Submitted by TOGETHER!
Selyse, a recent middle school graduate from Nisqually Middle School, has been a dedicated student of Club House for the past two years. As an honors student preparing for high school this fall, she reflects on the positive impact Club House had on her life both academically and personally. For Selyse, culture is everything. With Chinese, Filipino, Mexican, and Salvadorian roots, she shares how Club House helped her feel more connected to her heritage while providing a safe space to grow and express herself. One aspect that particularly resonates with her is their ARBOL curriculum. Developed in-house at TOGETHER!, ARBOL stands for Aprender (Learn), Raíces (Roots), Biculturales (Bicultural), Origen (Origin), and Lenguajes (Languages). The ARBOL curriculum supports student exploration of identity, and it played a significant role in expanding her cultural awareness through education, art, music, and more, deepening her self-awareness and pride in who she is.
Selyse deeply appreciates the space that Club House creates, where students can openly explore their identities and heritage. For her, it’s not just a place for learning but a sanctuary where students can discuss different cultures with respect and understanding. “It’s a safe place to talk about our cultures and learn about each other without fear of judgment,” she says.
Another aspect of Club House that Selyse values is the work of the Family Liaison, Francis, who brings resources such as food, clothes, and other support to students and their families in need. She feels supported knowing Club House provides necessary items for her peers without making anyone feel embarrassed. “I hope Club House continues, not just for my brothers, but for all the students who need a place to explore their interests and build confidence,” Selyse shares.
But Selyse isn’t just a student in the Club House, she’s also the daughter of Domenique, TOGETHER!’s Development & Communications Manager. Domenique sees firsthand the positive impact the organization has on her daughter. “As a parent, I see how Selyse thrived at school and made lasting friendships. The tools she learned at Club House have helped us create a safe space for the tough conversations that have made our mother-daughter relationship even stronger,” Domenique says.
For Domenique, the culture of TOGETHER! is what truly stands out. “I’ve worked in both corporate and nonprofit sectors for over 15 years,” she reflects. “At TOGETHER!, there is a culture of respect and support that’s different from anything I’ve experienced. It’s refreshing to work in an environment that truly values family and community. We prioritize the well-being of staff and families, which is very important. In other organizations, family support often takes a backseat, but here, it’s a top priority.”
Domenique finds it especially inspiring to see how TOGETHER! invests for the future of youth and families. “The work we do at TOGETHER! is changing lives,” she says. “It creates a lasting impact on the community, helping our youth build confidence and resilience. This work is not just about today, but about a more prosperous future for all of us.”
The presence of Selyse in Club House and Domenique’s unique perspective as both a parent and staff member deepen the organization’s commitment to its mission: creating a space where everyone can learn, grow, and thrive together. By removing barriers and building a strong sense of community, TOGETHER! is transforming systems for the better, ensuring that everyone: children, parents, and staff has the chance to thrive.
But funding for Club House is in jeopardy. Despite being scheduled for release July 1, 2025, under the bipartisan FY 2025 spending bill signed in March, essential education funding for 6 longstanding education programs including 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funds which covers core costs for our Club House program, are currently being withheld by the Office of Management and Budget, with no timeline for resolution. The total being withheld from Washington State for education amounts to ~16% of all US Department of Education funding to our state. Of this, Washington 21st CCLCs should be receiving ~$20 million for grants to funds programs like ours. If the funding isn’t released, the impact nationwide of the withholding of 21st CCLC funding is alarming:
- 10,000 local programs may not open to serve students before and after school
- 1.4 million students could lose access to vital enrichment, meals, STEM learning, and safe spaces before and after school and in summer
- Working families face losing critical support for their children
These programs are a lifeline for countless youth locally, and across the country. Please consider contributing to ensure students and families are supported today. When you support TOGETHER!, your investment creates amazing outcomes that have a ripple effect far beyond one student like Selyse. If you have the means, join us with a secure one-time or monthly gift today at https://www.watogether.org/donate to help ensure all students and families feel the support and belonging they deserve.
