A Mission Story From Our Kids Program
Just a few years ago, Alexa endured unimaginable hardship. Unhoused and unemployed, she faced violence and profound personal losses. On top of that, she had lost custody of her eldest daughter, and her youngest child, Royalty, was having challenges learning to communicate using her voice. Feeling utterly alone, Alexa’s world had unraveled, devoid of any support system.
Then, she found Northwest Center. This connection became a transformative lifeline. Royalty began speech therapy, received an Autism diagnosis, and mother and daughter learned to communicate using multiple modes of communication, e.g. body language, gestures, tools, etc.
While in the program, Alexa received vital mental health support and essential supplies, which offered stability to obtain housing. Alexa gained confidence to advocate for herself and her daughter. She finally felt seen and heard. As Royalty approached graduation from Northwest Center’s programs, Alexa’s team partnered with her to navigate complex transitions, including helping her secure Royalty’s IEP (Individualized Education Plan) and a place in Seattle Public Schools.
Today, Royalty is thriving, making friends every day as she expands her ability to communicate and connect with others to share her joy. Alexa’s relationship with her older daughter has healed. And Alexa is employed at YMCA, having been promoted multiple times, where she helps others. Alexa’s journey is a powerful demonstration of intuition, strength, and resilience. “For the first two years of Royalty’s life, I felt like I was failing my daughter. I felt hopeless.” She offers this advice to new parents: “Trust yourself. You know your children better than anyone.”
In 2024, Alexa was honored by Washington state Department of Children, Youth & Families with an Unsung Hero (Parent) Award, which recognizes exceptional caregivers.
