about friends of youth

Since 1951, we have provided hope, community,

and opportunities for growth to young people in King County.

Friends of Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation—ensuring quality, predictability and accountability of services through multiple layers of review every four years.

Our vision, mission, and values power our work together.
Our vision looks to the future we want to help create. Our mission states

why we exist and what we do. Our values are what we stand for, and aim to see expressed in every thing we say or do.

Our Story

Our Community

vision

Friends of Youth envisions all youth having every opportunity to succeed.

mission

We partner with youth and families to provide the relationships, resources, and skills they need to attain personal growth and success.

values

Accountability

We ensure fiscal and program accountability and exhibit the highest professional and ethical standards to all internal and external stakeholders.

Collaboration

We collaborate to improve outcomes for the individuals and families we serve.

Equity

Friends of Youth is committed to

an inclusive movement toward empowerment and social justice by understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by youth, advocating for social change, and ensuring fair and equitable access to culturally relevant services that provide the best opportunities

for all youth and families.

Quality

We strive to achieve the highest degree of quality in our services. One that is internally and externally validated and provided in a context of safety and confidentiality.

Relationships

Constructive relationships are essential to a fulfilled life. We seek a constructive relationship with the youth and families we serve and promote this in their lives.

Youth First

We consider the impact on youth

in every decision we make, while

utilizing the inherent strengths of

the individuals and communities

we serve.

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our story

In 1950, a Washington resident named Iva Matsen saw the challenge faced by her community: not enough foster homes for young people. She and her partner joined with other members of their faith community—University Congregational Church—to take the critical step from concern to thoughtful action. In 1951, Friends of Youth was officially incorporated. To this day, members of the Matsen family continue to be active and involved in the organization. More than 70 years later, the Friends of Youth community continues to work toward a vision where all youth have every opportunity to succeed, and are supported through circumstances of foster care, homelessness, and behavioral health challenges.

our community

leadership, board and employees

youth and families

donors, partners and supporters

We see leadership, board and employees as accountable stewards of the community: well-trained, trauma-informed, kind, mentor-focused—these are the characteristics we seek and foster. Friends of Youth is committed to continually providing a better environment for growth and evolution of team values.

We center the youth and families within our care at all times, no exceptions. Our doors are open and our resources are continuous for individual youth, young families, teens, single moms and children—providing a community of support.

We are honored to have a very generous community of donors, partners and supporters. These individuals have trusted Friends of Youth to continuously spend funds responsibly and with the best judgement. We are grateful for all they bring to leadership, board, employees, youth and families on a daily basis.

Meet the Board

Meet Executive Leadership

Meet Senior Leadership

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