Vote YES to Renew the Best Starts for Kids
levy (KC Prop. 1)
Renewal of the Best Starts for Kids (BSK) levy will allow BSK to continue to make a critical difference across the county for children and youth, including support the work here at Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue.
July 2021--Child care is unaffordable for many families, especially in King County where the cost of living and the cost of child care are higher than other parts of the state. The lack of affordable, quality child care creates barriers to employment and stability.
BSK works with organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue to provide quality out-of-school time care to communities facing long-standing inequities, and families at risk of unemployment or homelessness, as well as other important youth and family initiatives. At Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue BSK Levy funding has provided out-of-school time care at no cost to nearly 200 youth experiencing homelessness in the Bellevue School District. Meghan, mother of four BGCB Club members, recently spoke about the impact free childcare has had on her life:
"Receiving free childcare has increased our likelihood of maintaining housing. We have not been late on our rent and utilities this entire pandemic. Often times, marginalized communities need to pick and choose which things to pay or not to pay. Having free childcare made it a reality to maintain our home, food and reliable transportation. If we lack any of those things including childcare, we’d be one moment away from homelessness."
The proposal also creates a new Workforce Demonstration Project to bolster the ability of child care workers to earn a living wage in King County as they care for the region’s children.
The investments in child care creates a stronger foundation for children and early learning and greater economic security for families that will have benefits for generations to come.
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What is the Best Starts for Kids (BSK) levy?
The Best Starts for Kids is a voter-approved initiative passed in 2015 which invests in positive development for children and youth, assistance for at-risk youth, and school and community-based programs to support kids and youth so that families and young people are happy, healthy, safe and thriving.
What has the BSK levy achieved?
- 500,000+ children, youth, and parents or caregivers served through mid-2020
- $278M* invested throughout King County
- 500+ community partners
- 570 new community-led programs
- 89,000 kids and families received nearly
- 6.5 million essential items like food, diapers and car seats
What will the renewal achieve?
- Provide child care suppport to 3000 kids and their families
- Boost the wage of 1400 child care provideers
- Expand tranisitions to adulthood programs for youth and young adults
>> View BSK One-Pager English | Spanish | Somali
About Boys & Girls Clubs Bellevue
For nearly 70 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue (www.bgcbellevue.org) has inspired & enabled all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. BGCB’s 15 Clubhouses provide a safe and fun place for more than 12,000 youth to grow and thrive each year. During critical out-of -school hours, dedicated staff deliver life-enhancing, quality programs focused on academics, health, and leadership. BGCB is doing whatever it takes to ensure all kids in Bellevue have great futures. Learn more on our Facebook page.
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