StandUp for Kids 

Across all of our programs and services the focus is on building trusting and supportive relationships with at-risk youth, supporting basic needs requests, reducing exposure to risk and harm, assisting youth in finding housing and developmental opportunities, and preparing them for responsibilities accompanying independent living, vocational programs and employment. We currently offer a Street Outreach Program, a Youth Development and Advocacy Program, and Run Away Prevention initiatives. These programs and services have been designed to support youth at different stages in the development cycle. In combination with our partner organizations, we aim to offer a complete continuum of care to at-risk youth and young adults that ensures a greater likelihood for their successful transition out of homelessness. Our tailored approach is effective because of the care taken to listen, understand and help youth define their personal goals, customize a work plan for goal attainment, match youth to programs and resources that help them progress, act as a consistent support and personal advocate during the transformation process, and celebrate together when milestones are achieved.  

Every day on the street increases the likelihood that homeless teens in our community will plunge into chronic adult homelessness. As an organization, we understand the criticality of helping individuals get off the street and on a more stable and productive path. We are proud of the assistance we have offered youth and young adults in King County and continue to work to expand our services.

Since the founding of our Seattle chapter in 2008, we have never missed a scheduled day of street outreach and are vigilant about honoring our commitment to our youth. In 2011 alone, we distributed over 7,000 food and hygiene packs on the streets of downtown Seattle along with numerous other basic necessities. In response to demands for assistance navigating the complex social services system, we officially launched our Youth Development and Advocacy program at the end of 2011 after seeing the incredible transformations of youth in our year long beta program.  

As an organization we know we can’t end the plight of youth homelessness alone. That is why we work to provide unique and complementary services and build strong partnerships with other King County providers. We recognize it is only through these collective efforts that we can actually bring about necessary change. It is also through the generosity of community supporters and the efforts of our numerous volunteers that we can provide hope for a better tomorrow for struggling youth today. With demands for our social services continuing to rise, StandUp for Kids Seattle currently needs in-kind supply donations and monetary gifts to serve more youth in our programs. We also welcome caring volunteers who want to share their time and talents to support our organization and develop teens and young adults in our community.