June was a full and meaningful month for the REST team, marked by growth, preparation, celebration, and moments of connection with guests.
This month, REST welcomed several new and transitioning staff members. Kiara joined the team as our new Weekend Lead, Gennet moved from on-call support staff into her new role as Daytime Lead, and Latesha joined REST as Morning Support Staff. We also welcomed Myaa, our new Crisis Support Supervisor, and Martiana, who joined the team as on-call support staff. It is exciting to see our team continue to expand and grow, and we are grateful for the care, experience, and dedication each person brings to this work.
The team also completed crisis response training as part of REST’s preparation for increased outreach and support during Seattle’s major international soccer season. This training helped strengthen our readiness to respond with care, coordination, and survivor-centered support when someone reaches out for help.
We also want to give a special thank-you to our June volunteers from Advent Anglican Woodinville, Mosaic Church South End, Epic Life Church, and Capital One Café in Southcenter. Your support helped REST show up in the community during Seattle’s major soccer event by strengthening outreach, sharing resources, and helping more people know where to turn for help.
June also included special moments of celebration and creativity with shelter guests. In honor of Juneteenth, guests spent time together at Seward Park for a picnic, enjoying good food, cupcakes, and time outdoors in community. The outing created space for rest, connection, and reflection.
Back at the shelter, guests helped transition the seasonal tree from spring to summer. Some painted seashells and coconuts, which were placed throughout the space and around the tree, bringing a bright and creative summer feel to the environment.
Guests also gathered for cookie decorating with Dez, adding another moment of fun, creativity, and connection to the month.
From welcoming new team members and preparing for increased response needs to showing up in the community with the help of dedicated volunteers, June reminded us of the many ways REST’s work happens: through training, teamwork, creativity, care, and simple moments of joy shared together.