We’re here to inspire and connect you with ways to show your support by learning more about the issue, sharing what you’ve learned with others, volunteering, or donating. Check out our growing list of opportunities to get involved!
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Location:
Be A Host Home For A Teen
Snohomish County
1-3 weeks
Provide a safe, short-term and temporary stay for teens from 12-17 years-old who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. During the stay, Connections staff provide intentional case management to the youth and focused support to the host home to ensure a successful stay. You will receive training, 24/7 support, and a stipend of $150 for the stay to offset home costs. Being a host home can help you make a tangible difference to break the cycle of youth homelessness in your own community!
Donate Items for Kids
Whatcom County
The Foster Closet relies entirely on donations from the community. They accept new and gently used clothing, toys, and baby items. Their biggest need is for diapers, pull-ups, and wipes. Please call ahead before donating large items.
Help out with laundry
Whatcom County
Laundry helpers are notified by email when there are bins ready for cleaning. They are able to pick up bins (as many as they are comfortable taking) to wash and sort at home. There are instruction cards with each bin to help with sorting. When the laundry is cleaned, they simply return the bin to us.
Be a Store Host
Whatcom County
Store Hosts manage a donation store for foster families during open hours (currently Saturdays from 10-2). They welcome shoppers and donors as they come in, make sure new shoppers get registered, help families find what they need, keep things tidy, and sometimes are assigned other tasks to keep the store clean and organized. As The Foster Closet looks to expand their open times, there may be weekday options as well.
Teach golf and life skills
King County
Every year, The First Tee of Greater Seattle serves nearly 2,000 youth of all backgrounds, including foster care, through weekly classes and special events at local golf courses. Through the mentorship of caring adults, these young people will learn valuable golf and life skills. You could be one of those mentors! Training is provided to help you prepare, and experienced staff will show you the way.
Donate items for kids and youth
Island County
King County
Kitsap County
Skagit County
Snohomish County
Whatcom County
Support youth in Olive Crest’s foster care program by donating items such as diapers, wipes, and formula. Click “Learn More” to visit their Amazon Wish List.
help foster families get their license
Pierce County
There are many things individuals and families must do to ensure their home is safe before they can become a licensed foster parent. Donate an Amazon gift card which will be used to purchase items needed to become a licensed foster parent (e.g. fire ladders, first aid kits, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers).
Donate an apartment kit for youth
Pierce County
Support youth who are transitioning out of foster care by donating household items for their first apartment. Suggested items include:
- Kitchenware (e.g. pots, pans, silverware, dishware)
- Bathroom supplies (e.g. towels, shower curtain, rug, toothbrush holder, plunger)
- Bedroom supplies (e.g. sheets, comforter, pillows, hamper, hangers)
- Cleaning supplies (e.g. dish soap, sponges, toilet brush, detergent)
- Miscellaneous items (e.g. batteries, flashlight, stamps, tissues)
Gift cards to grocery stores and Amazon are also appreciated.
Temporarily care for kids when families are in crisis
King County
Pierce County
Snohomish County
You can become a Safe Families host family and help keep kids out of the foster care system. Our host families provide extra support by hosting children while a family in the community is in crisis. This friendship and support helps to stabilize families and keep children safe. Becoming a host family is a little bit like becoming a foster family, except without many of the regulations of the state licensing process since families you support are not involved with the foster care system. For more information, email seattletacoma@safefamilies.net.
Collect and distribute donated items
Skagit County
Whatcom County
Blue Skies for Children serves youth ages 6-18 who are experiencing homelessness or foster care, or who are supported by families with low income. Volunteers are needed to collect and distribute donated items as well as to host supply drives for Blue Skies for Children.
