community organizations

Columbia City nonprofits serving our community

Looking for ways to get more involved on a neighborhood level? These are some Columbia City-based organizations working to inspire and empower individuals, strengthen families and build community. Please support their work, and experience firsthand the value of your participation.

Give locally.

Give time. Share your interests and expertise. Connect with other neighbors helping neighbors. Volunteer in Columbia City.

Give resources. Donate your gently-used items or non-spoiling food. Include some of these neighborhood nonprofits in your year-end giving.


Arts in Motion, (AIM) Community School of the Arts
AIM provides equal arts opportunity for all children and adults by fostering artistic creativity and personal development through quality arts instruction and performance opportunities without regard to their ability to pay.
3405 S Alaska St, Seattle WA 98118
contact: Denise Mimura, 723-3131
website

Bike Works
Building sustainable communities by educating youth and promoting bicycling
3709 S Ferdinand St, Seattle WA 98118
contact: Dara Ayres, 725-9408
website

Dearborn Park Elementary
Dearborn Park and Whitworth Elementaries have combined to create an exciting, safe learning community where children are engaged in their learning, have pride in their school, are kind and respectful and celebrate our diversity
2820 S Orcas St, Seattle WA 98108
contact: Ellen Punyon, 252-7630
website

Downtown Emergency Service Center
End homelessness among vulnerable disabled adults; 50 units of housing in Rainier Valley.
5270 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98118 (Opening in December 2008)
contact: Nicole Macri, 515-1514
website

Family Services
Family Services builds emotionally healthy, self-sufficient families, and a non-violent community in which they can thrive.
1924 Rainier Avenue South (Opening in June 2009)
Contact Patricia Gray: gro.secivres-ylimaf|yargp#gro.secivres-ylimaf|yargp or 206.826.3039
Family Services Website

Global Poverty Action
An initiative of Seattle's Ethiopian community, GPA builds community based water infrastructure in Southern Ethiopia
The Brighton 6727 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98118
contact: John Hoole, moc.liamg|eloohj#moc.liamg|eloohj
website

Graham Hill Elementary PTA
The Graham Hill PTA supports the elementary school experience in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country.
5149 S Graham St, Seattle WA 98118
contact: Geoff Dillard, moc.2hr|drallidg#moc.2hr|drallidg
website

Healthy and Active Rainier Valley Coalition
A partnership aimed at building and strengthening the Rainier Valley by increasing the health of its residents through culturally relevant promotion of physical activity and nutrition.
c/o Ruth Egger, The Brighton 6727 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98118
contacts: Ruth Egger, ude.notgnihsaw.u|rregge#ude.notgnihsaw.u|rregge, Diana Vinh, vog.ytnuocgnik|hniv.anaid#vog.ytnuocgnik|hniv.anaid
website

Horn of Africa Services
Our mission is to serve low-income refugees and immigrants from all East African countries by providing opportunities for them to develop the social, linguistic and vocational skills they need in order to be socially integrated and economically self-sufficient.
4714 Rainier Avenue South, Suite 105, Seattle, WA 98118
contact: 206-760-0550
website

Magic Lantern Montessori
Magic Lantern Montessori is a non-profit preschool emphasizing community and diversity in Seattle, Washington. The program provides a creative and nurturing environment in which children grow, learn and discover their fullest potential.
4620 S Findlay St, Seattle WA 98118
contact: 722-2803
website

Powerful Schools
Powerful Schools engages children in learning by partnering with high needs Southeast Seattle public elementary schools to provide literacy and arts programs and to build communities that encourage student achievement.
3301 S Horton St, Seattle WA 98144
contact: Peggy Jackson, 722-5543 ext 111
website

Rainier Valley Food Bank
(formerly Northwest Community Services Food Bank)
To eliminate hunger in the Rainier Valley
4205 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98118
contact: Gwen Mitchell, 723-4105
website

Rainier Valley Rotary Club
A Rotary Club affords its members, and the community at large, the opportunity to join with 1.2 million Rotary members in making the world a better place. Rainier Valley Rotary has a weekly meeting with a program. We invite people from throughout the region to come show us interesting things. Want to learn new tips on being a more effective community leader, or skills to advance your career? Want to learn how to negotiate more effectively? To produce short-format YouTube style videos? We are looking for ideas from the community for programs in which we can make a difference Meetings are Tues. mornings 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Tutta Bellas. First two meetings are free, then $10.
contact: Howard Gutknecht, Acting President, 206.579.3382 cel
website

Refugee Women's Alliance
A nonprofit, multi-ethnic organization that promotes inclusion, independence, personal leadership and strong communities by providing refugee and immigrant women and families with culturally and linguistically appropriate services. ReWA advocates for social justice, public policy changes, and equal access to services while respecting cultural values and the right to self-determination.
4008 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S, Seattle WA 98108
For general inquiries contact Stephanie Rim at 721-0243
website

Rainier Valley Cooperative Preschool
A community of learners creating a culture of care for one another and the world.
3818 S Angeline St, Seattle WA 98118
contact: 723-1555
website

Rainier Valley Historical Society
To collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit the history and heritage of Rainier Valley and its people, and to promote public involvement in and appreciation of its history and culture.
3710 S. Ferdinand St., Seattle WA 98118
Contact: Mikala Woodward, Director, 723-1663 / moc.loa|eciffoshvr#moc.loa|eciffoshvr
website (under construction)

SouthEast Effective Development
To improve the quality of life in Southeast Seattle by creating partnerships and inspiring community investments in housing, arts, and economic development. We believe that making a difference in our community is a lifelong commitment.
5117 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98118
contact: Earl Richardson, Executive Director, 760-4281
website

SEEDArts
To foster the arts in SE Seattle by providing excellent visual and performing arts opportunities that engage residents, nurture and sustain artists, and revitalize community.
5117 Rainier Ave S, Seattle WA 98118
contact: Jerri Plumridge, SEEDArts Director, 760-4286
website

Seward Park Playground Improvement Foundation (SPPIF)
Working to create playground space at Seward Park.
contact: moc.cam|FIPPS#moc.cam|FIPPS
website

Technology Access Foundation
TAF prepares underserved children of color for higher education and professional success by providing a rigorous and relevant K-12 curriculum.
3803 S Edmunds St, Seattle WA 98118
contact: 725-9095
website

United Way of King County Volunteer Reader Program
Help get little kids in Beacon Hill get ready for Kindergarten. Read aloud to children on a one on one basis for just an hour a week.
contact: gro.ckwu|hgihelm#gro.ckwu|hgihelm
website

This is a partial list, compiled collaboratively by neighborhood organizations. Others not yet listed include Consejo, LELO, Neighborhood House, New Freeway Hall, PTAs at Orca and the New School, Royal Esquire Club, and Tenants Union. These and any other Columbia City-based organizations are welcome to post their information here.


Please post information about your organization

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