Kent nonprofit gets $176,000 grant to connect youth with outdoors

Wakulima USA receives King County grant

Kent nonprofit organization Wakulima USA works with Swahili-speaking immigrants from East Africa as they settle into their new environment in the U.S. COURTESY PHOTO, Wakulima USA

Kent nonprofit organization Wakulima USA works with Swahili-speaking immigrants from East Africa as they settle into their new environment in the U.S. COURTESY PHOTO, Wakulima USA

The King County Council on Tuesday, Aug. 16 voted to provide $176,000 to Wakulima USA, a Kent nonprofit organization, to support programming around connection to nature, food justice and cultural preservation.

Wakulima USA supports Swahili-speaking immigrants from East Africa as they settle into their new environment in the U.S.

The funding is part of $885,500 provided to six South King County organizations for programs and projects that increase access to recreation, parks and open space in underserved communities, according to an Aug. 16 news release from King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, whose District 5 includes part of Kent.

The funding, part of the Healthy Communities and Parks grants program of the voter-approved 2020-2025 parks levy, is designed to reduce disparities and improve the health and well-being of King County residents in marginalized communities by expanding opportunities to get outside and get active.

“Making sure all kids have the chance to get outside and swim, play, enjoy nature, and relax is one way we can be inclusive of low-income families and communities of color,” Uptherove said. “With this funding, community groups serving these populations will be able to do more programs for more kids, and I’m excited to be a partner in this important work.”

Other organizations in King County receiving funding in the first round of grants include:

• $183,000 to Seattle-based East African Community Services for an Outdoor Exploration and Recreation Club for 6-12th graders

• $31,500 to Seattle-based RAVE Foundation (charitable arm of Seattle Sounders) for free youth soccer clinics

• $125,000 to SeaTac-based African Community Housing & Development for operational support of a culturally relevant community hub

• $200,000 to Tiny Trees Preschool, in Seattle, for culturally responsive outdoor preschool activities;

• $170,000 to SeaTac-based Partner in Employment for an ecology career development program for immigrant and refugee youth.

In August 2019, King County residents overwhelmingly supported the parks levy which provides funding for parks and open space throughout the County. The next round of grants funding will open early in 2024.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

City of Kent Corrections Facility, 1230 Central Ave. S. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
Kent Police investigating city jail inmate death at local hospital

Medics transported Kent man, 36, to hospital after medical emergency in jail

t
Kent School District superintendent fined for election violations

State Public Disclosure Commission determines election law rules broken by Israel Vela, district staff

Kent Reporter Photo
Kent Police arrest husband for attacking his wife

Reportedly pointed a gun at her; assaulted family member who came to help

t
Kent Police overtime costs jump to $4.1 million in 2024

A 58% increase from 2021; two officers made more than $100,000 each in OT

Kentwood High School, in Covington. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Ex-Kentwood High teacher pleads guilty to sex charge with student

Steve Bilvais, 56, to be sentenced June 27 for communicating with a minor for immoral purposes

Courtesy Graphic
Renton, Bellevue among cities of possible measles exposure

For those possibly exposed to measles between April 30 and May 3, the most likely time to become sick would be between May 7 and 24.

A speed limiter device, like this one, will be required for repeat speeding offenders under a Washington law signed on May 12, 2025. The law doesn’t take effect until 2029. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
WA to rein in fast drivers with speed limiters

The new law is named after four people killed in a crash last year near Renton: Boyd Buster Brown, Eloise Wilcoxson, Andrea Smith Hudson and Matilda Wilcoxson.

Valley Medical Center in Renton. Photo by Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing.
Loss of fundings leads to Valley Medical clinic closures

Renton Landing Urgent Care is already closed but clinics and inpatient hospital units in Renton, Kent and Covington will shutter by end of June.

Courtesy Photo, King County Elections
7 candidates running for Kent City Council to replace Fincher

List of candidates for Kent-area races on city council, school board, King County Council, Legislature

Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. FILE PHOTO, Kent Reporter
Man, 27, pleads guilty to fatal shooting at Kent apartments

Ongoing feud between two men ended with 2023 killing at Dockside Apartments parking lot

t
Kent city corrections officer on leave for alleged misconduct

Investigation started Feb. 28 against Sgt. Travis Reed and is ongoing

Courtesy Photo, Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care
Valley Cities to host community chat in Kent about fentanyl

Learn more about the fentanyl crisis affecting King County communities and Valley Cities response