Y.G.D.O.S
Youth Growth & Development of Seattle
Providing Awareness With Wisdom & Support – Empowering Youth, Strengthening Communitiesi
What We Do
Youth Leadership & Community Service Program
Our High-Risk Youth Leadership Program serves young people ages 12–24 by providing mentorship, leadership development, community engagement opportunities, and positive peer support. Participants are encouraged to become active leaders within their communities while gaining valuable life and workforce skills.
As part of the program, youth participate in monthly community outreach efforts where they help feed individuals experiencing homelessness throughout the Seattle area. Three times each month, participants walk designated outreach routes from Pioneer Square through the Upper Queen Anne area, distributing sandwiches, snack bags, bottled water, toiletries, hygiene products, and other essential resources to those in need.
During major holidays, youth volunteers help organize and serve hot meals to community members experiencing food insecurity, allowing them to give back while developing compassion, responsibility, and civic engagement.
Participants earn documented community service hours while gaining hands-on experience in:
- Community outreach and advocacy
- Leadership development
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Public engagement and communication
- Event planning and coordination
- Marketing and promotion of Youth Growth & Development of Seattle programs and initiatives
Modeled after the positive structure and character-building principles found in organizations such as the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, this program promotes service, leadership, accountability, and personal growth while empowering youth to become agents of change within their communities.
Our Services
Youth Workforce Development & Leadership Programs
Youth Workforce Development
We prepare young people for successful careers through job readiness training, resume building, interview preparation, career exploration, and employment opportunities.
Mentorship & Leadership Development
Our mentorship programs connect youth with positive role models who provide guidance, support, encouragement, and leadership training.
Music & Creative Arts Programs
We use music, art, and creative expression as tools for personal growth, confidence building, and skill development.
Educational Support
We provide academic assistance, tutoring resources, educational workshops, and enrichment opportunities that help youth succeed in school and beyond.
Community Outreach
Our outreach initiatives connect families with valuable resources while promoting community engagement, volunteerism, and neighborhood improvement.
Essential Needs Assistance
We provide free meals, haircuts, hygiene products, school supplies, clothing assistance, and other essential resources to individuals and families in need.
Community Impact
Through our programs and partnerships, we strive to:
• Empower youth to become future leaders
• Strengthen families through support services
• Reduce barriers to education and employment
• Promote personal growth and self-confidence
• Increase access to community resources
• Build stronger and healthier communities
Our Detroit Branch
P.A.W.W.S. Development of Detroit
(Providing Awareness With Wisdom & Support)
P.A.W.W.S. Development of Detroit serves as the Detroit branch of Youth Growth & Development of Seattle. Together, both organizations operate under the same mission and commitment to empowering youth, supporting families, and creating opportunities for future generations.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support our mission:
• Volunteer
• Become a Mentor
• Sponsor a Program
• Partner With Us
• Donate
• Attend Community Events
Together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of young people and families.
Donate Today
Your support helps us provide meals, educational resources, mentorship programs, workforce development opportunities, community events, and essential services to youth and families in need.
Every donation helps create brighter futures and stronger communities.
Music Education & Creative Arts Programs
Engaging music education and creative arts initiatives that provide youth with outlets for self-expression, artistic development, and personal growth. These programs foster creativity, build community connections, and help young people discover their talents and passions.
Essential Resources & Community Support
We are committed to meeting the immediate needs of youth and families by providing free meals, haircuts, educational enrichment opportunities, and access to essential resources. Through these services, we help reduce barriers that can impact a young person’s ability to succeed.
Our goal is to ensure that every individual has access to the basic necessities, support systems, and opportunities needed to thrive. By addressing immediate needs and connecting families with valuable community resources, we create a foundation that allows youth to focus on their personal growth, education, leadership development, and future success.
In addition, we operate a mobile community outreach program that provides convenient access to donated items and essential resources. Available items may include:
- Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing
- Non-perishable food items
- Toiletries and personal hygiene products
- Household and miscellaneous essential items
- Dog food and pet care supplies
- Toys and recreational items
- Healthy snacks and refreshments
- School and educational supplies
These resources are distributed to individuals and families in need throughout the communities we serve. We also provide age-appropriate snacks, activities, and support for youth ages 4–17 participating in our after-school and enrichment programs.
Contact Us
