Next Level Connections
Over the past 11 years, we’ve developed an algorithm for matching mentees with their mentors “the RA way.” Besides taking into account gender, hobbies, and mentor skills, our matching process also prioritizes pairing students with mentors who share lived experience, languages, and cultures. The end result of this intentional process means more impactful and lasting mentoring relationships that center students, their identities, and their futures.
Bonding Over Shared Experiences
Steph first learned about Rainier Athletes through an event with her corporate affinity group, Latinos@Amazon. “I was really captivated by the stories told by the Rainier Athletes staff and the origin of RA. I really liked that the organization was started at Lake Hills Elementary because I actually went to school there.”
Steph and her mentee share a particular experience within their culture: “We’re the only daughters in our families. We’ve bonded over questions like, how do we thrive in this world dominated by our brothers? How do I form my own identity as a Latina woman in a male-dominated household? How do I talk to my dad about this problem I’m having?”
Steph’s language skills have come in handy while extending her relationship to her mentee’s family. “If I didn’t speak Spanish and wasn’t a part of the same culture, my connection with her dad wouldn’t be as strong,” Steph shared. “We’ve talked about the similarities of our culture and that’s really helped because he knows he can call me without dealing with a language barrier.”
Steph is quick to acknowledge that mentoring is a two-way street and its impact on her own life. Steph told us, “My mentee is very good at math, I’m not. I’m very good at public speaking, she prefers not to. She’s played a critical role helping me become a better aunt. We joke that I’m helping her learn to become an adult, and she’s helping me learn how to be a kid again.”
Unlocking Trust Through Shared Language
Brenda is a lifelong volunteer and began her mentoring journey after previous experience teaching English and citizenship classes. This experience plus being fluent in Spanish made her uniquely qualified to support her mentee, whose family arrived in the United States from Guatemala shortly before joining the RA community.
“Initially, our conversations were predominantly in Spanish, but recently we've started using Spanglish more often as she gains confidence in her English. Sharing a common language has brought us closer and helped her feel more comfortable opening up,” Brenda reflected. “We bonded over music, similarities in our cultures, and family values. Food holds significant cultural importance for both of us, so we often chat about our favorite traditional dishes. My mentee especially enjoys lomo saltado, while my personal favorite is pupusas.”
Establishing common ground and a comfortable method for communication set the stage for deeper conversations between Brenda and her mentee: “During one of our check-ins, me mentee opened up about her journey from Guatemala to the United States. Her story deeply resonated with me because my family also experienced a similar situation. While I didn't personally make the challenging journey from Central America to the United States, my family did. Through my mentee’s story, I’ve discovered unexpected lessons in resilience and the strength of familial bonds. I hope she realizes how brave, resilient, and extraordinary she is.”
Are you or someone you know interested in leveling up to make a positive impact in the life of an RA student?
You don’t have to speak Spanish or throw a perfect spiral. Anyone who is willing to learn what it takes to center the student can become a great mentor. RA students are eager to connect about all of their interests - they are artists, activists, engineers, and up-and-coming philosophers.
Unity of Community 2024 Gallery
“Look to your left, look to your right…everyone here is in your corner and here to celebrate the power of community with you.”
From the warmth of sharing a potluck meal to the joy of balloon popping, music, basketball, and Zumba, every moment was precious…thank you for such an incredible night at Unity of Community 2024!
Special shoutout to the RA Family Circle Advisory Team and Student Board for being extra hands-on to make this event a success!
Shape the Future 2024 Recap
We raised a record-breaking $555,000 (and counting!) at Shape the Future 2024!
On April 27, over 350 of our oldest and newest friends convened for a sold-out evening at the Hidden Valley Field House. While we all entered the room as individuals ready to contribute our I AM, we left as a community unleashing the power of its collective WE ARE.
Our power is our commitment to working together every day, every week, every year to ensure every student has access to connection and opportunity. It’s in the saying we all embraced as we gave boldly: “There’s no such thing as other people’s children.”
RA is the village who inspires our youth to be the unlimited possibilities they were always meant to be. Abdul said it best: “RA will support you throughout the whole process of finding out who you are, and who you are meant to be.”
Thank you for ensuring hundreds of other Bellevue students have access to long-term, one-on-one mentoring…and the opportunity to become mentors themselves.
We Are Bellevue
We all know Bellevue is an amazing place to live. The highly-ranked schools, easy access to the outdoors, and diverse population make it one of the best places in the country to call home.
