Does it feel like the year is ramping up to you, too? Longer days are bringing energy and momentum to ongoing programs, with new volunteers coming to rock climbing and on Coffee Runs, and new partnerships with local churches.
The neighborhood is investing into our unhoused neighbors and SYM is excited to welcome these new collaborators! 95 folks attended Brews 'n' Tunes Two and heard about what SYM is up to. UGM hosted a UDistrict oriented course this past weekend. And Coffee Runs have been a place for new volunteers to go out to the community and build relationships. It is encouraging to see the neighborhood come together in ways that point back to SYM's vision of bringing Hope and Healing to the University District.
I started volunteering at SYM 12 years ago when I saw an announcement at my church (UPC) asking for people willing to serve in SYM’s Drop-in space for young adults experiencing homelessness. I’ve been so blessed over these years to get to know so many committed and caring volunteers, so many gifted and effective staff and, of course, so many amazing youth. My role as a volunteer is to help make drop-in “go” by serving meals, getting youth set up with showers or laundry, playing UNO or just chatting about the day.
Occasionally, I get the opportunity to serve youth outside of the Drop-in space. For example, I’ve taken a youth driving on several occasions to help them practice for driving test and had a youth over for dinner who had aged out of SYM and moved close to my home. It’s all part of building relationships of caring and trust and serving people in our city who I believe God has called me to.
Welcome Tracy to the Executive Board! We are so lucky to have her wisdom and care guiding SYM this year.
After more than 5 years as a volunteer, I am excited to bring my weekly experiences with the clients directly to the board. Also, I am eager to reach out to the UW community and build some bridges between the two sets of young people. I pray that my input can be helpful and expand SYM’s ability to serve the youth.
Ways to serve
Coffee Run Supplies - You can keep the the Ave a little warmer by providing oatmeal and coffee creamer for Coffee Runs. Volunteer teams hand out 10 cups of coffee daily. You can provide supplies through SYM's Amazon List!
Volunteer - SYM thrives with a strong volunteer base. There are many ways you can volunteer at SYM that can fit into any schedule, direct or indirect service, and can be one-time or ongoing. Email Rita to get involved.
Pray with us -
For quality candidates for open staff positions.
For more Meal Teams volunteers to provide meals on the new days Drop-in is open.
Praise for a client who moved into housing last month!
For the new SYM "Upper Room" program to become a space of healing and growth.
You're invited!
4/22 - *UPDATE* The date for this year's Breakfast at Nine fundraiser has changed! We mistakenly sent out a save the date last month. The real date is in April! Get excited to gather with the SYM community on April 22 at 415 Westlake to hear about the great work happening at SYM. Inquire about being a table host with ritab@symseattle.org.
Join the SYM team
Operations Assistant - This is a 12-hour per week hourly position. This position provides support to the SYM Executive Director and staff to achieve smooth operations of the organization on a daily basis. Check out the full job description here.
We're a whole month into the new year! This month brought more activities, more days of Drop-in, and some new friends on the volunteer team. Check out pictures from these events and updates on how you can get involved!
A new year has brought new life to SYM programs. Take this new beginning as a new invitation to get involved!
Drop-in
The Drop-in Center is open from 11am-1pm Tuesday-Friday. Volunteering in Drop-in is a way to build relationships with young people in the University District.
You're invited to SYM's second Brews 'n' Tunes event: Brews 'n' Tunes Two! The first of these events took place in January of 2020, and we're bringing it back with a new location and another great local artist. Seattle-based folk duo The Rain Station is partnering with SYM to host a benefit concert at Ravenna Brewing Co. on February 22nd.
Tickets are $20 and include entry to the event and a drink ticket. There will be a food truck onsite for additional purchase. All ticket revenue supports SYM programs impacting young people experiencing housing instability in Seattle.
Coffee Run Supplies - You can keep the the Ave a little warmer by providing oatmeal and coffee creamer for Coffee Runs. Coffee Run teams go through these items fast. You can buy them on SYM's Amazon List!
Pray with us -
Safety and warmth for folks who stay outside.
Coffee Runs to continue to reach those who need a warm drink and a friendly face in the morning.
Clients aging out soon to find new resources and community.
More volunteers so programs can continue to expand.
You're invited!
3/11 - *Save the Date!!* Mark your calendars, SYM's Annual Spring Fundraiser is next month! Gather with the SYM community on March 11 at 415 Westlake to hear about the great work happening at SYM. Inquire about being a table host with ritab@symseattle.org.
SYM is Hiring!
Operations Assistant - This is a 12-hour per week hourly position. This position provides support to the SYM Executive Director and staff to achieve smooth operations of the organization on a daily basis. Check out the full job description and job application here.
