ACRS eNews – May 2026
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month invites us to honor the histories, cultures, contributions, and resilience of A&NH/PI communities. It is also Mental Health Awareness Month, a reminder that healing is not separate from justice, dignity, or belonging.At ACRS, that belief is part of our beginning.
More than five decades ago, UW volunteer social workers saw that too many community members could not access care in their own language or in ways that understood their culture. They chose to act. What began as a grassroots response has grown into a trusted place of support, connection, and belonging for communities across King County.
That history matters, especially now. Families are facing rising costs, food insecurity, isolation, barriers to care, and fear about the future. These challenges are not abstract. They shape people’s health, stability, and sense of safety every day.
That is why culturally responsive care is essential. It is how people are seen. It is how trust is built. It is how communities heal. Because of our ACRS community, we continue to show up together with care and purpose.
This month reminds us why ACRS began, and why this work still matters. We honor our history by caring for our communities today, and by continuing to build a future rooted in dignity, healing, justice, and hope.
With gratitude,
Kendee Yamaguchi
CEO
Walk for Rice is almost here! Join us on May 16th at Seward Park for a joyful morning of community in support of the ACRS Food Bank.Across ACRS, staff are bringing creativity and heart to the campaign. This week’s all-staff market featured handmade goods, treats, and personal fundraisers, all helping raise support for families who rely on nutritious, culturally familiar foods. That spirit is what Walk for Rice is all about: joy, purpose, food justice, and collective care.
Come walk with us on Saturday, May 16 at 9 a.m.! Fundraising continues through the end of June, so there is still time to donate, support a team, fundraise, or help spread the word. Join the campaign at
Youth Civic Institute Now Accepting Summer Program Applications
Do you know a young person who cares about their community and wants to grow their voice, leadership, and advocacy skills?
ACRS’ Youth Civic Institute is a paid, eight-week program for Asian youth ages 16–24 in Seattle and King County who want to deepen their civic engagement, organizing, and advocacy skills.
Participants will join a cohort of 10–20 youth for weekly in-person workshops on civic-related topics, with speakers from grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and local government. They will learn alongside peers, strengthen their leadership, and explore how to create change in their communities.
Participants who complete the full program will receive a $400 stipend. Learn more and apply: tinyurl.com/2026YCI
(Please note: Due to capacity and funding, past program participants are not eligible to apply.)
This May, ACRS is partnering with The Vera Project, Seattle’s all-ages nonprofit music and arts space, for a series of benefit shows supporting ACRS programs. The partnership kicked off on May 2 with Indie Rock Prom, which brought together more than 400 attendees for a night of music, youth creativity, and community. The show featured Manila Folder, Geneva, and Daughters of Venus, all with A&NH/PI band members, making it a powerful celebration of A&NH/PI Heritage Month and local creative voices.The series continues with Asian / Alternative on Wednesday, May 27, featuring Meldrop, Summer School, and Mismanaged. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but reserved tickets are required. Get tickets for Asian / Alternative
Youth Voices in Action at A&NH/PI Legislative Day
ACRS youth showed up, spoke up, and made their voices heard at A&NH/PI Legislative Day in February. Middle and high school students from ACRS Youth Development met with legislators, shared their perspectives, and joined a powerful day of advocacy at the state capitol. Their leadership was a reminder that young people are not just the future of civic change, they are already shaping it. Watch a short video featuring some of their voices from the day.
Summer Youth Programs at ACRS: QOLOR Registration Now Open
ACRS Youth Development will offer several programs this summer for young people to connect, build community, and grow their leadership. The first program open for registration is QOLOR Summer Group.
QOLOR, which stands for Queer Opportunities to Lead, Organize and Reflect, provides a safe, supportive space for LGBTQIA+ youth of color and their allies to explore positive identity, healthy relationships, community, and leadership through discussion and creative activities.
The QOLOR summer program is open to any middle school student in King County and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 7–August 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at ACRS, (3639 Martin Luther King Jr. Way S. in Seattle).
More summer youth programs will be open for registration next month. To learn more or sign up, email: QOLOR@acrs.org
Coffee, Connection, and Community with Starbucks Pan-Asian Partner Network
In celebration of A&NH/PI Heritage Month, members of the Starbucks Pan-Asian Partner Network connected with ACRS leaders for a coffee conversation centered on community, culture, and shared commitment to A&NH/PI communities.
The gathering included coffee tasting, conversation, and a chance to learn more about ACRS’ history, mission, and culturally responsive work across King County. We’re grateful for partners who take time to listen, build relationships, and stand with ACRS in advancing care rooted in language, dignity, trust, and belonging.