And, while we recognize Bellevue’s many strengths, we also recognize that there’s a widening gap in how youth experience our community, even when the distance between their schools is a stone’s throw. At Lake Hills Elementary, 65% of students are enrolled in the federal free and reduced-price lunch program, compared to just five miles away at Medina Elementary, where only 3% of students come from low-income households. Bellevue is one of only two cities in the entire country where there is an over $500,000 annual income difference between the top 20% and bottom 20% of earners.
Right now, across the Bellevue School District, more than 600 students are experiencing homelessness and 4,300 students are living in low-income households. It’s not just basic needs that are at stake - young people experiencing poverty are more than 3x more likely to report feeling left out. In the Bellevue School School District, 30% of 6th-12th graders have reported not feeling connected to a caring adult and one of four high school students reported having thoughts of self-harm. These numbers increase for students experiencing poverty and youth who identify as BIPOC - demographics that mirror RA students. Our close partners at the Boys and Girls Club shared more about surprising need in our community in a Seattle Times article.
These challenges are stark and daunting. We know very well that naming them does not solve them. So, how do we move forward together?
At Rainier Athletes our answer is to lean into who we are as a community. Our answer is partnership. Our answer is to drive collective impact. And we believe that there’s no such thing as other people’s children.
Young people who have access to a mentor exhibit fewer depressive symptoms, greater self-esteem, and improved academic outcomes compared to their peers without mentors. The true recipe to a thriving community starts with each young person believing in their unique possibilities. Beginning with the “I Am” creates a stronger “We Are.”
We are Bellevue, and together, we are ONE team. Let’s do this.
Dedication to Service
You may remember Ascend Hospitality Group (AHG) as the recipient of Rainier Athletes’ Corporate PlayMaker award. Their flagship restaurant Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi, located on the 31st floor in downtown Bellevue, served as a stunning backdrop for the award celebration. However, RA and AHG’s partnership goes far beyond the 31st floor and deep into the community.
AHG Cares, the philanthropic arm of Ascend Hospitality Group, is based on AHG’s core values: You Matter, Team Matters, Service Matters. Dedication to service is what fuels AHG’s philanthropy.
““We view service as our basic human duty but also, service is our business. Although for some, service means serving food on a plate to guests, it began as a desire to do what we can in the communities where we operate for those who need help the most.” ”
Board Service
For Elaina and AHG, Rainier Athletes is both a professional and personal investment. Elaina contributes her business and community expertise on RA’s Board of Directors and involves RA in AHG Cares throughout the year. Her service to RA has strong personal ties: “If RA existed when I was a student athlete without resources and poor grades, I would have been a candidate. RA is one of many organizations to provide assistance to our youth, but RA does this through a direct mentoring model which has proven to be more successful for the student.”
Student Supports
AHG supports RA students with an annual backpack distribution, bringing in partners like Amazon, the Cliff Avril Family Foundation, and Ciara and Russell Wilson’s Why Not You Foundation. In 2023, AHG and Amazon recruited a team of “Seattle Sports Legends” — from Bobby Wagner of the Seahawks to Chance Fry from the Sounders and mascot Doppler of the Seattle Storm — to host a party at the Amazon Fresh store in Factoria, benefiting six nonprofits and 700 students with new backpacks. They also ensure RA students have the opportunity to experience fine dining, hosting each cohort of RA seniors for a celebratory graduation meal with a view.
““When Elaina decides it’s the right thing to do - for her family, her staff, or her community - she gets its done. RA is incredibly lucky to have such a fierce and compassionate champion in our corner.”
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What’s Up Next
AHG is also a staple in the live and silent auctions at RA’s annual fundraising event, Shape the Future. Past items won by lucky bidders include gourmet dinners at Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi and a homestyle backyard BBQ catered by Famous Dave’s. Stay tuned for this year’s one-of-a-kind items!
Conquering Fears
When you support RA, you’re helping pave the way for self-discovery and life-changing adventures. Our partnership with the YMCA gives students year-round opportunities to build relationships through play and conquer their fears.
Partnering with the Y has given RA students a safe, positive space for connecting with their community alongside the benefits of physical activity. The Y offers free memberships to RA students, mentors, and staff to connect outside the classroom, holds gatherings for groups of RA participants to “gym and swim,” hosted our high school squads for a team-building ropes course challenge, and offers free summer camp tuition to RA students.
