Justice From the Start ✨

Support Afrofuturist Early Learning and Youth Empowerment in the Puget Sound

At Congolese Integration Network (CIN Seattle), we believe justice must begin at birth—in the home, in the neighborhood, and in every system that shapes a child’s future.

We serve immigrant and refugee families from Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as others who speak the languages of our staff—Lingala, Swahili, French, Portuguese, and English. Our early learning and youth support programs are linguistically matched, trauma-informed, and Afrofuturist in design, blending cultural pride with cutting-edge development strategies.

🌍 Our Afrofuturist Approach: From Transactional to Transformational

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Our programs are designed by and for the community, rooted in a model of justice, equity, and cultural brilliance.

🛠️ Transactional Tools:

• Home visiting early learning program (ParentChild+ model)

• Youth support circles, case management & school navigation

• Food pantries, rental assistance, diaper distribution

• Resource navigation in Swahili, French, Lingala, and more

🌱 Transformational Impact:

• Strengthened cultural identity and belonging

• Improved early childhood development and school readiness

• Youth healing from trauma and building resilience

• Family advocacy in civic and education systems

We call this "system-level healing"—responding to urgent needs and reshaping the systems that created those needs.

🧠 What Does Justice From the Start Look Like?

• A toddler in Kent learns to read in both English and Lingala, preparing for school and maintaining identity.

• A Congolese mother in SeaTac receives culturally appropriate postpartum support and parenting guidance.

• A Black refugee teen in Burien finds mentors who help him navigate trauma and discover his power.

• A family learns to advocate at school IEP meetings with the help of CIN’s Early Learning Specialists.

We work at the intersections of education, housing, food, culture, and voice. Our model is Afrofuturist because we believe Black immigrant futures must be designed intentionally—not left to chance.

📊 WA DOH-SHIP DATA SHOWS WHY THIS WORK MATTERS

The 2025 Washington SHIP Data Book confirms the urgency of CIN’s model:

📍 Over 9% of Washingtonians speak a language other than English at home

📍 1 in 4 residents relied on a food pantry in 2024

📍 Black families face disproportionate poverty and lower access to early education

📍 Only 29% of the state’s preschool needs are met

🔑 What Your Donation Supports

Gift Amount         Impact

$50                     Buys culturally matched early literacy materials for home visits

$100                   Supports family transportation to community services

$250                   Provides a month of nutritious food & diapers for a refugee family

$500                  Funds youth therapy and support group facilitation

$1,000               Covers one month of wrap-around support for newly arrived families

We aim to raise $30,000 this GiveBIG to fund early learning staff, emergency food, and youth program expansion.

💫 Join the Movement

This GiveBIG, you’re not just donating to a nonprofit. You’re investing in:

✅ Justice-centered early learning✅ Youth transformation through culture and healing✅ Community-designed systems change

📲 Donate Today🔁 Share our campaign🤝 Be a partner in justice from the start

Together, we’ll ensure that every Black immigrant child, parent, and youth has not only what they need—but what they deserve.

Media Gallery

Youth Healing Circle (Group Therapy) through Art

Health and Mental Engagement through Sports

Fostering Learning through Team Work

Field Trip to the Mountains - Environmental Awareness

Developing the Love of Books in the Next Generation

Learning to Swim as an Essential Life Skills

ParentChild Play is an Essential Learning Tool