Several Bellevue figures were appointed to the Best Starts for Kids advisory board in December. Best Starts for Kids is King County Executive Dow Constantine’s initiative to ensure that all children in King County have the opportunity for a healthy life and are able to reach their full potential.
Joining the other 31 leaders on the board are:
- Shomari Jones, Director of Equity at the Bellevue School District
- Janet Levinger, Eastside Pathways Founder
- Terry Smith, Bellevue Parks and Community Services
- Enrica Hampton, Kindering’s Early Learning Manager
The members of the Children and Youth Advisory Board, confirmed by the Metropolitan King County Council, are reflective of King County’s cultural and geographic diversity. The Bellevue contingent has demonstrated a commitment to children and youth through their work and leadership in the community as educators, advocates, content experts, and service providers.
Board members will advise on the implementation and oversight of the programs for children and youth that will be funded by the six-year levy approved by voters in the November 2015 elections. They will make sure that levy funds are used to deliver strategies (preventive and early intervention) needed to better overall well-being outcomes throughout King County while ensuring that Best Start for Kids aligns with children and youth programs already in existence.