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For 75 years, Friends of Youth has been guided by a simple but powerful belief: every young person deserves safety, stability, and the opportunity to thrive. In 2026, we are proud to celebrate this milestone by hosting  two Celebration of Youth events , each highlighting a critical part of our collective work with young people and families. April 24, 2026 | Homeless Youth Services & Behavioral Health May 8, 2026 | Foster Care Services Celebration of Youth is our annual event,

On a breezy February afternoon, the sun finally broke through at the Willows Youth Services Center, and for the first time since installing the basketball court in late November, young adults were able to truly use the space. Within minutes, the court filled with laughter, friendly competition, and young adults just being young adults . These young adults survive so much in their lives every day and want to feel connected, not unseen; it’s amazing to witness moments where the

What an incredible celebration! Last month, we gathered with supporters, partners, and friends to honor 75 years of service —the night was filled with energy, gratitude, and heartfelt stories that reminded us why our work matters.  To everyone who attended, gave, volunteered, or cheered us on, thank you . Your presence made this milestone unforgettable.  A Legacy Built on People   For seven and a half decades, we’ve walked alongside individuals and families through challenge

As we continue advancing our mission to address housing stability and prevent homelessness, we closely monitor federal policy decisions that directly affect the communities that we serve. Recent action at the national level will have a meaningful impact across Washington State, including here in King County. U.S. Senator Patty Murray recently met with Seattle-area housing and service providers to discuss the ongoing housing affordability and homelessness crisis. As Vice Chai

Our community thrives because of the generosity, compassion, and commitment of people like you . As we move into the spring season of service, we’re reaching out with a few important needs that will directly support the individuals and families who rely on our programs every day. Meal Volunteers Needed: Help Provide Breakfasts & Dinners We’re looking for volunteers who are willing to donate prepared meals to help us serve warm, nutritious breakfasts and dinners. Whether you’r

Our community thrives because of the passionate, committed people who choose to serve it —and we’re excited to announce several open positions for individuals who want to be part of meaningful, mission-driven work. We’re looking for team members who believe in strengthening community connections, supporting local families, and helping create opportunities for everyone to succeed. Whether you’re an experienced professional or someone eager to grow your skills in a supportive

March is a month to honor the contributions, resilience, and achievements of women throughout history. It is also an important time to recognize the experiences of transgender women , who often face unique challenges, discrimination, and barriers to health, safety, and well-being. The last day of March marks Transgender Day of Visibility , a day to celebrate transgender and non-binary people, raise awareness of the struggles they face, and advocate for their rights. Transgend

Last night, our community came together for a milestone moment— 75 years of supporting youth, young adults, and families . What began as a small nonprofit with a big heart has grown into a vibrant, resilient organization that continues to uplift generations. And in true anniversary fashion, we celebrated with one powerful theme:  JOY . A Community Reunion Filled With Heart The event brought together the people who helped shape our organization across decades— past and present

Last month, Friends of Youth welcomed community members to our Kirkland campus for a very special occasion—the ribbon cutting ceremony for Bridge Pointe , an innovative housing program designed for young adults, ages 18 to 24, transitioning from inpatient behavioral health treatment. This event marked three months of operating our first Bridge Pointe house and celebrated the upcoming opening of our second home as we look ahead to 2026. The ceremony brought together local lea

Food is more than nourishment—it’s memory, dignity, and hope . For Sam, his first holiday without a home could have been unbearably lonely. But at Friends of Youth’s Willows Young Adult Shelter, the warmth of shared meals and laughter in the kitchen made him feel seen. Sweet treats from the farmers’ market weren’t just snacks—they were moments of belonging.  Sam lived at Willows for ten months. Living with a disability made employment difficult, and navigating benefits felt o

This year, our community came together in an extraordinary way to support the Friends of Youth Giving Tree—and because of you, more than 300 young people and families  will experience a brighter, more joyful holiday season. Each tag selected, each gift purchased, and each act of kindness reflected the heart of a community that believes every young person and family deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Your generosity did more than fulfill wish lists —it reminde

At Friends of Youth, we believe community grows stronger when people have space to gather, connect, and care for one another. Recently, we were honored to open our Kirkland Youth Services Center (KYSC) administration office's large conference room to community partners for two meaningful events, each rooted in collaboration, equity, and shared purpose. We were grateful to host Eastside Pathways for their recent gathering event that brought together regional leaders and par

This month, Friends of Youth hosted our first End-of-Year Celebration at Novelty Hill – Januik Winery , bringing together community members, partners, and supporters to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to the work ahead. It was a joyful evening before the holidays, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us. During the evening, we shared the challenges young people are facing today and shared our vision of a future where every Friends of Youth young person and fam

The DBT team at Friends of Youth is excited to share that our next Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Class will begin in early January 2026, and enrollment is now open! This structured, evidence-based program is designed to support teens navigating emotional regulation, relationship challenges, impulsive reactions, and/or intense mood changes. DBT skills are taught in a strengths-based, trauma-informed way that helps build resilience, improve communication, and suppor

November is National Youth Homelessness Awareness Month, and this past November, we were proud to partner once again with Burgermaster and YouthCare for the second annual Your Change, Their Chance Round-Up Campaign. Throughout the month, Burgermaster guests were invited to round up their order total to support local youth experiencing homelessness in our communities . Every cent raised went directly to Friends of Youth and YouthCare, helping provide safe housing, counseling

Friends of Youth has officially opened Bridge Pointe Housing, a healing place for young adults, 18 - 24, transitioning from inpatient treatment.      On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Friends of Youth hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Bridge Pointe Housing with honored guests and speakers including, Friends of Youth President and CEO, Paul Lwali; Friends of Youth Senior Director of Youth and Family Services, Brooke Drennon; Friends of Youth Senior Director of Homeless Youth Se

As summer ends and students prepare for the new school year, we’re reminded that readiness goes beyond just school supplies. Mental and...

Youth and young adults are heading back to school this month, and we are asking for school supplies, hygiene items, and snacks to get...

We are honoring over 20 years of unwavering support from the Joshua P. Williams Foundation .   Though this year marks the final chapter,...

Equity and inclusion live in our daily choices, our relationships, and the way we show up for one another .   Across our community,...