Seattle’s Child is proud to partner with the state Department of Children, Youth and Families Strengthening Families Washington to honor outstanding caregivers doing important work on behalf of children. Throughout February, we’ll introduce you to Unsung Heroes from around the state: biological parents, grandparents, foster and adoptive parents. Some volunteer at local schools; some have started nonprofits; some mentor others in their communities. Enjoy the stories of 2024’s unsung heroes.
NOTE: Seattle’s Child is running these stories unedited, as written by the people who nominated them, in keeping with the DCYF Unsung Hero process.
Ray is an amazing man who has made it his mission to help others who are going through what he went through to become a successful Dad!
His journey started in December 2016 when he decided there was no other alternative than to make a substantial change in his life and mindset. In his life, Raymond has struggled with addiction, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. His daughters and son have had behavior struggles as well and have experienced abuse and suicidal ideation. The family successfully navigated a Child Protective Services (CPS) case and used many community resources, supports, and systems in their efforts to rebuild their lives and relationships with each other.
For Raymond, this journey began at 50 years of age. He now gives back by volunteering and working for and with many of the support systems that helped to assist his family. He is an instructor and facilitator for “Unlocking Your Potential” through Legacy Business Cultures and a substance use disorder family navigator. Further, he is now a certified peer counselor, using his mediation training and a trauma-informed approach. Raymond is a Washington Fatherhood Council volunteer and sits on the state’s Substance Abuse Disorder Advisory Committee.
Through many lived experiences, he desires to help empower families and give hope so that others may succeed in their journeys. Today, his family is thriving, and he never turns down a chance to share his story to help someone else succeed.
Read about more DCYF Unsung Heros:
