The Saturday before Thanks Giving Weekend, the East African community came together at Yesler Community Center to Thank Michael Neguse for his service to the community. For the last 16 years, as a community builder Neguse has been working for Seattle Neighborhood Group and has been working to make an impact on our community’s most pressing safety challenges. Seattle Neighborhood Group have a long history of providing assistance to Seattle’s immigrant community in general, and to the East African community in particular. Since 2011, the group have partnered with Seattle Tilth to support a program that allows East African elders to grow food at the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands. The elders then take that food back to their families, and to their larger community though congregant meal programs. This program has been life changing for our elder participants. They have decreased their feelings of isolation in their new country, and they have taken on an important provider role in their families and community, all while getting healthy exercise and interacting in English with people of all ages.
The Seattle Neighborhood Group believe that the activities designed and led by Seattle Tilth and the partners in this project will help advance our community’s goals for a sustainable and healthy food system, one that engages people of all backgrounds and all ages.
“We are excited about this project because not only will provide low-income residents with regular access to fresh and healthy foods, but it will also empower them to grow food for their families and neighbors, prepare nutritious meals, and engage with others in their community to learn and gain skills they will use for a lifetime.” Said proudly Michael. Neguse will remain in service to the community especially to the youth and elders as long he can breathe and walk. He has big heart for everyone and will always have a big smile on his rounded sunny like face to great with his fellows.
