SOUTHWEST FAMILY CENTER

Family Programs

The family center offers support and advocacy for Cambodian, Latino, Somali & Native American families. Call the Family Center at (206) 937-7680 for more information.

Native American Advocate Program                                          Contact Hiram CalfLooking 206-937-7680 x218

Brief Description

Native American Youth Advocate program is a juvenile justice project for youth development for high risk Native American males ages 11-19 and their families.  Two primary focuses of development include;

 -         Community based problem solving activities.

-         Community based service learning

 Focus

 The program relies on the Native American communities’ traditional values to help the Native American youth develop positive self awareness and to, social interaction and to understand their roles in the Family and community.

Youth development includes these areas of skills enhancement: 

-         Effective social interaction skills

-         Community service work

-         Identifying/understanding of Internal- colonization

-         Decision  making  and problem solving skills

 In keeping with the Native American Traditional values youth are engaged in positive alternative culturally appropriate activities which may include: 

-         Elder support and activities

-         Drumming and drumming events

-         Art and Crafts

-         Honor Ceremonies

-         Healing Ceremonies

-         Rite of Passage Ceremonies

Community Service

-Youth who have graduated from the program may be involved in a peer leadership component, where they can assist other youth as a positive role model and or mentor. 

The Native American Advocate Program "Family Statement"

The Native American Advocate Program views family to mean, ones larger extended family and beyond blood relations, which includes individuals or people with whom youth seeks guidance, trusts and who provides consistency and a sense of belonging.  This corresponds to the Indigenous view of family.