YouthCare + Seven

Just a few blocks away from the market is one of our most treasured neighbors, the non-profit YouthCare. YouthCare works tirelessly to serve & empower Seattle's homeless youth. YouthCare focuses on building personal relationships based in trust and providing a wide range of services that are individualized to each youth's specific circumstances. With the goal of achieving long-term stability for Seattle's youth, the organization provides prevention programs, safe shelter & housing, education, employment training and opportunities, case management, mental health counsel and many other services. 

YouthCare's mission: "Work to end youth homelessness and to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential."

Seven's partnership with YouthCare has been deeply rewarding. Earlier this year, we held a staff meeting in which YouthCare provided training to Seven's employees on how to make our cafe a designated Safe Place for homeless youth in crisis. Youth who are familiar with the organization know they can come to Seven when seeking refuge and, with consent, our employees will connect youth who are unfamiliar with the program to its services. Signage about YouthCare and SafePlace are posted in both discreet and conspicuous locations around the shop in order to reach all youth, those who are already seeking services and those who may be hesitant to disclose that they are in need. 

To learn about our Holiday Giving program with YouthCare, click here!

Additionally, Seven freezes and donates all of its food waste-- pastries that did not sell and market products that have expired-- to YouthCare. Our cafe manager, Seri, personally delivers these goods to YouthCare each week. 

We cannot speak highly enough of YouthCare and what they do for Seattle. Please consider volunteering or finding ways that your business can get involved with this incredible organization.