Dear Mockingbird Supporter,

As always, there are lots of exciting things going on at Mockingbird! One of our Youth Programs Chapter Members was honored at a Seattle Kraken Game, a MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ alumni shared their reflections about their experiences, and one of our 2026 Support Agenda Items was signed into law.

Enjoy these updates from each of our programs:

Youth Programs

🏒 Seattle Kraken honors Rocket, a Young Advocate, as a Hero of The Deep 

One of our young advocates, Rocket Garcia (she/her), was honored as a Hero of the Deep during the Seattle Kraken game on March 4, 2026. Alongside her impactful advocacy to transform foster care and end youth homelessness in King County, Rocket is also an artist who expresses both her personal journey and advocacy through digital and traditional illustration. Check out her work on Instagram at @rocketgarciaart!

Heroes of the Deep, presented by Seattle Kraken & One Roof Foundation, celebrates changemakers who transform lives, build resilience, and uplift our communities. We are truly proud of Rocket’s achievement and grateful that she considers Mockingbird a part of her journey. This is what Mockingbird is all about-- Creating systemic change by centering young people’s voices and supporting their development and resilience. Big congratulations, Rocket!!

MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™

✨ Hear from Deonate as he shares his experience of MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ in this new video:

MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ is based on the belief that human connection is the root of success for young people and communities. As such, it is intentionally and thoughtfully designed to ensure that all young people who enter the foster care system are surrounded by multiple peers with shared experiences, as well as caring, trusted adults. This framework is similar to how extended families have functioned for millennia across cultures.
 
In this video, Deonate Cruz, a MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ alumni, shares how experiencing this framework as a young person in foster care helped shape his sense of security and stability.
 
In Washington State, young people in foster care have the right to placement within a MOCKINGBIRD FAMILY™ Constellation. Reach out to us at family@mockingbirdsociety.org for more information.
 
This video was proudly produced by Effy Ai and Eric Tysinger of Communication Leadership at the University of Washington.

Public Policy & Advocacy

✒️ SHB 2594, One of Mockingbird's Support Agenda Items, is signed into law

Our support agenda item, SHB 2594, has officially been signed into law! This is a BIG WIN for our state! As a result of this bill’s passage, proven McKinney‑Vento protections will be embedded into state law, helping ensure that students experiencing homelessness can enroll in, attend, and succeed in school without unnecessary barriers.

We are honored to be part of this partnership with Building Changes, who led this bill to the finish line. You can rewatch testimony provided by Jonas Rios, a young advocate involved in our King County Chapter, on why this bill is so significant for young people. Let’s keep this momentum going and continue supporting young people—no matter what.

💜 Support young people by making a gift for GiveBIG 2026!

Our work would not be possible without the support of community members like you. This spring, we're launching into our annual GiveBIG fundraising campaign to support Mockingbird's work, engage young people in advocacy, create supportive communities for young people with lived experience of foster care and homelessness, and sustain programs that offer these young people paid opportunities to grow skills in advocacy, storytelling, public speaking, leadership and more. 

Every one-time or monthly recurring gift makes a real impact in the lives of young people in Washington state. Make your gift at the button below.

We hope you enjoyed our April Newsletter! Thank you for your partnership, support, and advocacy.

In Community,

The Mockingbird Society

🌟 Learn, Connect, and Give 🌟

Have questions or want to get in touch with us? Reply to this message or email laurenmorelli@mockingbirdsociety.org.