Exclusive Services

​Our Service Sessions are designed to provide hands-on support and connect the community with essential resources. A key focus is assistance with DSHS applications, where ALA staff and trained volunteers help community members navigate eligibility requirements, complete forms accurately, and gather necessary documentation. In partnership with DSHS, we ensure that Garífuna families can access critical services such as food assistance, healthcare, child care, and other social supports. Beyond DSHS support, we also offer guidance on cultural programs, education, and skills-building workshops, fostering empowerment, reducing barriers, and strengthening connections within the Garífuna community.

ALA’s Monthly Food Distribution program is dedicated to supporting Garífuna families and community members by providing consistent access to nutritious meals and essential groceries. This program not only helps reduce food insecurity but also strengthens community connections, bringing neighbors together in a welcoming environment. Each distribution is carefully organized with respect for the dignity and needs of every participant. In addition to providing food, our team offers information about other community resources and services, ensuring that families have the support they need to thrive. Through this initiative, we foster both nourishment and unity within the Garífuna community.

Time: 3rd Thursday of the month, 11AM - 3PM

Location; 7418 126 St. Suite 1B, Seattle WA 98178

Garífuna Heritage Month is a time to celebrate, honor, and preserve the rich cultural traditions of the Garífuna people. From music, dance, and storytelling to language, cuisine, and art, this month highlights the vibrant history and resilience of our community. At ALA, we organize events, workshops, and cultural activities that bring Garífuna families together, educate younger generations, and share our heritage with the wider public. This celebration not only honors our ancestors but also strengthens community pride, unity, and the continued preservation of Garífuna identity for future generations.

Date: 25th April, 2026

Time: 3pm- 10pm

Location: Town Park Square

31600 Pete von Reichbauer Way S, Federal Way, WA 98003

ALA’s Self-Study GED and ESL program empowers community members to achieve their educational goals at their own pace. Whether preparing for the GED exam or improving English language skills, participants receive guidance, resources, and support to succeed. Our program is designed to accommodate diverse learning styles, providing access to study materials, tutoring assistance, and structured practice opportunities. By helping individuals strengthen their education and language proficiency, ALA fosters personal growth, career readiness, and greater opportunities for economic and social advancement within the Garífuna community.

​ALA’s Manualidades sessions celebrate Garífuna creativity and heritage through hands-on arts and crafts. Participants learn traditional techniques such as jewelry making, doll fabric crafting, and other cultural crafts that preserve our ancestral knowledge. These sessions provide a space for community members of all ages to explore creativity, share skills, and connect with their cultural roots. Beyond art, Manualidades sessions foster intergenerational learning, strengthen community bonds, and encourage self-expression while honoring the rich traditions of the Garífuna people.

ALA’s Gastronomía sessions celebrate Garífuna culture through the art of traditional cooking. Participants explore ancestral recipes, learn to prepare iconic dishes like hudut, cassava bread, and fresh seafood, and discover the stories behind each meal. These sessions provide a hands-on experience that preserves culinary heritage, promotes healthy eating, and strengthens community bonds. By sharing knowledge across generations, Gastronomía sessions not only honor our cultural roots but also inspire pride, creativity, and connection within the Garífuna community.