Frequently Asked Questions About the Issaquah Community Network
What Is the Issaquah Community Network?
The Issaquah Community Network is a quasi-governmental organization authorized by the Washington State legislature to address issues related to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) as they impact public health, especially among young people and their families.
How did Networks get started in Washington State?
In 1992, the Washington State legislature established and funded 53 local Networks. Each Network was authorized to name a board of directors, to review local human service efforts, and to produce a ten-year improvement plan. Over the years, the nature and activities of Networks have been modified, but the central mission remains the same: local support for healthy youth and strong families. Today, 42 active Networks serve communities across Washington State.
What is the service area for the Issaquah Community Network?
The Issaquah Community Network is authorized to work within the boundaries of the Issaquah School District.
How are Networks funded?
Until this year, Washington State funded all of the local Networks. Due to budget cutbacks, the state did not provide funding for the 2012-2013 fiscal year. However, building on a successful partnership with the DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) that was established in 2011, DVR stepped in to provide funding for any Network that wanted to work on youth employment issues. The Issaquah Community Network had completed three successful DVR projects in 2011. We requested full funding from DVR, and the request was granted.
Who provides oversight for the Networks?
At this time, Networks are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Social and Health Services. For many years, the Family Policy Council provided oversight for the Networks, but FPC was closed in 2011 as part of state budget cut-backs. You can still find information about the Family Policy Council at http://www.fpc.wa.gov/.
What issues does the Issaquah Community Network focus on?
Under Washington State law, Networks focus on reducing Adverse Childhood Experiences, also known as ACEs. The term “ACEs” refers to a long-term health research project conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Kaiser Permanente which demonstrated the lifetime impacts of trauma caused by abuse and neglect. In our community, the Issaquah Network has focused on reducing teen suicide, reducing drug and alcohol addiction, reducing teen pregnancies and domestic violence, and reducing youth homelessness. With new funding coming from DVR, the Network has added youth employment projects to the Network focus. These have included two youth job skills fairs for regional youth, two youth job skills fairs at Echo Glen Youth Correctional Facility, leadership training for DVR-qualified students at Tiger Mountain Community High School, internships for youths with disabilities at the Issaquah Fish Hatcher, and employment assessments for potential local employers of youths with disabilities.
Who belongs to the Issaquah Community Network board?
Current board members are:
· Judy Brewer, chair, Bellevue
· Dianne Bugge, Issaquah High School PTSA, vice-chair, Bellevue
· Robin Lustig, student representative, Issaquah High School, Issaquah High School ASB, secretary, Issaquah
· Trish Bloor, Issaquah Arts Commission, treasurer, Issaquah Highlands
· Iman Baghai, student representative, Issaquah High School and Issaquah Youth Advisory Board, Issaquah
· Sampurna Basu, student representative, Skyline High School,
Issaquah and Sammamish Youth Advisory Boards, Sammamish
· Caryn Cissna, parent representative, Bellevue
Prabha Dublish, student representative, Skyline High School, Sammamish Youth Board
· Dr. Rosemary Fahey, Chapman University and several Issaquah organizations, Issaquah
· Sanjana Galgalikar, student representative, Skyline High School, Sammamish Youth Board, Sammamish
· Rahul Gupta, student representative, Skyline High School and Sammamish Youth Board, Sammamish
Beth Herrild, Liberty High School PTSA, Newcastle
· Vicki Hoffman, parent representative andTiger Mountain Community High School staff, Issaquah
· Erika Kumar, student representative, Beaver Lake Middle School, Sammamish
Lisa Fox Latchford, AtWork!
Barbara Luniuck-Rakita, Friends of Youth, Issaquah
· Charlotte Starck, parent representative, Sammamish
· Todd Thull, Issaquah Schools Foundation, Sammamish
· Dennis Wright, Issaquah School District, Sammamish
· Grace Wan, student representative, Skyline High School and Issaquah Youth Advisory Board, Sammamish
When does the Issaquah Community Network board meet?
Regular meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the Hailstone Feedstore, 232 Front Street North, Issaquah. The full board meets three to four times per year, depending on community issues. The executive board holds additional meetings to conduct routine business matters, and to plan for future events. For a schedule of upcoming meetings, contact Barbara de Michele at issaquahcommunitynetwork@mindspring.com or visit the ICN website at www.issaquahcommunitynetwork.com.
How does the community provide input and suggestions to the Network?
The Issaquah Community Network uses part of its resources to partner with local organizations as well as decision-makers within the community. We meet frequently with these groups and individuals to understand the needs and trends within the Issaquah School District boundaries. All of the Network meetings are open to the public and anyone may attend at any time. We welcome your interest and participation. You may also follow the Issaquah Community Network on Facebook, or view our website at www.issaquahcommunitynetwork.com.
Who are the ICN community partners?
The Issaquah Community Network’s main partner is the Issaquah School District. However, we believe that raising healthy children and supporting strong families is a community obligation that goes well beyond the school district’s mission. The Network therefore partners with local cities (Issaquah, Sammamish), King County, the Issaquah Schools Foundation, the Issaquah PTSA Council, Friends of Youth, the Washington State Youth Suicide Prevention Program, the Issaquah and Sammamish Chambers of Commerce, Together Center human services campus, Public Health – Seattle and King County, the Issaquah Youth Advisory Board, the Sammamish Youth Board, the Rotary Clubs of Issaquah and Sammamish, police and emergency personnel, the faith community and others. A full list of partners and community advisors can be found on the website.
Are there other Networks in the area?
Yes. The Eastside Network serves Bellevue, Kirkland and Redmond. The Snoqualmie Valley Network serves North Bend, Snoqualmie, Carnation and Duvall. The Issaquah Community Network coordinates closely with these groups.
What is the future of the Issaquah Community Network?
The 2011 state legislature strongly endorsed the 42 networks operating in Washington by continuing their statutory authority and funding Network operations in anticipation of a transition to more reliance on partnerships and private funding. The state continues to face a funding crisis. The future of the Network system will more than likely be decided during the 2013 legislative session and, at that time, the Network board will consider several options for future operations.
Last Updated: December 12, 2012
