building community beyond services

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 of belonging and collective action. Eastside Pride PNW's Paws & Pride event brought people together in a joyful celebration of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Our Senior Director of Equity and Community Strategies, Angela De La Hoz, had the pleasure of serving as a dog costume judge, experiencing firsthand how events like these create welcoming spaces where individuals, families, and allies can connect, celebrate, and build community.

We also joined Eastside For All's Juneteenth celebration, now in its seventh year. The event featured local food vendors, a meaningful land acknowledgment, cultural performances, and a traveling museum experience that highlighted history, resilience, and community leadership. Events like these demonstrate the importance of creating spaces where stories, identities, and experiences are recognized and valued.

Organizations such as Eastside Pride PNW and Eastside For All continue to meet important community needs while advocating for inclusion, connection, and opportunity. Their work reminds us that belonging is not created through a single event or service; it is built through ongoing relationships and collective action.

At Friends of Youth, we remain committed to supporting these efforts and strengthening communities where every young person and family can be seen, valued, and connected.