Treehouse strives to create and support a world where every child who has experienced foster care has supportive opportunities to pursue individual dreams. The vision sees these youth as capable people who can move successfully into adulthood.
What started in 1988 as a community book sale to pay small items like school supplies or a birthday present grew to Washington’s leading organization addressing essential support of youth in foster care. Treehouse is focused on the specific educational needs of these children.
Educational support removes as many barriers as possible. Youth in foster care may move four to five times a year. Treehouse works to keep transcripts current and accurate. There are funds to pay for extracurricular activities, a laptop, or other items that are important to bring normalcy and belonging into young lives. For example, youth can receive funding not only for a driver’s license, but for taking driver’s ed, acquiring insurance, paying for vehicle registration, and receiving gas assistance.
Treehouse pairs each youth with one person to stay with them throughout their time with the agency. It is a constant in a world where many children face uncertainty, trauma and change.
Youth within the Treehouse system can shop at the storefront for clothing, shoes, books, bikes and toys. “It’s a beautiful, total shopping experience,” says Katie Adams, adding that the space was designed by Nordstrom in 2019. It’s possible to order online as well.
Sayla Bell graduates from Timberline High School in the spring and will be attending St. Martins University in the fall with help from a well-earned $80k scholarship. “I always wanted to be a teacher. Treehouse definitely helped me a lot,” she says, noting support with clothes, personal care products, and up-to-date transcripts. She values her weekly chats with her Treehouse connection, who provided welcome motivation and help with homework.
Investing in the mental and physical well-being of youth helps prevent future homelessness and incarceration, which are common outcomes for previously fostered children. The costs are staggering for poor academic outcomes, early pregnancy, and involvement in the criminal justice system. Treehouse truly makes our community and world a better place.
You can support Treehouse with donations of clothing and other items, an unused car, or make gifts through your estate.
For Additional Information
Treehouse for Kids
treehouseforkids.org
BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS