Mission

For nearly 40 years Southwest Youth and Family Services (SWYFS) has been providing critical services in significantly under-resourced communities of Southwest King County, including Southwest Seattle, White Center, South Park, Burien, and SeaTac. As systemic racial and economic inequities continue to create significant barriers to communities of color across the nation, SWYFS remains committed to seeing our diverse community of South King County thrive. Participants in SWYFS programs are 61% children and youth, 92% people of color, 95% low-income (89% very low-income), and over 50% refugees and immigrants.

Our vision is that all residents of Southwest King County flourish and actively participate in the success of the community.

SWYFS works to remove barriers to our community’s success and sustainability caused by systemic and economic inequities. Through this commitment SWYFS has become a leading resource for low-income and vulnerable children, youth and families, supporting more than 2,000 individuals annually with holistic, wrap-around services in the areas of education, youth development, behavioral health, and family advocacy. Even if we don’t have the services, we will refer to ensure that families get what they need to succeed.

We believe when we all commit to equity and expanding knowledge, we can build a community of acceptance, belonging and hope, where all families thrive.