School Board director, and Kamryn Yanchick, Political Navigator at Native Action Network, about hosting the candidate forum and about education issues in local Indigenous communities.

We’ll also discuss an upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Tiffany Kelly-Gray of Byrd Barr Place, a Seattle-based nonprofit that offers essential services—including food, shelter, and financial tools—for Seattle area residents. 

As rising food prices and cuts to federal nutrition programs are impacting people’s ability to put healthy meals on the table, Byrd Barr Place provides innovative ways to meet community needs. We’ll chat with Tiffany about the organization’s efforts to address food insecurity, our communities' current state of need, and Byrd Barr Place’s upcoming Legacy in Motion gala.

We’ll also talk about our upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event and a local volunteer opportunity.

I’m your host, Joe Burris. Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode discusses United Way’s Indigenous Communities Fund. Since the fund was launched in 2020, we’ve granted about $5 million to local groups to address many needs in King County’s Indigenous Communities.

Hourglass sat down with Marlo Klein, United Way Senior Community Impact Manager of Housing Stability, and Liahann Bannerman, United Way Senior Director of Equitable Philanthropy, to discuss the impact of the Indigenous Fund and recent changes that enable us to partner with more local organizations.

We will also discuss our upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event, as well as a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation with Dr. Catherine Cushinberry, United Way’s interim CEO.

Dr. Cushinberry became interim CEO when President and CEO Gordon McHenry Jr. stepped down in June. Hourglass sat down with Dr. Cushinberry for this episode to discuss topics that include her background and work, her interim role at United Way, and the relationship between nonprofits and philanthropy.

We will also hear from United Way board chair Lisa Chin on why the board chose Dr. Cushinberry to lead the organization at this time and where the process for selecting a permanent president and CEO currently stands.

We’ll also hear about an upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. We sat down with three United Way of King County housing specialists to discuss the current need for rental assistance and eviction prevention in our county, our efforts (including renewed funding) to help address those needs, and how people might receive financial and legal assistance to stay in their homes.

We will also discuss an upcoming United Way Happy Hour and Hellos event, as well as a volunteer opportunity with El Centro De La Raza.

Thanks for tuning in.

This week’s episode features a candid and poignant discussion about youth gun violence in our area.

 We sat down with two young men from the United Way-supported 4-C Coalition and Seattle Cares mentoring movement, as well as the director of Seattle Cares, to discuss an issue affecting far too many of our young people and their families.

We’ll also discuss our Free Summer Meals program for school-age children and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

This week's episode discusses federal legislation that will cut SNAP benefits to recipients across Washington state and nationwide. 

We sat down with Sara Seelmeyer, United Way’s Director for Ending Hunger, and Connor Walsh, United Way Associate Director for Public and Private Partnerships. Both recently attended a United Way Worldwide Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., to speak with members of Congress about the potential impact of those cuts.

We’ll also discuss our free summer meals program for school-age children and a local volunteer opportunity.

I’m your host, Joe Burris. Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation with Jayanna Volle of CHOOSE 180, a United Way-supported, Burien-based organization that has impacted the local juvenile justice system by transforming how our region responds to young people. 

For more than a dozen years, CHOOSE 180 has worked with the courts, schools, and communities to empower youth in King County with choices that can help change their lives. In this episode, we will chat with Jayanna about the organization’s recent expansion into Pierce County, where it hopes to make a similar impact.

We’ll also discuss our free summer meals program for school-age children and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation with Kent resident Yusuf Bashir, who is making an impact in his community while working two jobs. One, as the founder of the United Way-supported nonprofit Falis Community Services, and the other as a bus driver for King County Metro.

We’ll also discuss our Free Summer Meals program for school-age youth and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation about addressing youth homelessness. 

We chat with Tricia Raikes, co-founder of the Seattle-based Raikes Foundation, which not only responds to youth and young adult homelessness but also works to prevent it from happening in the first place. 

Tricia Raikes and United Way of King County partnership manager Danie Radic will discuss how our organizations are partnering to ensure every young person has a safe and stable place to call home.

