By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
The Tubman Center for Health & Freedom recently announced that it will assume responsibility for delivering Seattle-King County Aging and Disability Services’ services for Black elders through the launch of the Black Elders Wellness (BE Well) Program, formerly known as the African American Elders Program, this summer.
The transition marks a shift toward a more integrated, culturally responsive model of care designed to better meet the evolving needs of Black elders across Seattle and King County, while maintaining continuity and expanding services in ways that deepen trust and connection within the community.
“We want to ensure that Black elders experience community rather than disruption,” said BE Well program manager Felicia Ishino. “Our approach is grounded in continuity, trust, and care, and as this transition takes effect, Tubman Health will prioritize clear communication and engagement with elders and families.”
“We recognize that programmatic transitions between organizations can be experienced in different ways by participants,” added Ishino. “But Tubman Health focuses on maintaining transparency and consistency in communication throughout the process.”
While Tubman Health looks to improve the program, leaders acknowledge they are building on a strong foundation established by Catholic Community Services under the direction of Margaret Boddie, whose decades of stewardship supported African American elders across Seattle and King County.
“We are deeply respectful of the legacy of Margaret Boddie and Catholic Community Services,” said Ishino. “Their stewardship created a strong, trusted foundation that has supported generations of Black elders in Seattle and King County.”
“Honoring that legacy means both acknowledging their impact and carrying forward their commitment to community-centered care,” added Ishino. “We see this as a continuation, not a replacement, of that work, and we’re building on it with gratitude and responsibility.”
Mary Pearson, Aging and Disability Services division director, said Tubman Health was selected as the new provider for its ability to build meaningful relationships and meet the evolving needs of Black elders.
“Catholic Community Services has done a good job of launching the former program, but now it’s time to look at which agency has the capacity to take the program into the future,” said Pearson. “Their relational medicine model centers relationship, trust, and dignity, and speaks to the values within our African American community.”
“Their long-term vision for expanding services and providing a comprehensive suite of support for Black elders and their families led to that selection,” added Pearson.
The Black Elders Wellness Program integrates services funded by Aging and Disability Services, a division of the Seattle Human Services Department, into a broader model that includes health care navigation, social support, and opportunities for connection that reflect the evolving needs of Black elders.
“As we carry forward this program, our focus is on continuity, trust, and meaningful relationships with elders and families,” said Dr. Peter Asante, director of health services. “We are proud to offer a model of care where Black elders are supported not just to access services, but to stay connected and to live with dignity, joy, and a strong sense of community.”
The program will maintain existing services while expanding to include culturally responsive care that addresses physical, mental, social, and emotional health. Offerings include primary care, visiting nursing services, mental health therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy.
Additional support includes Tubman Guides who assist with navigating care systems, along with wraparound resource coordination to address food access, housing needs, and other essential services.
The program also emphasizes social connection and community-building through events and activities designed to reduce isolation and strengthen a sense of belonging.
“Wellness and enrichment offerings, including intergenerational cooking classes and personal training, are intended to support mobility, coordination, and overall well-being,” said Ishino said.
“This program is designed with elders at the center of every decision. Aging in Seattle and in this country is not a race-neutral experience for Black elders,” continued Ishino. “It is our responsibility to respond to systemic barriers with responsive support, advocacy, love, and care.”
Ishino said culturally responsive care means understanding the lived experiences of Black elders, including the historical and ongoing effects of systemic racism, and delivering care that is respectful, affirming, and relevant.
“It means providers who listen and understand, services that reflect cultural practices and preferences, and spaces where elders feel a true sense of belonging,” said Ishino. “Black elders are among the most marginalized members of our community, and we will continue to learn by listening to what they need to be healthy and free, and act to address the root causes of barriers to our health and freedom.”
The program is also designed to address broader barriers that Black elders often face in accessing care.
“Black elders often experience inequities in health care access and outcomes, as well as broader social challenges,” Ishino said. “Housing instability, food insecurity, and social isolation are compounded by a long history of inequities and mistrust within health care systems.”
“Our program will create opportunities to celebrate elders, reinforce their importance in our community, and ensure they feel seen, valued, and connected,” added Ishino.
Pearson emphasized the importance of continuing the program’s legacy, noting its origins in a commitment made more than two decades ago.
“Under Mayor Norman B. Rice, Seattle made a commitment to better serve African American elders by launching the African American Elders Program,” said Pearson. “This work builds on that legacy while responding to the needs of Black elders today.”
“A huge part of that is building trust and being responsive to evolving community needs, which is why we are excited to partner with the Tubman Center for Health and Freedom.,” added Peason.
Ishino also highlighted the importance of the partnership with Aging and Disability Services.
“The partnership with ADS is critical,” said Ishino. “Their support allows us to sustain core services while expanding into a more holistic model of care.”
“It reflects a shared commitment to serving Black elders in ways that respond to the current and evolving needs of our community” added Ishino.
In the coming months, Tubman Health will share additional information about program services, timelines, and opportunities for community engagement, with a continued focus on building strong relationships with elders, families, and the broader community.
