Many Eastside residents previously stymied by language difficulties are now able to get help for their families thanks to the full launch of the Eastside Cultural Navigator Program.

The program is designed for immigrants and refugees who have difficulty accessing health, housing or human services or who need assistance in learning the norms of everyday life, such as how to talk to a school teacher or how to apply for a job. The program works to limit the problems that can arise through isolation and lack of information.

“We’ve struggled for many years with the difficulties of ensuring that all are able to tap the services on our campus,” said Pam Mauk, Executive Director, Family Resource Center. “The great increase in immigrants and refugees on the Eastside corresponds with tremendous funding pressures for human services agencies. The 18 agencies on the Family Resource Center campus are very grateful to have a better way to help immigrants.”

East King County has a greater percentage of immigrant and refugees than Seattle. It is estimated that 31 percent of Bellevue residents speak a language other than English at home. That is true of over half of those using services at HealthPoint medical clinic on the Resource Center campus.

The program has now launched with a full contingent of “navigators,” including Russian support at Crossroads Mini City Hall and near full-time support in Spanish at the Family Resource Center. Chinese-speaking assistance is available on Wednesdays at the Center, and Indian language support is available on Mondays and Tuesdays.

For more information visit www.familyresourcecenter.org.