As far back as Nyko can remember, life presented many difficulties early on; like taking care of siblings while mom was on dialysis. This made Nyko different from the other kids when home life was brought up.

However, one other thing was different; Nyko’s mentors were there to support Nyko through the mental and emotional burdens faced year after year for 12+ years. Mentors like Shaye and Shekinah were there to take Nyko to dance practice, to help try a new recipe together, or to just be a good listener on the worst of days.

Today, with the support of the Friends of the Children-Seattle community, Nyko has become a finalist for ESPN’s Youth Athlete of the Year, studied abroad in South Korea, was the WIAA Wrestling District Champion, is a Certified Nursing Assistant, and is on track to graduate high school this year with the hopes to study international nursing—pursuing a dream to become a healer for others across the world.

Right now, there are countless youth across Greater Seattle facing difficult life obstacles like Nyko alone, and we have the power to reach them together.

Your support assists in funding a paid, professional mentor for each young person, of which over 28,000 dedicated hours will be spent in 2026. That time is transformational for mental health in young children navigating today’s world.

“It was different, when someone beyond my mom, when someone else was there for me for once,” Nyko reflected, “I wanted to be better, I now know how to hold a new standard for myself and it’s one I want to take into adulthood, because that’s the kind of person I want to be.” With your support, we’ve been able to impact critical moments of time that youth carry into adulthood and create lasting generational change across our community and beyond—a truly incredible gift to give this season.