Our History:

The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center is a trusted, community-based nonprofit organization serving East Central Spokane, one of the most culturally diverse areas in Spokane County. For more than 40 years, the Center has remained a consistent and responsive presence, supporting youth and families while strengthening the community’s fabric.

Founded in response to a clear community need, the Center’s story began in the summer of 1970. That summer, Bethel AME Church hosted a camp for 42 economically disadvantaged youth. What began as a short-term initiative soon revealed the need for ongoing, year-round support. In response, a grassroots group of community members from diverse backgrounds came together. They established the Southeast Spokane Youth Center, which later became the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Outreach Center.

During its early years, the Center provided recreation, education, and cultural programming for low-income children and youth. As the community’s needs grew, the organization’s approach expanded. Over time, the Center has included integrated family support, recognizing that long-term success for youth depends on family stability.

Today, the Center is a leader in community-based services. It offers programs in youth development, family support, education, and cultural engagement, grounded in practices that foster academic success, strong families, and opportunity.

Each year, the Center serves children and families by providing resources, guidance, and programs. These address both immediate needs and long-term growth. The Center supports school readiness and youth leadership. It also strengthens family stability and community connection. All work is designed to create a meaningful and lasting impact.

Families today face economic pressures, educational gaps, and limited access to resources. These challenges continue to evolve. The Center remains committed to meeting them with responsive programs and strong community partnerships. The organization deeply understands the people it serves.

Continuing the founders’ vision, the Center honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. It promotes equity, opportunity, and unity. The Center empowers families to take an active role in their success. It prepares youth to thrive in school and life. It creates spaces where cultural diversity is respected and celebrated.

At its core, the Center is more than a service provider. It is a community anchor, building stronger families, developing leaders, and fostering connections that uplift the community.

Working with members, partners, and supporters, the Center builds an equitable, connected future for East Central Spokane.