We’ll also discuss our free summer meals program for school-age children and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This episode features poetry, prose, and perspective from Maven Gardner, a 2016 Seattle Youth Poet Laureate, whose writings have shed light on what it means to grow up in foster care and then experience homelessness as an adult in our region.

Maven read some of their poetry during a 2022 United Way Advancing Racial Equity Series event, and they gained some stability during homelessness via Seattle’s youth shelters, many of which were funded by United Way’s work to address homelessness.

United Way recently caught up with Maven, who now lives in Los Angeles and is active in Southern California’s creative circles. They spoke with Hourglass about relocating from the only place they’ve called home and continuing to use poetry to explore issues of race, class, gender identity, foster care, and houselessness.

We will also spotlight United Way’s Free Summer Meals program for school-age youth and discuss a local volunteer opportunity. 

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation with Michele Storms, the executive director of the ACLU of Washington.

Since 1935, the ACLU of Washington has served as one of our state’s most formidable civil rights and civil liberties organizations. Much of its work aligns with United Way of King County’s efforts to address issues such as housing insecurity and education disparities.

 In this episode, we will chat with Michelle about the ACLU’s work in those and other areas, the organization’s origins, and the things that give her hope amid the nation’s turbulent political climate.

We will also discuss United Way’s Free Summer Meals program for school-aged children and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. In this episode, we’re talking baseball with Bookie Gates of Baseball Beyond Borders, a Kent-based organization that provides baseball and softball access for communities of color. 

United Way of King County is proud to support Baseball Beyond Borders and its efforts to help student-athletes of color connect their passion on the field with their academic futures off the field.

We’ll also discuss our Free Summer Meals program for school-age youth and a local volunteer opportunity. 

Thanks for tuning in.

This week's episode is a conversation with Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown.

 Hourglass met with the attorney general on Friday, just moments after the US Supreme Court ruled against an injunction that prohibited the White House from limiting birthright citizenship in the U.S. 

 Earlier this year, Brown led a lawsuit challenging the White House executive order to limit birthright citizenship, and he’s been one of the nation’s attorneys general who have used the courts to preserve the rights of immigrants amid federal mass deportation efforts.

 We chatted with Brown about the Supreme Court's decision, our nation’s anti-immigration climate, and other issues that are pillars of United Way’s work.

 We will also discuss our free summer meals program for school-age children and a local volunteer opportunity.

 Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode is about ParentChild+, a national organization with local affiliates that works with parents, toddlers, communities, and caregivers to support children’s early learning.

We’ll chat about ParentChild+ with United Way Community Impact Manager Whitney Nakamura and Elisa Jimenez of El Centro De La Raza, a United Way-supported, Seattle-based organization that serves as a voice and hub for King County’s Latino community.

We will also discuss our Summer Meals Program for school-aged children and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation with Naomi Mulitauaopele Tagaleo’o of Education with a Purpose for Pacific Islanders, a Kent-based organization that provides education resources and support to Pacific Islander youth and their parents. 

United Way of King County proudly supports Education with a Purpose for Pacific Islanders and its efforts to help students succeed in the classroom and beyond.

We will also discuss United Way’s Free Summer Meals program and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week's episode is a conversation about tackling our housing crisis. 

United Way of King County recently launched its Bridging the Wealth Gap campaign, which aims to increase access to financing and capital for homeownership and small business development in communities of color across the Greater King County region.

In this episode, we will chat with Kathleen Hosfeld of Homestead Community Land Trust, the leader of one of the organizations we’re partnering with in our campaign. The Seattle-based organization works to create stability, equity, and opportunity through permanently affordable homeownership.

We will also hear about an upcoming Bridging the Wealth Gap campaign event and a local volunteer opportunity.

I’m your host, Joe Burris. Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This episode features a conversation with Lisa Fruichantie, the executive director of Na Ah Illhee Fund, a United Way-supported, Seattle-based organization that promotes Indigenous women's leadership in communities from the Pacific Northwest to the Arctic to the Rockies. 

