Seattle’s Child is proud to partner with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington to honor outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children.
All month long, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state: biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofits; some mentor others in their communities. Enjoy their stories.
Carissa Lieberman, Richland
We are nominating an amazing, thoughtful, and above all else a fierce woman.
Carissa is a single mother of three children and one grandchild. Many years ago, Carissa committed to sobriety and started to take account of her past actions. This has led her through a difficult path that included custody challenges, rebuilding trust from her children, living in less-than-ideal neighborhoods, building credit and savings, and a commitment to help others thrive.
Carissa has since put herself through college, obtained her degree, began interning at a small nonprofit, as she grew and realized her potential, she became a case manager, and in 2021 became the program director. Carissa did this while raising her youngest child on her own, with low pay, and helping families that were essentially in the same boat as she was in. In other words, she could have been a client if she was not employed by this nonprofit.
The fortitude it takes to give people a hand up when she simultaneously is giving herself a hand up is incredible to witness. A little over a year ago, her middle child chose to live with her. Carissa was so excited! She was bubbling with anticipation, while understanding that this would require deliberate work to establish a new normal with her daughter and son living together after several years apart, in a two-bedroom apartment. She is now working to buy her first home that will be a representation of all the hard work she has done to support her family.
Carissa is compassionate, filled with empathy, extremely driven and full of fresh ideas while always being a mentor for other employees. In a year filled with COVID challenges and personal stresses on everyone worldwide; Carissa brings a grace and kindness that you do not find in many! She is a special person who deserves to be honored as an Unsung Hero.
Nominators: Matthew West and Geri Ortiz
More Unsung Heroes:
Katie Biron: a passion for healing families, building community
Erica Knapp of Arlington advocates for all, even when she is met with pushback