Donate clothing and backpacks
Skagit County
Whatcom County
Blue Skies for Children serves youth ages 6-18 who are experiencing homelessness or foster care, or are supported by families with low income. Donate the following items (new only) to ensure kids have their basic needs met:
- Athletic shoes
- Socks
- Winter coats
- Hats
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Blankets
- 17″ and 19″ backpacks
Donate clothing and everyday items
Pierce County
HopesCloset aims to meet the basic needs of families by providing a dignified shopping experience in a warm environment. Donation requests include:
- Clothing for all ages
- Sock and underwear (new)
- Shoes
- Purses, jewelry, and accessories
- Toiletries and cleaning supplies
- Diapers (all sizes)
- Sheets and linens
- Toys (new)
HopesCloset is not able to take items such as books or furniture. Donations can be accepted Monday-Thursday, 9am-6pm and Fridays, 9am-4pm.
Sort and display donated items
Pierce County
2-3 hrs/wk
Sort, tidy, and display clothing and other donated items at HopesCloset which helps meet the basic needs of families. With training and a cleared background check, you can work directly with clients and provide a dignified shopping experience for families.
Be a mentor
King County
1 year commitment
Be a mentor to young women ages 18-24 who have aged out of the foster care system as they develop a positive vision for the future. Mentors develop trust with mentees, share resources to support their growth, and provide coaching on particular skills.
Donate Items for Kids and Teens
Kitsap County
Donate the following items for youth ages 0-20:
- Underwear
- Socks
- Pajamas
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Coats
- Toys
- School supplies
- Hygiene items
Items may be dropped off Monday-Thursday, 9:30am – 4:00pm, at Community & Family Services Foundation located at 1502 Roland Ave, Port Orchard.
Donate Prom Essentials
Pierce County
Ali’s Prom Project ensures teens in foster care can attend prom and other memorable events by providing a dress, shoes, and accessories for their special day. The following items are being accepted:
- Formal gowns (long and short)
- Bags/Clutches (prom appropriate)
- Shoes (prom appropriate)
- Jewelry (prom appropriate)
- Make-Up (new, unopened)
- Cosmetic Bags (e.g. Ipsy)
Personal Stylist
Pierce County
4 hours
Ali’s Prom Project ensures teens in foster care can attend prom and other memorable events by providing a dress, shoes, and accessories for their special day. Volunteer at the boutique as a personal stylist, make-up artist, hair-stylist and to help sort new donations. Youth volunteers under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult volunteer.
Be a mentor
Island County
1 year commitment
Empower youth to achieve! You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do. Play sports together. Go for a hike. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just give some advice and inspiration. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you’ll enjoy them even more with your Little—and you’ll be making a life-changing impact.
Donate Items for Kinship Families
King County
Donate flannel fabric, toys, toothbrushes, and toothpaste to Women United. Through the Grandma’s Hands program, kinship caregivers sew pajamas and assemble “pajama box kits” for children being cared for by their relatives. You can also donate spa items which will be assembled into gift baskets to be distributed to relative caregivers around the holidays. Contact Alesia Cannady to schedule your donation drop-off at 206.316.7601 or alesia.womenunitedseattle@gmail.com.
Donate Items
King County
Pierce County
Donations collected by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound help fund local programs and services to support their mission. You can donate clothing,
shoes, accessories, housewares, and more!
Be a mentor
King County
Pierce County
1 year commitment
Empower youth to achieve! You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do. Play sports together. Hike a trail at Mount Rainier. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just give some advice and inspiration. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you’ll enjoy them even more with your Little—and you’ll be making a life-changing impact.
Be a mentor
Thurston County
1 year commitment
Empower youth to achieve! You and your Little can share the kinds of activities you already like to do. Play sports together. Hike a trail at Mount Rainier. Read books. Eat a pizza with extra anchovies. Or just give some advice and inspiration. Whatever it is you enjoy, odds are you’ll enjoy them even more with your Little—and you’ll be making a life-changing impact.
Visit Supervisor
King County
6 month commitment
Provide transportation and support to youth in foster care! The Y Social Impact Center is looking for experienced adults to work with their foster care team to provide continuous support to the youth they serve. This volunteer position requires a 6-month to one-year commitment. Hours and location are based on need and will include weekends. An ideal candidate enjoys children and has prior experience working with youth. The Y Social Impact Center will cover mileage reimbursement and any required trainings. Join the Y Social Impact Center and make a difference in the lives of youth in foster care.
