Empowering Underserved Youth and Families in Pierce County, Washington

A gathering of youth outside of a school. The woman in the foreground is smiling and giving a thumbs up sign

Empowering Underserved Youth and Families in Pierce County, Washington

OUR PROGRAMS

Mentorship, enrichment, and opportunity—helping young people thrive by strengthening the families that support them.

A high school basketball player dribbles the ball in front of a defender

CHASING DREAMS

Youth and families can apply for microgrants to help cover the cost of activities like sports, arts, or education. These small investments remove barriers and support youth in pursuing their goals.

A group of seven joyful youths run on green grass in the summer

GOAL GETTERS

This program empowers youth to set and achieve realistic goals, supporting their journey to success with financial incentives for participation, milestones, and goal completion!

A family of four walks on a path through fall foliage.

PATHWAYS TO STABILITY

Pathways to Stability provides personalized support for youth and families navigating housing and life challenges. We offer housing and resource navigation, tailored guidance, advocacy, and community connections.

A smiling father hugs his two sons

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Our Family Programs are designed to support the people who support our youth—parents, caregivers, and extended family members. We believe that strong youth thrive in strong families.

DOWNLOAD OUR RESOURCE GUIDE

DOWNLOAD OUR RESOURCE GUIDE

SUCCESS STORIES

young man standing in a bright yellow flagger jacket

Markel Allen

"This job gave me stability, confidence, and the chance to see the world beyond my neighborhood." – Markel Allen

Through the Goal Getters Program, Markel set out to become a certified flagger. EYF covered his training and helped him purchase essential gear. After earning his certification, he quickly landed a job with Integrity Traffic Control.
He also received support through Pathways to Stability, including housing assistance, basic needs, and a referral to Northwest Furniture Bank to furnish his first apartment.
Now employed for over a year, Markel is thriving. His job has taken him to cities across Washington and Oregon, and he’s preparing to pursue his CDL to build a career in truck driving.
A group of joyful youths at the VIBES conference

VIBES Conference

Empower Youth Futures recently sent youth to the VIBES Conference, a student-led event by the Black Student Union at Washington State University. VIBES (Visionaries Inspiring Black Empowered Students) is a weekend-long experience that motivates high school students to pursue higher education and leadership, centering Black students’ voices while welcoming all committed to education and opportunity.

Through mentorship, cultural empowerment, and connection, our students left feeling seen, supported, and inspired. They gained confidence in their place in higher education, the power of their voices, and the potential to lead their communities.

young man standing in a bright yellow flagger jacket

Markel Allen

"This job gave me stability, confidence, and the chance to see the world beyond my neighborhood." – Markel Allen

Through the Goal Getters Program, Markel set out to become a certified flagger. EYF covered his training and helped him purchase essential gear. After earning his certification, he quickly landed a job with Integrity Traffic Control.
He also received support through Pathways to Stability, including housing assistance, basic needs, and a referral to Northwest Furniture Bank to furnish his first apartment.
Now employed for over a year, Markel is thriving. His job has taken him to cities across Washington and Oregon, and he’s preparing to pursue his CDL to build a career in truck driving.
A group of joyful youths at the VIBES conference

VIBES Conference

Empower Youth Futures recently sent youth to the VIBES Conference, a student-led event by the Black Student Union at Washington State University. VIBES (Visionaries Inspiring Black Empowered Students) is a weekend-long experience that motivates high school students to pursue higher education and leadership, centering Black students’ voices while welcoming all committed to education and opportunity.

Through mentorship, cultural empowerment, and connection, our students left feeling seen, supported, and inspired. They gained confidence in their place in higher education, the power of their voices, and the potential to lead their communities.

Tacoma, Spanaway, Parkland, Lakewood, Washington, Graham Puyallup , Pierce County, Washington

COMMUNITY EVENTS

cropped flyer for support a family for the holidays program offered by empower youth futures

Heart for the Holidays

NOMINATIONS DUE BY DECEMBER 17TH

Do you know a family who could use a little extra love this season? Pierce County families can be nominated to receive holiday support from us. Share their story and help deliver holiday cheer where it’s needed most.

All Youth Can Eat flyer with dates July 1st - September 1st, 2025, and a drawing of Kwabi Amoah-Forson

All Youth Can Eat

Every day of the week kids 18 and under or college students 18–24 (with college ID) can receive a free meal from this list of participating All Youth Can Eat restaurants in Tacoma, Washington through September 1, 2025.

Summer Late Nights Middle School and High School banner with dates June 23-August 29 and the text Free!

Tacoma Summer Late Nights

At participating schools, community centers, and non-profit organizations, middle and high school students can get dinner, participate in open gym, art, and music activities, and hang out with friends. Monday–Friday, 5 PM to 10 PM through August 29, 2025.