Every MOD store has chosen a local charity partner that it supports throughout the year, starting with the Grand Opening event where 100% of pizza sales directly to the store’s charity partner. With over 170 stores, MOD is lucky to assist so many incredible organizations and showcase the inspiring work they are doing.
Friends of Youth is the charity partner for both MOD Redmond and Issaquah and does amazing work supporting at-risk youth in western Washington. The organization was started over 60 years ago by Iva Matsen and her husband Joe who realized there was a lack of quality foster homes for at-risk youth in their community. Since then, Friends of Youth has become a place where young people can go to discover their potential – no matter what their history. Its services have also evolved beyond foster care to include everything from in-home family support for young parents to counseling for substance abuse. Friends of Youth also operates two youth shelters for both children and young adults.
Friends of Youth has definitely stolen the hearts of our MOD Squad, including Support Center team member Paula, who has been involved with the organization for over 10 years. Paula was introduced to Friends of Youth through a friend whose parents had fostered several children over the years. She started out helping with a golf tournament and has since become a board member. We look forward to supporting Friends of Youth on our eighth birthday this November as we raise money for all of our charity partners during our annual Spreading MODness campaign.