Janice Deguchi, Executive Director
The uncertainty many feel after the November 5th election can be stressful and unsettling. This moment may also bring fear and concern about the future. Yet, through it all, there is one constant that we at Neighborhood House hold firmly: our unwavering commitment to advocating for the marginalized communities we serve. Our purpose to create opportunities for those facing cultural, language, and systemic barriers—empowering them to live longer, happier, and healthier lives, continues to be a guiding light for us.
In the days, months, and years to come, we stand ready. We will closely monitor new policies affecting our communities, ensuring that they not only reflect equity and compassion but are also implemented with the voices and needs of the community at the forefront.
We celebrate the wisdom shown by Washington voters, who stood up for our collective well-being by rejecting Measures 2109, 2117, and 2124. By doing so, they protected essential education funding, reinforced our climate commitments (which disproportionately impact communities of color), and preserved vital long-term care benefits. These are victories for everyone, and they fill us with gratitude and hope.
In September, I shared a blog post called Immigrants and Immigration Benefit Us All. It highlights the roots of Neighborhood House—how we began by helping immigrants build lives in a new homeland. In revisiting this history, we remember that, in times of division, we must rally around immigrant and refugee communities with compassion and solidarity.
We must stand together against any forms of hate or bias. We will not let apathy or anger shape our responses; instead, let us come together with hope, resilience, and action. Join us in this journey. By subscribing to our newsletter, you will stay informed about Neighborhood House’s efforts, and together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community members.
In these times, let’s be each other’s strength. Together, we can build a future that reflects the compassion, justice, and opportunity everyone deserves.