The word “ember” is often used in the phrase “dying embers” – a fire going out. But the word’s use in the name of West Seattle’s new Ember Place carries the exact opposite meaning: Ember Place founders Megan Fisher and Krystal Praast plan for their new nonprofit community space to be very much alive, brightening community members’ lives.
It’s on the lower floor of the West Seattle Church of the Nazarene, though it’s not affiliated with the church and not a religious enterprise. Ember Place is intended to be a “third place,” though not simply a place where you come hang out. Here’s how Krystal explained it:
We often talk about needing a village. Ember Place is our way of helping build one: a welcoming place where people of all ages can share meals, develop friendships, find support, and make meaningful connection part of everyday life.
Our offerings include weekly community dinners and live music, women’s and community circles, yoga and meditation, grief support and group therapy, coworking, and children’s and family programming. Sliding-scale memberships and drop-in options give neighbors different ways to participate.
My co-founder, Megan Fisher, is a licensed mental health counselor, and I bring a background in Human Resources, People Operations, and facilitating community circles. Together, we’re creating a space around a simple belief: “We belong to each other.”
We rent space inside West Seattle Church of the Nazarene at 4201 SW Juneau Street. Ember Place is an independent, nonreligious organization, guided by our own values of belonging, inclusion, and care.
The founders told us they are both Gatewood Elementary parents and after they had met and gotten to talk, they realized they shared a dream of opening a place like this, and decided to “do this together.” They hope to meet you at their grand opening next Tuesday (October 27), 5-8 pm, all welcome: “Drop in for food, live music, and a family-friendly scavenger hunt that guides visitors through the space and introduces our offerings. Neighbors can meet the team and learn about memberships and volunteer opportunities.”