Building stronger connections between families, communities, and the systems that serve them.
We work on both sides of the gap: supporting families and communities, and helping the professionals and systems that serve them become more responsive, accessible, and effective.
Find the path that fits you
Bridging the Gap serves two groups equally: the families and communities we support, and the professionals and organizations that serve them. Choose where you would like to start.
Community Programs & Support
Programs, workshops, developmental screenings, and events for children, families, people with disabilities, and older adults. Many funded community programs are offered at no cost to participants. Availability and eligibility vary by program.
See our programsProfessional Services & Training
Training, consultation, and capacity building for schools, agencies, healthcare and service providers, and community organizations. Available in person or online.
View training and servicesPartnerships & Collaboration
Work with us to build culturally responsive, inclusive, and accessible pathways between communities and the systems that serve them.
Partner with usTo empower families and communities while strengthening the systems that serve them.
Founded to help families navigate systems that were not built for them
Too often, families and communities are expected to navigate complex systems that were not designed with their culture, language, or lived experiences in mind. What began as a commitment to helping families navigate those systems has grown into a broader mission: strengthening both communities and the systems that serve them.
At the heart of our work is a simple belief: lasting change happens when communities are empowered and systems are prepared to meet them with understanding, respect, and responsiveness.
We envision communities where every person can access the support, opportunities, and services they need, and where the systems designed to serve them are inclusive, culturally responsive, and equipped to meet the needs of diverse communities.
We are working toward a future where families are informed and empowered, professionals are prepared and responsive, and communities and systems work together to create lasting pathways to opportunity, belonging, and well-being.
Community-rooted
Grounded in Somali, immigrant, and refugee communities, with programs built on culture, lived experience, and community strengths.
Culturally responsive
We help professionals and organizations build the practices they need to serve diverse communities with dignity.
Accessible
We make information, programs, and services easier to find, understand, and use, in plain language and in Somali and English.
Empowering
We build on the strengths of families and communities, so they have the knowledge and confidence to make choices and speak up for themselves.
Collaborative
We partner with families, providers, and systems to find shared solutions that work for the people they serve.
Lifespan-focused
We support people at every stage of life, from infants and young children to older adults and elders.
Programs grounded in culture and community
Our community programs serve children, families, people with disabilities, and older adults, with services grounded in culture, lived experience, and dignity. Many funded community programs are offered at no cost to participants. Availability and eligibility vary by program.
Early Childhood, Development & Universal Screening
Developmental screenings using the ASQ (Ages & Stages Questionnaires), parent learning through our Parent Champion Program, and education for childcare providers, all to support children's growth from birth to age 5.
See provider trainingSeniors & Elders
Community engagement sessions and programs for older adults and elders that build connection, reduce isolation, support wellness, and help people age with dignity.
Person-Centered Planning
Planning that centers each person's own voice, preferences, goals, and choices, working alongside their family and support network to build a path forward.
Contact us to get startedProfessional Development & Capacity Building
Training, consultation, and capacity building for schools, agencies, providers, and community organizations have their own section below.
See professional services and trainingYouth Development
BTG's Youth Development program creates culturally responsive opportunities for young people to build confidence, leadership, healthy relationships, and a strong sense of belonging. Programming uses recreation, sports, mentorship, leadership development, and community-based activities to engage youth and strengthen connections with peers, families, and their community.
Behavioral Health & Family Wellness
Culturally responsive education, prevention, and wellness, and a safe space for connection, support, and referrals to the right services and providers. We do not provide clinical treatment or therapy.
Training and consultation for the people who serve our communities
We help schools, agencies, providers, and community organizations strengthen culturally responsive practices, so they can better understand, engage, and serve the communities they support.
Training is contract-based unless grant-funded. Each quote is based on scope, audience size, format, preparation, and length. Tell us what you need and we will put together a proposal.
Tell us about your training needs
Share a few details about your organization and the people you want to reach. We will follow up with options and a quote.
