We all want to make a difference in the world, even in some small way. The story of Friends of Youth is clear proof that ordinary people can come together to create something extraordinary–transforming dreams into reality.
In 1950, a Washington resident named Iva Matsen saw the challenges faced by her community: not enough quality foster homes for at-risk (at that time, the term was “pre-delinquent”) youth; struggles with alcoholism; and a lack of encouragement for those who were most in need of support. So she and her husband joined with other members of the University Congregational Church to take the critical step from concern to action.
They started an organization called the Character School, renamed Friends of Youth in 1957. It was a place where young people could find a sympathetic ear, grow personally and contribute positively to their communities. Since then, Friends of Youth has grown into a leader in developing, providing and advocating for services for children, youth and their families. To this day, members of the Matsen family continue to be active and involved in the organization.
Throughout the decades, the list of donors, volunteers, friends and staff of Friends of Youth has built steadily. But while the organization has expanded impressively since its humble beginnings, its founding principles have endured: an unwavering dedication to providing quality services; the flexibility to meet new and emerging needs; and most important, a commitment to securing the futures of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Mrs. Matsen and her co-founders were just individuals, but they had a vision and a shared commitment to follow through on it. More than 50 years later, each person who becomes involved with Friends of Youth has an opportunity to build something just as extraordinary.
Read more about the agency’s founding, in Mrs. Matsen’s own words
Discover important milestones in Friends of Youth history