CHOOSE 180 sees all young people as possibilities.
We exist to transform oppressive systems that have caused harm and assist young people as they heal from hurt to wholeness.
As a diverse team with lived experience, we are uniquely positioned to serve young people from a place of understanding and trauma-informed care.
We see young people as possibilities to be developed, not problems to be solved. When we all come together, we can change the narrative around young people, advocate for systems change, and create a future where resources are invested into communities and all young people have the opportunity to thrive.
“Every day you have an opportunity to make a difference in somebody’s life”
- Doug Wheeler Jr.
History
CHOOSE 180 began in 2011 as a community-centered effort in partnership with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to impact racial disproportionality, keep youth out of the juvenile criminal legal system, and break the school-to-prison pipeline. Recognizing that the criminal legal system was not the most effective tool in addressing complex social issues, then King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg reached out to community leader Doug Wheeler Jr. to partner in creating an alternative to traditional prosecution.
Doug Wheeler Jr. convened a group of community leaders to create a program called the 180 Program, which later turned into CHOOSE 180 in 2017. Sean Goode led the organization until 2023, expanding to offer nine programs to support young people, dismantle oppressive systems, and provide access to resources and opportunities.
Because of this partnership and the community of support, approximately several hundred young people per year are served in community where they can grow and thrive.
Meet our team
Our team is intentionally made up of people with lived experience from the communities we serve. We are a diverse group of leaders with different skills and experiences that come together through a passion to serve young people.
Contact
If you have questions, suggestions, interested in more information regarding how to donate or volunteer please complete the form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
Any other questions or comments?
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CHOOSE 180 is a registered 501C3; Federal Tax ID #46-4242313