Category: Community Spotlights

20 on 2020—Advocacy Champions

By School's Out Washington

In a year like no other, we saw how youth workers and organizations came together and reimagined what it meant to support children, youth, and families. Below is one of 20 people and organizations that inspired us in 2020. Read the full report. Beth Monfils  Beth is the Education Services Manager for the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, which has multiple 21st Century Learning Centers. These federally funded programs are supported by SOWA and offer young people from underserved communities expanded learning opportunities.   Beth shares how and why she has stepped up to be an advocate for the youth and families … [ ]

Youth step into careers and community

By Adriana Zazula

Grays Harbor Youth Works  (GHYW) is a vital, hand-ons resource for youth in the Grays Harbor area. Working within 13 school districts, youth are able to learn more about careers that interest them as well as support their local community and businesses. Grays Harbor Youth Works mission is to, “provide career connected learning experiences to all youth throughout Grays Harbor and surrounding communities that support credential attainment and livable wage employment.” Beginning in March 2020, the organization established online offerings including a GHYW Career Connected Learning Zoom Series, a Social Media Marketing Internship as well IT, coding, and video production … [ ]

What does it mean to thrive?

By School's Out Washington

The Best Starts for Kids initiative is designed to ensure that all young people in King County are happy, healthy, safe, and thriving. In the Out-of-School Time strategy, SOWA partners with organizations providing afterschool and summer programming to elementary and middle school age youth. Supporting youth to thrive is what the youth development field is all about—no matter the circumstances.  Chinese Information and Service Center (CISC) seamlessly converted their English-language literacy program to a virtual model. Newly-arrived youth receive individualized instruction online with tailored support from tutors, helping them  navigate the  challenges of learning a new language and a new … [ ]

“This program is the heartbeat”—What New Futures means for the Yishak family

By School's Out Washington

New Futures (of Southwest Youth and Family Services) has been part of the Best Starts for Kids Out-of-School Time initiative since 2018, in collaboration with Arts Corps and Geeking Out Kids of Color. The partnership provides arts education, STEM programming, academic support, and enrichment activities at four housing communities in King County.  New Futures is the on-site youth development program of Southwest Youth and Family Services that offers academic support, enrichment opportunities, and a tight-knight community at Windsor Heights. When Eba Yishak and his family first moved to the Windsor about eight years ago, his oldest son Roben was still too young to enroll. Once Roben started attending, Eba and … [ ]

What Bellevue Boys and Girls Club means to one family—a parent testimonial

By School's Out Washington

Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellevue (BGCB) has been part of the Best Starts for Kids Out-of-School Time initiative since 2018, in collaboration with the Bellevue School District, KidsQuest Children’s Museum, and the Bellevue YMCA. The partnership coordinates services primarily for homeless and recently transitioned families. BGCB remained open throughout the pandemic to provide free and low-cost childcare for essential workers. Below is a parent’s perspective of the support they received from BGCB and the Best Starts for Kids initiative.   The Club being open meant I could continue working in essential work helping aid food and housing insecurity. I was even able to get a promotion this June for my hard work, dedication and success before and during … [ ]

Communities of Care—How Best Starts ensures King County youth are happy, healthy, safe and thriving

By School's Out Washington

The Best Starts for Kids initiative is designed to ensure that all young people in King County are happy, healthy, safe and thriving. In the Out-of-School Time strategy, SOWA partners with organizations providing afterschool and summer programming to elementary and middle school age youth. This cohort of providers consists of People of Color-Led, and Place-Based Collaboratives–partnerships of organizations that work together to serve under-invested communities.  The pandemic threw youth programs’ vital role within communities into sharp relief—including mental health and emotional well-being. With an alarming uptick in youth suicide, substance abuse, depression and anxiety, this support can be life-saving.  WAPI … [ ]