About Us
A community organization built by the people it serves
Since 1996, Madda Walabu Seattle has brought youth, families and neighbours together through sports, education and community services on Rainier Avenue South.
Our Story
Rooted in South Seattle
Madda Walabu Seattle began as a gathering place — families supporting one another through the ordinary and extraordinary work of building a life in a new city. Over time that gathering became an organization: soccer teams for children who wanted somewhere to play, workshops for students who needed help with technology, and a front desk where a neighbour could get a form explained in a language they understand.
Today we run youth sports programs and tournaments, digital literacy education, and a community service office that helps residents navigate paperwork most people find daunting — passports, notarization, unemployment, Paid Family & Medical Leave, DSHS benefits, immigration documents and translation.
Everything we do begins the same way: someone in our community asks for help, and we build the program that answers.
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
Providing sports, education, and community services to support youth and families.
Vision
Building a strong and united community.
Values
- Respect
- Teamwork
- Service
- Opportunity
- Community
- Inclusion
Who We Serve
- Youth ages 6–18 across South Seattle and the greater Seattle area
- Families navigating school, work, benefits and immigration paperwork
- Immigrant and refugee community members, including Oromo and East African families
- Parents and guardians looking for safe, affordable activities for their children
- Volunteers, coaches and students who want to give time to their neighbourhood
Our Approach
Listen first
Programs start with what families tell us they need — not with what is easiest to fund.
Lower the barrier
Low or no cost, close to home, and offered in the languages our community speaks.
Build leaders
Young people move from participant to volunteer to coach, and stay connected as they grow.
Stay accountable
We report what we do, publish what we can, and refer out when a need is beyond us.
Civic Engagement
Community & Public Leadership
We build relationships with Washington State senators, district representatives, judges and local leaders so our neighbours can be heard — and so benefits, services and opportunity reach the families who need them most.
View civic engagement albumLeadership
The People Behind the Work
Our staff and coaches live in the neighbourhoods we serve. Reach any of them through the community office.
Board members, additional staff, volunteers and coaches are listed here as appointments are confirmed and approved for publication.
Join the team →Team Photos
On the Field & In the Community
Staff, coaches and volunteers at youth soccer jamborees, summer league days and community events across South Seattle.
Our Community. Our Impact.
400+
Youth Served
85+
Families Supported
8
Community Events
95+
Program Participants
18
Volunteers
5
Community Partners
Figures shown as placeholders pending verified reporting from Madda Walabu Seattle.
Accountability
Transparency
We are accountable to the community that built us. Governance documents, annual reporting and financial summaries are published here as they are approved by the board.
Questions about our finances or governance? Contact the office.
Stand with the young people of South Seattle.
Volunteer, partner with us, or give — every contribution turns into a place to play, a skill learned, or a form finally understood.