Fruichantie will discuss how her drive and passion for her work stretch back to her childhood in the area of Alaska that is still experiencing the effects of the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, one of the most catastrophic environmental disasters in U.S. history.

We will also hear about an upcoming United Way event and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. In this episode, we’ll discuss the statewide Free Summer Meals program. Sponsored by United Way of King County and our partners, the Free Summer Meals program provides free meals to youth under 18 while school is out for the summer. We’ll chat with United Way’s staff members about Free Summer Meals and Summer EBT, a program that helps families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. 

We’ll also hear a special message from United Way of King County president and CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr., and discuss a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. In this episode, we'll discuss SNAP, the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is one of the nation’s most effective tools for addressing hunger and lifting families out of poverty. But federal lawmakers are currently considering nearly $300 billion in cuts to the program. 

In this episode, we will chat with Sara Seelmeyer, United Way Associate Director for Ending Hunger, and Elsa Young, United Way Food Security Impact Manager, about how those cuts would impact Washingtonians locally and statewide.

We will also hear a special message from United Way of King County president and CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr., about a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation with Dawn Bennett, the executive director of the African American Leadership Forum, a Kent-based organization committed to revitalizing and sustaining local communities of color.

We will also hear a special message from United Way president and CEO Gordon McHenry Jr., and discuss a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode is a conversation on youth advocacy and activism featuring FEEST, a Seattle-based organization that trains young people of color and working-class youth to organize for systemic change in their schools.

United Way of King County is proud to fund FEEST and spotlight its work to build young leaders who prioritize equity and address injustice.

We will also hear about an upcoming Conversations for Change event and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode discusses corporate and nonprofit partnerships, spotlighting our work in communities with Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom.

We’ll also spotlight an upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event and discuss a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

In this episode, we’ll discuss legacy giving, a way to make charitable donations through one’s estate plan. This type of giving allows people to support causes or donations even after they pass on. 

We’ll discuss legacy giving with James McBain, the Senior vice president and Regional Director of Wealth Planning and Trust Advisory at U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management, and Jennifer Trice, United Way Principal Gift Officer.

We’ll also discuss United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Program and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation with United Way board member Rachel Smith, President and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. The episode is part of an ongoing series highlighting members of United Way of King County’s board of directors. We proudly feature Rachel, who will discuss the functions of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber, an organization representing 2,500 businesses and about 750,000 employees across our region. 

We will also discuss United Way’s Free Tax Preparation campaign and an upcoming volunteer opportunity. Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This episode is a conversation on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion with Amelia Ransom, the retired Vice President of DE&I at Smartsheet. Amelia will be the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony for United Way of King County’s Project LEAD, a training program that aims to increase the representation of people of color on non-profit boards and other community leadership positions.

In this episode, Amelia will discuss some of the biggest misconceptions about DEI, the differences between equality and equity, and the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is currently under constant attack from our federal government.

We will also discuss United Way’s Free Tax Preparation campaign and an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

It’s tax season, and United Way is doing what it can to help you regain some of your hard-earned wages via refunds and credits.

In this episode, we’ll discuss United Way’s one-day, free tax preparation events and provide information about the Washington State Working Families Tax Credit.

We’ve invited Leila Reynolds (left), campaign communications manager for the Washington State Budget and Policy Center, to tell us more about our state’s tax credit, and Casey Lantz, United Way’s Outreach and Relationship Coordinator on Tax Credits and Financial Stability, to tell us more about our one-day pop-up events.

We’ll also hear a message from United Way president and CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr., about our work during these challenging times, and we’ll spotlight a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

It’s tax season, and in this episode, we will spotlight United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign and discuss what’s new this year when it comes to filing your income tax return.

We’ll also hear a message from United Way president and CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr., about our work during these challenging times, and we’ll spotlight a local volunteer opportunity.

I’m your host, Joe Burris. Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. This week’s episode features a conversation between United Way chief impact officer Regina Malveaux and Washington Women’s Foundation’s president and CEO Maria Kolby-Wolfe about the efforts of philanthropy and nonprofits to address the current political landscape.

