Threading the needle of growth through difficult experiences, Elena continues to push for better
systems along with her own personal development. Judging from the astonishing journey she’s made in her own life, there’s no doubt she is doing just that. Read More of “Elena’s Alumni Story”
Briana walked into the community room at YouthCare’s University District Youth Center (UDYC) with a smile across her face, holding Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower in one hand and… Read More of “Briana: Finding Community and Healing at 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… Read More of “Amber: Breaking Down Barriers to Build a Brighter Future”
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… Read More of “Frankie: Finding the Support and Healing Needed to Move Forward”
Eric B. has an infectious laugh and a beaming smile that lights up a room. Like so many other young people experiencing homelessness, he endured hard times in search of… Read More of “Eric: Flourishing with a Community of Support”
Jayden was placed in a foster home when he was nine years old. His foster family was big—three little sisters and two big brothers. He liked his new home and… Read More of “All Young People Deserve to Dream: Jayden’s Story”
The first day Nia started YouthCare’s Tile Project, she barely spoke a word. Growing up, Nia’s family moved often, finding sporadic shelter in rooms with relatives. Tensions rose with every… Read More of “Finding Her Voice Through Art: Nia’s Story”
David, a young man who lived at YouthCare many years ago, still remembers the holidays he spent with us. His story renews a bit of hope in all of us.… Read More of “David: from University Avenue to the University of Washington”
No better word captures Triston than “humble.” There’s a softness about him, a genuine sense of gratitude. Start a conversation and within minutes you’ll see the twinkle, the pensive grin… Read More of “Triston: Turning over a new leaf”
On the day of Rebecca’s graduation from YouthCare’s Barista Training & Customer Service Program, she couldn’t stop smiling. Her giggle was infectious, and our staff raved about how she had become the clear leader of her cohort. Their pride filled the room. Read More of “Rebecca: The courage to be confident”
Young people come to YouthCare for many reasons. Some exit foster care without a place to go. Others flee from family abuse or rejection. But many come to us simply… Read More of “Tony: Ready To Move Forward”
Carlos and Jessica first walked into YouthCare’s University District Youth Center (UDYC) with teeth chattering from the cold. It had snowed the night before, and by the time UDYC opened, their shoes were soaked and their toes frozen. Read More of “Jessica & Carlos: Searching for Independence”
You might think that growing and cooking with fresh vegetables sounds like something many young people would avoid. But for Thalia, a young woman who sought YouthCare’s support at age… Read More of “Thalia: A Recipe for Success at YouthCare”
A lot of people say you need yoga to release stress. But what Melanie needed was YouthCare and the Tile Project. Before she joined YouthCare’s Tile Project, Melanie had hit… Read More of “Melanie: A Tile Success Story”
Scared and emotionally drained, 21-year-old Chantier arrived at YouthCare’s James W. Ray Orion Center with little besides the clothes on her back and a few personal items. Chantier had just… Read More of “Chantier: Rebuilding a Foundation with YouthCare”
LaShawnta first came through the doors of YouthCare’s James W. Ray Orion Center in 2013, interested in the Barista Training and Education Program, as well as GED services. She was… Read More of “LaShawnta: Making Great Strides”
When Mark walked into his first class at Seattle Central Community College, he was still homeless and convinced he didn’t belong. “I didn’t think I could succeed,” he told us.… Read More of “Mark: Off the Streets and Preparing for Life”
20-year-old Alicia* was living in her car with her partner and her dog, after leaving home because of family conflict exacerbated by economic constraints. Alicia dropped out of school after… Read More of “Alicia: Putting the Pieces Together”
To her customers at Starbucks, Serena is the bubbly, friendly barista who always remembers their usual order. Her coworkers marvel at how many regulars she knows. Every once in a… Read More of “Serena: Grande Ambitions”
At 1:30 am on December 31st, 2011, 17-year-old Jared was out of options. His chaotic home life led him to realize that he could no longer stay with his family.… Read More of “Jared: Metro Bus Leads to Safety”
Calvin sounds like a typical, overachieving, college-bound freshman. He graduated last spring with a prestigious four-year Rotary scholarship. He was the captain of his soccer team and counts meeting the… Read More of “Calvin: Off the Streets and Into College”
When Cassy first walked into ISIS House, YouthCare’s transitional living program for LGBTQ youth 18-21, “she looked terrified,” recalls Pro-Youth Employment Project & WIA Supervisor Leslie Horton. Her home life had… Read More of “Cassy: Employment Leads to Independence”
