For the Reporter
Nearly 600 people braved the rain-slicked roads of South King County to fill the beautifully decorated gymnasium at Grace Community Church in Auburn and share breakfast on Feb. 12.
They came together for their annual dose of uplifting stories of survival, fortitude and a challenge from the leadership of the City of Auburn. They came together to give of themselves, their time and their treasures. They came together to make a difference.
Auburn Youth Resources (AYR) has been helping change the lives of its clientele for more than 43 years, using evidence-based therapeutic approaches to mental health counseling and substance abuse intervention and prevention, early childhood education, emergency shelters and homelessness programs as well as transitional housing and basic needs drop-in centers. AYR’s reach has grown over the years to encompass the area from south of Seattle to North Pierce County and all of the cities between.
Breakfast attendees had the opportunity to listen to three speakers who had been or are currently in programs at AYR. Chris Robinson spoke of his awakening, while incarcerated in the King County Jail, and knowing that he needed someone to set him on the right path and begin getting his life back in order.
Lacey Cambell-Wessel asked the audience to see her when they looked at her on the streets of Auburn. She told a story of having two interviews go well and walking into her third interview and being told that she “had no business being in this (store). I have seen you on the streets and know that you are homeless … and you’re not welcome here.”
Following her speech, Dana Hinman, filling in for Mayor Nancy Backus, issued a challenge to the business owners present. Dana asked if anyone in the room was willing to offer Lacey, and any other youth/young adult, an opportunity to apply for employment at their businesses. Not surprisingly, a dozen or so hands rocketed to the sky. To this date, Lacey has been invited to six interviews, with more on the horizon
Finally, Christopher Little told of growing up with a drug-addicted mother with his two siblings. After finding his mother unconscious, he called Child Protective Services (CPS) and was told there was nothing they could do for him and his brothers. CPS gave him the number to AYR, which he called, and life got better for him. He was able to sleep in his first real bed, go to school, find employment and enjoy stability.
Christopher went on to graduate high school, get accepted to the University of Washington, graduate with a degree in microbiology and is now studying for his MCATS (Medical College Admission Tests). He is a success … not bad for a kid from little old Auburn who had no hope.
Hope is alive and well in South King County, thanks to the many people who support AYR and the work being accomplished through their generous donations. It’s nice to see what can be done when 600 or so people get up and go to breakfast at 6:30 am.
Donations are still being accepted. If you want to give, please me at michaelja@ayr4kids.org or call 253-351-6090, or you can give online at www.ayr4kids.org.
Michael A. Jackson, MBA, is development director for Auburn Youth Resources.
