ARTICLE

Youth Eastside Services (YES):
A Source of Hope and Well-Being.

In the heart of East King County, where the pressures of growing up often weigh heavy, Youth Eastside Services (YES) serves as a lifeline for thousands of children, teens, and young adults each year. For over five decades, YES has been more than just a mental health provider, it has been a sanctuary where futures are reshaped, and hope is reborn. Serving youth from birth through age 22, YES offers care that includes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment to give young people facing mental health challenges and substance use issues with the tools they need to thrive.

According to David Downing, CEO of Youth Eastside Services, the mission is simple yet profound: to empower youth to make meaningful changes in their lives. “We walk alongside them and help them find a life that they feel is worth living,” said Downing.

Downing’s journey with YES spans nearly two decades. He took the helm as CEO during one of the most challenging periods in modern history, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before stepping into this role, Downing served as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing direct services and clinical programming.

“We are here to make sure every young person has the mental health resources they need to succeed.”

Under his leadership, YES has not only grown but adapted to meet the shifting needs of the community. As a cornerstone in the region’s mental health landscape, YES focuses on equipping young people and their families with the coping skills and problem-solving strategies they need to navigate life’s challenges.

YES meets young people where they are—physically, emotionally, and culturally. Multi-cultural and multi-lingual services are delivered at the Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond offices, across 38 local schools, and five community or teen centers, ensuring accessibility and support where it’s needed most. Often, the greatest impact happens in the quiet moments, the conversation between a counselor and a teen, the space where a young person feels truly seen and heard. YES offers a comprehensive suite of services, including youth and family counseling, substance use treatment, early childhood support, psychiatric care, and in-school assistance, creating a path to lasting emotional well-being.

Since its founding in 1968, YES has transformed from a small volunteer initiative into one of the most respected youth service organizations on the Eastside. “YES was born out of a community need,” said Downing. “Back then, it was a response to the youth drug crisis. And even now, our mission remains the same. We are here to make sure every young person has the mental health resources they need to succeed.”

What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a vital community resource that helps roughly 5,000 young people each year. And through extensive community outreach, YES engages with 60,000 people across East King County, creating an impact that extends far beyond the walls of their offices in Bellevue, Kirkland, and Redmond.

YES’s programs are grounded in the belief that healing and growth stem from authentic relationships, the development of coping skills, and the ability to navigate life’s complexities with resilience. By fostering trust and providing personalized support, YES ensures that young people receive care that goes beyond clinical treatment—care that is compassionate, holistic, and transformative. “Our goal is to help and support young people socially and emotionally, and it looks different for each person,” Downing said.

Turing Hope into Action

For the young people who spend time with the YES team, the journey toward healing isn’t just about addressing symptoms, it’s about reclaiming a sense of possibility. YES creates an atmosphere where vulnerability is met with empathy, challenges are met with opportunity, and where every young person is empowered to write their own story.

In a world where mental health struggles can make people feel isolated, YES stands out as a place where youth can feel safe and supported. And as the Eastside continues to grow, YES remains unwavering in the goal of ensuring that every child and young adult has a chance to thrive, no matter the challenges they face.

To learn more about Youth Eastside Services, visit www.youtheastsideservices.org.