What is YouthCare’s Casa de Los Amigos Program? YouthCare’s Casa de los Amigos Program (Casa) is a 20-bed emergency shelter program funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which is domiciled at the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. The program was founded almost a decade ago to serve unaccompanied minors ages 12-17. The… Read More of “Program Spotlight: YouthCare’s Casa de los Amigos”
Recently, we have gotten some questions about our work to support immigrant youth. We wanted to take some time to talk about YouthCare’s Casa de Los Amigos Program and clarify some misunderstandings we’ve been hearing. First, Casa de los Amigos is NOT a detention center. Our program is a group home supported by the Division… Read More of “YouthCare’s Work With Immigrant Youth & Our Casa de los Amigos Program”
On my fourth day as a new YouthCare staff member, I visited the University District Youth Center (UDYC), YouthCare’s engagement center located in the University District. I didn’t know what to expect, but from the moment I stepped inside I felt a sweetness and comfort in the air. I walked in, seeing beautiful and bright… Read More of “Living In Joy: The Beauty Behind The University District Youth Center”
A bit of history: Six years ago, Seattle’s former mayor declared a State of Emergency on Homelessness and released additional funding to address the city’s rising rates of homelessness. Recognizing the limited resources for young adults experiencing homelessness in South Seattle, YouthCare received emergency funding to open a temporary shelter for young adults—Jackson Street—on the… Read More of “After six years, South Seattle Shelter finally has a permanent home!”
Like many workplaces across the country, YouthCare had to quickly adapt to the “new normal” of COVID-19. Through creative problem-solving and community support, we have continued to provide high-quality care to young people while simultaneously navigating an unprecedented economic and public health crisis. The pandemic has increased rates of homelessness, unemployment, and food insecurity across… Read More of “Food for Thought”
The remaining bits of snow from February’s snowstorm had just melted before eight young people stepped foot into the YouthGrow garden to start the first cohort of the year. Despite a few surprises and a delayed start, Seattle’s Snowmageddon was no match for the incredible youth who graduated from YouthCare’s YouthGrow yesterday! Emily Penna, YouthGrow’s… Read More of “Growing Futures: Congratulations to YouthCare’s YouthGrow Graduates!”
YouthCare’s Barista Training and Customer Service Program, run in partnership with FareStart, graduated its first cohort of 2019 on Friday afternoon! YouthCare’s Barista program is an eight-week training program that helps young people gain the skills needed to thrive on a team, engage with customers, and rock job interviews—all while learning how to make expertly… Read More of “Meet Espresso Patronum: The First Barista Graduates of 2019!”
Today, YouthCare’s UDYC hosted Soul Food Day to celebrate Black History Month. Each staff member chose their favorite soul food specialty to share, pot-luck style, with fellow staff and for youth accessing services. The result was a delicious success! From collard greens, fried chicken, sweet tea, and pecan pie, the delicious food prepared by staff today not only… Read More of “YouthCare’s University District Youth Center (UDYC) Celebrates Black History Month with Soul Food Day!”
Youth without a high school diploma or GED have a 346% higher risk of experiencing homelessness. YouthCare’s robust education programs reduce that risk by helping young people build the academic skills needed for long-term stability. We’re thrilled to announce a new addition to our education programs: YouthCare’s GED Program at UDYC. The program is available… Read More of “More Than a GED Program: Art & Social Justice Curriculum Encourages Students to Be Active Learners”
Yesterday was YouthBuild Graduation Day at YouthCare! YouthBuild is a six-month pre-apprenticeship program for young people interested in pursuing a career in the trades. It was incredibly inspiring to see the accumulation of hard work, commitment, and drive in these eleven talented young people. We are so proud of them as they move on to start… Read More of “YouthCare Celebrates YouthBuild Cohort 19 Graduates!”
