Youth Services

Free programs and services for youth in the Spokane area.

For Youth and Families

We provide an array of programs and services designed to educate, care for, invest in, and advocate for youth in our community, including free preschool, violence prevention education, a teen council, and therapy for youth exposed to domestic violence.

Services

Free Preschool

ECEAP (Early Childhood Education & Assistance Program) is a free preschool program for 3-4 year olds that includes additional care and support for the youth’s entire family. When the whole family is connected to meaningful resources, the child’s chances for success are greatly improved. 

Mental Health Therapy

Trauma-informed mental health services are available for youth, up to 18 years old, who have directly or indirectly experienced domestic violence. We offer trauma-informed play and sand tray therapy, as well as EMDR.

Youth Violence Prevention

To foster healthy relationships and prevent future violence, we engage with youth in a variety of ways, including healthy relationship curriculum, leadership development through our Teen Council, and  self-care and community building at our Transformations Camp and Self-Care Summit events. 

“I love it here!! This place has made me more confident and comfortable in public” 

Camp participant

“It just helped me feel like I’m not alone and I can get a better perspective on things”

Summit participant

“” - Parent quote from youth accessing mental health

 “” - Parent quote about youth in ECEAP

Domestic Violence and Children

According to the Spokane Regional Health District:

  • 1 in 3 youth experience verbal abuse in their family
  • 1 in 5 youth witnessed abuse between adults more than once
  • 1 in 5 youth have been abused by an adult
  • 1 in 10 youth experience intimate partner violence
  • More than 2,000 children are documented as witnesses to a DV-related crime
  • 1,490 children were identified as victims in DV-related incidents
  • These numbers underestimate true exposure due to inconsistencies in tracking and underreporting

Blog

Jan 31, 2025 Feb 16 @ 10:20 pm

Supporting Youth TDVAM 2025

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness about the realities of teen dating violence and empowering our community to take action. With 1 in 3 teens experiencing dating violence and the majority never…

Jan 13, 2025 Feb 16 @ 10:20 pm

Healthy Roots at Shadle Park High School: Recap

In December, YWCA partnered with the college and career center at Shadle Park High School to bring three interactive lunch time lessons focused on the social and emotional skills required for post-secondary success. What is Healthy Roots? Healthy Roots is…

Jan 3, 2025 Feb 16 @ 10:20 pm

Healthy Roots at On Track Academy: Autumn Series Recap

Monday, December 16, marked the final session of YWCA Spokane’s Healthy Roots series at On Track Academy (OTA) for the autumn term. This impactful program provided valuable lessons on relationship dynamics, self-care, and empowerment to high school students in a…

Events

Dec 10, 2024 Feb 20 @ 10:00 am - 11:30 am

DV 201 Training: Learning in Action

Join YWCA Spokane for this important sequel, virtual training on February 20th at 10:00am. Learn more about the unique barriers and challenges survivors navigate on a daily basis and talk through how you might help a survivor.

Jan 7, 2025 Feb 27 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Pathways Forward: Supporting Youth

Join YWCA Spokane and community advocates for a roundtable discussion on supporting youth during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM) this February.

Jan 14, 2025 Apr 17 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Equity For All 2025

Join YWCA Spokane for a courageous conversation on the impact of restorative practices on April 24, 2025, from 5pm – 7pm at Hamilton Studios (1427 W Dean Ave, Spokane, WA 99201). Learn with community leaders and witness a showcase of local artists.