Born prematurely at 26 weeks and weighing just over a pound, Juniper was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. After 82 days in the NICU and brain surgery, her pediatrician referred her to Kindering, where she began occupational, speech and feeding therapies. Now, almost 3 years old, Juniper is thriving. Thanks to her progress in feeding therapy, she can enjoy a wide range of challenging solid foods.

“I really hit rock bottom when I was choosing drugs over my next meal,” recalls Christian. Christian’s lifeline was The Salvation Army’s Seattle Adult Rehabilitation Program. The six-month program encompasses life skills, mental health counseling, financial education, nutrition, exercise and volunteerism. Christian completed a culinary program and now works at The Salvation Army’s Renton Hope Market food bank and community center.

In middle school, Ariel suffered from debilitating headaches that caused her to miss school. Medical professionals misdiagnosed her with depression, leaving her feeling unheard and misunderstood. A neurologist finally diagnosed her with chronic migraines. The neurologist connected her with a counselor at Youth Eastside Services. At YES, Ariel found validation and support. Counseling allowed her to process her trauma and start advocating for her well-being.

Steve was determined to make a difference in his community. He was drawn to Sound Generations' Volunteer Transportation program because of its flexibility. Steve helps older adults from various backgrounds, languages and cultures — and he always finds the experience positive. Steve plans to continue volunteering as long as he is able. “I love that I can volunteer when it works for me,” Steve says. “It’s been incredibly rewarding.”

When students struggle in high school, many administrators think school is just “not for them.” Treehouse knows this isn't the case for youth in foster care. The students Treehouse serves rarely lack the motivation or the ability to learn. The Graduation Success program helps young people in foster care complete high school with a plan for the future.

At Wellspring, we believe every family deserves a stable home. We connect people with the support they need to maintain stability for themselves and their families — and achieve lasting change. In 2022, more than 31,000 lives were impacted through our core programs: housing services, an early learning center, a free family store and an employee assistance program.

"I am a survivor of domestic violence. My journey began when I saw a LifeWire poster and decided to reach out. Four years later, LifeWire helped me find the courage and support I needed to finally leave my abusive ex-husband. To truly end domestic violence, we need our community to step up by getting educated, amplifying the voices of survivors and supporting organizations like LifeWire.” — Rebecca

Atlantic Street Center’s Summer Academy Program helps Seattle Public School students deepen their education through additional, intentional classroom time. ASC hires certified teachers who instruct elementary and middle school-aged children in English Language Arts, Business 101 and STEM-related subjects. The teachers and ASC staff help students catch up for the upcoming school year. ASC also provides students with two nutritious meals a day.

Little Brother Malachi and Big Brother Seth have been matched for seven years. At the time of their match, Malachi was just eight years old. Through the years, Malachi has faced his fair share of challenges. Having Seth in his life gives him someone he can always lean on for support. In Seth, Malachi will always find an open heart and a listening ear.

A recent Ethiopian immigrant and single mother of two, Senait faced challenges finding a job and housing. She found support at Asian Counseling and Referral Service. A case manager who spoke her language helped her land an apartment. Senait enrolled in ACRS's Digital Literacy and Ready to Work programs, and secured jobs at Amazon’s warehouse and as a childcare provider.

Tim wanted to raise his daughter Keira, so he would need to overcome his substance abuse. He checked himself into an addiction treatment program, and Keira was placed in the foster care system. Tim credits Akin for giving him the tools to reunite his family. He received counselling, ongoing emotional support, home visits and parent coaching. Akin helped them find the perfect school program for Keira.

Since 1971, Hopelink has provided stability-building services for immigrants, refugees, people experiencing poverty and people with disabilities in north and east King County. The agency’s nine programs work in tandem to fill gaps, supporting each family or individual’s unique needs. These include housing, food assistance, financial assistance, adult education, energy assistance, financial capabilities, family development and transportation.

All Sara had for her two children was a backpack and two outfits per child. Through Kent Youth and Family Services’ Early Learning program, she accessed not only free pre-school services, but critical family support services that helped her find housing, furniture, clothing, food and English classes.