Wow! Thank you to everyone for tuning in and supporting the dreams of young people during our virtual luncheon last Friday! It was an honor to spend an hour with our community, connecting through stories of challenge, perseverance, strength, and joy from Youthcare alumni, clients, staff, and friends. Thank you for joining us! Together, we… Read More of “YouthCare’s First-ever Luncheon: A Huge Success!”
“We grow up in a world where we’ve been institutionalized to not celebrate our Blackness.” – Cole, YouthCare staff On Juneteenth, YouthCare staff held a beautiful virtual and in-person celebration for staff and young people. Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”—a song often broadcasted during Black Lives Matter protests across the country—played in the background as staff logged… Read More of “Celebrating Black Excellence on Juneteenth and Every Day”
Recently, a young person staying at our Casa de Los Amigos program (Casa) for unaccompanied, undocumented youth, bravely opened up to staff about his struggles with coming out. He had experienced constant bullying for being himself in his native country. Casa de los Amigos staff welcomed him immediately with love and acceptance. This set off… Read More of “YouthCare Pride 2020: Casa de Los Amigos Edition!”
Ending youth homelessness in our community is possible. But our public policies must incorporate the viewpoints and stories of young people experiencing homelessness to be effective. On Youth Advocacy Day (YAD) last Friday, young people gathered in Olympia. They voiced their perspectives during meetings with elected officials, a rally, and march to end youth homelessness.… Read More of “Uplifting Voices: YouthCare Staff & Youth Participate in Youth Advocacy Day 2020”
As we marched and celebrated with so many others in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. last Monday, one word, in particular, stood out to us: community. “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King Jr. We were honored to join thousands of people… Read More of “YouthCare Celebrates MLK Jr. Day 2020”
There’s a palpable air of excitement at YouthCare during the month of December. Last week, it bubbled over the surface as young people celebrated the holidays in safe and welcoming spaces across YouthCare’s programs. At YouthCare’s Orion Center, young people loaded up their plates with savory meatballs, mashed potatoes, cheese, and fruit at the party.… Read More of “A Trip Around YouthCare During the Holidays”
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”
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”
Last Friday, almost 1,200 people from around the community joined us at the Westin Seattle for a lunch of hope and inspiration at YouthCare’s 34th Annual Luncheon. Together, we raised more than $800,000 for homeless youth—our most ever. We deeply appreciate our generous sponsors who ensured that every dollar raised goes directly to YouthCare programs… Read More of “Together, We Raised More Than $800,000 for Homeless Youth at YouthCare’s 34th Annual Luncheon”
