The History of the Center

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Outreach Center began in Spokane over 30 years ago as a community response to a community need.

In the summer of 1970, the Bethel AME Church of Spokane held a summer camp for forty-two economically disadvantaged youth. By the end of the weekend, the organizers knew Spokane needed a year-round program to support youth development. A grassroots committee came together from diverse ethnic backgrounds, creating the Southeast Spokane Youth Center, later to become the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Outreach Center.

During its first 10 years, the Center focused on providing recreation, education and cultural programs for low income children and youth. Over the next two decades, the Center continually expanded its scope of programming, adding integrated family services to provide support for children and families within the context of honoring cultural diversity and fostering community relationships.

Today, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Outreach Center is a regionally recognized community social service center providing comprehensive education, social services and cultural enrichment programs for children and families.

Continuing the work of its original founders, the Center remains responsive to community needs. Living out the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., the Center continues to pave the way for a more equitable future by encouraging families to take responsibility for their success - preparing children to succeed in school and life, providing leadership opportunities for youth, celebrating cultural diversity in Spokane, and fostering meaningful connections between community members from all walks of life.