Donate items to help individuals become licensed foster parents
Skagit County
Snohomish County
There are a number of requirements individuals must meet to become licensed foster parents. You can help by donating fire ladders, fire extinguishers, car seats, and other safety items. When in doubt, an Amazon gift card is always helpful for families in the process of becoming licensed.
Be a mentor
King County
Twice/month
The heart of the Dare to Dream program is to walk alongside youth as they navigate through life’s challenges. The youth in the Dare to Dream program need the wisdom, advice, encouragement, and community that mentors can provide. Mentors meet practical and emotional needs as well as provide guidance through developmental milestones. The goal is for youth to be engaged and to feel supported and equipped to navigate life. A mentor commits to meeting with the youth every other week to set goals and help them achieve their dreams. These relationships will hopefully last a lifetime, but the program is a year commitment. Mentors matched with a high school student are strongly encouraged to stay with the youth until high school graduation.
Join a Love Box group
King County
1-5 hrs/month
The Love Box program provides foster families with community and holistic support so that they can continue to do the important and meaningful work of being a foster parent. As a Love Box group, volunteers will be matched with a local foster family based on compatibility and scope of needs. When families are matched with committed volunteers who show up monthly, parents feel more supported and children gain a greater sense of belonging and self-confidence. This program requires a one year commitment.
Sort donated items & fill clothing orders
King County
2 hrs
It isn’t easy for a family to rebuild a life in crisis, but it is impossible without adequate food or diapers or warm clothes. To better care for their children, parents need the really basic, fundamental “stuff”: formula, diapers, car seats, warm coats, clothes for growing kids, or a crib for a newborn. Eastside Baby Corner provides that basic “stuff”, free of charge. Join the corps of volunteers helping kids at Eastside Baby Corner facilities in Issaquah and Kenmore. Opportunities for individuals, families (kids ages 7-14 can volunteer with an accompanying adult, 14 and up can volunteer alone), community and corporate groups can be found for almost every day of the week.
Donate items for children ages 0-12
King County
Kitsap County
Your donations of new or gently used goods for children, birth to age 12, help to fill more than 1,500 orders of basic goods for children each week. You can donate by organizing a drive at your place of work, school, worship or community, or by bringing in the clothes, shoes and more that your children are no longer using.
Data about foster care in WA
Partners for Our Children
All Counties
Partners for Our Children provides research and evaluation regarding child welfare policies and practices in Washington, trends within the system, and training effectiveness for state child welfare workers. Check out their website to find out more about kids experiencing the foster care system in Washington.
Federal funding to keep families together
All Counties
The Family First Prevention Services Act was signed into law in 2018, changing the way states can spend Title IV-E funding. “The purpose…is to enable States to use Federal funds available under parts B and E of title IV of the Social Security Act to provide enhanced support to children and families and prevent foster care placements through the provision of mental health and substance abuse prevention and treatment services, in-home parent skill-based programs, and kinship navigator services” (“Family First Prevention Services Act,” 2019). Find out more about how federal policy is supporting families.
Racial disproportionality in the foster care system
All Counties
In Washington State, African American kids are 2.2 times more likely and Native American kids are 2.9 times more likely to enter foster care than their white peers. Learn more about racial disproportionality in the foster care system.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
All Counties
LGBTQ+ youth are over-represented in the foster care system. All Children – All Families, a project of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, promotes LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and affirming practices among child welfare agencies and formally recognizes those agencies that are leading the field with innovative approaches to inclusion.
Receive federal e-updates on foster care
All Counties
Get news updates and information on the latest child welfare resources from Child Welfare Information Gateway.
Receive e-updates from the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families
All Counties
Sign up to receive a monthly e-newsletter from Ross Hunter, Secretary of Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families, to stay updated on the state of foster care in Washington.
Host a Donation drive in your community
King County
Gather your community and host a donation drive for diapers, winter coats, hygiene items, pajamas or anything that WestSide Baby distributes! This can be done at a birthday party, baby shower, or at your workplace over a few weeks.