This year, on top of removing financial obstacles, the Y addressed one of the largest barriers to accessing summer camp - language. More than 70% of RA students speak a language other than English at home, with the majority coming from families whose first language is Spanish. The Y worked with RA to have a Spanish-speaking staff member present at summer camp info sessions. The results? More than half of RA elementary and middle school students participated in a YMCA camp this summer!
Here’s what one mentor shared about their mentee’s summer camp experience:
“Jason said the highlight was a giant swing that was 60 feet in the air. He sent me a video and I said good for you, I’m not sure I would be brave enough! Another highlight was going to the beach and learning about plankton in the water.”
For some students, overnight camp is the first time they’ve spent the night away from their parents. For others, it’s about conquering fears like the giant swing or a raccoon storming the cabin in the middle of the night. Whatever unique experience they had, students are returning to the classroom this fall with greater confidence and stronger connections to the community.
Summer Link Highlight
Summer Link at the Overlake School provides academic and enrichment opportunities to eliminate the summer achievement gap. Students take academic classes in the morning and in the afternoon, they explore activities like art, leadership, athletics, engineering, outdoor education, and summer classics like running through the sprinklers.
Like Rainier Athletes, Summer Link values consistency and mentorship. Summer Link welcomes students each summer before 6th-9th grades and students return for consecutive summers before transitioning to high school. They receive mentoring from high school and college aged volunteers who help them navigate the program.
“When we designed Summer Link we made sure that it was a four-year program so that students would have this as kind of a home in the summer to support them over their middle school years. Building that community, building that safe environment where students can take risks and can feel a little bit vulnerable, is foundational to all of the learning that happens afterward. ”
Summer Link is barrier-free for Rainier Athletes students - the program provides transportation, meals, and tuition free of charge. On top of that, Summer Link welcomes RA mentors on campus for weekly check-ins to help maintain consistent support for students.
“I met Eduardo for lunch at Summer Link this week. I got an awesome tour of the campus and even got to observe one of his classes. They were talking about skills for managing stress, which was really cool to see. The highlight of the afternoon was seeing Eduardo surrounded by community as we ate lunch, played tether ball, and recapped the week. It seems like he has a really fun group of friends there!”
We Made History at Shape the Future!
We made history at Shape The Future!
This sold-out 10 year celebration united decade-old RA supporters, RA first-dayers, and so many courageous community members - all who boldly invested $406,000 (and counting!) in possibility. The energy generated from Saturday night will launch RA into our next decade of support for young athletes, artists, engineers, and…drummers!
The night was an array of authentic moments that clearly define the culture and community we’ve built together over the last 10 years. From the raucous energy of the corn hole tournament, to Abner’s vulnerable display of pride and affirmation for his accomplishments, mentors, and his future. From big-time corporate leaders playing halftime show games in the name of community, to the breathtaking generosity we saw during raise the paddle.
Relive the moment with the event video!
Over the next three years, with your partnership, Rainier Athletes will triple our impact. Three times the number of youth will not only see possibility, they will have the unwavering support of a team to go out there and achieve it.
Thank you for believing in the power of one-on-one mentoring relationships and seeing the unlimited possibility of our youth. Together, we are ONE Team. Let’s do this.
Meet Kaylia!
Kaylia started at Rainier Athletes four years ago and quickly became a central connector on our team.
Her impact is felt by all stakeholders in the RA community as she bounces from staff one-on-ones to school check-ins and mentor trainings. As our Community Team Manager, Kaylia witnesses firsthand that RA's mentoring movement changes lives every day.
How did you first get involved in RA?
When I saw the role at RA, I thought it was a joke because it sounded so perfect for me…it was serendipitous. I was interested in working with kids, grew up being passionate about sports, and wanted to work in operations. My thought process was that if they don’t hire me, I’ll become a volunteer mentor because the mission resonated with me so much.
I got the job! After a couple years as Operations Coordinator, I became the Community Team Manager. Every day looks different. I support our Community Team as they in turn support students, families, and mentors. I also work on recruiting mentors and getting them up and running in the program. Are you or someone you know interested in mentoring? Send them my way!
What makes you look forward to going to work?
My favorite part of the job is getting to make genuine connections and working with a variety of people with different backgrounds and life experiences. Students, families, mentors, partners, and especially our staff…we are a human connection organization.
The most rewarding part of my job is when somebody trusts me enough to share something vulnerable that’s going on in their life. Having that trust is a big honor, and I hold these moments close to my heart.
I also love the culture of our staff and the supportive environment which makes me feel valued. We lead with compassion and grace - nobody’s perfect, everybody’s human.
