By The Atlantic Street Center Resource Development Team
Our communities deserve a world where light triumphs over darkness and love conquers hate. This is the vision shared by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and it’s the powerful message Atlantic Street Center is reflecting on this year. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” These words resonate deeply in our times, urging us to choose peaceful resistance and come together as a community.
Combating injustice is a heavy challenge for an individual. Light and love are most powerful when coming from a community made up of individuals. As Atlantic Street Center enters its 115th year of service, our team is inspired by Dr. King’s words to continue providing youth and family support, but we still need the supportive lights and love of the community.
Atlantic Street Center (ASC) is framing a future by reflecting on the light and love we have offered in the past. We started with supporting immigrant Italian families in the early 1900s. Then in the 40s, we shifted our focus to uplifting primarily Black youth whose families were experiencing redlining and racism in Central and South Seattle. ASC even collaborated with the Seattle Black Panthers to be a free breakfast location for Seattle Public School children. By the 21st Century, ASC expanded its programming to fill nuanced community gaps where Black and other marginalized children and families were slipping between societal cracks.
Today, ASC is proud to serve over 1,500 individuals annually, providing behavioral health to young people and their families, in-home early learning opportunities, youth development with family support, and assistance for survivors of gender-based violence. These moments of light have been brought about by ASC and its beloved community.
The success achieved and the positive impact on participants would not have been possible without the collaboration of passionate partners and supporters. ASC has been able to provide needed and intentional assistance because of loyal donors, program alumni, and funders who believe in our mission. These supporters have helped expand our light and love.
As Atlantic Street Center celebrates 115 years, we continue to be inspired by our participants’ resilience, who continue to shine brightly and overcome the darkness of today’s challenges. We ask our community to share their light with us and those we serve. Reach out to volunteer, donate, or join an advocacy group like our Board of Directors or Young Professionals Advisory Council. You can play a significant role at ASC to uplift the communities of South Seattle, King County, and North Pierce County. Don’t let the cracks in our society widen where youth can fall behind – or worse. Instead, bring your light and love to our table. We are saving a seat for you.
Source: Seattle Medium