Training request
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Both sides of the gap, served equally
We support families and communities, and we partner with the professionals and organizations that serve them.
Communities we serve
Bridging the Gap is deeply rooted in Somali, immigrant, and refugee communities, while serving diverse and historically underserved communities more broadly. Our community-based programs are designed for children, youth, families, people with disabilities, and older adults, with services grounded in culture, lived experience, dignity, and community strengths.
See our programsProfessionals and organizations we partner with
We also work with schools, government agencies, service providers, nonprofits, early learning professionals, healthcare and behavioral health organizations, and other community-serving systems. Through training, consultation, and capacity building, we help professionals and organizations strengthen culturally responsive practices and better understand, engage, and serve the communities they support.
View training and services
Sundus Ali
Sundus Ali is the Founder and Executive Director of Bridging the Gap, bringing more than two decades of experience across community development, disability services, early childhood, behavioral support, education and employment systems, and family and community engagement.
She holds a Master's degree in International Care and Community Development and a Bachelor's degree in Community Development and Social Science, with additional training and experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and behavioral support.
Her work bridges community and systems, empowering families to navigate services and opportunities while equipping professionals and organizations with the knowledge and culturally responsive practices needed to better serve diverse communities.
Languages: Somali and English
Experience: Behavioral health, senior services, disability services, transition and employment systems, early childhood, and family and community engagement, plus lived experience with Somali, immigrant, and refugee communities
Fartun Nur
Fartun Nur is a social worker with a background in early childhood education. She specializes in partnering with children and providers to support healthy emotional, social, behavioral, and developmental growth.
Her experience includes childcare licensing, where she helped programs meet health, safety, and quality standards that protect young children and their families. She has also monitored and assessed program quality for publicly funded early learning initiatives, using data and relationship-based coaching to strengthen practices and improve outcomes for children.
Upcoming events
Join us for community sessions, family activities, and trainings. RSVP by phone or email.
Parent Champion Program
Supporting Somali families to learn, connect, and grow together.
A year of free, family-friendly activities, from September 2026 to November 2027, to support your child's development, connect you with other parents, and link you to helpful resources. All activities are held in community locations.
Parent Workshops
Practical information and tools to support your child's development, recognize concerns, and navigate services.
Milestone & Me family activities
Hands-on events for parents and children that support communication, learning, motor skills, and social-emotional development.
Developmental screening events
Free screenings to see how your child is growing and whether they may need extra support, information, or resources.
Exact dates and locations will be shared as they are confirmed. RSVP: 253-247-2584 or admin@btgwa.com
Seniors & Elders Community Engagement Sessions
RSVP: 253-247-2584 or admin@btgwa.com
Childcare Provider Training: Developmental Milestones and Early Identification
A culturally responsive, interactive training series for Somali childcare providers. Each participating provider receives an incentive for completing the training.
Registration link coming soon.
Supported by partners who share our commitment
We are grateful to the funders and partners whose support helps us serve families and communities across the lifespan.
King County Best Starts for Kids
King County Veterans, Seniors and Human Services Levy
City of Seattle Parks and Recreation
Washington State Department of Health
Local school districts
Service Alternatives
Be part of the work in your community
There are many ways to help families, youth, and elders thrive. Tell us how you would like to take part, and we will be in touch.
Parent Champion
Parent Champions connect families with information and resources, support peer learning and community activities, and share community needs, feedback, and ideas with BTG to help guide our work.
Youth Champion
Youth Champions help shape community activities, support outreach and engagement with their peers, and share youth perspectives, feedback, and ideas with BTG to ensure young people's voices inform our work.
Community updates
Get news about upcoming events, workshops, and programs by email.
Join us
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How can we help?
Whether you are a family looking for support, an organization interested in training, or a partner with an idea, we would love to hear from you. Choose a topic in the form and we will get back to you.
Rooted in Washington State, with training, consultation, and partnerships beyond it.
Send us a message
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