News & Updates from YouthCare
Six months ago, Amber, who uses the pronouns ‘they/them,’ graduated from YouthCare’s YouthBuild, a six-month pre-apprenticeship program that allows young people to earn their GED and build a thriving career in the construction trades. Amber began young adult life just like many of us: they fell in love. At first, they felt safe and secure… Read More of “Amber: Breaking Down Barriers to Build a Brighter Future”
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”
Eleven years ago, a group of United Airlines staff sat down to plan their annual Fantasy Flights event, a tradition where they transform their stations into a winter wonderland for youth. That year, they were given a unique opportunity to do something a little different. With the vision of giving back and spreading cheer to… Read More of “A Holiday Tradition of Generosity at YouthCare’s Adolescent Shelter”
Volunteers play an essential role in YouthCare’s work to support youth experiencing homelessness. In honor of International Volunteer Day, we sat down for a Q&A with one of our amazing volunteers, Viktória! Viktória is part of a fierce volunteer team at YouthCare’s main office; every Thursday she can be found sorting and organizing the incredible donations… Read More of “YouthCare Volunteer Spotlight: Viktória”
The holidays are a special time: there’s excitement in the air as we exchange gifts, gather around the table, and count our blessings. Every young person deserves to experience those special moments. At YouthCare, staff are working hard throughout the season so youth can feel more at home during this time of year. Can you… Read More of “6 Simple Ways to Brighten the Holidays for Youth Experiencing Homelessness!”
YouthCare has signed on in support of a campaign to shut down the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, Washington. We urge you to support this campaign and sign the petition here. What is the NWDC? The Northwest Detention Center is the country’s fourth-largest detention center for people awaiting immigration and/or asylum proceedings. NWDC is… Read More of “YouthCare Endorses Shut Down NWDC Campaign”
What is Referendum 88? Referendum 88 will decide the fate of Initiative 1000 (see below), a ballot initiative approved by the legislature last year. An “approve” vote on Referendum 88 will enable I-1000 to move forward; a “reject” vote will block it from becoming law. What is Initiative 1000? Initiative 1000 would reverse a statewide… Read More of “Approve Referendum 88”
What would I-976 do? I-976 would significantly restrict our state’s capacity to generate revenue for transportation. Among other reforms, the initiative would limit car tab fees to $30 per year and repeal cities’ authority to levy additional fees through Transportation Benefit Districts (TBDs)—the primary means by which 62 cities across the state fund local transportation… Read More of “YouthCare Opposes Initiative 976”
This month, YouthCare welcomed volunteers from organizations around the community for their dedicated ‘Days of Caring’. Volunteers from Expedia showed up in full force to spruce up two of YouthCare’s community living programs. These volunteers deep cleaned the kitchens, which are focal points of community building for youth who call these spaces home. After completing… Read More of “YouthCare Welcomes Volunteers for Annual “Days of Caring””
The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be hard, often filled with curveballs, hardship, and lessons learned. The young people we serve at YouthCare are on that same journey, going through the same trials and tribulations as their peers. But for young people experiencing homelessness, a traditional support system—parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents—isn’t always available, which… Read More of “Frankie: Finding the Support and Healing Needed to Move Forward”
