Dave Newell
davidnewellwa.bsky.social
Dave Newell
@davidnewellwa.bsky.social
CEO of Akin. All views are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect those of Akin.
As social and human service agencies do more with less, the system is breaking. On the heels of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, research from Bonterra shows that more than half of federally funded organizations report financial instability.
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/snap...
SNAP crisis is proof our social-service sector needs a reset | Op-Ed
As the federal government cuts programs and funding to states, funders at the local level must step up to fill the gap or families will suffer.
www.seattletimes.com
November 28, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Reposted by Dave Newell
If the government shutdown extends beyond Nov. 1, more than 65,000 children could be at risk of losing access to Head Start, the federal early-learning program for low-income families. n.pr/4hy0p96
Families could start losing access to Head Start if shutdown continues
If the government shutdown extends beyond Nov. 1, more than 65,000 children could be at risk of losing access to Head Start, the federal early-learning program for low-income families.
n.pr
October 30, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Reposted by Dave Newell
Thanks to the bipartisan Head Start to Congress Caucus + Pre-K & Child Care Caucus and the National Head Start Association for standing up for babies. Your support ensures Early Head Start continues giving infants, toddlers, families & communities the tools to thrive. #EarlyHeadStartWorks
July 24, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Reposted by Dave Newell
Thank you Senator Collins, @murray.senate.gov, Senator Capito and @baldwin.senate.gov for investing in babies in the Senate LHHS bill. Funding babies' development and early learning via programs like Head Start and infant & early childhood mental health grants are essential! #ThinkBabies
August 1, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Child safety must remain a top priority, but threatening parents with family separation sows fear, which keeps them away from the very supports that might otherwise help keep their family safe. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/chil...
Children are safer when families are supported — not separated | Op-Ed
Society must lift stressed families up with services, rather than remove children to foster care.
www.seattletimes.com
July 18, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Reposted by Dave Newell
Please enjoy these shelter pups reacting to getting a kiss. Some are bashful, some have butterflies, and all deserve approximately 10 million more. 14/10 for all
May 14, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Reposted by Dave Newell
11/ The tariffs aren’t economic policy. They are political weapons.

But as long as we see this clearly, we can stop him. Public mobilization is working. Today, a few Republicans joined Democrats to vote against one set of tariffs.

The people still have the power.
April 3, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Reposted by Dave Newell
March 31, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Reposted by Dave Newell
It has begun.

While on the one hand they're closing Social Security offices
On the other they're now requiring you go to an office.

They are designing failure into the system.

47 Social Security offices are listed for closure.

www.yahoo.com/news/social-...

apnews.com/article/soci...
New Social Security requirements calls for in-person checks
The Social Security Administration is set to impose tighter identity verification measures starting March 31.
www.yahoo.com
March 24, 2025 at 2:14 AM
Reposted by Dave Newell
I cannot emphasize this enough: no one will remember the shutdown even happened when it’s time to vote next year. One way or the other!
March 13, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Reposted by Dave Newell
I think some in the Senate have convinced themselves that the backlash to folding will be limited to “the left” and therefore ignorable.

Those people are deeply and profoundly misreading the moment and the stakes.

Virtually every swing district House Dem walked the plank to vote NO for a reason.
March 14, 2025 at 2:46 AM
“Today my life is completely different because of early ECEAP,” she said. “We needed more than just child care.” #ECEAP #ChildWellBeing #families
www.seattletimes.com/opinion/edit...
Don't forget the human cost when balancing state budgets | Editorial
Washington has learned the hard way about short-term gain with far-reaching costs. Lawmakers must keep that in mind as they work to streamline the state budget.
www.seattletimes.com
March 12, 2025 at 2:49 AM
Reposted by Dave Newell
The FAA approved another launch before the last crash investigation was completed — and it ended in another disaster.

Why is SpaceX getting a free pass from DOGE cuts? 🤔
March 7, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Reposted by Dave Newell
Pass it on.
#StandWithUkraine
February 28, 2025 at 8:44 PM
Reposted by Dave Newell
I went to my Congressman's local office today. First off, they were surprised that I was there. They said they had been getting phone calls, but I was the first walk-in. That said, the phones were not ringing off the hook. If the DC phone lines are busy, try calling the local office.
February 4, 2025 at 2:36 AM
Reposted by Dave Newell
February 2, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Reposted by Dave Newell
RONALD REAGAN (1988): We should be aware of the demagogues who are ready to declare a trade war against our friends, weakening our economy, our national security, and the entire free world—all while cynically waving the American flag.
February 2, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Reposted by Dave Newell
This billboard says it all.
January 14, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Thanks to the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin for helping us to celebrate the first year anniversary of the creation of Akin. When parents, families, and communities have the assets they need, children thrive! #StrongFamilies #childwellbeing

www.union-bulletin.com/opinion/edit...
Editorial: Akin is strengthening families and communities
In a time when families face increasingly complex challenges, the work being done by Akin is a great asset to the Walla Walla Valley and the state.
www.union-bulletin.com
January 4, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Thank you to the U.S. Congress for enacting the Protecting America’s Children by Strengthening Families Act (H.R. 9076)! Children and families need our support and basic assets in order to thrive and stay together! #FRC
#FamilySupport #TitleIVB #StrongerFamilies #KinshipCare
December 21, 2024 at 2:28 PM
Reposted by Dave Newell
I don't know who needs to hear this, but you don't need to justify your reading preferences and choices to anyone. Audiobooks count as reading. Also, you don't have to finish books you don't enjoy. Don't read to impress, read for yourself. Life's too short, love yourself, ok?

Signed, a librarian.
December 7, 2024 at 3:51 PM