We’ll also hear a message from United Way president and CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr., about our work during these challenging times, and we’ll spotlight our Free Tax Preparation campaign.

Thanks for turning in!

Good news happens. In this week’s episode, we’ll spotlight Glover Empower Mentoring, a Kent-based organization that mentors youth and young adults in King and Pierce counties. 

United Way proudly supports Glover Empower Mentoring. In this episode, we’ll chat with its founder, Kendrick Glover, and other members of the organization's staff about the organization’s efforts to provide safe spaces for young people to bond, express themselves, and navigate this uncertain political climate. 

We’ll also hear a message from United Way president and CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr., about our work during these challenging times, and we’ll spotlight our Free Tax Preparation campaign.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. In this week’s episode, we chat with Ginger Kwan of Open Doors for Multicultural Families, a Kent-based organization that supports culturally and linguistically diverse people with disabilities and their families. United Way proudly supports Open Doors for Multicultural Families. In this episode, we’ll discuss how the organization supports families amid the ever-changing political climate.

We’ll also hear a message from United Way president and CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr., about our work during these challenging times, and we’ll spotlight our Free Tax Preparation campaign.

Thanks for turning in!

Good news happens. In this week’s episode, we’ll chat with United Way board member and Seattle Seahawks legend Doug Baldwin Jr. Doug discusses topics such as providing resources and opportunities for the community, working with United Way, and applying lessons he learned from the Seahawks to his current work. 

We’ll also hear a message from United Way president and CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr., about our work during these challenging times, and we’ll spotlight our Free Tax Preparation campaign.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. In this episode, we chat with Dow Constantine, the longest-serving executive in King County's history. United Way partners with county leaders to address issues in areas such as housing and education, and in this episode, we’ll chat with Constantine about his service to our county, our region’s progress and challenges, and partnerships with organizations like United Way. 

We’ll also hear a message from United Way president and CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr., about our work during these challenging times, and we’ll spotlight an upcoming event at our community partner organization Byrd Barr Place.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. In this week’s episode, we’ll discuss Lobby Days at the State Capitol, an annual opportunity for individuals and groups to gather in Olympia, meet with lawmakers, and advocate for policies that may help improve the quality of life in our communities. 

In this episode, we will chat with Nancy Lu, United Way Systems Change & Public Policy Coordinator, and State Representative Mari Leavitt on the importance of Lobby Day and United Way’s February lobbying advocacy efforts.

 We’ll also hear from United Way board chair Steve Hooper about why he supports our organization, and we'll discuss a local volunteer opportunity.

 Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. During this week’s episode, we’ll talk journalism with United Way board member Julie Wolfe, news director for Seattle’s KING 5 Media Group. 

We’ll also hear from United Way board chair Steve Hooper about why he supports our organization, and we'll discuss a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. In this episode, we’ll chat with members of United Way staff and officials from the Federal Way School District, which offers a firsthand look at the impact of Breakfast After the Bell in Lake Grove Elementary School. Pictured here are Alisha Barlow, Executive Director Of Nutrition Services at Federal Way Public Schools (left), and Lake Grove principal Amanda Wilde.

We’ll also hear from United Way board chair Steve Hooper about why he supports our organization, and we'll discuss a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. This episode is the first in a series highlighting members of United Way of King County’s board of directors. We’ll spotlight United Way board member Shkëlqim Kelmendi of Housing Connector, a Seattle-based organization that increases affordable housing access for those in need by addressing financial and residency challenges. 

We will also talk about our upcoming Rapid Response grants and discuss a local volunteer opportunity. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. In Hourglass's first podcast of 2025, we’ll chat with Jennifer Tanaka, Deputy Director of King County’s Children, Youth and Young Adult Division, and Joy Sebe, United Way of King County director of education strategies, about partnerships between nonprofit and government sectors. We’ll speak specifically about United Way’s Racial Equity Coalition. This county-funded collective helps create communities belonging to youth of color and equips them with the tools to stay engaged in school.

