Youth Development
We provide a supportive community of mentors and peers that engage youth
in finding their identity, power, and voice.
Call: (206) 937-7680
Email: info@swyfs.org
Office: 4555 Delridge Way SW Seattle, WA 98106
About
Students enrolled in SWYFS programs like New Futures, Education Center classes, Violence Prevention and more receive wrap-around services that most other programs do not have the capacity to provide.
Every program within SWYFS has either an advocacy or case management component that goes far beyond the presented issue, whatever that might be. We know that there are environmental, family, systemic and institutional barriers that contribute to the hardships of our youth and families
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.
Our Programs
After School Programs and Field Trips
New Futures provides students with after-school and summer programming four times each week with children ages 5-19. During the school year, the program runs after school from 3pm-7pm and full week programming for 6 weeks during the summer. This provides ample time for youth in the program to develop trusting, healthy relationships with staff and peers, and have time dedicated to work on academics as well as participate in enrichment activities such as college and career readiness, field trips, STEM activities, and youth-led projects. Participants are also able to access a wide range of services offered through SWYFS including child, youth and family counseling; youth case management and behavioral modification classes; high school re-entry and young parent GED programs; family advocates; and parenting classes.
Summer Young Writers Workshops
The Summer Young Writers Workshop, known by staff and participants as The Boot, is an eight-week intensive writing program where students find their own voices and gain pre-employment skills such as public speaking. Students learn to write poems and short stories, which are then published. At the conclusion of the program, students present their work to friends, family, and members of the community. In 2018, The Boot celebrated its 25th Anniversary and brought back the program founder, Andrew Epstein as well as participants from the 1993 group.
This workshop would not be possible without funding from the City of Seattle Summer Youth Employment Program and the Department of Early Learning and Education.