Community Outreach
Join the Community Fun!
In conjunction with our four core programs and community partners, VYFS offers a variety of special events, groups and clubs open to Islanders, including movie nights, youth clubs, outings, family dinners and more.
Upcoming Movie Nights
February 4th @ 6pm
Held at: Orbit Youth Space
Movie: ”The Half Of It”
March 17th @ 5pm
Held at: Vashon Theatre
Movie: ”A Monster Calls”
April 14th @ 5pm
Held at: Vashon Theatre
Movie: ”{The} Hours”
Youth Outreach
We work with youth of all ages to get kids involved in various events and projects, where they form friendships and find belonging.
We partner with the Vashon Island School District, ORBIT Youth Space, KCLS Vashon Library, DOVE, VARSA, the Vashon Maury Community Food Bank, The Health Care District, and other community organizations to bring engaging events and activities to Vashon youth.
Youth Projects
A Zine Project
Made By Queer Youth
Project Overview
Made By Queer Youth is a youth-led creative project that supports LGBTQIA+ middle and high school students on Vashon Island in sharing their experiences through writing and visual art. The project encourages young people to express their identity, joy, and mental health themes in their own voices.
In spring 2025, students from McMurray Middle School’s GSA and ORBIT Youth Space’s Q Club met weekly to create a self-published zine, guided by staff from Vashon Youth & Family Services, ORBIT, and the DOVE Project. Along the way, they explored the history of zines as a form of queer expression and resistance.
The zine celebrates queer youth voices and perspectives. It is available at the Vashon Public Library and McMurray Middle School Library.
Project Goals
Provide a safe space for queer youth to share their personal experiences and creative expression.
Highlight the beauty, strength, and complexity of Queer identity.
Encourage open conversations around mental health and emotional well-being within queer youth communities.
Cultivate a sense of shared responsibility, support, and community care among LGBTQIA+ youth and allies.
Introduce youth to the history and power of zine-making as a form of Queer resistance, storytelling, and cultural expression.
Amplify queer youth voices in public and educational spaces, ensuring authentic representation across the wider Vashon Island community.
Community Outreach
We offer various activities, classes, groups and events to bring the community together. Visit us out in the community at Strawberry Festival, First Fridays, Health Fairs, Movie Nights and other events.
Clubs
Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA)
GSA is an inclusive and safe space where all students can celebrate their identities, learn about others, connect with peers, and receive support from school counselors and Vashon Youth & Family Services.
GSA meets every Monday during lunch in the Clubs Room at McMurry Middle School!
Holding Space
For Queer and Disabled middle and high school aged children
Alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4-5pm at the Orbit Youth Space
Latino Outreach
The VYFS Latino Outreach Team helps individuals, children and families overcome barriers in accessing social services. We provide bilingual and culturally-appropriate counseling, case management, Vashon Kids childcare, Family Place parenting classes and play groups, English conversation classes, and support navigating the public school system.
For more information, please click the button below to contact us:
Community Outreach Staff
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Belinda Olvera-Jovanovich
Outreach and Engagement
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Glory Busic
Outreach and Engagement