We will also discuss our upcoming Rapid Response resources and a local volunteer opportunity. Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! This episode is Hourglass United Way’s Year in Review. We chat with United Way of King County president and CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr., about our organization’s work in 2024 and how that guides our work for this New Year.

We will also hear from United Way’s chief philanthropy officer, Lindsay Harper, about our year-end giving Campaign and discuss an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! In this episode, we chat with United Way Systems Change and Public Policy Coordinator Nancy Lu about ways our public policy team advocates for local, regional, and state resources to help make a difference in our communities.

We will also hear from United Way’s chief philanthropy officer, Lindsay Harper, about our year-end giving Campaign and discuss an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

 Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! This week’s episode concludes our two-part series on workplace giving. We will chat with Harold Baker, United Way of King County Associate Director, Corporate Development, and Scott Meden, United Way board member and retired Nordstrom chief marketing officer, about the current and future state of workplace giving.

We will also hear from United Way’s chief philanthropy officer, Lindsay Harper, about our year-end giving Campaign and discuss an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

This week’s episode features Project LEAD, United Way’s annual training program for people of color, that helps them develop leadership and management skills to serve on nonprofit boards of directors.

 We will also hear from United Way’s chief philanthropy officer, Lindsay Harper, about our year-end giving Campaign and discuss an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! On this week’s episode of United Way of King County’s podcast Hourglass, Coming up, we’ll hear from Russell Brooks of Red Eagle Soaring, an Indigenous youth theater group that uses art to address social and environmental issues.

United Way proudly supports Red Eagle Soaring, which is slated to perform at the December 9 Seattle Arts and Lectures Encore event featuring Indigenous author and scientist Robin Wall Kimmerer. The event is slated will be held at Town Hall Seattle.

We will also hear about United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens. In this week’s episode, we’ll hear how United Way of King County’s Emerging Leaders 365 group has redefined community engagement.

Emerging Leader Malena Magallanez and United Way Senior Marketing Program Manager Taylor Roberson will discuss how Emerging Leaders impacts the lives of local professionals and the communities they serve.

We’ll also discuss United Way’s Our Neighborhood Fund and hear about an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! This week, we'll chat with Scott Pinkham of United Indians of All Tribes Foundation, a Seattle-based cultural center and social service provider for Indigenous people in our area.

We will also discuss United Way of King County’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in.

Good news happens. During this week’s episode, we chat with Kayla Harstad of Urban Native Education Alliance, a Seattle-based organization that last week embarked on its annual trip to Washington, D.C., during Native American Heritage Month to learn more about the history of Indigenous people nationwide. United Way proudly supports Urban Native Education Alliance and how it spends its time engaging Indigenous people of all generations to empower its youth through education, culture, and tradition.

We will also discuss United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! Election Week is here, and this week’s episode concludes our three-part Get Out the Vote series. This episode is all about civic engagement. We’ll chat with Amanda Sandoval, United Way director of systems change and public policy on how you can make your voice heard through civic engagement on election day and all year long. This episode also features a special message on voting from our president and CEO, Gordon McHenry, Jr.

We’ll also discuss United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! In this episode, we visit BENU Community Home in Seattle, a transitional shelter for single adult males experiencing homelessness that was launched more than two years ago by United Way of King County grantee Africatown Community Land Trust. 

United Way proudly spotlights the BENU Community Home and its efforts to help men experiencing homelessness, particularly those of African descent, with resources that help them get back on their feet and then live productive lives once they leave BENU.

We will also spotlight United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! This week’s episode of United Way of King County’s podcast Hourglass is the first in a two-part series on workplace giving. We will discuss workplace giving origins, its heyday at United Way of King County, and its place in the current work landscape.

We will also discuss United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming United Way Conversations for Change event.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! In this second episode of our three-part Get Out the Vote series, we talk ballot initiatives.

We chat with Amanda Sandoval, United Way director of systems change and policy, for a discussion about the importance of ballot initiatives and two initiatives on the ballot in November’s General Election.

