OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Empowering underserved youth by providing opportunities that promote self-discovery, community engagement, stronger family bonds, and preparation for the future.
WHO WE SERVE
YOUTH
Goal setting
Mentorship
Creativity
YOUTH
Goal setting
Mentorship
Creativity
FAMILY
Resources
Workshops
Connection
FAMILY
Resources
Workshops
Connection
WHAT WE OFFER
Mentorship, enrichment, and opportunity—helping young people thrive by strengthening the families that support them.
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.
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!
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, and community connections.
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.
BUILT ON EXPERIENCE
“This isn’t just a program—it’s a promise to show up for youth, meet them where they are, and help them grow into who they’re meant to be.”
-Echo Abernathy
Echo’s story is personal.
She grew up in the kinds of programs she now creates—places that made her feel seen, capable, and connected. Later, as a school liaison, she worked with youth facing housing instability, trauma, and family stress. She didn’t just hear their stories—she walked alongside them.
That shaped our approach: no cookie-cutter solutions, no top-down programs. Just real support, rooted in trust, relationships, and care.
Our Founder
Echo Abernathy
MEET OUR BOARD
Christney Kpodo
Vice President
A proud Tacoma native, Christney Kpodo is a dedicated youth advocate, public speaker, and mental health champion. With a degree in Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University and 15 years of experience in youth development, she has been instrumental in creating opportunities for young people to thrive.
Echo Abernathy
Founder & President
Echo Abernathy is the Founder and Board President of Empower Youth Futures and a Community Connections Coordinator in Bethel School District, supporting youth experiencing homelessness and in foster care.
A first-generation college graduate with a B.A. in American Ethnic Studies from UW, Echo brings over 15 years of youth development experience. As a mother, mentor, and advocate, she’s passionate about equity, representation, and creating spaces where youth can grow, lead, and thrive.
Karin Curry
Board Treasurer
With a background in mental health services and nonprofit management, Karin Curry is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment, financial stewardship, and community service. Originally from Mannheim, Germany, she now calls Tacoma, Washington home, where she plays a vital role in supporting underserved youth and families.
Marie Horner
Board Member
Originally from Berlin, Germany, Marie Horner studied Business at Merkur Internationale FH Karlsruhe before building a successful career in property management. Marie oversees the Renton Housing Authority portfolio for Allied Residential, driving sustainable housing solutions through strategic leadership and community partnerships.
Erina Foote
Board Member
Erina Foote is a devoted wife, mother, and community advocate who brings compassion and commitment to her role as a board member and administrative assistant for Empower Youth Futures. Fluent in Japanese, she has a background in psychology from Pacific Lutheran University and holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Counseling. Erina is deeply rooted in service and passionate about supporting youth, families, and inclusive community growth through care-centered engagement.
Leah Ford
Board Member
As a program manager with a comprehensive background in public health and maternal-child health, Leah Ford’s work is dedicated to delivering culturally responsive programs, advancing maternal-child health, and leading community-based initiatives that advance equitable health outcomes and improve community well-being.
CONTACT US
Let’s build something powerful together.
OUR STORY
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Bethel Teen Summer Nights
A free drop-in program for 6th–12th grade Bethel students (2025–26 school year) from 5:00–8:00 PM through August 14, 2025. Hang out with friends and enjoy open gym, food, music, games, arts, and sports. Monday & Wednesday at Spanaway Middle School; Tuesday & Thursday at Bethel Middle School.
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.
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.
