Partner Agency Spotlight
Friends of the Children Friends of the Children–Seattle partners with community organizations, schools, and foster care systems to identify children ages 4 to 6 facing the toughest systemic barriers, pairing them with a professional mentor from kindergarten through high school. Richmond became Damarion’s professional mentor when Damarion was in fifth grade. Throughout the struggles of middle school and high school, Richmond partnered closely with Damarion’s family to help him build the skills he needed to succeed socially and academically.
Over the years, Damarion and Richmond have spent their time together working on Damarion’s goals.
“He really dedicates himself to anything that has to do with getting him prepared for the next thing,” said Richmond. When Damarion wanted to focus on health, they worked out together. Before Damarion got his license, Richmond helped him study for his driver’s test. When Damarion was on the field for a football game or track meet, Richmond was a familiar face in the stands. Richmond describes their relationship as more of a partnership.
“We are grateful for NW Children’s Foundation’s committed partnership. They are truly an example of how important partnerships like these are to sustain our 12-plus-year journey alongside our youth as they realize their power to achieve their goals and dreams.”
“It’s equal all the way out. He knows what he needs and wants and we just find ways to do it.”
Damarion’s Next Goal: College Bound Damarion recently graduated from high school with a full- ride scholarship to Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, where he will study education. Richmond knows that Damarion is ready to take on these exciting chang- es. He’s also confident that their relationship will remain strong.
– Lacie West, Executive Director of Friends of the Children–Seattle
Friends of the Children–Seattle is a NWCF Evergreen grantee, receiving a three-year grant of $100,000. Evergreen grantees are longtime partners of NWCF that consistently demonstrate their high impact and effectiveness in halting the intergenerational cycle of trauma, abuse, and neglect.
“It might not be week to week, but it’s not going to stop,” said Richmond.
When Damarion’s next goal comes around, they’ll tackle it together.
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