Rooted in Resilience: Friends-Seattle Takes Its First Steps

Before Seattle’s skyline was shaped by tech giants and its culture became known for coffee and flannels, the city faced significant challenges. Edgar Masmela remembers growing up in South Seattle in the 1980s, amidst gang violence and a widespread drug crisis. “Violence was just part of daily life,” Edgar reflects. “I learned quickly what to do—and what not to do—around here.” But even in the face of adversity, his community stood strong, driven by a shared determination to build better lives, no matter the obstacles.

Inspired to be a part of that change, in the mid-90s, Edgar started working with a local youth nonprofit. It was there that he first recognized the impact one person could make. This experience deepened his commitment to empowering youth and by the late 90s, Edgar had contributed his time and energy to a few youth-focused nonprofits. Later, he crossed paths with a professional mentor—someone who was consistently picking up one of the youth participants at his nonprofit. Intrigued, Edgar struck up a conversation and learned the mentor worked for a newer organization in the city, at that time, known as Friends of the Children-King County.

It was 2003 and the organization had just opened its doors on 23rd and Jackson, with just two full-time mentors and 16 youth. It was a modest basement office with a bold vision for the community. Everything was new at the organization, but Edgar took a chance, joining the team as our first Program Manager, “I recognized the power of being part of something bigger than myself,” he reflects.

About 10 years and three relocations later, in 2014, we became known as Friends of the Children-Seattle. Over the years, the team poured their energy into our mission, guided by the belief that every youth has inherent strength and potential. The kindergarteners they first met blossomed into resilient, thriving young adults, each finding their own path to success. Edgar and his fellow mentors showed up every day, unwavering in their commitment, no matter the challenges they faced. Together, they seized every moment as an opportunity to partner with youth throughout any obstacles they faced, teaching them how to navigate the digital world, sparking creativity through art, and connecting them with Seattle’s growing business community. Each experience, whether big or small, was a testament to the strength and resilience of the youth they served.

Now, 21 years later, Edgar remains a vital part of Friends of the Children-Seattle. When asked how he measures success, he answers with confidence: “Our youth don’t just get the chance to do something—they know they can achieve anything. That’s the kind of success that lasts a lifetime.

Just like the community and families we’ve served for decades; our beginnings are rooted in resilience. Our commitment at Friends-Seattle remains strong as ever: to impact generational change by helping youth who are facing the toughest systematic barriers in our community realize their power through relationships with salaried, professional mentors, for 12+ years—no matter what.

Will you make a commitment to support generational change in your community for the next 25 years? Help us reach our goal of $250,000 by our 25th birthday on May 4, 2025.

Discover more stories and details about our 25th Anniversary at friendsseattle.org/celebrating25