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. Throughout February, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state. Enjoy their stories.Â
Patty Flores, Aberdeen
Patty is an amazing individual who has dedicated her life to uplifting and empowering immigrant communities. As a teenager, Patty immigrated to the United States, experiencing firsthand the challenges and discrimination faced by newcomers. Her personal journey has fueled her passion to support others navigating similar paths.
Patty has been instrumental in empowering immigrants to find their voices and advocate for policy change. She has organized community meetings, workshops and rallies, providing a platform for immigrants to share their stories and concerns. Through her tireless efforts, she has helped to shape local policies that benefit immigrant communities with her children by her side.
In addition to her advocacy work, Patty is deeply committed to addressing the housing crisis faced by many immigrants. She has been at the forefront of efforts to create affordable housing and implement rent stabilization measures. Her work has helped countless families advocate for secure, stable and affordable housing, trying to improve their quality of life.
Patty’s dedication to her community is truly inspiring. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it’s learning English to help with translation, assisting with paperwork, or simply offering a listening ear. She has created a social network like I have never seen before. During COVID she spent countless hours knocking on doors, deep canvassing and making connections to help families navigate the crisis and share their stories about needing healthy homes. Those doors she knocked, continue to show up to community events and create friendships that transcend language and economic barriers.
Her number one focus is to provide her children with the things she did not have: a safe, healthy, place to call home. Her impact on our community is immeasurable, and her dedication to empowering immigrants is truly inspiring. She works tirelessly to give her own family a safe and stable environment while mitigating her own trauma responses from being an immigrant. Her empathy, compassion and unwavering commitment to social justice make her a true unsung hero.
— April Messenger
NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.
More Unsung Heroes:
Dad’s remarkable journey of recovery
This inspiring family perseveres
A mother’s strength and resilience
