As 2025 kicks off, we at Skookum Kids are compelled to reflect on a year filled with transformation, hope, and resilience. Every number in this year’s review tells a story—a story of children finding safety, families reuniting, and a community coming together to make a difference.

Our mission is to support children and families affected by foster care. With the help of volunteers, supporters, foster parents, bio-parents, and staff, we’ve continued to build a network of care that changes lives.

Here’s a closer look at what we achieved together in 2024:

22 Kids Reunited with Biological Families or Relatives

Reunification is always the goal when it’s safe and possible. This year, 22 children were able to return home to their biological families or relatives, a powerful reminder of what’s possible when families are given the resources and support they need to succeed.

55 Kids Spent a Night at The Landing

The Landing continues to be a safe harbor for children entering foster care. This year, 55 kids found a soft place to land at The Landing. There they found more than a warm bed and a hot meal—they found comfort, stability, and a caring team dedicated to making their transition as smooth as possible.

18 Kids Entered Guardianship or Adoption

Not every child can return to their biological family, but every child deserves a permanent home. This year, 18 children found their forever families through guardianship or adoption.

13 Families Received Support from Skookum Family Partnership

Keeping families together is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. Through our newest program, Skookum Family Partnership, 13 families received essential support this year, ranging from housekeeping assistance to parenting education.

A little proactive support and common sense problem-solving allow us to catch problems earlier (before children are in danger), support families, and cheer on parents as they become the kinds of moms and dads they aspire to be. It can be as simple as giving a child a ride to school. Sometimes all that’s missing is the same community support systems many of us take for granted.

42 Kids Placed in Skookum Foster Homes

This year, 42 children were thoughtfully placed in Skookum foster homes, where they were cared for by loving and dedicated families. Foster parents are the backbone of everything we do, and we’re incredibly grateful for their selflessness and commitment.

One parent told us recently that foster care is the best hard thing they have ever done.

More Than 150 Volunteers Helped Children

From volunteering at events to pulling an overnight shift at the Landing, our volunteers went above and beyond this year to help kids and families thrive. More than 150 individuals gave their time and talents to make a difference in the lives of children and families affected by foster care. Volunteers are the unsung heroes of Skookum Kids.

“The two years when I volunteered at the Landing changed my life. I think we go into a volunteer role thinking about how we might have an impact on the kids in crisis we are there to help, but we are also deeply impacted by the experiences. I will remember each child I helped for the rest of my life. If you feel inspired to help kids I encourage you to check out this organization.”

- David Aaron, Former Landing Volunteer

Here’s What it takes to change the world

"It's not our money. We just get to hold it for a while." That's how our treasurer starts most of his fiscal reports. It's a helpful mental calibration for us. We're stewards of this community's effort to keep children safe at home, and that's a responsibility we take very seriously. Thank you for investing to help families thrive.

Looking Ahead
As we step into 2025, we’re filled with hope and determination. There’s still so much work to be done, but this year’s accomplishments remind us of what’s possible when a community comes together.

We have big plans for the coming year, including expanding our programs, recruiting more foster parents, and reaching even more children and families. We’re especially excited to expand Skookum Family Partnership. To us, the ability to keep families together is truly invaluable. None of this would be possible without your support.

Get Involved
If you’re inspired by the impact we’ve made this year, there are many ways you can get involved:

Volunteer: We’re always looking for passionate individuals to join our team.
Donate: Your financial contributions allow us to continue providing life-changing services.
Become a Foster Parent: Open your home and your heart to a child in need.

Every act of kindness, no matter how small, brings us closer to a world where every child feels safe, loved, and supported. To everyone who volunteered, donated, fostered, or simply cheered us on from the sidelines: thank you. You’re the reason these numbers exist. Together, we’re making a difference, one child, one family, and one story at a time.

Here’s to an even brighter 2025!

2024: A Year In Review