Donate Items
King County
Help by donating new or gently used children’s items at collection sites around King County or by ordering through WestSide Baby’s Amazon Wish List for current most needed items.
Check and Sort Donations
King County
3 hrs/shift
WestSide Baby receives donations from the community, checks and sorts those donations, and distributes them directly to 114 partner agencies, who are experts in their families, and the children they serve. These professionals get the items the children need, and WestSide Baby can focus on collecting the basic essentials. You can volunteer at WestSide Baby in White Center or South Lake Union almost any day of the week! Volunteer shifts are in the mornings, afternoons and evenings as well as on Saturdays.
Sort and Hang Up Donated Clothes
Kitsap County
2-3 hrs/week
New Beginnings Closet in Bremerton needs volunteers every Monday night from 6-8pm and Wednesdays from 10-1pm. Volunteers are needed to sort and hang up clothing as well as put together care bags for children in foster care. If you are interested in helping on either or both days, please contact Jeanie Johns by email or at 360-265-3398.
Help throw a birthday party
King County
1-4 hrs
Donate birthday items or volunteer your time to help throw a birthday party for a child in foster care. Volunteers are needed to:
- Bake cakes
- Purchase items on a birthday child’s wish list
- Wrap gifts
- Deliver birthday party supplies
- Support office staff in filling weekly birthday party wish lists
There are opportunities for youth, families, and groups to get involved with Birthday Dreams!
Support professional development for youth
All Counties
Talk with your supervisor about providing opportunities for youth to job shadow or intern with your organization. Email info@fosteringfamilywa.org to learn more about how you can do this.
Support your co-workers and friends who are becoming foster parents
All Counties
Do you know someone who is becoming a foster parent? Here are a few things you can do to help them prepare:
- Host a foster shower! Foster parents often only have a few hours notice of the age, gender, and number of children they are welcoming into their home. Instead of gifts, provide gift cards so parents can quickly run out and get the items they need when it’s time.
- Start a meal train when a foster parent takes placement of a child
- Organize a play date for the whole family
- Offer to run errands
Help a neighbor who is fostering or recently reunified
All Counties
If you know someone who is either fostering or reunified with their family, there are many things you can offer to help, including:
- Provide a meal
- Babysit or take the kids out for an activity
- Yard work
- Pet sitting
- Transport their kids to school or an extracurricular activity
When in doubt, ask!
Educate yourself and your organization
Fostering Family
All Counties
- Host an informational event for your company and employees to learn more about kids in foster care, fostering, and how to help.
- Learn more about how you can build a work culture that is more supportive of families of all kinds—and the unique challenges faced by birth parents and foster parents navigating the foster system.
- Hire youth who are in or have recently aged out of the foster care system.
Use your voice, leadership, and network
Fostering Family
All Counties
- Send a message of support using your company’s owned channels.
- Contribute sponsored advertising to this initiative through your company’s paid
media plans.
Share your time and expertise
Fostering Family
All Counties
- Engage employees in a team-building volunteer experience.
- Lead a volunteer challenge with other companies.
- Include youth in foster care in your internship programs, offer a career tour at your workplace, or invite youth to job shadow.
- Be a mentor to youth who are in or have recently aged out of the foster care system.
Be a Donor or a Sponsor
Fostering Family
All Counties
- Provide a product or service-based discount, or proceeds from sales.
- Lead a giving challenge or supply drive in your company, with peer companies, or with
your consumers. - Sponsor this initiative—help us continue to invite our community to support kids in
foster care.
Play with kids at the Children’s Museum of Tacoma
Pierce County
Twice/month
While foster parents connect with each other and receive important training at foster parent workshops, their children play in the Children’s Museum of Tacoma with staff and volunteers. Volunteer opportunities are twice each month on varying weekdays from 4 – 7 p.m. or 5:45 – 8:15 p.m.
Administrative Support
King County
Pierce County
4 hrs/week
Administrative Support volunteers fill a variety of roles that help Amara continue to offer professional, high quality services. Individual volunteers interested in longer term commitments will be trained to take on more complex tasks.
