Olive Crest for Safe Families

Our Program this was week was provided by one of our own members.  Jeff Judy, Executive Director of Olive Crest Northwest and his associate Nicole Aguilar came to talk about how private sector organizations are partnering with public sector agencies to provide services to families in need.  Here is a part of what Olive Crest is all about provided by Jeff.

When crisis strikes, many of us rely on relatives and friends for support. But for some parents, there isn’t a safety net. Often problems such as drug addiction, domestic abuse, incarceration, or illness can be debilitating, making it impossible for parents to care for their children. With the changing economy many more families are experiencing financial crisis, unemployment, and homelessness. During such crisis, children are especially at-risk for neglect or abuse as their parents struggle to cope with crushing circumstances and emotions.



“De’Aaron” is a young man who continually came to school in dirty clothing. When asked about it, he shared that his family’s washing machine was broken and they couldn’t afford a new one. Through Safe Families’ online resource called YouShare, we were able to provide his family with a new washing machine!



Overburdened by need and restrained by resources, most state welfare agencies are allowed to rescue only children who have suffered blatant abuse or neglect. State welfare emergency hotlines throughout the nation receive over 5 million calls each year of suspected child abuse or neglect. Of those calls, about one million meet the criteria for state intervention. What happens to the remaining four million families that don’t qualify for help?



One of our amazing Safe Families volunteers with items donated for a young mom who came into our program with nothing for her new baby.



The Safe Families For Children (SFFC) Program is a strategic partnership between Olive Crest, non-profit support organizations and local churches, formed to expand the community safety net by providing parents in need a loving sanctuary where they can safely place their children in times of crises.  Since 2010, Safe Families for Children has worked tirelessly to offer sanctuary to children, minimizing the risk for abuse or neglect and giving parents the time and tools they need to help their families thrive. The ultimate goal is to strengthen and support parents so they can become Safe Families for their own children.

For a single mom of 5 who is battling cancer and barely making ends meet financially, this group of people have become her support system and extended family.

Jeff Judy

Executive Director, PNW, Olive Crest

425-462-1612 x 1305

jeff-judy@olivecrest.org