Updates from The Mockingbird Society
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Hi Mockingbird Supporter,
Just two weeks ago, we had the best time at our Fall Fundraiser & Block Party! Here are just a few of the wonderful, fun, and meaningful moments from this special event:
Thank you to each and every person who attended, donated, and made this event such an amazing experience. Your presence and contribution supported us in cultivating joy as an act of resistance and a powerful catalyst for justice.
If you attended the event, we would greatly appreciate your feedback on the one-minute survey below-- this is an easy way to let us know what could be better at future Fall Fundraisers.
When you support Mockingbird, you’re investing in the future of youth and young adults (YYAs), empowering them with opportunities to become leaders and changemakers.
If you didn't make it to the Fall Fundraiser & Block Party or didn't have a chance to make a donation, you can still make a gift of support using the button below!
If you'd like to stay connected with Mockingbird and learn more about specific ways you can support our work in 2026, we would love to invite you to save the date for an End of Year Celebration at Mockingbird’s Headquarters (2100 24th Ave S in Seattle) on Thursday, December 11. We will share more details soon, so please stay tuned!
Other News from Mockingbird...
MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Launch in Spokane
MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ is being implemented throughout Washington State through the Department of Children, Youth and Families. Earlier this fall, a new Constellation was launched in Spokane (pictured below), which means that more young people experiencing foster care will be surrounded by a community of support through the MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ structure. We're excited about more launches coming soon!
Extended Foster Care (EFC) Advocacy Virtual Information Sessions
The Mockingbird Society is looking for young people with lived experience specifically in EFC who want to learn how they can advocate for change in this program! In partnership with young people, we hope to gain better insight on how to improve EFC, while giving young people the opportunity to directly engage with policy and legal experts in topic development and strategic planning.
📣THIS INFO SESSION IS FOR YOU IF...
- You have lived experience in Extended Foster Care
- You are between the ages of 16 and 24
- You aren’t already involved in a Mockingbird Society Chapter
If you would like to participate and be paid for your time in this info session, please email: youthprograms@mockingbirdsociety.org.
📆 WHEN / 📍WHERE:
- Online on Wednesday, October 15, 11:30am-12:30pm
- Online on Friday, October 17, 3-4pm
❓QUESTIONS? Contact:
- Charles Smith, Director of Public Policy & Advocacy, The Mockingbird Society: charles.smith@mockingbirdsociety.org
- Susie Zhang, Public Policy & Advocacy Manager, The Mockingbird Society: susie@mockingbirdsociety.org
Advocacy Update: King County Council Moves Forward with Capitol Hill Crisis Center
For the past few months, Mockingbird’s Young Advocates in King County have been engaged in advocating for a Crisis Care Center in Capitol Hill at the former Polyclinic building. They have met with county officials about the center and have given public comment at several council meetings in support of the Capitol Hill site.
On October 7th, 2025, during the King County Council Meeting, Rachel Khoo and Corrina Chatterton (pictured above), along with other community members, gave public comment about the importance of a crisis care center—especially for youth and young adults (YYAs).
Through their testimonies as lived-experience experts, our Young Advocates provided a critical lens of dignity and respect for those who would benefit most from the services offered by the Crisis Care Center. They also highlighted the need to prevent further harm in our communities and to provide life-saving resources to an underserved population.
The King County Council took action to move forward with the purchase of the Capitol Hill site for the County's newest Crisis Care Center. Now, we will continue to engage with county officials in community forums for the design and implementation of the site, and we will advocate for urgency in creating a YYA-specific Crisis Care Center in the county.
Youth Advocacy Day 2026
📆 Save the date for Youth Advocacy Day on Wednesday, January 28, 2026! 📆 Mark your calendar and plan to join Mockingbird's youth and young adult network, staff, & other community allies to partner in ensuring youth voice is centered in the legislative process. Stay updated via our emails and socials-- more details will be coming soon.
We're Looking for an Executive Director!
The Mockingbird Society is seeking a new Executive Director! The Executive Director role offers the opportunity to lead transformational change in the ongoing fight for youth justice in Washington state. We are seeking a strategic and equity-driven leader who understands what's at stake for young people in foster care and experiencing homelessness. If you're ready to lead an organization where lived experience drives meaningful change, where policy victories translate into better outcomes, and where your leadership can create lasting impact for youth affected by foster care or homelessness, this is your opportunity.
Have questions or want to get in touch with us? Reply to this message or email laurenmorelli@mockingbirdsociety.org.
