#2HoursinSLU - Cascade Women's Program

Liz Osteen, Mary Guiberson and Emily Jones are part of the team at the 

Cascade Women’s Program, a transitional housing program in South Lake Union.

No one day is ever the same at the Cascade Women’s Program, a service of Compass Housing Alliance that has called South Lake Union home for 16 years.

“Every day at Cascade looks a little different,” says Program Manager Mary Guiberson, “because we work with the women here on an individual level.”

Among the women of Cascade are people with limited education to those with graduate degrees. Teachers. Professionals. Regardless of their background, all have a skill that they can contribute to their community. But for many, those skills are locked away. Trauma is a common experience for many of the women at Cascade. Learning to overcome that trauma to unlock the person within is one of the most valuable outcomes that the program can offer. It starts with the compassion and care of a talented group of case managers.

“The women we serve are a mirror of who we are,” says Emily Jones, the program’s leasing specialist. “They’re no different than any of us.”

For the women in the program, there are two goals: The first, and universal, is to find permanent, affordable housing, says Community Engagement Specialist Liz Osteen. But the second depends on the individual.

“It might be finding a job, or going back to school, or improving their health. Each woman sets her own goal,” Liz says.

While the program helps women look inward for personal development, the women of Cascade also hope to build bridges within the SLU community. From preparing a community meal to volunteering to hosting an exercise, art or nutrition class, there are a number of ways to get involved. One of the most valuable contributions comes in the one-on-one interactions between volunteers and residents of Cascade, for whom a warm smile and friendly conversation can be therapeutic. And, just maybe, a learning experience for the visitor, as well.

“The person you see on the streets is just like you – they’ve just experienced a crisis that has led them to this,” Emily says.

To learn more about the Cascade Women’s Program or to get involved, contact Liz Osteen at losteen@compasshousingalliance.org or 206-474-1831.

The SLU Chamber Office has a new home (again!)

The SLU Chamber office is in the midst of relocating, as our current office location will be under new construction this month.

Our new location is on the corner of Aurora & Republican at 500 Aurora Ave N Seattle, WA 98109. Our mailing address, PO Box 9411, remains the same.    

We may experience limited office hours and availability during the week we're settling in (September 2-5). We appreciate your patience and will respond to inquires ASAP during this transition. Looking forward to your visit to our new office soon 

Call for Nominations for 2015 SLU Chamber Board of Directors

Concurrent with Chamber of Commerce bylaws, the Nominating Committee is considering applications for the Board of Directors. We encourage our members to apply and/or nominate fellow Chamber members for this opportunity to serve the SLU community and promote your business. Qualified candidates must submit a fully completed application by August 25, 2014. Applications are accepted online via this link: bit.ly/SLUChamberBoard

The term of office is for 3 years unless the candidate fills an unexpired term. The Board of Directors currently consists of 14 members. The Board meets once a month for no more than 2 hours. All members of the Board of Directors must attend monthly meetings, Chamber functions and volunteer their time and energy for various Chamber projects. The Board of Directors is expected to serve as positive leaders of the Chamber and to demonstrate their commitment to the Chamber. Specifics regarding time commitments are highlighted on the application form. The Board member must be a member in good standing, and must live and/or work in South Lake Union.

Applicants are selected based upon service in the Chamber as well as background and experience. Unfortunately, we cannot accept every applicant, but we encourage you to continue to apply if you are interested.

Please note, the vetting and process for board member selection includes a meeting with a current board member and/or member of the nominating committee, application review by nominating committee, followed by a slate of selected candidates being presented to the board for a vote. 

#2HoursinSLU – Samuel Sobota

For our fifth installment of #2hoursinslu, we followed Samuel Sobota, an assistant manager and resident at the True North Apartments on Dexter Avenue. He is relatively new to Seattle, after moving here in December from the Portland metro area, and he loves spending time exploring his new neighborhood.

Photo of Samuel at Coal Creek Waterfall

True North apartments, a brand new luxury apartment building that embodies Northwestern culture, is also the location of the August Chamber lunch, which will take place August 20th at the Summit Room. The Summit room at True North is located on the top floor adjacent to the spectacular roof deck, which also happens to be Samuel’s favorite place in South Lake Union to relax. When Samuel is looking to exercise, he can use the bouldering wall or borrow the kayaks available to residents.

Photo from True North roof deck

Samuel and his friend Cat on the roof deck at True North

When asked how he would spend a typical #2hoursinSLU, being a foodie as well as a having studied culinary arts, of course the first thing he mentioned were some of the excellent dining offerings located just blocks away from his home. Cask & Trotter, a homestyle barbeque restaurant, is hands down his favorite restaurant. However, depending on the day, you may catch him for brunch at Portage Bay enjoying their delicious fruit bar, or at New York Pizza’s happy hour enjoying a weekend cocktail. When he is ready for a caffeine fix, he is fortunate that less than a block away, he can walk to Herkimer Coffee for a delicious, handcrafted beverage from their extremely friendly staff.

Happy Hour at New York Pizza

Meal at Cask & Trotter

Samuel also enjoys getting out and about in his neighborhood, especially during the amazing summer days. On a nice day, he may be spending time walking Lola (his “God Dog”) along with her owner, Alli, around the Cheshiahud loop. Sometimes he’ll also enjoy an “urban hike” on the steep staircase located along Dexter Avenue that connects the South Lake Union and Queen Anne neighborhoods.

Samuel, his friend Alli, and “God Dog” Lola at Lake Union Park

View from Kerry Park at the top of the “urban hiking” staircase on Dexter that leads from SLU to Queen Anne

Samuel has thoroughly enjoyed his transition to Seattle. Living in the South Lake Union neighborhood has given him the opportunity to be steps away from some of the best restaurants and most beautiful outdoor spaces in the city.