STAR Youth Program

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Our STAR Youth program is here to support children and teens who have experienced family separation (adoption, foster care, kinship care) by providing an opportunity for friendship and community in a safe, supportive space. Our STAR (Supported, Thriving, Authentic & Resilient) Youth Program is grounded in the belief that youth who have experienced family separation 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. There is no cost to families to participate.

Interested in learning about upcoming STAR Youth Development camps and programming? Sign up!

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Amara’s STAR Youth Program works to bring youth currently or formerly in foster care together for fun and friendship with a focus on social emotional learning and affirming activities that help youth know their own stories and create a positive sense of self.

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STAR Youth Program FAQs

Learn more about our free STAR Youth Program.

Amara’s STAR Youth Development program is designed for youth ages 9-14 in King and Pierce counties who have experienced family separation (foster care, kinship care or adoption).

Groups meet at our Seattle campus at 5907 Martin Luther King Jr Way S and at our Tacoma campus at 3501 104th St. E.

STAR programming is trauma-informed, culturally and age-appropriate, and features an evidenced-based social-emotional (SEL) curriculum. Activities include community-building time, share-outs, SEL and identity-development activities such as dance, music, art, sports, writing, group work, homework or skills review, individual reflection, facilitated discussion, and play/unstructured time.

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.

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

For more information, please email us at youth@amarafamily.org or give us a call at 206-260-1700.

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

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.