What is RA’s superpower?
We are a people-first organization. It’s about how we as a community can support each other. The connections we’re making are extremely intentional and genuine. I really feel like we’re a whole community making a difference.
What is your superpower?
I understand the little details AND the big picture. I have a bird’s eye view of what needs to happen, but I can also see all the puzzle pieces that impact relationships and processes.
What is your most powerful RA moment?
I’ve had so many powerful moments! The experience I’ll share today happened early on in my almost four years at RA, and shaped my interactions with students since it first happened!
A student I was mentoring was struggling in almost all of their classes. After seeking some advice, one of my own role models asked me to consider what success looked like for this particular student. They challenged me to think beyond the perceived success of high grades. Success for this student might be something different. After sitting with this idea, working with this student totally reframed my definition of “success.” I realized this student learning to advocate for themselves was the true success far beyond any grade. We worked on this for months…how do you know what you need? How do you have the courage to ask for what you need? How can you communicate and share information about you that affects you everyday? Going through this process also taught me that it’s the student’s choice to follow through. I can offer support and guidance, but ultimately the student gets to make their own decision and is responsible for their actions.
That student ended up communicating to their teachers something personal about themselves that would help better engage with their teachers. It took time to build up to that. This student was not only proud of themself for advocating, but also was affirmed as they received positive responses. Later, this same student shared with me how they were taking action and advocating for themselves in a variety of other situations! They were making choices that set them up for their own definition of success and showed me the impact of supporting students on their own unique paths.
What inspires you?
I’m always really inspired when someone is open to trying new things or has the courage to put themselves out there - like being vulnerable in a mentor/mentee relationship! I’m also inspired by reading Identity Statements. They’re so cool because they’re an invitation for someone to get to know the student in their own words.
And our team inspires me..the heart everybody has and the way that we all work together and support the community is something truly special.
What are you like outside of RA?
I’m one of 10 kids and the importance of family is a top value of mine. I love cooking, eating, and gathering with people around the table.
I also love sports! As a kid I was always climbing on things and running around. My mom said I had “baby muscles.” Sports taught me so much about teamwork, discipline, and how hard work can come to fruition over a season. Volleyball is my main thing now, but I love to jump into other activities like soccer at RA’s annual Turkey Cup. Plus I’m a huge Seahawks fan!
I actually met my husband playing volleyball. We’ve been married for three years now. He and I went through the green card application process and after multiple years of waiting he was approved for his green card at the beginning of 2022! Being able to witness someone getting approved and then going back to visit their home country (Mexico in this case!) was really amazing - especially when it’s someone you love!
Mentor of the Month: Steph!
Steph has a long history in Bellevue - she grew up attending Lake Hills Elementary and now works at Amazon. Her unwavering commitment shows in the way she focuses on the long-term with her mentee: “As she starts to embark on her journey into her teen years and middle school, these check-ins give both of us the opportunity to put a ‘game plan’ together so we are ready to tackle the next adventure.”
Did you have mentors growing up? If so, how did they impact your life?
I have always been surrounded by amazing mentors. I have had coaches, teachers, family, and friends that have remained a constant positive impact in my life.
These individuals have helped me through all of life’s curve balls and I am eternally grateful for them. I am a big fan of seeking constructive feedback that helps me evolve. Being a mentor with RA has provided me with a vehicle to continue to make an impact with our youth. It is never too early to identify someone within your life that can help be that mentor.
Tell us about your mentee!
My mentee is amazing. She is smart, hard working, funny! I always learn so much from my time with her. We both are very outspoken and that makes for great conversation!
What is your favorite moment from mentoring?
I have enjoyed watching the transformation from one school year to the next. Seeing her mature even more and enjoy her final years in elementary school has been so much fun!
What would you tell other prospective mentors?
The experience is so tremendously rewarding. There are truly no words to describe how amazing it feels to have such a connection with my mentee and her family. As much as you are providing mentorship, you’re equally getting mentoring back from the kiddos!
Spotlight on Symetra
This month, we’ve invited Director of Local Public Affairs Beth Osborne to hang with us and share more about the community-building partnership between Rainier Athletes and Symetra.
Symetra is intentionally building a powerhouse of a corporate social responsibility program through collaborative relationships across the community. Rainier Athletes and Symetra’s partnership tells the story of that strategy. It’s more than just writing a check…we regularly bump into them around the community working on DEI initiatives, and they’ve also given Rainier Athletes students game-changing experiences like witnessing the real deal ballers of the Seattle Storm at their first ever professional basketball game!
