Connect Family Solutions

At Connect Family Solutions, we believe that community support is a building block for positive outcomes.

Connect Family Solutions Mission:

To address food insecurity in Pierce county.

Connect Family Solutions,

is very excited to share the new resource we are bringing to our community in partnership with JRB Family Services:

ConnectCabinet

ConnectCabinet provides essentials such as non-perishable food and personal care items. All families with an active DCYF/DSHS referral in Pierce County within 30 days are welcome to shop the closet once each week.

Are you passionate about increasing food security for families in Pierce County? Join our board of directors and make an impact today!

About Us:

Vision

Join communities in fostering resilience and self-sufficiency

Mission

To address food insecurity in Pierce county.

Values

Collaboration

Community

Diversity and multiculturalism

Stewardship

Empathy, passion, empowerment

Collaboration

Through collaboration we pool together diverse expertise, resources, and perspectives, fostering innovative solutions and strategies that have a far-reaching impact. By working hand in hand with community partners, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders, we amplify our efforts to create sustainable change.

Empathy, Passion, & Empowerment

Through empathy, passion, empowerment, and the acknowledgement of our shared humanity, we pave the way for a united front in building a more resilient, interconnected community.

Values:

Community

The heart and soul of our mission, community encompasses the diverse tapestry of individuals, families, volunteers, partners, and supporters who collectively work towards a shared vision in fostering resilience and self-sufficiency. Every voice matters, every contribution makes a significant impact. Through mutual support and shared determination, we forge a path towards sustainable solutions that cultivate resilience

Stewardship

Stewardship embodies our deep commitment to responsibly manage and allocate resources, both time and material, to ensure the maximum positive impact. We view ourselves as custodians of the resources entrusted to us by our donors, volunteers, and communities we serve.

Diversity & Multiculturalism

Diversity and Multiculturalism serve as the vibrant threads that weave the fabric of our mission. Embracing individuals with a myriad of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives enriches our approach and empowers us to address the complex challenges our communities face. By fostering an inclusive environment, we honor the unique strengths and experiences that each individual brings to the table. This diversity not only broadens our horizons but also enhances our ability to create sustainable solutions that resonate with the diverse population we serve.

Connect Cabinet

Why?

In December 2022/January 2023, the University of Washington and Washington State University partnered to conduct the WAFOOD Survey. The WAFOOD survey set out to investigate food insecurity and food assistance across Washington state. Figure 4 of the WAFOOD4 household food security survey revealed that 51% of households in Pierce county had very low or low food security as recently as January 2023.

ConnectCabinet is aimed at bridging the gap of food insecurity for Pierce County families. In partnership with JRB Family Services LLC, a black-owned and veteran-owned family services agency with a six-year legacy of serving Western Washington families, CFS aspires to meet an immediate need.

Mission

To address food insecurity in Pierce county.

Food Secure

49%

Very low food security

28%

Low Food Security

23%

Vision

Join communities in fostering resilience and self-sufficiency

I conducted a survey of reports submitted by professional visitation supervisors providing emergent visitation to families in Pierce and Kitsap County within 72 hours of being removed from their home--in the past year, 08/22-08/23. The data showed that 55% of families who had an emergent 72 hour visit did not provide food or care supplies for the child for the duration of the visit.

Direct quotes from parents cited various barriers such as lacking funds and struggles balancing many mandatory appointments required by their community resources for support.

These barriers exist at an intersection along with the persistent struggle across the state of WA to attain food security. For instance, Figure 5 of the WAFOOD4 survey displays that 56% of families in Pierce county used food assistance “in the past month”.

With an even higher percentage of families in larger households using food assistance to get through the month. I learned that 3 out of 4 families with larger households used food assistance in the state of Washington.

Upon learning the significant number of households relying on food assistance, it is concerning to observe that the figures for food insecurity continue at soaring rates within communities across Washington. This became my driving force for action, as colleagues and I witnessed the distressing trend unfolding firsthand with the families we serve.

After analyzing the data, the pressing need became evident, especially when considering the staggering 55% of children lacking adequate food and care supplies during emergent visitation. I invite you to join us.

connectfs.org | jtaylor@connectfs.org |

How?

is launching ConnectCabinet, a food pantry by Connect Family Solutions, aimed at bridging the gap of food insecurity for Pierce County families. In partnership with JRB Family Services LLC, a black-owned and veteran-owned family services agency with a six-year legacy of serving Western Washington families, ConnectCabinet aspires to meet an immediate need.

We aim to increase food security for families in Pierce County by offering food pantry access 1x/week at our Lakewood, WA office located off of Bridgeport Way - near DCYF Lakewood and right along the bus lines.

Eligibility:

All families with an DCYF/DSHS referral in Pierce County within 30 days can access ConnectCabinet.