Donor Spotlight: Stephanie Kristen – Building Stronger Communities One Conversation at a Time
Stephanie Kristen has been part of the YES family since 2014, when her friend invited her to attend the Invest in Youth Breakfast. That morning, as she listened to stories of resilience and healing, she was surprised and moved to see another close friend, former YES board member Linda Reichenbach, take the stage to share her own personal journey.
“I think it is so inspiring to hear people’s stories,” Stephanie shared. “When Linda spoke, it really resonated with me. We share a similar path in our family histories, and hearing her story connected on a deeply personal level.”
That morning sparked what would become a lasting commitment.
The Power of Difficult Conversations
Stephanie knows that attending events like the Invest in Youth Breakfast can be emotional and even uncomfortable for some, but she believes that’s exactly why they matter.
“It can be a hard event,” she acknowledged. “Mental health is something people sometimes feel shame around. They don’t always let themselves be vulnerable and talk about it. But that’s exactly why we need to talk about it.”
By continuing to show up year after year, Stephanie has found the courage and language to support others, including her own family. When her daughter experienced a difficult challenge during college, Stephanie drew on the lessons she’d absorbed from YES and the stories she’d heard over the years.
“Sometimes the best thing you can do is just be by their side and listen with an open heart,” she said. “You don’t have to solve the problem; you just have to be there.”
For Stephanie, these events don’t just raise awareness; they build empathy and connection.
“We need to normalize mental health the same way we talk about physical health,” she said. “We all struggle in different ways and deserve compassion and care.”
Giving Back Where It Matters
Stephanie first began supporting youth at YES as a monthly supporter. In 2022, she deepened her support by aligning her business as a Windermere real estate agent with YES through event sponsorship, a decision rooted in her care for the community she works and serves every day.
Stephanie’s commitment to youth mental health is deeply connected to her work in the housing and real estate sector. She served on the board of Plymouth Housing for eight years and currently sits on the Windermere Eastside Foundation board, both organizations that serve the community’s most urgent needs.
“For me, supporting housing has always been essential. You can’t begin to address mental health if you don’t have stable housing,” she explained. “That’s why I’ve always tried to give where I see wraparound support happening, and YES is doing just that.”
A Vision for a More Compassionate Community
Stephanie sees YES as a vital part of a healthier, more connected East King County. With youth facing mounting pressures, particularly around performance and success, she believes YES plays an essential role in providing tools for families and individuals to respond with empathy.
“We need to talk about what success really means and what our kids are going through to try and get there,” she said. “Until we’re equipped with the skills to have those conversations, we can’t truly help. YES gives us those tools.”
We are deeply grateful to Stephanie for her ongoing support, for her openness, and for continuing to show up, year after year, for the youth and families who need it most.
Join Stephanie in supporting children, youth, and families by donating today! Each gift, whether it’s $5 or $500, makes a significant impact on the lives of youth.
And now you can give something youth can count on by making a monthly donation to YES. A monthly gift is the most convenient and effective way to provide consistent help to children, youth, and families in our community. It’s also budget and inflation-friendly.