We also discuss United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming United Way Conversations for Change event.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! This week’s episode features a conversation with Robin Wall Kimmerer, an Indigenous scientist and storyteller whose book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants remained on the New York Times bestseller list for more than three years. 

Kimmerer will be a returning guest speaker for the Seattle Arts and Lectures Encore Series on December 9 at Town Hall, and United Way of King County is proud to co-sponsor that event. 

This week’s episode will also feature information about United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming event at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! In this episode, we visit Jewish Family Service, a Seattle-based organization, that, via its food bank, supports the needs of Jewish individuals and families, refugees and immigrants, and our broader community.

United Way is proud to support Jewish Family Service and spotlight its annual Community-Wide Food Drive & Food Sort, which enlists volunteers and partners to provide healthy food to people throughout the Puget Sound region.

We will also hear about United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming event at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Discovery Center.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! This week, we visit the Iraqi Community Center of Washington, a Kent-based organization that provides services and programs that help its community members achieve self-sufficiency.

 United Way of King County proudly supports the Iraqi Community Center of Washington and how it spends its time serving the nearly 5,000 Iraqi people who call our state home. 

We will also discuss United Way of King County’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming Get Out the Vote event. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! In this episode we will chat with Yusuf Bashir of Falis Community Services, a Kent-based organization that spends its time providing services and opportunities for immigrants and refugees.

United Way proudly supports Falis Community Services and its efforts to help immigrant and refugee youth, and families succeed in our area. 

We will also discuss United Way of King County’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming Get Out the Vote event.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good News happens! This week, United Way of King County’s podcast Hourglass features the first episode of our three-part Get Out the Vote Series. 

With the November Election less than two months away, United Way stresses the importance of exercising your right to vote. Our Get Out the Vote Series will discuss the importance of voting, initiatives on this year’s ballot, and ways to stay civically engaged all year long.

We will also discuss United Way of King County’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming Get Out the Vote event.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! In this episode, the leader of United Way’s 1,100 organizations discusses topics such as her career in service to others, her tenure at the helm of United Way Worldwide, and her views about the nonprofit sector.

We will also hear about United Way of King County’s Our Neighbor Fund and an upcoming Get Out the Vote event.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! This week’s episode features Dr. Kelly Kinnison, the new CEO of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. Dr. Kinnison, a former Division director of the US Department of Health and Human Services, took over for the Authority earlier this month. 

She recently spoke to United Way of King County about how she’s spending her time addressing one of the area’s most longstanding crises.

We will also discuss United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and provide information on a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! This week’s episode features a conversation with Gregory Davis of Rainier Beach Action Coalition, an organization that empowers its South Seattle community and helps kids across the region prepare for the upcoming school year. 

United Way of King County proudly supports Rainier Beach Action Coalition and its efforts to build a connected, sustainable, and equitable community.

We will also hear about United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

More than one third of the people experiencing homelessness in the US live in West Coast states. Hear how United Way of King County and other United Ways on the West Coast spend  time addressing the homelessness crisis.

We’ll also discuss United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and a volunteer Opportunity at Lambert House.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! And for some local nonprofits, we’ve helped make it happen from the very beginning. In this episode, we talk about how we’ve spent our time helping people launch or grow nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of our communities. We will also hear about United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and our upcoming event with the Seattle Mariners!

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! This episode is about addressing loneliness. It features a conversation with the US Surgeon General, who recently visited United Way-supported Red Eagle Soaring Youth Theater in Seattle as part of his national tour to spread the word about the epidemic of social isolation. 

We will also hear about United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and our upcoming event with the Seattle Mariners!

Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode, you'll hear how we spend our time providing free and nutritious meals to kids all summer long! 

Also, stick around to learn about United Way’s new Our Neighbor Fund and our upcoming event with the Seattle Mariners!

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! Check out this conversation with Cristina Luevano-Santos of Emerging Leaders 365, a United Way of King County-sponsored group of young professionals who spend their time making a difference in our community.