How did Symetra get connected with Rainier Athletes?
In 2019, we were preparing to launch Symetra’s refocused community giving program and having conversations with local leaders to identify organizations that were also working to build resilient community support systems for underserved BIPOC women and youth. When I met with Mayor Lynne Robinson, Rainier Athletes was at the top of her list.
What is your favorite moment from the partnership?
Attending Unity of Community/Comunidad Unida with my family at the Northgate Community Iceplex! Our giving to Rainier Athletes started in 2020 so this was the first time I had the opportunity to see Rainier Athletes’ impact in person. Seeing the amazing food, celebrating students, and watching kids get to just be kids was a great experience.
On a personal note, my son loved the event. He didn’t get to play organized sports during the pandemic and had never been on the ice before. He jumped right in and had the best time playing broomball.
What is Rainier Athletes’ superpower?
The energy and the positivity that radiates from everyone I’ve met through the organization, from leadership to the students!
What is Symetra’s superpower?
Authentically giving back! The Symetra Empowers Communities program is designed to work hand-in-hand with our nonprofit partners to help build resilient and robust community support systems with a focus on BIPOC women, youth, and students.
While we have such wealth and resources in Bellevue, there are still many families and students experiencing opportunity gaps. It’s important that we don’t overlook the local programs we can support.
Rainier Athletes’ work aligns with our priorities. They’re working to remove barriers and ensure students get the opportunity to participate in extracurriculars that are foundational to their development. Rainier Athletes students are developing leadership and teamwork skills that will last for a lifetime. It’s a long-term, systemic approach to building a resilient community, and we’re honored to partner with Rainier Athletes on their mission.
Meet Kishan!
Nerd alert! Just kidding...but Kishan is our resident data guy. In his role as Operations Manager, he uses numbers AND stories to build a fuller picture of student and family needs. He's also an international traveler and our office DJ (but no country, please!).
What’s your superpower?
I’m even-keeled. For me, it doesn’t matter if we have a bunch of fires to put out or we’re celebrating an accomplishment, the important thing is that we keep moving forward and fulfilling our commitment to the students and their families. As long as we’re showing up for students, nothing else matters.
What’s Rainier Athletes’ superpower?
We all truly leave egos at the door. I’ve never been around a group of people where everyone is solely focused on our work in the community and aware of how all of our strengths come together.
What brought you to Rainier Athletes?
I moved to Seattle in 2019 to do a Master of Public Administration degree at UW and specialized in nonprofit management. I got a job as a research assistant at the Center for Leadership in Athletics, where I got to know a ton of organizations working to increase access and opportunities in the youth sports world, including Rainier Athletes. I also met Julie McCleery, an RA board member, who became one of my mentors.
I was super intrigued by RA’s model and the intersection between mentoring and athletics, and luckily they were intrigued by my experience too! I have a pretty long background in mentoring and working with youth. I helped start a mentoring club at my high school, mentored middle school students during my undergrad at Berkeley, and worked with youth in Haiti after I graduated. It was a perfect fit.
What’s your day-to-day like?
My day-to-day has lots of variety, which I love! I handle the back end of all communication with our mentors, students, and their Core Communities (teachers, parents, and coaches). I track all of our metrics and data to give the Community Team information that helps them support mentors, students, and families.
I get to work on data, fundraising, and mentor recruitment, but I’m also a squad leader for a group of high school students and mentor to a sixth-grader. The balance is super important for me and I really appreciate the time I spend on the ground in the schools.
How does data affect RA’s relationship-building work?
We’ve developed some really awesome processes to make it easier for the Community Team to handle all of the information - sports, mental health, family’s resources, academics, relationship with mentor. Data helps them figure out who needs more support. Families may have similar cultural, racial, and socioeconomic demographics, but they all have unique strengths and barriers that affect their level of engagement.
We’re getting better at tracking anecdotal and qualitative data. That helps build a more nuanced view of what families are facing beyond basic demographics. We look at the full picture of qualitative and quantitative data so the Community Team can use that knowledge to have conversations and provide support.
Our partnership and data sharing agreement with the Bellevue School District is huge because we get access to attendance, academics, behavior. The more information we have, the more equitable we can be with our work. It also helps us build relationships and get buy-in from educators and school district admin staff.
What are you looking forward to most in the new school year?
Continuing to get closer with the kids. I’ve been here for 15 months now and every time I get to hang out with students those relationships build. I’m stoked to see future big moments like middle schoolers going to high school. We’re lucky to be a part of them!
