The Federal Way Hispanic community now has a City staff member solely dedicated to better connecting them with their local government and community services.

Teniel Sabin last month joined the City as its first-ever Hispanic Liaison. In her part-time role, Sabin will bring together the Hispanic community, City government and local community services.

"I'm interested in community building and making sure that everyone has equal access to services," shared Sabin.

The City created the Hispanic liaison position partly in response to an increased rise in Hispanic residents.

Census data from 2006 show the Federal Way Hispanic population is about 10.5 percent, making Hispanics the second largest minority community in Federal Way, after the Asian community.

The City also based this new position on the success of its longtime Korean Liaison program.

Sabin will provide free translation services to Hispanic residents as they work with City staff and other community organizations.

Sabin recently established a Spanish phone line, (253) 835-2606, and is scheduling quarterly meetings between the Hispanic community and the City Council so the community can have a stronger voice in City affairs. She is also working on a Spanish portion of the Federal Way web site.

The Hispanic community is invited to attend a kick-off lunch from 12 to 1 p.m. on May 28 at City Hall, 33325 8th Ave S, in Council Chambers.

The lunch is free, and open to the public. It is an opportunity for the Hispanic population to meet Sabin and provide feedback on their needs and the City's new position.

Community organizations and advocacy groups are also invited.

Sabin has a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in teaching from the University of Washington.

She most recently worked at the UW Women's Center as a program assistant and at a juvenile center for immigrant adolescents for Pioneer Human Services. She currently serves as a parent liaison at Adelaide Elementary in Federal Way.

Sabin has studied Spanish for about 10 years and has traveled and studied in Mexico, Guatemala and Peru.

She has been a South King County resident for the last 20 years and currently lives in Federal Way with her family.

Sabin's hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every weekday, except Thursday.

She can be reached at (253) 835-2613 or by e-mail at teniel.sabin@cityoffederalway.com.