Helping Foster Youth Succeed Philanthro & YMCA

Here’s the first of a series of interviews in preparation for our Illuminate event. Learn about the people and hear the stories surrounding our event and foster youth cause. Our first interview is with Sean Walsh (left in the photo below) of the YMCA

P*Seattle: Many people only know the YMCA as a gym. How would you describe the Y to someone now? What services does the Y provide to the greater Seattle area?
SW: The Y is all about building a stronger community, so everything we do goes back to that.  We’ve evolved away from being “young men’s Christian” organization and we pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming of people from all faiths, ages, races, sexual orientations, cultures, incomes and experiences.  We still respect our roots and how we were founded, while celebrating how today we’re an organization where everyone is welcome, and where we’re building a stronger community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

The Y in our region is doing some amazing things.  People living with diabetes or cancer come to the Y for support and exercise.  Families can call us through a crisis hotline to get clinical support when a child or teenager is in distress.  Parents living below the poverty level can trust that their children are thriving and learning in our after-school programs.  Teenagers who grew up in foster care can come to the Y and map out a plan for success after they leave care.

P*Seattle: Tell us a little about yourself and your role at the YMCA
SW: I love being part of organizations that are focused on public service. The people are passionate and fun and committed to making the world a better place.  The Y in particular feels like home because it’s about community, which I think is the most important thing there is.  A lot of my role is connecting the for-profit and government sectors as partners in our work. 

P*Seattle: What kind of challenges do foster youth face in Seattle?
SW: I think foster youth face many of the same challenges here as in other communities.  You remove a child from her or his birth family, there is going to be trauma.  In bad situations there is terrible abuse and neglect.  Even if it’s best and safest for the child to be removed, these are complex, painful experiences for children to cope with.  When a child or teenager is then moved to new families and schools, you compound the damage and distrust of adults.  It’s not surprising when a 17 year old comes to us and says “I’m behind in school, I’ve never had a job, I don’t know where my siblings live, I don’t know how to make a budget, and I have no idea where I’m going to live when I leave foster care.”

P*Seattle: What does the Young Adult Services division of the YMCA do?
SW: Young people can come to the Y and feel supported, learn life skills, ask for help finding biological family, find supportive housing, get an internship or scholarship, and connect with other young adults who have had similar experiences. 

Our young adult drop-in resource center is a hub and we provide services throughout the region.  We can’t and shouldn’t replace a parent, but we can open our doors and arms and be part of that “It Takes a Village” philosophy.

P*Seattle: Why did the Y choose to look to Philanthro for help?
SW: There is a great “mission fit” between our organizations that we realized in our first conversation.  We both want young people to connect with each other, learn new things and step outside their comfort zones.  I really admire the work Philanthro is doing and we’re honored they chose to work with the Y.

P*Seattle: How come you want to reach out to young professionals?
SW: Young professionals have so much energy and vision.  They want to innovate.  They want opportunities to engage in their communities.  We want them to know that whether it’s the Y or some other cause, their voice, their time, their philanthropy makes a huge impact.

P*Seattle: What do you want people to know about foster youth?
SW: Foster care should not be a stigma.  It’s a life experience that—even at its best—can make the road to adulthood a steep climb.  There are some great foster parents out there and we need even more.  There is child welfare reform underway that should improve the overall “system” of foster care.  There is lots to be hopeful about.  But the research showing that 3% of former foster youth have a college diploma is just one sign that there is much work to be done and our community needs to be there to offer support and life skills and opportunities. 

P*Seattle: How can people help the Y and their programs?
SW: Financial gifts help us make sure youth have housing and resources after they leave foster care.  In-kind donations like bedding, hygiene supplies and other daily living items are very helpful.  There are ongoing and one-time opportunities to volunteer.  Connections to businesses and corporations that are interested in partnering as sponsors, internship hosts and others are welcome.  And letting foster youth know the Y is here as a resource and support if they need it.

Learn more about the Y’s Young Adult Services at their website. If you’d like to support the Y, please join us at our Illuminate fundraiser on April 30th.