What are you up to outside of work?
I’m a huge sports fan and love watching everything except baseball and soccer. I play basketball, golf, and volleyball. International work and travel is a passion of mine - getting out of our bubble! Immersing myself in different places and gaining perspective from them has made me the person I am today. Music’s huge. I love all kinds of music. And the beach! Loving the sun is a hobby of mine.
Meet George!
George is well-known for his long history in the Bellevue community (he knows everyone), his Batman lunch boxes, and his sneaker collection. On paper, George’s job as a Community Coordinator is facilitating mentor-mentee relationships and supporting families, but his passion for his work and contributions to our community go far beyond that.
What’s your superpower?
I do love superheroes! My superpower I guess is my big heart.
What’s RA’s superpower?
Our mission statement. We are doing the things we say day-to-day, whether it’s sports or summer camp or check-ins. Staying true to the mission is what drives us.
There are good days and bad days, sometimes kids are harder to reach. We’re committed to making things happen and giving them a sense of belonging and belief that it’s going to be okay.
How did you start working at RA?
I worked at and eventually ran an after school program at the YMCA in Redmond for eight years, then I worked for the Bellevue School District as an educational assistant.
I got cornered by a contact of mine after they heard Jesse speak at an event. They told me an open position at Rainier Athletes would be a perfect fit - they were looking for someone bilingual and really connected in the community.
When I interviewed, I didn’t wear a suit and tie. I wanted to address the elephant in the room. And I explained to Jesse and Jacob that I hoped they weren’t offended, but that’s not who I am and that’s not who you’re going to get. Working with youth, I felt as though I broke down barriers and stereotypes by looking the way I do and being who I am. Here we are, four years later!
What makes you passionate about your job?
I grew up in Compton, CA in a single-parent household. My mom worked double shifts to make sure there was food to eat and a roof over our heads, and I didn’t have a positive male role model. After we lost my brother due to gang activity, my family moved to Washington to get away from all the negativity.
English wasn’t my mom’s first language. So at 13, I was the one trying to navigate the system and find resources. I didn’t have anyone to guide me through things like applying to college, and I never got to do sports because we couldn’t afford it. It wasn’t in the books for me. I think back and wonder if all the resources I’m aware of now existed back then, and I just didn’t know who to ask or how to ask.
Despite all that, I found strength in connecting with my community and that inspired me to start working with kids. I want to be that role model and mentor that I never had.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned at RA?
Always give grace. Meet people where they’re at and be supportive. Everyone’s situation is different.
What’s your favorite part of summer with Rainier Athletes?
My favorite part of summer with Rainier Athletes is knowing that many students are stepping out of their comfort zone and going to summer camps for the first time, then hearing those same students sharing their experiences and excited to go again and again. I especially love some of the opportunities that RA does with the community such as the 8th grade campout, BBQs, Seahawks training camps, and many other events.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
Sneakers! I’m a total movie junkie, a huge Batman and comic book fan. Love bringing people together, at work and outside of work. Spending time with my nieces and nephews.
And I’m checking things off the bucket list. Starting to get into cooking. I want to be more outdoorsy, I enjoy it and need to do it more.
What’s your #1 value to live by?
I believe strongly in treating others the way you want to be treated. We’re taught that as kids and it’s so simple, but as adults, we forget. If we all wrapped our heads around that simple concept, the world would be very very different.
PlayItForward: In the Sky
On May 19, we gathered at Ascend Steak & Sushi to celebrate mentorship, connection and community! Tod Leiweke, CEO and Co-Owner of the Seattle Kraken, spoke passionately about the transformative power of long term human connection. We honored our Corporate PlayMaker, Ascend Hospitality Group, for consistently showing up for and uplifting our local community.
And (drumroll, please!) we raised $150,000, enough funding to cross every name off our wait list as we head into summer. This means another group of 5th graders, all eager for the dedicated support of a Rainier Athletes mentor, will be registered for summer camps, matched and ready to begin meeting weekly with their very own mentor, and continue walking hand in hand with the Rainier Athletes village (that means you) all the way through their high school graduation... and beyond!
We are overflowing with gratitude for our community of supporters who share a common belief that every young person deserves access to a mentor, a caring community and opportunities that enable them to thrive!
PlayItForward: Unity of Community
On June 4, we united - in person!
For the first time in over two years, RA students, their families, mentors, teachers, coaches and all RA supporters gathered together at Unity of Community. This year's event was made extra special with an all new venue, the Kraken Community Iceplex.