We will also hear about United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and spotlight a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Want to know more about us and our work? This episode features answers to 10 of the most frequently asked questions we receive from donors and donor prospects.

We will also hear about United Way’s Our Neighbor Fund and spotlight a volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! In this episode, we chat with Teresa Mosqueda, current King County and former City of Seattle Council member, who, like United Way, spends time addressing issues such as housing, food insecurity, and access to resources. 

We will also spotlight United Way’s new Our Neighbor Fund and hear about a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

Good news happens! In this episode, we chat with Meghan Barnes of Teens in Public Service, a Seattle-based organization that hires young adult leaders for paid community service internships and pairs them with nonprofit organizations over the summer. 

United Way of King County proudly spotlights Teens in Public Service, which pairs interns with several partner organizations, including Chief Seattle Club, El Centro De La Raza, and Technology Access Foundation.

We will also hear about United Way’s new Our Neighbor Fund and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!  

We chat with members of two United Way-supported organizations about the city’s Equitable Development Initiative, which was launched in 2016 to help address the displacement of people of color from Seattle’s once-affordable neighborhoods.

Both Jessica Juarez-Wagner of Potlatch Fund and Wyking Garrett of Africatown Community Land Trust believe the initiative has been under attack due to recent city council legislation. Now, they’re spending time voicing support for EDI’s future.

We will also learn about United Way’s new Our Neighbor Fund and hear about a United Way-supported volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode, we chat with the co-founder and director of the Seattle-based mentorship group. On June 12,  Cameron will receive the Sound Generations 2024 Inspire Positive Aging Award for her service to the community. 

United Way of King County proudly supports the 4-C Coalition and honors Cameron for the time she spends making a difference in the lives of young people through mentoring.

We’ll also hear about the United Way-supported Vashon Maury Community Food Bank and an upcoming United Way Happy Hour and Hellos event. 

Thanks for tuning in!

This episode features a conversation with Regina Elmi, co-founder and executive director of Supporting Partnerships in Education and Beyond (SPEB). This Renton-based organization believes all children’s success depends upon strong partnerships between parents, schools, and community members.

United Way of King County proudly spotlights Supporting Partnerships in Education and Beyond and how it spends its time helping communities of color advocate for change.

We will also chat about West Seattle Food Bank and spread the news about an upcoming Volunteer and Learn event.

Thanks for tuning in!

This month marks the one-year anniversary of the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hourglass looks back at how COVID-19 impacted local students in and out of the classroom and how a United Way-funded coalition of nonprofits aided young people, families, and communities during the pandemic.

In the photo are four students from two local nonprofits who offered their takes on schooling during COVID: Zeppelin Andrew (Kiowa) and Helena Johnny (Cowichan) of local nonprofit Red Eagle Soaring and Alondra Gonzalez and Miguel Bravo Monterrozo of Para Los Ninos.

We’ll also spotlight the South King County Food Coalition and an upcoming United Way event addressing housing insecurity.

Thanks for tuning in!

There's more to movement than exercise and sports! This episode features a conversation with Sarah Sense-Wilson and Kayla Harstad of Urban Native Education Alliance, a Seattle-based organization that immerses generations of Indigenous youth in education, culture, and tradition.

United Way is proud to support Urban Native Education Alliance and how it spends its time keeping Indigenous youth active with programs that foster health and wellness and engaged in activities that promote social justice. 

We will also hear about the Des Moines Area Food Bank and an upcoming event that probes solutions to housing insecurity.

Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode, we chat with Leslie Stone, the youth development director for Asian Counseling and Referral Service of Seattle. For more than 50 years, Asian Counseling and Referral Service, or ACRS, has offered a broad array of behavioral health programs, human services, and civic engagement activities for Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and other local communities. 

United Way of King County proudly supports ACRS and how it spends its time promoting social justice and the well-being for communities that are often underserved.

We also spotlight Ballard Food Bank and our upcoming Conversations for Change event on Housing Stability.

Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode, we chat with Sherry Williams, the executive director of operations for Technology Access Foundation, a Seattle-based organization that provides STEM education for underserved students and support for educators of color.

