Bellevue LifeSpring (formerly Overlake Service League)

Our mission is to foster stability and self-sufficiency for Bellevue's children and their families through programs that feed, clothe and educate. A group of women living in Bellevue's earliest neighborhoods established Overlake Service League in 1911. Now called Bellevue LifeSpring, our organization's contribution to Bellevue has encompassed far more than the Thrift Shop it is known for in Bellevue Square. As Bellevue continues to evolve from suburban to urban, Bellevue LifeSpring too has evolved to meet the city's changing needs. Our close working relationship with the Bellevue School District allows us to address needs as they are observed in the classroom. Because Bellevue LifeSpring accepts no government funding, we are able to serve those just above the poverty line who may still be struggling but do not qualify for government assistance. We are a local organization that has been serving our community with the support of friends and neighbors for over 100 years.

Our programs work holistically to provide for children's basic needs and allowing them to focus on their education, breaking the cycle of poverty. They fall under four service areas: food, clothing, education and emergency assistance.

Food:
Breaktime-Mealtime™ provides meal boxes for students during school breaks.

Clothing:
Clothes-4-Kids™ lets kids to shop for new back-to-school clothing that expresses their personality and allows them to feel confident.

Thrift Culture in Bellevue Square provides families with affordable, gently-used clothing and shoes and supports our programs with its proceeds.

Education:
Grads-On-Track™ provides scholarships for students in need to retrieve credits through summer school courses and graduate on-time with their peers.

Bellevue LifeSpring provides need-based scholarships to Bellevue students to attend a Washington State public college or university and further their education toward earning a living wage.

Emergency Assistance:
Bellevue LifeSpring's rental assistance program provides eviction prevention for families at risk of losing their homes, as well as move-in assistance for families starting new lives in new apartments. 

Our Food & Basic Needs Pantry is stocked through community donations and allows families in need to "shop" for food, in addition to hygiene and household items that can't be purchased with food stamps.

Holiday Adopt-A-Family™ matches families in need with community sponsors during Christmas to provide meals and gifts.