What is the Allen Family Center?
The Allen Family Center (or AFC) is a shared community space, founded by Mercy Housing, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, and the City of Seattle.
The space serves as a “one-stop resource shop” for families facing homelessness or other crises. AFC staff are onsite to help families secure groceries, basic necessities, career guidance, housing support, and so much more!
BrightSpark has partnered with the AFC to offer free resources relating to child care and early learning.
BrightSpark's Resources
BrightSpark team members are on-site at the Allen Family Center, ready to help families with their early learning needs. BrightSpark staff can help with:
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Identifying and applying for programs
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Completing subsidy applications
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Finding community support groups (such as Kaleidoscope Play & Learn)
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Securing mental health care (for families AND children)
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And so much more!
Learn through play!
BrightSpark hosts Kaleidoscope Play & Learn groups weekly at the Allen Family Center.
Group meetings are designed for caregivers and children ages 0-5 years old, and are FREE to attend. These sessions provide caregivers with information on child development and school readiness while providing kids with games, crafts, and activities!
Kaleidoscope Play & Learn groups are facilitated and organized by members of the local community, with support from BrightSpark’s Family, Friend, and Neighbor team.
What else does the AFC offer?
In addition to BrightSpark’s support with early learning, families can also access:
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Housing support
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Social services referrals
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Basic pantry & hygiene necessities
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Monthly health & wellness workshops
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Mental health support
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Children’s play area
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Computer lab (with free wifi!)
Hours and Location
The Allen Family Center is open Monday-Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM, and is located at: 3190 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98144
Looking to connect directly with a BrightSpark staff member at the AFC? Reach out to Nasteho Jama, our onsite Children & Family Services Specialist!