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Strong communities are built through relationships, shared responsibility, and a commitment to ensuring that all young people and families have opportunities to thrive. At Friends of Youth, we recognize that supporting youth extends beyond providing services. It also means partnering with organizations that advocate, build connections, and help address needs that are often unseen. This quarter, we had the opportunity to participate in community events that reflected the power

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 e

This past Mother’s Day, many of the families we serve received a special reminder that they are seen, appreciated, and supported thanks to the generosity of Mimi Johnson and her church community. Together, they donated thoughtfully assembled Mother’s Day gift baskets that brought joy and encouragement to mothers and caregivers throughout our programs. Filled with care and intention, these baskets provided recipients with an opportunity to feel celebrated and valued. Acts of k

This month, we are proud to recognize Melanie for her outstanding volunteer service in our Donation Center. As our Basement Manager volunteer, Melanie consistently shows up with a positive attitude, a willingness to help, and a dedication to making our donation space the best it can be. Whether she is organizing inventory, tidying the space, or helping employees find needed items, Melanie approaches every task with enthusiasm and care. Her commitment has helped transform our

Community partnerships make a meaningful difference in the lives of the youth and families we serve, and we are grateful for the ongoing support of Cafe Veloce. Through their generous food donations, Cafe Veloce helps provide delicious meals and food items to youth, young people, and families facing difficult circumstances. Access to quality food offers more than nourishment; it provides comfort, stability, and a reminder that our community cares. Their generosity helps us st

Since February, Stefanie Jaswal, SUDP counselor, and Price Gass, MH therapist with YFS, have been teaching Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) skills to parents and caregivers of the youth and young adults we serve. The CRAFT program offers a structured, evidence-informed approach that empowers families to support change with compassion, practicality, and effectiveness. When someone struggles with substance use, the effects reach far beyond the individual, aff

Written by Jill Redling, Clinical Director of Foster Care Services Moments of crisis can create meaningful opportunities for connection and hope. I was reminded of this on a rainy day in June while visiting a foster caregiver’s home. During that time, I witnessed a youth who has faced incredibly complex, real-life challenges begin to navigate what it means to seek support and build trust, something that can feel unfamiliar after experiences shaped by inconsistency and instabi

This year’s Celebration of Youth was a vibrant, energy-filled evening that brought together community members, employees, and program participants in a shared space of connection, celebration, and reflection to champion the vital mission of Friends of Youth. The first Celebration of Youth event beautifully highlighted the magic that happens when we integrate our Homeless Youth Services (HYS) and Youth & Family Services (YFS), proving that housing stability and holistic wrapar

This spring, our community came together for Friends of Youth’s Celebration of Youth, an inspiring series of gatherings that demonstrated what is possible when people unite around young people. Hosted at Sparkman Cellars, this year’s event featured two focused evenings centered on youth experiencing homelessness, behavioral health, and foster care. Through powerful panel conversations, attendees heard directly from young people, caregivers, and employees, lifting up lived exp

Because of You, Change Happens As we close out our fiscal year, one thing is clear: this work doesn’t happen without you!  Every day, we meet youth, young adults, and families in some of the hardest moments of their lives - uncertain, overwhelmed, and often navigating systems alone. And every day, because of your partnership, we’re able to meet them with support, stability, and a path forward. You’re not just funding services… you’re creating turning points. What You Made Pos

Our three transitional living programs serving young adults and young families aged 18-24 are looking ahead to the summer months with much to celebrate! As we approach the end of the school year, we are celebrating several young individuals in our programs who have furthered their education this year. We are so proud to witness the young people we work with achieve their educational goals! This year, we have the privilege of celebrating two high school graduates who have demo

The Need Is Growing—And So Must Our Response Each year, Friends of Youth serves hundreds of youth and young adults, helping them build stability and obtain housing. However, as income inequality and housing costs continue to rise and federal investments shrink, we continue to see new young people showing up at our doors. Why This Matters While experiences of homelessness continue to grow, shelter capacity has not kept pace—in fact, it has decreased countywide. The result is

This spring, our community came together for Friends of Youth’s Celebration of Youth—an inspiring series of gatherings that demonstrated what is possible when people unite around young people. Hosted at Sparkman Cellars, this year’s event featured two focused evenings centered on youth experiencing homelessness, behavioral health, and foster care. Through powerful panel conversations, attendees heard directly from young people, caregivers, and employees—lifting up lived exper

Thank you to everyone who came out to support Friends of Youth’s Celebration of Youth, highlighting the impact of our Homeless Youth Services and Behavioral Health programs! With the support of our employees, volunteers, community members, and sponsors, we’re close to reaching our fundraising goal, but we still need your help to hit $700,000! We extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible emcee, Jordan Babineaux, and to our Senior Program Directors, Eric Buley and Brooke Dr

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