Besa Gordon Discusses the Empowering Youth Firearm Outreach Program and Youth Mental Health on Good Day Seattle

Besa Gordon joined Good Day Seattle this morning to discuss the Empowering Youth Firearm Outreach Program (EYFO), a partnership between the University of Washington and the Seattle Police Department.  

At its core, EYFO shares firearm trauma resources and teaches digital literacy situational awareness, empowering young leaders to use their voices and social media platforms for positive change.

Gordon shared that a cohort of students from EYFO had visited her and the Converge team in the Black Media Matter studio yesterday. Their visit came at a deeply emotional time for the group as they navigated the tragic loss of their friend and fellow participant, Traveiah Houfmuse, who was killed just two weeks ago near Rainier Beach High School. 

“These kids are obviously trying to do better and…they can barely even go to school in peace,” she said. 

Gordon also highlighted the trauma support and mental health services available through the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) for students impacted by violence. These free resources are offered at more than 20 schools across Seattle, including Rainier Beach High School, Garfield High School, and Cleveland High School, making support easier to access right where students already are. 

Through her partnership with DEEL, Gordon recently sat down with Pray Shiferaw, a behavioral health coordinator at the Rainier Beach High School teen health clinic. Shiferaw explained that seeking care is a sign of strength rather than weakness. 

“It takes a lot of courage and accountability to be responsible and identify that you need help and want care," Shiferaw said in the interview, explaining that her goal is to provide a listening ear without judgment and to empower students in their choice to seek emotional support.

Reflecting on her three years of covering stories at Rainier Beach High School, Gordon spoke directly to the students, acknowledging that the current environment of fear is "not fair". 

"I didn't have to worry about if I would make it home or if my classmates would make it home from school,” she said, pledging to continue using her platform to ensure youth voices are heard and that they feel seen and supported. "I can't fix the world, but I can definitely make sure that our youth are heard.”

To learn more about DEEL’s services, visit seattle.gov/youthmentalhealth 

Catch Besa Gordon on Good Day Seattle Thursdays at 8:10 a.m. on FOX 13 Seattle and the FOX 13 Local App.