United Way of King County proudly supports Technology Access Foundation and how it spends its time using STEM as a tool for social change and educational equality.

We will also hear about Kent Food Bank & Emergency Services and about our upcoming Conversations for Change event on Housing Stability.

Thanks for tuning in!

This episode features a conversation with Nicole Barker of Open Doors for Multicultural Families, a Kent-based organization that envisions a world where all individuals with intellectual developmental disabilities and their families thrive in an inclusive society of their own design.

 United Way of King County proudly supports Open Doors for Multicultural Families and how it spends its time supporting communities through programs, training, and advocacy.

We will also spotlight the Highline Area Food Bank and share information about an upcoming United Way event on housing stability.

Thanks for tuning in!

This episode features a conversation with Tony B Benton, the founder and Station Manager of Rainier Avenue Radio, a Black-owned, 24-hour station in Historic Columbia City Theater that amplifies the diverse narratives and voices of Southeast Seattle’s communities. 

United Way of King County is proud to spotlight Tony B and allow him the time to chat about the station’s upcoming Rainier Avenue Earth Day event, an event held from April 22-26. 

We will also spotlight the Auburn Food Bank and share information about an upcoming United Way event on housing stability.

Thanks for tuning in!

As we approach the April 15 IRS Tax Deadline, we’ve dedicated this episode to all things taxes. 

United Way Credits & Financial Stability team members Casey Lantz (left) and Ryan McFerran chat about how we spend time preparing thousands of returns free of charge while helping make tax season a little less stressful for our neighbors. 

Thanks for tuning in!

It's all about giving: United Way Chief Philanthropy Officer Lindsay Harper talks about the ever-changing philanthropic landscape and explains how we spend our time making the best use of contributions from people like you. 

Want your taxes done for free? We provide info on United Way's Free Tax Preparation Program.

And there's a new event coming up on how to earn what you're worth!

Thanks for tuning in!

Hear about Cultivate South Park, a nonprofit organization in Seattle's South Park neighborhood that provides fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains to a community with limited food options nearby. 

Want your taxes done for free? We provide info on United Way's Free Tax Preparation Program.

And there's a new event coming up on how to earn what you're worth!

Thanks for tuning in!

Hourglass chats with Sarah Walzer of ParentChild+, a New York-based, national organization that ensures all children regardless of race, socio-economic status, or zip code have equal possibilities from the start. 

Also, hear about our rental assistance partner Centro Cultural Mexicano.

And we've got an upcoming event at Shoreline Community College!

Thanks for tuning in!

In this episode, we chat with United Way of King County chief impact officer Regina Malveaux, who shares how we spend time making a difference in communities through service and advocacy.

We also highlight our rental assistance partner Neighborhood House.

And we announce an upcoming Change Makers event.

Thanks for tuning in!

The Filipino Community of Seattle is one of 14 United Way-supported local organizations that spend their time conducting afterschool programs that teach youth about their heritage and their culture. 

James Lovell tells us how he spends his time serving communities as Chief Community Development Officer of the Chief Seattle Club and as a newly elected member of SeaTac city council. 

Also, hear about one of our rental assistance partners, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle.

And how about spending a happy hour with us? We'll let you know when and where.

Thanks for tuning in!

Mentorship program directors Hazel and Don Cameron tell us how they’ve dedicated their time to helping young men of color succeed in school and in life.

Hourglass United Way visits the Rhapsody Project, a Seattle-based community of artists that explore and celebrate music and heritage through an anti-racist lens. The Rhapsody Project will perform at United Way of King County’s Advancing Racial Equity Series event, Revisiting Dr. King’s Lost Speech, on February 13 at Rainier Arts Center.

On this day, United Way stopped by Rhapsody Project’s new studio at King Street Station to hear how the community spends its time teaching people to use music and culture to confront injustice, learn about their heritage, and enrich their lives.

On the first episode of Hourglass, United Way of King County president and CEO Gordon McHenry, Jr., talks about the organization's mission, its work and the communities it serves.