Southwest Youth & Family Services
SWYFS is Southwest King County’s crucial stop for youth & family services.
About Us
Welcome to SWYFS, where for nearly 40 years, our doors have been open to anyone seeking support and empowerment. We pride ourselves on offering integrated, individualized services spanning behavioral health, education, family advocacy, and youth development. At the heart of our operations are our six SWYFS Community Based Resource Centers (CRCs), strategically located within our local network.
These CRCs serve as the hub of our efforts, providing accessible entry points for individuals and families to access the full spectrum of our programs and resources. Whether it’s addressing behavioral health needs, navigating educational opportunities, advocating for families, or fostering youth development, our CRCs are equipped to meet diverse needs with care and expertise.
Every day: our programs yield successes – from impactful community-wide events to the subtle yet profound transformations witnessed in individuals. We believe that change, no matter how grand or nuanced, is a testament to the effectiveness of our approach and the dedication of our team. Join us as we continue to make a difference, one person and one community at a time.
Introducing Our New Executive Director
We are delighted to welcome Essence Russ as the new Executive Director of Southwest Youth and Family Services (SWYFS)!
Essence brings over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, with a deep commitment to equity, education, and community. You can read more about Essence in our press release here.
Our Services
Behavioral & Mental Health
Southwest Youth and Family Services provides a wide range of state-licensed counseling services for children, teens, young adults, and their families.
- Individual, Group and Family Therapy
- Case Management
Education
Students work with case managers to identify both academic needs and any additional services they may need, such as mental health services, violence prevention programs, housing and family support.
SWYFS Education Programs include:
- Early childhood learning and home visits
- Out-of-school time programs on-site at low-income housing complexes
- High school credit retrieval and GED classes
Family Advocacy
SWYFS Community Resource Centers offer:
- Community gathering/training rooms which offer spaces for workshops
- Weekly one-on-one individual and family meetings with family advocates providing support in 5 different languages
- Young Parent program
- Community Celebration and Events
Youth Development
Through case management, quality out-of-school time programming, our summer writing workshop, and community field trips, participants have the opportunity to explore their world and their place in it. We provide a supportive community of mentors and peers that engage youth in finding their identity, power, and voice.
Our youth development services include:
- After School Programs and Field Trips
- Summer Young Writers Workshops (The Boot)
More About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to partner with youth and families to transform their futures.
Our Vision
Our vision is that all residents of Southwest King County flourish and actively participate in the success of the community.
Our Approach
We take a holistic approach, creating a web of support that wraps around the youth and family, which helps them not slip through the cracks. Even if we don’t have the services, we will refer to ensure that families get what they need to succeed.
Equity
SWYFS believes that just, equitable, and respectful relationships between people are the heart of all growth, development, learning, and healing needed for people to lead lives of fulfillment and meaning.
Contact Us!
Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm
Friday: 9am – 3pm
Phone: (206) 937-7680
Fax: (206) 935-9967
Email: info@swyfs.org
Address: 4555 Delridge Way SW Seattle, WA 98106
Development
Dennis Omondi
Email: domondi@swyfs.org
ParentChild+ Program
Nancy Scheimann
Email: nscheimann@swyfs.org
Counseling
Ben Berger
Email: bberger@swyfs.org
Education
Bryan Hayes
Email: bhayes@swyfs.org
Community Resource Centers
Bryan Hayes
Email: bhayes@swyfs.org