Volunteer With A Group For Intermittent Projects
King County
Pierce County
3-4 hrs
Amara offers intermittent projects for groups of any size. While group volunteers do not work directly with children, they make a huge impact on our ability to support these incredible kids!
Child Supervisor Volunteer
Snohomish County
Thurston County
Whatcom County
1 hr/month
OMD volunteers are an essential part of the program’s success. They contribute thousands of service hours per year by providing supervision of children who are awaiting placement after an emergent removal, while also being a resource for child welfare offices to call upon when needing extra help for community events such as School Supply and Coat Drives, Holiday Parties, Foster Parent Appreciation Events and more.
Be Matched with a Private Agency to Become a Foster Parent
All Counties
Private agencies provide dedicated support to foster, kinship, & respite caregivers throughout the process of becoming a licensed caregiver and welcoming a child into their home. There are many different private agencies to choose from. By answering just a few questions, Washington Fosters can help you narrow down the agencies in your area that are the best fit for your family.
become a licensed foster parent directly through the state
All Counties
You can become a licensed foster parent directly through Washington State’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Being licensed directly through the state is faster and eliminates the “middle person” role of a private agency. This also means that caregivers do not have the additional support of a private agency that serves as a foster parent’s personal advocate to help navigate the complex system of foster care.
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)
Washington State CASA
All Counties
15 hrs/month
Each volunteer is appointed by a judge to advocate for a child’s best interest in court. CASA’s volunteers help judges develop a fuller picture of each child’s life. Their advocacy enables judges to make the most well-informed decision for each child. No prior experience is necessary. CASA provides training.
Donate Gift Cards or Items
Snohomish County
Donate a gift card or any item(s) which are specified on the Hand in Hand current needs list. Click “Learn More” to visit their website for further details on how you can help.
Mockingbird family Constellation Meals
King County
Each month, Mockingbird Hub Homes organize a Constellation Meeting which includes 6 to 10 families plus the Hub Home provider. The Hub Home typically provides a meal for all the families and the foster and biological children within the Constellation.
Volunteers coordinate a meal for approximately 26 people – typically 14-16 adults and 10-14 children of various ages. Please consider kid-friendly as well as adult food options. We will put you in touch with the Hub Home provider to coordinate the menu and delivery of the meal.
Contact Mockingbird to volunteer to provide a meal once or on an ongoing basis.
Youth Programs Chapter Meals
King County
Whether it’s homemade or takeout, young people of The Mockingbird Society comment on how their meals are highlights for them. This is a great team-building or employee engagement opportunity. Volunteers coordinate a meal for approximately 15 people to be delivered on disposable serving platters (we have the silverware and plates!). The Chapter’s Engagement Specialist can provide suggestions for meal ideas if needed, as well as information about whether a vegetarian or other option is needed. Volunteers drop off the meal 30 minutes prior to the meeting and youth advocates on the Chapter’s Leadership Team are there to greet the volunteers and to tell them about current issues they are working on. Contact Mockingbird to volunteer to provides meals once or on an ongoing basis.
Administrative Volunteer/Intern
King County
6 months minimum
Learn about nonprofits from the inside! The Mockingbird Society’s departments needs general office support from volunteers able to work a set schedule (to be determined between the department and the volunteer) with a minimum commitment of 6 months or two college quarters.
Become a Board Committee Member
King County
2-4 hrs/month
Are you interested in an ongoing volunteer role? The Mockingbird Society’s board committees welcome community members to serve for one-year terms with a time commitment of approximately 2-4 hours per month. Board committees are made up of board members, community volunteers, and have a staff point person.
Event and Information Sharer for Social Media and Communication Mediums
Kids First
Island County
1-2 hrs/month
Kids first needs volunteers to keep up-to-date on current events, information, and legislation in foster care and child welfare and share the information on their social media pages and website.
Aid in Foster Advocacy and Community Relationships
Kids First
Island County
1-3 hrs, 2-4 times/year
Members of this committee serve as a voice for children who are in care. Committee members promote partnerships for children through the use of social media and speaking events, as well as through collaboration with public and private sectors in our communities. All this serves to build the partnerships that link children with opportunities. If you are a foster care alumnus, current or former caregiver, or CASA, this is especially for you!
