We want to thank everyone for all the support you have given us this past year in the fight to end youth homelessness. Your support and solidarity are the fuel behind our mission to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential. Last year was packed with exciting new projects and visions for the future. As we look ahead to our 50th anniversary year, here is a look back on the top YouthCare news from 2023:
YouthCare Gains Accreditation
YouthCare has been recognized by the Council on Accreditation (COA)! This independent organization sets the gold standard for social service organizations and is a powerful springboard propelling YouthCare forward as we enter our 50th Anniversary this year. This achievement demonstrates YouthCare’s solid foundation, and it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to ending youth homelessness. We are so proud of our team, and we are thrilled to share this good news with our community.
2023 Luncheon Success
Our 2023 Luncheon was an inspiring event! The afternoon was packed full of powerful youth stories, news of the Constellation Center, our Community Impact Honoree award to the Schultz Family Foundation, and, most importantly, crucial funds raised for youth experiencing homelessness. Read more about the event here, and save the date for our extra special 50th Anniversary luncheon on March 13th at the Hyatt Regency Seattle!
CRE Program Debut
We were thrilled to announce the beginning of a new workforce development program this year: the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) program! In partnership with Porter, the CRE program is designed to offer exposure to various career avenues in the commercial real estate industry. The first CRE cohort graduated in October, and we couldn’t be more proud of them. After nine weeks of hard work, dedication, and collaboration, this group of clients set the tone for the future of this program. Read more about the CRE program here, and about the first CRE graduation here!
The Opening of the Orion Annex
This year saw the opening, in partnership with Seattle City Light, of YouthCare’s newest space, the Orion Annex! Located across the street from the Orion Center, the Annex will provide a focused and high-dignity space for clients to work towards their educational and workforce goals. Excitingly, it will also provide an environment to develop, pilot, and dial in programs that will launch at the Constellation Center, opening on the corner of Broadway and Pine in 2026. Read more about the Orion Annex opening here!
Holiday Drive Generosity
This year’s holiday drives were an immense success! The community showed up in a big way for our youth with over $450k donated, 120 holiday meals served, and over 190 holiday wishes granted – amongst many other acts of giving (that are still rolling in!). We are so humbled by the generosity of everyone who took the time to contribute, and we thank each one of you from the bottom of our heart!
Thank you again for making 2023 a year to remember. Your support upholds our mission to end youth homelessness and gives space for young people to learn how to thrive. As we look forward to 2024, we are eager to continue our work and value your contribution more than ever.
We could not do this work without you – thank you! Happy New Year from all of us at YouthCare!