Youth Development Program

Supporting Positive Identity Development and Healing

Our Youth Development Program is grounded in the belief that youth who have experienced foster/kinship care and/or adoption, or who are at risk of child welfare system involvement, deserve a safe, inclusive, affirming, and friendly place where they can build healthy relationships and be supported in positive identity development. Research shows that youth who forge friendships and other supportive relationships are more involved in school and have higher self-perceived social acceptance.

We offer youth programming in both Pierce and King counties. There is no cost to families to participate. Stay updated by signing up for our newsletter and following us on Instagram and Facebook @theamarafamily. We hope to see you here! From Sept. 2 – mid-November 2026, our programming will be offered at our temporary location at Gates High School at 4608 128th St E, Tacoma.

Our Youth Development Program Makes a Difference

Whether youth build community in-person at our teen center in Tacoma, or virtually via our Youth Advisory Council, Amara’s Youth Development program helps youth make new friends, understand that they are not alone, and explore new ideas and opportunities. Learn more!

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Free Teen Center in Tacoma

Amara provides a free, safe place for youth to hang out at our Family Resource Center in Tacoma on Wednesday afternoons from 2 – 5 pm. Youth ages 11 – 18 can choose how to spend their time while under the supervision of trained youth development specialists. Activities include indoor and outdoor games, arts & crafts, video games, free wifi & snacks, homework help, assistance with college & job applications, and more. Our teen center will be closed for the summer starting Aug. 14 due to our remodel. We will reopen at Gates High School on September 2. The address is 4608 128th St E, Tacoma.

After-School Program for Middle Schoolers in King and Pierce Counties

Youth sometimes have a tough time navigating the changes they face in middle school. Our once-a-week program at Ford Middle School in Tacoma and Cascade Middle School in Seattle helps students build community and confidence. Amara Youth Development staff and volunteers facilitate small groups to support youth with a variety of enrichment and youth-led activities. This club is generously funded by King County’s Best Starts For Kids Act.

Youth Advisory Council

Amara’s Youth Advisory Council helps inform Amara’s youth programming. Members have opportunities to learn leadership skills, build community, participate in a service project, express themselves through art, and more. No previous leadership experience is needed. Middle school students in Washington who have experience in foster care, kinship care, or adoption can apply to participate. Council members will earn $25 for each meeting they attend.  Download our flier  / descargue nuestro folleto for more information and fill out this form to apply.

Youth Family Reunions

Families who have been impacted by foster care, kinship care, and/or adoption can build community in relaxed social environments at our quarterly get-togethers for fun, youth-focused events! Join us for holiday parties, Mariner’s games, museum visits, and more! Event dates and times to be announced. Sign up for our newsletter to learn about these opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Amara is looking for volunteers to support our youth development programming, including our after-school program for middle school students. If you have a few hours to give each week and enjoy working with youth ages 11 – 18 in a variety of settings, please fill out this form. All volunteers must attend orientation, training, and must pass a background check. We will connect with you soon.

Youth Development Program FAQs

Who can participate in Amara’s Youth Development program?

Amara’s Youth Development programs are designed for youth of varying ages in King and Pierce counties. The majority of our programs are geared toward youth ages 11-14 and some are for youth 13 – 18 years old.

Where does Amara’s Youth Development Programming take place?

Amara’s Youth Development Programming takes place at our Seattle campus at 3505 S. Juneau St. and at our Tacoma campus at 3501 104th St. E., as well as virtually, in schools and in the community.

What will youth do in the youth development groups?

Amara’s Youth Development programming is designed to be youth-led, which means that youth create the agenda, decide on their goals, and determine the direction of each program. Youth Development Specialists create a scaffolded structure for youth to have increasingly more decision-making power in each program session. Examples of just a few of the activities that may be included: social-emotional learning, small- and large-group activities and discussions, long-term projects, leadership development, team-building activities, service-learning projects, self-expression through art, enrichment activities with community partners, leadership and advisement on Amara programming, homework help and college/career assistance, basketball and outdoor activities, video games and board games.

Is transportation provided?

In some cases we can help cover the cost of bus tickets or other forms of transportation. Please reach out to us at youth@amarafamily.org if you need assistance.

Where does the funding for the Youth Development program come from?

Amara’s Youth Development program is generously funded by the King County Best Starts for Kids initiative and Pierce County Youth Violence Prevention funding. Donor and community support for the program is always welcome. You can support by giving online or through any of Amara’s other Ways to Give.

For more information and/or to sign up for our newsletter, please complete this short form.

Questions? Please email us at youth@amarafamily.org or give us a call at 253-330-5096.

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Amara’s Youth Development program receives funding from the King County Best Starts for Kids levy.

Some of these services are supported by funding from Pierce County through its Human Services Department.

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Amara occasionally texts clients to best coordinate our services. By agreeing to receive services from Amara, you agree to receive individualized communications from us via text. Clients can always opt out of receiving texts by contacting us at amara@amarafamily.org.