April LWSF Impact Update: How LWSF is responding to COVID-19, a student philanthropist and more...

Even in hard times, I like to find reasons to celebrate. At the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, we have some celebrations to share including a story about a student philanthropist and how our programs have transitioned to accommodate the needs of the community. You, our community, make these celebrations possible, thank you!

As you may have heard, we recently hosted our virtual Be the Bridge Benefit. Thanks to our sponsors, table captains and caring community, we raised over $200,000! Also, if you haven't watched our new LWSF programs video or messages from some of our friends, they are truly heartwarming!

With the added stressors surrounding COVID-19, our programs continue to provide food, support, and resources to students and families even as school buildings are closed.

• Balance in Mind has a new slate of offerings noted below and continues to provide students and parent educational resources about youth mental wellness.
• Find Your Fit hosted a record breaking webinar with information for families wondering "what now?" in the world of college admissions and has more planned coming soon!
• Kids Coming Together has hosted virtual gaming groups to help elementary students make friends even when they have to remain at home.
• LINKS Lunch Buddy mentors who can't be with their assigned elementary student each week have started a pen-pal exchange with them, safely coordinated by dedicated staff at their elementary school.
• Pantry Packs has distributed weekend meals with extra precautions and more frequent deployment.

Like the new spring growth, we have to be nimble and flexible as our students face a more dynamic and uncertain world. Thankfully, we have our community all coming together to make the best possible present and future for our students. That in itself is a celebration. 

Thank you for your support and enjoy this Impact Update. Wishing you safety, wellness, and your own reasons to celebrate.

Kindly,
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Helen Sernett
Executive Director
Lake Washington Schools Foundation

​P.S. To help us remain nimble and ensure funding for our programs we are participating in the global giving movement, #GivingTuesdayNow regionally sponsored by 501 Commons. If you were planning on participating, please consider Lake Washington Schools Foundation as your charity of choice. Our students, especially those that may be more marginalized by their family or personal situation, need us now more than ever and we are working to meet their needs every day.

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Reach for Success Grant application deadline extended!

In response to COVID-19, the deadline has been extended to April 30. Know of an innovative project or program that you would like to secure funding for? Proposed projects should be in alignment with LWSF's mission of enhancing academic access and nurturing students' emotional well-being. Apply for a grant for the 2020-2021 school year to receive up to $3,000 which can serve a class, a grade level, or an entire school!

Application, FAQs, guidelines, and more can be found at www.lwsf.org/rfs. If you have a project, but are concerned about meeting the application deadline, please contact us at info@lwsf.org.
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Together, we can make a difference.
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Click to learn more

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Join Balance in Mind for their weekly webinar "Parent Chat" and "Real Talk" on Instagram! ​

Every Wednesday, join "Parent Chat" to talk with mental health professionals and other parents in a safe and supportive environment. New topic every week!

April 22 - Tips for Inspiring Motivation
April 29 - Tips for Big Emotions
May 6 - Tips on the Parent-Child Struggle

Also be sure to tune in every Tuesday at 4pm live on Instagram for "Real Talk" with a teen host and a counselor from Youth Eastside Services. To join, follow @bimteens on Instagram!
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click to learn more

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Donor Spotlight: Sanika

Sanika, a 7th grader in Lake Washington School District, grew up camping and spending time outdoors with her family. She enjoys hiking, snowshoeing and has even tried her hand at cider making!
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As a student at Environmental and Adventure School, she participated in the community service activities that are offered at the school and discovered how much she enjoyed giving back to her community. She realized that, “You don’t always need to make a large change in your community to make a difference.”

​Last year on Earth Day, she found the perfect way to combine her love of the outdoors and her desire to give back to the community. Sanika organized activities for her younger sister’s preschool friends to show them things that they can do to help take care of the planet’s natural resources. She also participated in tree planting and trail clearing events.

In the fall of 2019, Sanika learned of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program and decided to apply. In February, she learned that she had been selected as a State Honoree...
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click to read more

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