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.
Natasha Fecteau Minger, Poulsbo
Natasha is an unsung hero on so many levels.
She has been a fierce advocate for not only her own child, but wherever she goes, she is in spaces speaking on behalf of children with special needs and Native communities. She is a pillar of social connection for so many children and families that she has become the go-to person in her community for connecting families to resources when they are struggling.
She is constantly helping families successfully navigate the political system to advocate for policies and programs change. Notably, she has helped build trust, confidence and connections with tribal parents and tribal organizations in her community while learning her own history as an Alaska Native woman with her own trauma.
She is building strength in community by helping parents see where they fit in to creating change for their families, to help them find resources about social/emotional learning and where to access preschool and creating spaces at tables for parents to use their voices.
Natasha recently brought parents to a panel for Kitsap Strong to talk about the barriers to child care and early learning in her county. By highlighting to other parents that they were not alone and providing space at a table for them to share their stories, she illuminated for these other parents that they were not alone and helped them with their own social connections and resilience pillars. She is a community connector and Kitsap County is a better place for having Natasha in it.
Nominator: April Messenger
More Unsung Heroes:
Josie Garcia is passionate about her family and community
She pushed for an adaptive swing, and that was just the beginning
This foster family greets kids with love, laughter and support
SW Washington family share “big, amazing hearts” with foster community
Brian McClay, adoptive dad and champion to kids facing challenges