Help Fill Holiday Stockings
Kids First
Island County
1-3 hrs
Kids First is in need of volunteers to reach out to community organizations and encourage stocking sponsorships. They also need help filling stockings with supplies. Volunteers for this opportunity are only needed during October and December.
Become a Request Committee Member
Kids First
Island County
1-2 hrs/month
Meeting children’s individual needs is at the very heart & soul of Kids First. As a member of this committee, your experience in helping to fulfill a child’s unmet need will be deeply rewarding. Members of this committee help Kids First leverage resources to meet requests that are submitted on behalf of individual children. Requests are received throughout the year.
Help at an Evening Emergency Shelter
King County
3 hrs
Friends of Youth’s emergency shelter for youth 18-24, The Landing, has the capacity to shelter 20 guests each night. Evening Shelter Support will support Landing staff in evening shelter activities. In addition to helping staff, volunteers will have time to develop constructive relationships with the young adults. The ideal volunteer will build trust, honesty, and responsibility. Additional responsibilities may include: helping new guests become acquainted with facilities, serving dinner, interacting and socializing with guests, helping staff setup shelter before guests arrive, and reporing any issues/concerns to the staff.
Must be at least 22 years old to partake in this opportunity.
Volunteers help on an ongoing basis as they are needed.
Serve Lunch and Build Youth Relationships
King County
2 hrs/week
Volunteers provide and serve hot lunch to youth during the Drop-In program at the Landing. Drop-In is a safe place for youth to stay during the day and access case management services. Volunteers will socialize and build trust with youth by being reliable as ongoing volunteers and support youth by providing them with a hot lunch made just for them. Socializing with youth is encouraged, volunteers must be outgoing and friendly.
Availability: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Donate meals
King County
Voulunteers serve Breakfast Lunch and Dinner. Donors can either donate food in containers that can be thrown away or in their own dishes which will be washed and made available to pick up later. The Landing provides the condiments, plates, cups, and utensils for their guests.
Times: The Landing is open 7 days a week in Redmond. Breakfast and lunches can be delivered in the morning between 6 and 6:45 a.m. or in the evening between 8 and 8:45 p.m. Dinners are delivered between 8 and 8:45 p.m.
New Ground Bothell Transportation
King County
Flexible
Volunteers provide transportation for clients to and from Winco and Grocery Outlet. Volunteers will coordinate with New Ground Bothell staff to find days and times that work best between the volunteers and client’s needs.
Tutor
King County
1-2 hrs/week
Friends of Youth is seeking volunteers to provide tutoring and mentoring support for refugee and immigrant youth in foster care. The youth are boys between the ages of 17-20, often with limited English language proficiency. All of the youth are separated from their families and are in need of support as they prepare to transition out of foster care. Friends of Youth is seeking individuals who are able to donate approximately 1-2 hours weekly in mentoring and tutoring activities with a youth. Volunteers must complete an orientation and training meeting as well as pass a background check.
Drop-In Life Skills Volunteer
King County
1 hr/week
Volunteers will provide an activity for youth and young adults to participate in during Drop-In. Activities include but are not limited to an exercise class, a creative pursuit (such as painting or knitting), or a hobby that you would like to share with our guests. Volunteers must be able to provide resources for clients to participate in this activity. Drop-In is a safe place for youth and young adults to stay during the day and access case management services, basic needs resources and behavioral health, education, and employment services.
Host Homes
King County
The Host Homes King County program matches young people (ages 12-24) with hosts in the community who can provide the space and opportunity for young people to build independent living skills, gain stability, and focus on goal attainment. This program, run in partnership with Friends of Youth, provides much-needed stability for young people who are “almost there” — many are already working and close to obtaining housing, and just need an extra boost to make sustainable change in their lives.
