Image Credit: Knok Studio – Enumclaw, WA
About Enumclaw Youth Empowered
Creating Positive Change Through Youth Substance Use Prevention and Community Empowerment.
Who We Are
Enumclaw Youth Empowered (EYE) is a community-based prevention coalition working collaboratively with youth, families, schools, local organizations, businesses, and government agencies. Backed by the Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative (CPWI), we focus on building protective factors, reducing risk factors, and promoting a healthier Enumclaw.
Our Mission
To educate, engage, and unite our community in supporting youth and families through substance use prevention and
mental health promotion.
mental health promotion.
What We Believe
We believe that prevention works best when the whole community is involved. Every young person deserves to thrive, and by providing education, clear standards, and supportive environments, we empower youth and families to make healthy choices that shape a stronger future.
Strategic Goals
● Strengthen Community Connections and Capacity
● Shift Norms and Reduce Social Acceptance of Substance Use
● Increase Youth Perception of Harm and Risk
● Promote Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards
● Foster Youth Leadership and Prosocial Bonding
● Shift Norms and Reduce Social Acceptance of Substance Use
● Increase Youth Perception of Harm and Risk
● Promote Healthy Beliefs and Clear Standards
● Foster Youth Leadership and Prosocial Bonding
Core Values
Youth Voice
Equity
Connection
Prevention
Compassion
Collaboration
Our History
Affecting Positive Changes Since 2021
Founded in 2021, Enumclaw Youth Empowered is a coalition made up of representatives from 12 different community sectors, all united around a shared mission: to prevent and reduce youth substance use through meaningful action, education, and collaboration. Serving the communities of Enumclaw and Black Diamond, the coalition was formed in direct response to rising youth mental health challenges and local data showing that underage drug and alcohol use in Enumclaw exceeds the Washington State average by more than 50% in some areas. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a dedicated movement for change.
Meet Our Leadership
LouAnn Sawyer
Community Coalition Coordinator
Enumclaw School District
The Community Coalition Coordinator, employed by the Enumclaw School District, manages the coalition’s daily operations. Responsibilities include recruiting members, raising awareness, building partnerships, supporting programs, and developing the strategic plan—all while ensuring smooth collaboration between the Leadership Team and Sub-Committees.
Eric Woolridge
Coalition Chair
Religious Sector Leader
Eric represents the religious sector and serves as Chair of the EYE Leadership Team. He helps guide decision-making, coordinate coalition efforts, and uphold the coalition’s mission, vision, and goals.
Sheila Fend
Treasurer
Executive Assistant, Student Support Services
Sheila oversees coalition finances and supports strategic planning, program implementation, and operational tasks as part of the Leadership Team.
Cejay Johnson
Secretary
Teen Services Librarian, King County Library System
Cejay manages meeting records and communications and supports outreach to youth through her work in the local library system.
Our Partners & Supporters
Enumclaw Youth Empowered is grateful to collaborate with a strong network of organizations, schools, and community leaders who share our mission of preventing youth substance use and promoting mental health. These partnerships make our work possible and amplify our impact across Enumclaw and Black Diamond.
- Enumclaw School District
- Black Diamond Police Department
- Enumclaw Police Department
- Enumclaw and Black Diamond City Councils
- King County Library System (KCLS)
- Enumclaw Fire Department
- Rainier Foothills Wellness Foundation
- Valley Cities Behavioral Health
- Trinity Lutheran Church
- St. Elizabeth Hospital
- New Life Church
- Enumclaw School District PTA(s)
- Enumclaw Birth to Five Center
- Enumclaw Cultural Student Program
- Enumclaw Ministerial Association
- EmpowerMe Arts
- Plateau Outreach Ministries
- Plateau Kids Network
- Peer Kent
- Y Impact Center
- Consejo Counseling
- Enumclaw Expo Center
- Enumclaw Parks & Rec Department
- Green River College
- A Relentless Heart Counseling Services
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