Bellevue LifeSpring Achieves $1.4 Million Goal to Support Bellevue Kids

Bellevue LifeSpring Achieves $1.4 Million Goal to Support Bellevue Kids

In a year with so much uncertainty, a local nonprofit has been dedicated to keep things going. Bellevue LifeSpring has continued to support Bellevue families throughout this difficult year, and set an ambitious goal in September to raise $1.4 million by December 31. This week they exceeded their goal, ensuring no child in Bellevue experiences hunger or homelessness as a result of the virus. 

COVID-19 has made this year incredibly difficult for Bellevue families in need. Nearly a year after the onset of the pandemic, the effects of COVID-19 have continued to leave low-income families in difficult and vulnerable situations. According to Director Jennifer Fischer, the risk of a child experiencing hunger or homelessness has increased exponentially. 

“Our team has seen a 51% increase in food assistance requests and rent assistance requests have tripled,” Fischer said. “We’ve also seen families that have never sought assistance before, now asking for help.”

Achieving their $1.4 million goal was not an easy task. Support came from all across the community, including several corporate sponsors. Partnerships with companies like Amazon, The Bellevue Collection, Microsoft, Safeway and Symetra were fundamental to achieving their goal of preventing hunger and homelessness for Bellevue children. 

“We are grateful for the leadership of these companies and more who have generously invested in the well-being of Bellevue kids during this uncertain time,” Fischer said. “These bold investments go immediately toward nutritional support and eviction prevention for local families living in poverty and have helped us to not turn away any child in need of our services.”

One of Bellevue LifeSpring's corporate sponsors, Symetra, is a notable downtown employer with a strong commitment to the community. According to Trinity Parker, the lead behind Symetra's community engagement programs, they've been focusing on initiatives that reduce barriers for women and at-risk youth who lack stable, affordable housing in the community. 

"We work hand in hand with partner organizations that have really been the drivers behind these initiatives," Parker said. "As a financial company, we recognize that some of the biggest obstacles for people in this country to achieve financial freedom are largely due to systemic issues like gender inequality, racial injustice and crises like homelessness." 

As part of the Season of Cheer presented by Symetra, the BDA and Symetra are celebrating this $1.4 million achievement by changing the holiday lights in the Downtown Park to Bellevue LifeSpring’s colors: orange and green. See the lights and celebrate this accomplishment TODAY at the Downtown Park from 7:00am-11:00pm. 

Learn about Bellevue LifeSpring's emergency efforts to support Bellevue families here. How can you help? You can make a contribution to immediately support their efforts. Visit their website for more details. 

 

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The Season of Cheer presented by Symetra is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.