Care for Kids at Skookum House
Whatcom County
4 hrs/month
Children from all over Western Washington spend their first week in foster care at Skookum House. While they’re there, Skookum ensures they have a safe and fun time, and that all of their needs are met. This important work is done by a team of 100+ volunteers (just like you) who make themselves available for a few hours each month. It’s a great way to have a huge impact.
Child Supervisor Volunteer
King County
1 hr/month
OMD volunteers are an essential part of the program’s success. They contribute thousands of service hours per year by providing supervision of children who are awaiting placement after an emergent removal, while also being a resource for child welfare offices to call upon when needing extra help for community events such as School Supply and Coat Drives, Holiday Parties, Foster Parent Appreciation Events and more.
Be matched with a foster family in your community
The Aaron Project
Whatcom County
2-4 hrs/month
The Aaron Project connects foster and adoptive families with local individuals, families or groups who are willing to serve in small ways that make a big difference. Each family is supported by at least four people, each of whom serves in a unique niche (prayer, encouragement, practical service, or kid care).
Receive Alerts About Legislative and Political Activity
All Counties
You cast your ballot, but don’t stop there. Sign up for Treehouse legislative advocacy alerts for a quick and easy way to contact your elected officials about issues that impact youth in foster care.
Project Search and Reunion
King County
12 hrs/month
The Post-Adoption program has embarked on an unprecedented project – auditing approximately 3,000 of their own adoption files between the years of 1950-2000 to ensure that adoptees and their families have received the information and support they requested. If you are detail oriented and desire to support our quest towards full transparency, volunteering for Project Search & Reunion may be just the right fit for you. All volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and commit to a minimum of 12 hours per month (during office hours) at Amara’s Seattle Headquarters.
Donate Items
Pierce County
Support kids and families in Pierce County by donating socks, underwear, tennis shoes, and pajamas for children 0-18 years of age. Check out Wishing Well’s Amazon Wish List to find out what other current needs there are.
Donations are gratefully accepted on Fridays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or by appointment by contacting Program Director Erika Thompson at 206.406.2398.
The Wishing Well Foundation’s address is 12716 Pacific Avenue South in Tacoma. They are on the second floor above the flooring shop. The entrance is on the left side of the building and up the stairs.
Donate Items
King County
Pierce County
Shop Amara’s Amazon wishlist to donate items to the Pierce County emergency sanctuary. Amara’s Emergency Sanctuary provides a temporary home to kids who were recently removed from their own home, for their own safety. It is a safe place for kids to land that gives families and state social workers more time to find the best long-term option for the child.
Provide Baby Items
Pierce County
Donate items such as diapers, diaper bags, gift cards, wipes, and books.
Become a Ryther Corporate Group Volunteer
King County
3-4 hours
Ryther partners with various companies and explores the many ways businesses can engage in furthering their mission. Corporate groups volunteer their time, energy and expertise to improving Ryther’s campus and making a difference in children’s lives. To submit interest please contact volunteer@ryther.org.
Help Youth Cope With Tramua With The Assistance of a Therapy Dog
King County
1 hr/week
If you are interested in establishing a healthy and positive relationship with a child learning to cope with a history of trauma, consider becoming a Canine Volunteer. You and your certified therapy dog can provide support and companionship to a child in Ryther’s residential cottage program. To apply please fill out Ryther’s application and send it to volunteer@ryther.org.
Help Youth Cope With Trauma
King County
1 hr/week for at least 6 months
If you are interested in establishing a healthy and positive relationship with a child learning to cope with a history of trauma, consider becoming a Best Buddy. You will have the fun and rewarding task of acting as a role model, teacher, and, most importantly, friend to a child. This opportunity is available in Ryther’s residential Cottage Program. To apply please click “Learn More” and fill out the application.
Donation Drive Organizer
King County
4 hours
As a donation drive volunteer, you’ll run a donation drive for youth and families in the Y’s foster care program. Based on the time of year, donation items include gift cards for birthdays, graduations, and holidays, as well as household and school supplies. This opportunity is great for groups of over 15 people, so invite your friends and family to help out! Drivers are needed on an ongoing basis to provide these essential supplies which help youth in foster care reach their full potential.