We recently welcomed Cecily Croskey to the YFC team as our Development Director! You may have met her in our office or at our recent Comedy Café. She brings incredible experience and wisdom to her role along with a huge heart for local youth. We already love her and know you will, too. Read more about Cecily in her own words below and you’ll see what we mean!

What are you excited about in your new role?

I’m incredibly excited to step into the role of Development Director at Tacoma Youth for Christ! What excites me most is the opportunity to connect with individuals, businesses, and community partners who believe in the transformative power of faith and mentorship for young people. Tacoma YFC is doing incredible work to engage youth, meet them where they are, and provide meaningful support and guidance—and I’m eager to help expand that impact. I look forward to strengthening relationships with our donors, developing creative fundraising strategies, and building sustainable support that ensures our programs continue to thrive. Most of all, I’m excited to witness firsthand how God is moving in the lives of the youth we serve and to play a role in helping them discover hope and purpose. I’d love to connect with anyone who has a heart for investing in the next generation; We can’t do this alone. Your time, treasurers and talents are vital to uplifting Pierce County Youth.

Why YFC?

For me, Tacoma Youth for Christ represents a powerful intersection of faith, mentorship, and community—three things that have the ability to truly transform young lives. YFC’s commitment to meeting youth where they are, building authentic relationships, and walking alongside them as they navigate life’s challenges aligns deeply with my own passion for youth development and faith-based impact. What drew me to YFC is its unwavering mission to bring hope and purpose to every young person, especially those who are overlooked or facing difficult circumstances. I believe that when young people feel seen, valued, and supported, they can thrive. YFC isn’t just about programs—it’s about people, and that’s what makes this work so meaningful. As Development Director, I’m excited to help expand this mission by cultivating partnerships, engaging with supporters, and ensuring that we have the resources to continue making a lasting difference in the lives of youth in Tacoma and Pierce County. This is more than a job for me; it’s a calling, and I’m honored to be part of the YFC family.

What’s the best book you’ve read lately?  

The best book I’ve read lately is The Awe of God by John Bevere. This book has been a game-changer for me, offering a powerful perspective on the fear of the Lord—not as something to be afraid of, but as a deep, reverential awe that transforms how we approach God, our purpose, and our daily lives. One of the biggest takeaways for me has been how true reverence for God shapes our decisions, our relationships, and our ability to walk in wisdom. It’s challenged me to lean in with greater humility and trust, especially in my work with Tacoma Youth for Christ, where we have the incredible opportunity to reflect God’s love and truth to young people in a real and lasting way. If you’re looking for a book that deepens your faith and shifts your perspective, I highly recommend it!

Besides Jesus, your family, etc., what’s something you love/are passionate about? Or a hobby you have?

Besides Jesus and my family, I’m absolutely passionate about sunshine and waves! Any chance I get, I’m heading straight to the beach. There’s something about the sound of the ocean and the warmth of the sun that instantly brings me peace and clarity. Living in Washington, both sunshine and waves are rare treasures; so I hold onto those moments and look forward to traveling whenever I can to soak them in. The beach is my happy place, my reset button, and a reminder of God’s beauty and creativity.

What do you wish you could say to your 13-year-old self?

To my 13-year-old self: Buckle up, buttercup; you are in for a ride! But through every high and low, know this: You are never alone. You are seen, you are heard, and you are so deeply loved by God. There will be moments when you doubt your worth, question your path, or feel like giving up, but don’t sell yourself short. God has placed something incredible inside of you, and His Word says that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens you. Keep trusting, keep pushing forward, and never forget; there is so much more ahead than you can imagine.

What song do you know all the lyrics to?

I am a lover of all genres so the list is vast. You can catch me singing “Just Around the Riverbend” from Disney’s Pocahontas or any other Disney song for that matter at any moment.

What’s the last thing that cost you no money but made you happy?

A warm hug from a family member or friend. My most favorite thing!