ABOUT US
Mission
Lifted!’s mission is to amplify and nurture the voices of urban youth (ages 5 to 19),
cultivating a deep sense of belonging for them and their families, unearthing and
making room for the gifts and talents within, celebrating our individual and
collective beauty, and uplifting the hearts and souls of our community through the
embodied joy, culture and good news of black gospel music.
Vision Statement
To be known as a brave and empowering space where young people feel seen,
heard, valued and invested in. Lifted aims to be a platform and launching pad for
the gifts and talents of urban youth in our local community, offering resources,
mentors and relevant skill training for continued success. We desire to remain a
space where black culture, art and music is unapologetically celebrated and
uplifted and where families find support, belonging and life-long community
connections. We aim to be a place of healing, joy and hope for our community and
beyond.
Daily Affirmation
"I am loved. I am worthy of love. I am excellence. And this is my family.
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Our Story
At Lifted!, our journey began in 2021 through the partnership of Seattle Children’s Chorus (SCC) and Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, guided by Director Crystal Hairston’s vision to nurture youth talents through gospel music.
This partnership revealed the need for a program rooted in community values, accessibility, and cultural understanding. With parents’ support—and SCC’s blessing—we launched Lifted! as an independent, tuition-free, community-driven children’s choir.
Lifted! reflects our commitment to inclusivity and mirrors the rich diversity of Burien, where 35% of families are first-generation immigrants and 46% live in bilingual households across Latinx, Asian, Native/Indigenous, NHPI, Black, and mixed-race identities.
Our Timeline
Our Director
Meet Crystal Hairston, a Pacific Northwest native hailing from the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon. As the daughter of two pastors and the member of a large musical family, Crystal's journey began with an early love for God and a passion for music. As she embarked on her musical pursuits, she discovered her calling in the realm of urban missions and pastoral ministry.
Crystal's remarkable journey spans over 15 years, during which she lent her vocal talents to a diverse range of gospel, CCM (Contemporary Christian Music), and secular musical projects. This rich musical background ultimately unveiled her true passion: working with children. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, Crystal's commitment to education led her through a decade of service in both public and private sectors.
In 2012, Crystal's path led her to the thriving city of Seattle, WA. Here, she seamlessly blended her love for education and her musical inclinations as an elementary vocal music teacher. Within this role, Crystal found a harmonious space to channel her artistic prowess, including stage production, songwriting, and art design. As a multi-talented individual, she also embraced the role of worship leader, captivating diverse audiences with her musical expressions.
Currently, Crystal Hairston proudly serves as the Director of Worship Arts at Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, where her musical gifts and educational fervor intertwine seamlessly. Beyond her congregational contributions, Crystal remains deeply engaged with her community as a mentor, advisor, vocal coach, and visual artist.
Yet amidst her myriad of responsibilities, her most cherished moments are those spent alongside her best friend and husband, Tali, and their beautifully blended family of six.