We learned to skate on the very ice that the Kraken practices on, we feasted on a diverse potluck showcasing all of our diverse cultures, and most importantly, we celebrated the resilience of our community. Together, we are ONE team - in the classroom, on the field, and throughout the community.
Congratulations to Debbie Lacy, community partner from Safe Haven and Eastside for All on receiving the Community PlayMaker award, and way to go to our ONE Team award students and mentors: Alexa, Nathan, AJ, Abril, Abdul, Evelyn, Josue, and Gaby!
Amazon and Rainier Athletes Partnership
Pearl Leung, Head of Community Affairs at Amazon and Jesse Franklin, Rainier Athletes Executive Director
Amazon is quickly making their presence known across our community, and it’s not just in skyscrapers downtown! They’re also building a sustainable partnership with Rainier Athletes to help expand access to mentorship and connection for students.
““There’s no better investment in Bellevue’s future than our kids. By supporting Rainier Athletes, Amazon is providing weekly support for students that spans from fourth grade through high school graduation and beyond. We’ve seen the proven results of Rainier Athletes’ program over the last decade and with Amazon’s involvement, even more students will thrive in the classroom, on the field, and across our community.””
Growth Mindset
After learning about Rainier Athletes’ success rate (more than 80% of students stay engaged with us through high school!), Amazon started with an investment to ensure more students have access to long-term mentoring. Their funds helped expand RA’s reach with an additional 40 mentor-mentee relationships! This year’s gift from Amazon is Rainier Athletes’ largest corporate donation to date.
Right Now Needs
Rainier Athletes has always worked closely with community partner Bellevue LifeSpring to connect families with rent and food assistance. Now, through Bellevue LifeSpring’s partnership with Amazon’s Right Now Needs Fund, families have been able to access even more resources like school supplies and utility bill assistance. By partnering with organizations across the community that work in collaboration with each other, Amazon is ensuring youth receive flexible, wraparound support.
Mentoring Matters
Every additional mentor Rainier Athletes recruits means one more student receiving weekly, long-term support all the way through high school graduation. Recognizing the importance of youth seeing people who reflect themselves in leadership roles, RA met with Amazon’s Latinos@Amazon group. The result? A new channel for recruiting mentors who look like, speak the same language, and have similar life experiences as RA students! Rainier Athletes currently has 10 Amazon employees participating in our mission at the ground level by mentoring.
Amazon mentor Tom and his mentee
Unity of Community
This year’s Unity of Community event, the first in-person since the pandemic, reunited RA students, families, mentors, teachers, community partners, and supporters at an energetic ice skating event. Seeing the power of the connections Rainier Athletes creates, Amazon was quick to get involved with the event. Their sponsorship helped create an evening that was equal parts fun and reflective, celebrating the community’s resilience over the past two years.
“LOVED that event. I loved seeing the community RA has created that would not exist otherwise. Together, Rainier Athletes and Amazon are addressing connection gaps as well as opportunity gaps.”
Looking Forward
When it comes to Amazon’s impact on Rainier Athletes students, the possibilities are endless. In addition to continuing the activities above, the organizations are also in talks about Rainier Athletes students being a part of the Amazon Future Engineer program. Together, Rainier Athletes and Amazon are committed to surrounding students with a supportive community.
COVID-19: A Note from Rainier Athletes' Executive Director
Rainier Athletes Family,
The coronavirus does not discriminate based on gender, or race, or income or whatever language you happen to speak at home. This pandemic has impacted each and everyone of us. While some have experienced massive boredom or an uptick in sibling rivalry, others in our community face catastrophic impacts with the closing of schools and loss of work hours.
The mission of Rainier Athletes is to affirm our youth’s sense of belonging by intentionally connecting the core supporters in their lives- their coaches, teachers, family, friends, and mentors. Said simply, our mission states that our kids deserve to be kids! By leaning into our mission, Rainier Athletes has been recognized by over 300 educators as the bridge that connects to their hardest-to-reach students and to their students’ families. 1 on 1 mentorship, a core component of what we do everyday, has proven to be one of the most vital resources for kids, families, and teachers during the pandemic.
In the face of COVID-19, Rainier Athletes has reimagined what it means to identify and meet the needs of our youth. After all, if our young people are not seen, then their most important needs cannot be met.
