News & Updates from YouthCare
The 2020 legislative session wrapped up last week and there is a lot to celebrate! For the first time in YouthCare’s history, all of our state legislative priorities passed and all our budget priorities were (at least partially) funded! Keep reading to see what passed and why it matters for young people experiencing homelessness. Policy… Read More of “2020 Session Recap”
As you are aware, King County has been significantly impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our hearts go out to those personally affected, and particularly to families who have lost a loved one. The safety and wellbeing of our staff, youth, and community members are of paramount importance to YouthCare. We are closely monitoring the evolving… Read More of “YouthCare Responds to COVID-19”
To honor Black History Month, YouthCare’s Cultural Impact Committee (CIC) invited YouthCare staff to share their reflections on Black and Brown excellence through people, events, art, and experiences that inspire them. We’re so excited to share this collection of reflections with you. As you read, please remember it’s important to honor Black and Brown voices… Read More of “Honoring Black History at YouthCare”
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!”
She was violated and raped in plain sight at all hours of the day and night. She was sold and threatened with violence and death. She scratched and kicked the walls of her motel room. She cried for help from anyone who could hear. Instead of helping, motel staff told her to “keep it down.”… Read More of “Child sex trafficking survivors deserve to be protected, not criminalized”
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”
The young people we meet often have to make tough choices with limited resources. Choices like: if I buy these groceries today, will I have enough for the bus to make to class? Or, if it’s winter break and I can’t rely on a meal at school, where will I find my next meal? Gift… Read More of “Gift Cards: Why They Matter”
As the new year approaches, we want to take a moment to review everything we accomplished this past year. 2019 brought achievements and challenges that pushed us to reflect on our work and further our mission of ending youth homelessness. With your help, we had an incredible year. Check out some of our favorite highlights… Read More of “2019 Year in Review”
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”
