Summary

Non-profit organization receives van to assist local children and families

Story

Metropolitan King County Councilmember Julia Patterson recently provided an eight-person van to New Futures, a local non-profit organization that partners with families and educators to ensure that children succeed in school and life. New Futures will use the van to transport families and participants in their after-school programs and youth development programs on field trips to cultural and recreational events.

“I am pleased that King County can provide a vehicle to New Futures to help them continue their great work,” said Patterson. “All children and families deserve the opportunity to thrive, and New Futures’ programs help make that a reality in South King County.”

New Futures combines educational programs for children and youth to help them excel in school, support services to help families meet basic needs, and community-building programs to help local residents develop support networks. New Futures provides integrated and culturally-relevant services to more than 1,800 people each year in the Burien and SeaTac area.

Since 1995, the County Council has donated vans from Metro’s Vanpool to local nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for low-income, elderly, youth, and disabled residents. The vans are part of a fleet of county vehicles that have been ‘retired’ after accruing a certain number of miles.

Governments, agencies and organizations that receive vans must meet specific requirements, including outlining specific plans for using the van, ability to provide quality and trained drivers, and assurance that the van will be available to assist persons without regard to affiliation with any particular organization.

Interested organizations can contact Councilmember Patterson’s office at 206-296-1005 or julia.patterson@kingcounty.gov for more information about applying for a vehicle.