Seattle, known for its iconic Space Needle, bustling fish markets, and ever-emerging tech hubs, offers a tapestry of stories, each woven with threads of dreams, hopes, and occasionally, sheer determination. Amidst this rich tableau, a story of unwavering dedication and transformative leadership stands out: that of Lacie West, the driving force behind Friends of the Children (Friends-Seattle).
Lacie's story blossoms from the interwoven fabrics of South Seattle and Mercer Island High School, representing diverse but complementary life tapestries. Mercer Island, characterized by high expectations and abundant resources, resounded with bold ambitions. Dreams there were not just dreams, but confident expectations brought to life through the community's ample resources and unwavering support. In South Seattle, the community thrived on tight-knit bonds among families and friends. Their achievements were celebrated with fervor, recognizing in a different way, the dedication each milestone entailed. Lacie reflects, "In my Seattle community, each success was deeply cherished, its significance echoing amongst us. Mercer Island brought with it a different form of support - one amplified by high expectations and resources.”
Lacie realized the foundational power of support, whether it stemmed from the familial ties in Seattle or the resource-rich networks in Mercer Island. In both realms, community played a pivotal role, showcasing that while the nature of support might differ, its essence remains crucial to shaping young lives. Mentoring was the key!
Friends-Seattle isn’t a mere footnote in Lacie’s life; it's a blazing headline. Rooted in an ethos of profound commitment, the organization promises every youth a mentor from kindergarten, standing by their side for over a decade. The longevity impresses, but as Lacie is quick to point out, “It’s about more than the 12 years. It’s about the intensity, depth, and unwavering support, evidenced by mentors dedicating around 16 hours each month. Some relationships have even withstood the test of time beyond the decade."
Beyond the metrics, though, is the palpable transformation. Lacie's eyes light up as she shares, “When a child, perhaps for the first time, realizes there’s a community rooting for them, a switch flips.” The results? Alumni whose faces gleam not just with achievement, but an ignited passion to chase larger dreams.
Yet, the vision of Friends-Seattle isn’t restricted to individual success stories. Lacie has expanded the organization’s embrace. The philosophy is holistic: “It takes a village to raise a youth,” she muses. And so, Friends-Seattle seeks to be that village, weaving partnerships with schools, caregivers, local initiatives, and families, to craft a safety net, ensuring no youth falls through.
The 2022 Impact Report stats tell the story. 96% of youth made progress towards school-success goals, 94% made progress on their improved health goal, 95% made progress on their making good choices goal, 96% made progress on their planning for the future goal, and 96% made progress towards their prosocial development goal.
The budget of Friends-Seattle distinctly reflects its mission, placing a profound emphasis on all-encompassing youth support. With a track record of supporting approximately 200 youth over 23 years, the organization allocates roughly $19,000 annually for each youth. This allocation encompasses an array of services, ranging from mentor compensations to crucial emergency provisions. This financial commitment extends beyond mere mentorships, fueling educational aids, fostering extracurricular passions, and amplifying community outreach. It's a strategic investment, laying down every possible brick on the path to a child's success.
Lacie West is a vision carrier. The Friends–Seattle community (staff, board, volunteers, community partners, alumni, caregivers) has morphed Friends-Seattle from a savior mentality to support system that helps youth understand the power they hold. With each youth that emerges from the program, Friends-Seattle is adding to Seattle’s tapestry, ensuring that every thread, regardless of its origin, shines brilliantly.