Benton County Democrats

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B5 Learning Center – August 12, 2025

Posted on August 12, 2025

Today we…

Support new arrivals through education, relationships and community so they can thrive in their new home.

In the future, we will…

Create a community of open hearts, helping hands and supportive systems where strangers become friends and we all thrive.

B5 was honored to host Soroptimist International of Pasco-Kennewick last month for their monthly lunch. Women from B5 English classes, teachers, volunteers, and our friends from Soroptimist contributed to a potluck lunch and  enjoyed a meal together.

Once everyone filled their plates, the program honoring women from B5’s two English programs began. B5 offers a Limited English Proficiency class to qualifying adults, who study 12 hours each week. There is also a volunteer-led class available only to women who face cultural or other barriers to attending the LEP classes. Over 30 students were honored for their improved English proficiency. Eleven women were honored for displaying excellence in attendance, enthusiasm, leadership, and/or determination. Other women were recognized in the program for obtaining a driver’s permit, citizenship, or completing a career-readiness program.

Four students shared their stories with the Soroptimist members.

Ma Thidar, who only recently arrived from Myanmar, via Malaysia, would like to work for Amazon one day. Jenni Alexander, Director of Teaching and Learning, shared that Ma Thidar’s perfect attendance for three months has contributed to the strong progress she’s made in learning the English needed to get the job she wants.

Zaina Ibrahim, Women and Family Support at B5, shared Mahboba’s story. Mahboba has been persistent in her studies, even while caring for her family of eight children. She and her husband and their children were evacuated from Afghanistan by the US military when the US withdrew. Mahboba looks forward to the independence learning English and getting her driver’s license will give her. She wants to use her skills in sewing and jewelry-making as well.

Shmala, another student from Afghanistan, was able to tell her story in her own words. Though the advances she’s made speaking English were clear, what she focused on was the importance of the welcome and hope she found at B5 when she was a lonely newcomer.

Finally, Halima, who came from Somalia via Turkey with her children, told some of her story. She hopes to learn English well enough to work as an interpreter. She already knows three other languages, and was able to work as a translator while her family was in Turkey.  Her husband, who had nearly completed the process necessary to come to the US as refugee, remains in Turkey since the US has halted all refugee admissions.  

It was a wonderful afternoon of celebration and learning about each other. Soroptimist members and B5 students shared tables, food, and a little about their own stories and hopes. 

If you would like to support the women of B5 as they continue to improve their English and literacy skills and job preparedness, please consider becoming a monthly donor today. You can become a donor at https://thriveatb5.networkforgood.com/projects/179765-general-giving or contact Larissa for more information.

Thank you to all of you who give your time and money, so refugees and immigrants can find welcome at the doors of B5. Your donation in any amount allows us to support our programs to help newly arrived refugees THRIVE in our community. Will you join us?

Donations can be made through our website 
or they can be mailed to:
B5 Learning Center
715 S Jean Street 
Kennewick, WA  99336

Contact us:
(509) 221-1572
info@thriveatb5.org

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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

Benton County WA Democrats
Vaccination is described as safe, effective, and the best protection available against respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, according to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). ... See MoreSee Less

Washington state releases new vaccine recommendations ahead of flu season

keprtv.com

The state of Washington announced its vaccine recommendations for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season.
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Benton County WA Democrats

2 weeks ago

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If we're reading this correctly, Trump has just broken the law by advising the public to buy Lilly stock, which is a violation of the STOCK Act - short for the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, the STOCK Act is a 2012 law that aims to prevent insider trading among members of Congress, government officials, and their staff.🚨INVESTMENT ALERT🚨Eli Lilly is set to build a $5,000,000,000 manufacturing plant in Virginia! ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

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What’s different now is the looming threat of entire research programs being eliminated, not just reduced.www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/our-view-sept-2025?fbclid=IwY2xjawM3oFVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHo... ... See MoreSee Less

We can’t afford to lose this much talent. PNNL layoffs put scientific progress at risk

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The real risk of PNNL layoffs is brain drain on a national scale.
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2 weeks ago

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For the first time since 2021, there are more unemployed job-seekers than available openings. ... See MoreSee Less

Trump’s Economy Is Finally Here—and It’s Even Worse Than You Imagined

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Layoffs are spreading and unemployment is rising—and one kind of worker is being hit the hardest.
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Some good news to report this morning, but we wish Rep. Dan Newhouse would step up and work with his WA state Dem colleagues to challenge the potential shut down of Hanford's VIT plant. ... See MoreSee Less

