He had been kicked out of school for fighting and was constantly arguing with his parents. He fell in love with the street life in Seattle, feeling a false sense of family and belonging. Drowning in his pain, Kainon Pierce then met up with an SUA staff member who challenged him and invested in his life.
With a renewed sense of optimism, he persevered in his studies and worked hard to maintain a positive outlook. Kainon ultimately graduated from Seattle Urban Academy and became an independent and dependable individual.
Kainon is a living example of the kind of transformation that takes place at Seattle Urban Academy on a daily basis. Personal transformation is evident when at-risk youth become young adults with hope for a brighter future. It is apparent when, each year, 80-100% of SUA seniors graduate and successfully transition to higher education and sustained employment. In the past year, we have equipped recent graduates to pursue various careers, such as legal assistant at Microsoft and at the City of Seattle, and even professional basketball in Europe.
Our compassionate and committed staff and volunteers nurtured healthy relationships with 40 students, 38 alumni and many former students. Student-centered development led to strong academic, social, spiritual growth and transitions to higher education and sustained employment. Community transformation happens when these successful students graduate and use their new skills to give back to the community.
Kainon, who graduated in 2005, is now transferring to the University of Washington to pursue a degree in social work. He knows the power that one adult can have on the life of an at-risk youth, and wants to be a part of that cycle of transformation. SUA taught him discipline and developed his self-confidence. He forged a vision to help others turn their lives around, and he now lives with purpose.
Seattle Urban Academy has itself undergone a physical transformation. Our generous donors provided the funds and professional skills needed to transform our leased facilities at the Union Gospel Mission Youth ReachOut Center. Sunlight now fills the classrooms, which have new flooring and fresh paint, and our administrative coordinator now has an office. We give praise to God for evidence of his transforming work in those who love him and are called according to his purposes.
We’re grateful for the diverse community of faith at Seattle Urban Academy. Each is integral in the transformation of youth-at-risk to young adults with hope and the vitality of our greater community.
“So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT)