about friends of youth
our story
In 1950, a Washington woman named Iva Matsen saw a gap in her community; there were not enough homes or community services for young people in crisis, and she refused to accept it. The world had not made room for young people facing challenges, so she and her partner rallied their faith community, University Congregational Church, and did something about it. In 1951, Friends of Youth was officially incorporated. Members of the Matsen family remain active and involved in the agency to this day.
For 75 years, that instinct—see a need, do something about it—has carried us forward. When the world says no, we say yes. That’s what friends do.
Friends of Youth’s programs are rooted in national best practices. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation, which reviews and affirms the quality of our services.
vision
Friends of Youth envisions all youth having every opportunity to succeed.
Mission
We partner with youth and families to provide the relationships, resources, and skills they need to attain personal growth and success.
How We Serve
Building trusting relationships with young people and families starts with a strength-based approach — honoring and building on the strengths, resources, and relationships each young person or family already brings.
In our programs youth, young adults, and families impacted by homelessness, mental health concerns, or the foster care system, are supported by working closely with a committed team to turn big goals into smaller, manageable steps. Together, we co-create a plan reflecting the person's own goals and needs — whether that's employment or education services, mental health supports, parenting skill development, accessing childcare, obtaining housing or building healthier relationships and community connections.
Harm Reduction
We meet each person where they are, without judgment. Harm reduction is a vital part of building an environment where young people feel safe and welcome. All employees are trained in harm reduction principles, partnering with young people as they learn and explore healthier behaviors and build positive relationships on their own terms.
Trauma-Informed Care
Every service area at Friends of Youth is delivered from a trauma-informed philosophy. We train employees and volunteers on the impact of trauma and engage young people and families in a way that accounts for it. We see young people and families become the authors of their own stories, as we build personal goals and plans together.
Equity
Our work exists within large, complex systems — and we are committed to challenging, changing, and dismantling the structural and historical oppression that affects youth, young adults, and families within them. Friends of Youth is dedicated to becoming an antiracist, multicultural organization: our programs are designed to be inclusive, affirming, and responsive to our youths' complex identities, and we prioritize hiring employees who reflect the communities we serve, including multilingual and multicultural staff fluent in the languages our young people speak.
Equity Statement: Friends of Youth welcomes, honors, and celebrates our clients, colleagues, and communities’ diverse identities, histories, knowledges, languages, and cultures. Our organizational values shape the way we work individually and collectively, as we prioritize young people’s belonging and achievement. We work to challenge, alter, and ultimately dismantle interconnected systems of structural and historic oppression. We collaborate with community stakeholders and partners to develop policy and decision-making frameworks that advance racial equity.
Our Values
Youth First — We consider the impact on youth in every decision we make, drawing on the inherent strengths of the individuals and communities we serve.
Relationships — Constructive relationships are essential to a fulfilled life. We seek them with the youth and families we serve and help them build the same in their own lives.
Equity — We are committed to an inclusive movement toward empowerment and social justice — understanding and addressing the unique challenges youth face, advocating for change, and ensuring fair, culturally relevant access to the best opportunities for all youth and families.
Quality — We hold ourselves to the highest standard of service, internally and externally validated, delivered with safety and confidentiality.
Collaboration — We work together to improve outcomes for the individuals and families we serve.
Accountability — We hold ourselves to the highest fiscal, professional, and ethical standards, for everyone who depends on us — internally and externally.
Careers
Are you aligned with Friends of Youth's vision and values? Join our amazing team serving youth, young adults, and families. See open positions and connect for future opportunities: Friends of Youth Career Opportunities
