Reflecting on 2025
2025 has been a year of shifting narratives, responding to urgent needs, and laying the groundwork to grow into the next phase for CHOOSE 180. We’ve been busy, grateful, scared, hopeful, worried, and everything in between as we continue our mission to break down systems of oppression and support young people during a tumultuous time politically with increased pressure on our communities.
At the beginning of this year, CHOOSE 180 released our Five-Year Plan which will be our roadmap through 2030. It’s bold and ambitious, and we couldn’t be more excited about what lies ahead. The plan includes building more structures internally to make things easier for our team and Board of Directors. It includes strengthening and growing our programs into three more counties in Washington through intentional partnerships and interested communities. It includes new fundraising models to increase funding while reducing government dependence. There’s so much more, and we hope you’ll stay engaged to see it for yourself.
As we wrap up year 1 of the plan, we’re stopping to reflect and evaluate the progress so far. Here are just a few things that happened at CHOOSE 180 this year:
Laid the groundwork to expand programs into Pierce County and started serving young people through our CHOOSE Freedom program.
Played a major role in the passing of HB1391 to expand diversion programs across WA state through our Advocacy program and participants.
Built a Social Enterprise Model and Sustainable Funding Model to support our growing programs.
Presented to over 1,200 people across four national conferences—elevating our model, impact, and our community’s voice through our Teaching & Advancement team.
Partnered with Real Change to publish four op-eds by participants and staff to shift harmful narratives about young people into positive and supportive mindsets.
Responded to ICE threats by partnering with LCYC on Immigrant Safety Plan trainings, hosting a Know Your Rights training with Team Child and ProSe Potential, and hosting three Justicia Transformativa workshops in Spanish for the Latine community, in collaboration with Latine community partners such as Alimentando al Pueblo, Somos Familia with Villa Comunitaria, and Latine Dream Team Coalition, with Neighborhood Housing.
Served over 400 young people ages 12-24 through our direct service programs, helping to avoid the criminal legal system, stop the school-to-prison pipeline, provide mentorship and resources, and facilitate job readiness training.
Provided emergency food, hygiene items, and household supplies to over 120 community members while SNAP benefits were cut.
Young people need our support more than ever, and we are committed to pivoting, learning, and growing to meet the needs of our communities as situations continue to change. While the 2025 theme was about shifting narratives and laying the foundation for our plan, year two is focused on strengthening and growing to provide meaningful and sustainable programs.
Thank you for your participation, support, and advocacy this year. We look forward to a fresh new year full of possibilities together.
If you’d like to support our work or get involved, we’d love for you to be part of our community of support.