Representatives Newhouse and Schrier push for Washington conservation bill to aid farmers

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WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08) and Congressman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) introduced a bipartisan bill to enhance conservation efforts in Washington state.
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Party Calendar

October 2025

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 2, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
3
  • Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    Indivisible Tricities - First Fridays Happy Hour

    October 3, 2025  4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Moonshot Brewing 8804 W. Victoria Ave Kennewick, WA

    We are going to start a social every first Friday of the month and BIG thanks to Moonshot Brewing who has agreed to let us meet there. Join us on Friday, Sept 5th, 4-6pm. Let’s come together and have some fun! Hope to see you there!

    See more details

•
4
5
6
7
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 7, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 7, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
8
9
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 9, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    MiniVan Training: Democrats University

    October 9, 2025  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/JAmvKeUER7yEYZtEgU2dBQ#/registration

    Information you provide when registering will be shared with the account owner and host and can be used and shared by them in accordance with their Terms and Privacy Policy.

    See more details

• •
10
  • Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    Tri-City Democrats Meeting/Potluck

    October 10, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    For current location please visit https://www.facebook.com/TriCityDems/

    See more details

•
11
12
13
  • Benton County Executive Board

    Benton County Executive Board

    October 13, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

•
14
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 14, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Kennewick City Council Workshop

    Kennewick City Council Workshop

    October 14, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

    See more details

• •
15
16
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 16, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
17
18
  • NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    NO KINGS Zillah Washington

    October 18, 2025  10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    1st Avenue & Vintage Valley Parkway Zillah, WA 98953

    **In Zillah, we don’t put up with would-be kings. Come out and let your neighbors know they aren’t alone.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    NO KINGS Tri-Cities WA

    October 18, 2025  11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
    Columbia Center Blvd 1321 N Columbia Center Blvd Kennewick, WA 99336

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

  • NO KINGS Walla Walla

    NO KINGS Walla Walla

    October 18, 2025  12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    Walla Walla County Superior 315 W Main St Walla Walla, WA 99362

    In America, we don’t put up with would-be kings.

    Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger and stronger. “NO KINGS” is more than just a slogan—it’s the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together.

    The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings, and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us.

    A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events.

    See more details

• • •
19
20
21
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 21, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council

    Richland City Council

    October 21, 2025  7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
22
23
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 23, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

  • BCDCC General Public Meeting

    BCDCC General Public Meeting

    October 23, 2025  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
    Meeting details will be provided over email from the Benton County Democrats Chair.

    See more details

• •
24
25
  • HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser

    October 25, 2025  6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Red Lion Hotel Pasco Airport & Conference Center 2525 N 20th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301

    Keep your eye out for the perfect costume because this year’s HAIRraisin’ FUNraiser will take place on Saturday, October 25, at 6pm at the Pasco Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center. Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween Bash celebrating the amazing work that B5 does.

    Guests will hear an update from Executive Director Theresa Roosendaal, and hear two stories of B5 students who are thriving here in the Tri-Cities. There will be auctions, games, a costume contest, and an opportunity to win a two-year lease for a 2025 Cadillac CT4 generously donated by McCurley Cadillac! 

    You can purchase tickets at here or contact Larissa at 509-551-1643 or at larissa.knopp@thriveatb5.org.

    See more details

•
26
27
28
  • TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    TCD Democrats Protest Tuesday

    October 28, 2025  3:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    John Dam Plaza, 815 George Washington Way, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    "Protest Tuesday" at John Dam Plaza on GWay in Richland from 3:45pm to 5:45PM. Bring your own sign or flag or one will be provided. Join our stalwarts and protest whatever is bothering you most that day.
    https://www.facebook.com/events/999996418325987/999996484992647/

    See more details

  • Richland City Council Workshop

    Richland City Council Workshop

    October 28, 2025  6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Richland City Hall, 505 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352, USA

    See more details

• •
29
30
  • Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    Indivisible TC - Founder Hour, Thurs

    October 30, 2025  12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    https://zoom.us/j/94107976607?pwd=qZeb9jUuH9e3DwVvukrhqxuwrNTWvv.1

    Join in and ask questions, get updates or just say hi! Zoom link below, let me know if you need the mobile version. These are held every Thursday at 12pm and occasional weekends.

    See more details

•
31
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