Hello Friends!

Hi all! April showers bring May flowers, or so the saying goes. I hope that is true! But maybe the metaphorical flowers that blossom in the youth we work with. One way we help our youth bloom is by centering our relationships with them. I attended a critical mentoring workshop this morning and we had a brief discussion on relationship strategies. I was wondering, what strategies you have to develop relationships with youth that above and beyond talking to them? If you’d take a moment to share your ideas on our zoom white board, I’d appreciate it!

https://us02web.zoom.us/wb/doc/uPjGQJigRgWkam5DHogIxQ

We are also trying something new by offering mini-newsletters between our monthly full newsletter offerings. I hope that you will find it more timely and relevant!

I would also like to remind everyone about the training on the fourth Thursday of each month. We are utilizing an educational program that helps us meet youth where they are by using Mentor Washington’s “Becoming a Better Mentor” curriculum. We believe that all adults that go into juvenile detention facilities are mentors to youth: spiritual, religious, secular, and group mentorship. This training is open to anyone who is a mentor of youth.

The training program will be 12 months long with a new topic each month on the fourth Thursdays at 6:30 pm.

Registration:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0ofuCgqTIjHNPkDjbLk04C_YK0DWBGOGTx

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. You’ll see the monthly topics when you register and can choose which meetings to attend.

JoJo and I hope to see you soon!

Peace,

Rev. Terri Stewart

Donations

During this Volunteer Appreciation Week, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who work tirelessly with youth. Your dedication and commitment have helped shape the lives of the next generation, and we cannot thank you enough for your selfless service. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we appreciate all that you do to make a positive impact. Thank you for being a role model, a mentor, and a friend to the youth you serve. Your contributions are truly invaluable.

Notes from JoJo

Two Faces in the Shadows

The youth at King County were recently audience members for “Two Faces in the Shadows”, a performance that welcomes you into a conversation between Simon Peter and Judas on the evening of the Last Supper. Written by Paul Duke and Jeff Allee, this play portrays Peter and Judas unexpectedly meeting in the upper room of the Last Supper after the crucifixion. Here they share guilt, betrayal, and yet a deep connection as fellow apostles. They examine their consciences, share their confusion and dedication to Christ, and bring a human element to their characters.

Mark Adolph (Simon Peter) and Len Kannapell (Judas) have been performing this show at correctional centers throughout the states of Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, and Kentucky since 1996, including British Columbia in 2016. What they love most about performing is the Q&A after each performance and the conversations that come from it. The Q&A after the performance at King County was no different; we had good conversations about the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and who Peter and Judas were. This was also one of the youth’s first time at a live performance - ever!

We’re so grateful to have hosted Mark and Len for this event; it was a great experience and opportunity for the youth, chaplains and staff. We look forward to more opportunities like this in the future!

Peace,

JoJo

Gratitudes

I am grateful to all who worry about the youth we encounter. That shows where your true heart lies. Thank you to everyone who builds community with these youth who are often so torn down. Thank you so much!

-Rev. Terri

I'm grateful for our amazing community of volunteers, who continue to show up for the youth at King County and Echo Glen. Our volunteers bring this program's mission to life and we couldn't reach as many youth as we do, without you! Thank you!

-JoJo

Wish List

Donation Information

You can support us financially if you are so moved! We do not take funding from juvenile detention facilities so that we can be fully independent. But we will take any funds that you donate!

Donate Online via FlipCause

Donate Via Mail

Youth Rise of Circle Faith Future

16544 191st PL NE

Woodinville, WA 98072

Legal Information for Youth

There are resources available that you can connect youth with. I’m going to leave it in every newsletter so that it is easily at your fingertips.

Team Child: teamchild.org

Northwest Justice Project nwjustice.org

Legal Counsel for Youth and Children (LCYC): lcycwa.org

Helpful for identifying youths’ legal needs through conversation legal needs checklist

Can a Minor Consent: minor consent chart

Court Options for Out of Home Placement LCYC: out of home placement chart

Washington Law Help: walawhelp.org