News & Updates from YouthCare
It’s Thankful Thursday and we’re so grateful for our wonderful partnership with Bishops Barbershop on Capitol Hill! Every other month, our young people in program get so excited to make the trip up the hill to a cool spot, sit in a shiny black chair, and for a few moments, slip away into the leisure… Read More of “Haircuts with Heart: YouthCare Partners with Bishops on Capitol Hill”
Last week was a horrific week across the nation. Our hearts grew heavy hearing about two consecutive massing shootings—first in Dayton—and then in El Paso. While the motives behind Dayton are still under investigation, we know that the massacre in El Paso deliberately targeted people of color. Violent acts of white supremacy and white nationalism… Read More of “Dual Reflection: The Legacy of Toni Morrison & Confronting White Supremacy”
When President Trump took office in 2016, YouthCare braced for a challenging four years. But racist and hateful policies rocked YouthCare immediately: it was clear from the start that immigrants and those who are new to this country—particularly people of color—were Trump’s key scapegoats and the primary targets of cruel policy. Since that time, the… Read More of “YouthCare Condemns Racist and Inhumane Federal Policies”
For a few hours every third Thursday of the month, a small space at the back of YouthCare’s Orion Center transforms. A few rows of chairs are casually spread out. The lights drop low, leaving only the golden glow of string lights to illuminate the space. A mic stands tall. It’s a treasured moment where… Read More of “Open Mic Night: A Supportive Space for Youth to Create and Inspire”
Eric B. has an infectious laugh and a beaming smile that lights up a room. Like so many other young people experiencing homelessness, he endured hard times in search of three things: stable housing, economic opportunity, and a community of support. Poverty and hardship defined Eric’s childhood—paying rent and having enough food constantly worried his… Read More of “Eric: Flourishing with a Community of Support”
Last Thursday was a night to remember. YouthCare hosted its annual prom, where young people experiencing homelessness could dance the night away and feel the privilege of, well, simply being young. Unabashed joy. Play. A first dance. The excitement of supporting a young trans woman show up in the world authentically in a dress for… Read More of “A Prom of Our Own: YouthCare’s Annual Prom Night Goes ’90s!”
Yesterday evening, YouthCare held its annual Art & Appreciation Night, hosted generously by our partners (and amazing Orion Center neighbors), Marriott Hill SpringSuites! It was a night filled with reflections, laughter, and mingling with community members. We had a great time honoring our volunteers, board members, staff, and donors, and learning about how YouthCare’s amazing art… Read More of “YouthCare Celebrates Supporters & Youth Art Programs at Annual Art & Appreciation Night”
This past Friday, King County released their 2019 Point-In-Time Count, including the number of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. For the first time in recent years, the number of youth and young adults experiencing homelessness dropped significantly: 1,498 in 2017 to 1,089 in 2019. Physically counting people sleeping outside is an imperfect methodology, and… Read More of “YouthCare Responds to 2019 Count Us In Results”
The first day Nia started YouthCare’s Tile Project, she barely spoke a word. Growing up, Nia’s family moved often, finding sporadic shelter in rooms with relatives. Tensions rose with every move and shouting matches were constant. When everything came to a boil, Nia found it best to keep silent. She became more and more withdrawn… Read More of “Finding Her Voice Through Art: Nia’s Story”
Last Sunday was sine die: the last day of the 2019 state legislative session. It was a big year for housing and homelessness priorities—and there’s lots of reason for advocates to celebrate. Here’s a recap of how YouthCare’s legislative priories fared and why they’ll make a difference in young people’s lives. HB1657: PASSED! Why was… Read More of “2019 Session Recap”
