Foster Care Organization Prioritizes Youth Success Despite Setbacks

Treehouse, a Seattle-based nonprofit that creates opportunities for youth in foster care, is celebrating the high school graduation of 140 students this year. The organization, which spends approximately $381 per graduate to cover costs such as yearbooks, caps and gowns, and other school-related fees, says these investments are essential to ensure foster youth can fully participate in graduation celebrations and mark these milestones with pride.

“We do it because this milestone is a huge accomplishment for youth experiencing foster care,” said Josh Herrington, Treehouse’s Annual Fund Manager.

Founded in 1988 by a group of social workers who believed kids in foster care deserve a community committed to their success, Treehouse initially focused on providing essentials like birthday presents and school supplies. Over the decades, its programs have expanded to include academic and life skills support to help young people navigate the challenges of foster care and build independent lives.

Treehouse’s mission is grounded in the belief that “every young person impacted by foster care determines their own future and builds the life of their dreams.”

However, systemic challenges persist. Data shows that the number of foster homes in Washington has dropped to its lowest point in decades. Between 2008 and 2015, the state lost nearly one in five foster homes as families quit and recruitment efforts fell short. Only 102 of the 1,100 homes licensed in 2005 were still accepting kids a decade later. Last year, the number of available foster homes fell to around 4,600—more than 1,000 below typical levels. Without enough private homes, social workers are often forced to babysit children in their offices or watch them overnight in hotels.

Adding to these challenges, Treehouse’s budget was recently cut by more than $7 million due to reductions in state funding.

“While we are having to make tough decisions, Treehouse will never waver in our mission to create opportunities for youth in foster care to succeed,” Herrington said.

Preparing foster youth for life after graduation remains a top priority. Treehouse provides support such as:

• Selecting a college or apprenticeship program and providing ongoing student support

• Helping youth create resumes, search for jobs, and prepare for interviews

• Coordinating services to secure and maintain housing

For students like Sara, Justin, and Day’Jhan, graduation represents more than a diploma—it’s a gateway to future stability and personal growth.

“Graduating is important to me because it’s the beginning of my life,” said Sara. “I’m really excited to graduate and just learn how to be an adult.”

Justin shared his vision for how education will prepare him for what comes next.

“In 10 years, I’d like to have a nice job where I can support myself and find a family, doing software development or some type of marketing job or an entrepreneur type thing,” he said.

Day’Jhan emphasized the importance of setting an example for younger siblings.

“Graduation is important to me because I feel like not only am I setting a goal for my siblings under me or that I’m accomplishing something,” said Day’Jhan. “But I’m showing my family there’s a different way to do things instead of trying to persevere alone.”

Treehouse leaders say that when youth in foster care make academic progress, it empowers them to achieve long-term stability and independence—an outcome at the heart of the organization’s mission, even in the face of statewide foster care and funding challenges.