Author: School's Out Washington

Best Starts OST organization tell their stories far and wide

“What’s a constituent?” the boy asks quizzically, after sounding out the word with a staff member sitting at the table with him. “A constituent,” Amir Noir Soulkin enunciates, “is someone who can vote for a legislator because of where they live. You could say you live in Seattle.” The boy nods and returns to the worksheet in front of him, which lays out how to effectively tell a story to elected officials. The kids and staff from East African Community Services, all wearing custom t-shirts that say, “Advocacy Day 2020!” in bold blue letters, are dutifully crafting their talking points in preparation for … [ ]

Partners in Bellevue help youth experiencing homelessness maintain connection and support

That three siblings attend the same Boys & Girls Club of Bellevue afterschool program isn’t itself remarkable. This is a common occurrence for families, after all. In this case, however, it’s a testament to the well-oiled services provided by the members of the Bellevue Collaborative—the children are experiencing homelessness, and are attending different schools. Despite the uncertainty that they face in so many arenas in their lives, they have a space where they can connect as family, play as kids, and be supported academically and socially by caring adults. The Bellevue Collaborative is right to identify this as a triumph … [ ]

Program Spotlight—Teen Late Night with the City of Burien

By Janell Jordan

What’s in a space? It’s not news that the gentrification of Seattle is having very real effects on South King County communities, specifically lower income and communities of color. Moving to the third most gentrified city in the US many communities and organizations are working together to create spaces of safety, belonging, community, and empowerment for our young people. Over the last several years Seattle has seen physical spaces change before our eyes – what we have learned though is the ability and strength youth development workers have in bringing a youth space alive. Visiting any youth space is exciting … [ ]

Program Spotlight—Accelerator YMCA in Kent

By Leah Bui

The Accelerator YMCA program provides holistic support to young people and their families who have experienced trauma, helping them feel safe, successful, and happy. The Accelerator YMCA program takes place in three King County Housing Authority (KCHA) properties in Kent that include Valli Kee, Cascade Homes, and Birch Creek. The partnership between KCHA and YMCA began back in 2016 and serves 7th- 12th graders. Together, they offer a range of programs from fitness club, book club, leadership groups, and art and cooking activities after school. Accelerator YMCA Kent team members, Rabecca Stewart and Jay Faggins participate in the Housing & … [ ]

Northgate Elementary students tell their neighbors, “we all live here”

This summer, hundreds of kites cumulatively flew at Gasworks Park. Northgate Elementary School students were responsible for dozens in the sky one sunny Friday afternoon. They built and then decorated their creations with images that reflected their cultures and their communities. Family crests, the Mexican flag, and drawings of culturally specific foods danced above Kite Hill as the downtown Seattle skyline glittered in the distance.  Rebecca Brito, Recreation Leader at Northgate with Seattle Parks and Recreation, said she was excited to be at that location because she, “wanted kids to feel ownership of public space— especially when that seems to … [ ]

Life Enrichment Group cultivates scholars and leaders in Rainier Beach

“I have something I want to say,” a middle school boy in the back row said unexpectedly. He stood in front of family and friends, who had gathered for Parent’s Night in the Rainier Beach Community Center to celebrate the accomplishments of their kids in The Scholars Project. “Before this program, I used to have a bad attitude. But I got here and I was inspired. I connected so much with these guys. I really changed as a person.” It seemed like something out of a marketing campaign, but it was straight from the heart– and his parents nodded in … [ ]