THE RESULTS:
Since school buildings first closed due to the pandemic, Rainier Athletes has coordinated over 3,000 virtual video check-ins between our mentors and the Rainier Athlete students (100% of our students have connected). We have continued to sponsor vital physical activities such as soccer and 3 on 3 basketball and our high school seniors, all of which will be the first in their family to do so, have successfully applied to college!
Beyond serving as a constant source of affirmation and encouragement for their mentee, Rainier Athletes mentors connect weekly with their mentee’s family, assist in assessing the family’s immediate needs, and connect the family with one of RA’s Community Partners. This process has directed over $120,000 worth of rent assistance, food support, legal guidance, mental health services and more to RA families in need. Thank you to our partners at Bellevue Lifespring, Youth Eastside Services, Jubilee REACH, and United Way of King County for helping us provide a deeper avenue of support to our students and our families throughout this last year.
Though we still can’t physically be together to support one another, we can lean in to support our families in need through this pandemic and beyond. I am calling on all of our RA supporters to act now to support families who depend on schools for the majority of their meals, childcare and other vital services like mental health support.
Meet Andre, an RA student who has benefited from mentorship through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Together we are stronger. Together we are ONE Team!
Jesse Franklin
Executive Director, Rainier Athletes
Not Hiding
To everyone (especially my fellow white people),
The comorbidity of issues surrounding this weekend's events are difficult for anyone to synthesize in a way that seems to add up. When attempting to simultaneously contemplate the global pandemic, the murder of George Flyod, Black Live Matters protests, alongside the destruction of Bellevue Square mall, with the now daily questions of ‘will there be school in the fall or another sports season for our RA students?’, I attempted to come up with an analogy that might piece some of these issues together. What surfaced for me was the strikingly eerie comparison between how we as a society have managed the COVID-19 crisis and institutionalized racism.
Think about it like this. Any living human can easily contract the deadly coronavirus, never be physically or even noticeably impacted, and then go about their day spreading this virus to a loved one who ultimately becomes the one devastated by it. We then become sad, and even angry, by the pain experienced by our loved one without taking the time to realize that we were the ones who perpetuated their pain in the first place. Some claim that the virus isn’t real, while others work tirelessly on the frontlines saving the lives of those infected. Some look deep into the data and invest in a solution, whereas others have been able to adopt an out of sight out of mind mentality. Our society responds to systemic racism in similar manners.
Institutionalized, otherwise known as covert racism, has found a way of laying dormant within each of us, yes everyone. We robotically and unapologetically build it into the fabric of our society. Eventually it spreads untamed and increasingly lethal, adversely impacting our most vulnerable neighbors. Like the coronavirus, our society has adopted differing and sometimes conflicting ways of approaching the subject of systemic racism. The data obviously points to its existence. There is no known cure. And it’s killing our neighbors; especially our black neighbors.
So take or leave my analogy. Point is, we as a society need to work together. We need to listen to one another, truly listen. Because no matter who you are, this is about you. Your race, income, your ability or inability to adjust the noise level do not excuse you from this conversation.
As a white male, I continue to recognize countless arenas that society has granted me unearned power. I am still learning how to most effectively dampen my own presence in order to center voices of color. And after nearly 8 years engaging in this work, hours of racial equity training, and many hard and humbling conversations with my mentors who are far more advanced in this work than me, I am just beginning this journey. Everyday I learn that there is more that I still need to learn, and unlearn.
After seeing Nike’s new ad, For Once, Don’t Do It, I was encouraged to come up with my own public charge; Don’t Hide. Not hiding can be scary and confusing, especially if you are new to not hiding. Don’t Hide. This doesn’t require a reactionary reposting nor does it mean chanting affirmatively into your echo chamber. Not hiding can look different for you than for me. It means inviting a perspective other than your echo. It means hushing your own voice to make room for someone else's. If this voice represents a person of color, it means protecting that voice by lifting it up in the spaces you have been given power. Don’t hide the willpower needed to step out from under the spotlight. Don’t hide the unequivocal reality that all lives matter only once we do the work to ensure that Black Lives Matter.
I hope to continue this conversation with each of you. Call, email or text- whatever works to get in touch with me. No matter where you are on your journey, we should talk. This being said, be forewarned that together we will not find an answer to all of our questions, nor will we find a magical cure for the pain being felt across the country. The conversation in itself serves as momentum for the movement even though we as individuals may remain in the same place or perhaps even further behind from where we started. I invite you to join me as we walk, hand in hand, down our own paths of self-discovery. I see you. Talk soon.
In partnership,
Jesse
Email: Jesse@rainierathletes.org