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A community stitched together

Every kid deserves to feel safe, valued, and capable.

At PatchWork Project, we believe in the power of intentional kindness. For young people navigating life without stable parental care, whether in foster care, group homes, shelters, or between homes, we strive to offer more than support. We create moments of joy, build a sense of belonging, and remind every young person that they are never alone.

Rooted in Washington State, growing with our community
A moment from a Patchwork event
What drives us
Our Mission

Through personalized care kits we call sunshine kits, hands-on health education, and room for creative self-expression, we help every young person feel supported, understand their health, and build lasting confidence.

Essentials and a little comfort create stability in seasons of constant change. Practical health skills, a safe space to ask questions, and access to job and life resources give every kid more control over their own story, all in one trusted, connected place.

Where we’re headed

Every kid growing up with people in their corner, good health, and a place that feels like home.

Steady · Resilient · Peaceful
What we’re about

This is how we show up.

Who We Serve.

The young people navigating foster care, unstable housing, or life without a steady guardian at home.

Sunshine Kits.

Personalized care kits filled with necessities, creative supplies, and donated or handmade comforts, packed with one specific kid in mind.

Events for Youth.

Health education, self-expression, workforce and resume support, and other helpful resources.

What we do

Everything starts with an event.

Never simply a lecture. The best learning comes from getting involved. Some events focus on health, while others focus on teaching a life skill or just having fun.

Health & Wellness

Health made simple and hands-on, from caring for your body to understanding your feelings.

  • Mindfulness for every age, starting with “what are emotions?”
  • How to talk to a doctor and prep for a visit
  • Nutrition and everyday healthy habits
  • A sunshine kit to take home

Life-Skills Workshops

The practical stuff nobody hands you a manual for, taught side by side until it clicks.

  • Money basics, budgeting, and a first look at investing
  • Resumes, interviews, and first jobs
  • Everyday paperwork, from taxes to applications
  • Getting a first place ready to live in

Community & Belonging

Join us for activities that bring youth, mentors, and caregivers together. Health and life skills are important, but so is having fun!

  • Collaborative art installations
  • Music sharing and crafting
  • Games for every age
  • Food and drinks at every gathering
Why PatchWork?

We’re made of
many pieces.

Just like a quilt has many patches, young people build who they are from many places: caregivers, teachers, friends, mentors, artists, and strangers who show up with kindness. We’re here to be one more piece of the story, stitched in with all the others.

Why PatchWork?

We’re made of many pieces.

Just like a quilt has many patches, young people build who they are from many places: caregivers, teachers, friends, mentors, artists, and strangers who show up with kindness. We’re here to be one more piece of the story, stitched in with all the others.

Who we’re here for

The kids we show up for.

We welcome youth of all ages who have experienced:

  • Foster care, group home systems, or adoption
  • Housing instability or family separation
  • Immigration-related disruption
  • Incarcerated or absent guardians
  • Any unstable living situation

Life can get heavy. Every kid deserves a place where it doesn’t have to be.

Young people together at a Patchwork Project event
challenges are opportunities
Sheridan Ottosen, Founder and CEO of Patchwork Project
Founder and CEO

Hi, I’m Sheridan. I’m so glad you’re here.

I’ve spent my whole life working with kids, as a gymnastics coach, a community volunteer, and in healthcare settings. But everything changed when I began volunteering with foster youth. Becoming a mentor lit a spark in me. I was part of something bigger than myself, built a lifelong bond, and watched someone grow into a more confident version of themselves. It’s the most rewarding feeling I’ve ever had.

If one mentor could make that much difference in one life, I knew I wanted to spread the sunshine. I imagined a program that supports every part of a kid’s life, especially the emotional and mental well-being that too often gets overlooked. There are so many great resources out there; they’re just hard to find on your own. So we brought them together in one place.

Sheridan Ottosen
Quick resources

Help, right when you need it.

Every line here is free, confidential, and open to anyone. No appointment needed. In an emergency, call 911 first.

Call or text 988

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Immediate, 24/7 support for suicidal thoughts, mental health crises, and substance use concerns.

Visit website ↗
Call 888-537-1634

HearMeWA

Washington’s free crisis line for anyone under 25. Call, text, or use the app to talk about stress, anxiety, safety worries, or anything weighing on you.

Visit website ↗
Call 1-800-322-2588

Help Me Grow WA

Helps families with kids find free basics: food programs, health insurance, parenting support, and developmental checkups. Open weekdays.

Visit website ↗
Call or text 866-833-6546

Teen Link

Teens helping teens. Trained teen volunteers answer every evening from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and no topic is off limits.

Visit website ↗
Dial 2-1-1

WA 2-1-1

One free call to find housing, food, education, and other resources statewide.

Visit website ↗
Call 1-866-789-1511

Washington Recovery Helpline

Struggling with drugs, alcohol, gambling, or mental health? Someone is there to talk 24 hours a day.

Visit website ↗
$30
packs a personalized sunshine kit for one kid
$125
covers the supplies for one life-skills workshop
$300
hosts a full community night of food and fun
Donate now
Join our
community!

Cook at a community night, teach a skill you love, or connect us with your school, clinic, or youth program. We read every note and reply as quickly as we can.

EMAIL US
info@patchwork-project.org
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@patchworkprojectwa
made with love ♥
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