The grand opening was a time LCSNW staff, organizations and community members to come together. Pictured here is Center Manager Seanna Herring-Jensen, Advisory Council Chair Kari Pendray, LCSNW Family Support Counselor Peggy Ray, Barb Welsh, whose husband died in the SR 530 Slide, and Lori Morgan, former staff and now volunteer.
The Arlington Community Resource Center (ACRC) officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration Thursday, Oct. 1.
Developed in response to the SR 530 Slide in March 2014 near Oso, the Center formed through a partnership of organizations dedicated to bringing hope and healing to the Stillaguamish Valley after the tragedy. Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW) is the lead partner in establishing the ACRC, which is located within the Stillaguamish Valley Senior Center.
LCSNW President and CEO David Duea praised the hard work of the LCSNW Family Support Program to get the Center up and running. It is the eighth Family Support Center in King, Snohomish and Clallam Counties. For more than 20 years, the centers have helped people create brighter futures and lead healthy, stable lives.
ACRC unofficially opened in January by offering counseling, support groups and housing assistance. In June, the center expanded with family wraparound services, providing access to basic needs (food, housing, clothing, etc.), child care resource and referral, transportation assistance and substance abuse treatment. The Center is expected to serve approximately 1,000 people this year.
LCSNW staff and CEO present at the event discussed the future of the Arlington Community Resource Center. Left to right are Center Manager Seanna Herring-Jensen, CEO David Duea and Development Director Jaime Schilling.
“I’ve met a lot of people with some very unique stories – often where one thing changed their lives,” said ACRC Manager Seanna Herring-Jensen. “They came in for help and we were here. It’s a humbling experience, but I’m glad we can be part of their journey.”
Other officials who took part in the ceremony were Arlington Mayor Barbara Tolbert, LCSNW Family Support Director Crisann Brooks, Bill Tsoukalis (Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Snohomish County), Jo Olson (Executive Director of the Stillaguamish Senior Center), Pastor Kathryn Buffum, assistant to the Bishop of the Northwest Synod and Arlington City Fire Chief Bruce Stedman.
To donate to the Center, or for more information, visit www.lcsnw.org/seattle/arlington.html. To read more about the official opening, see the Everett Herald article: Arlington resource center fills many needs.
The ribbon cutting ceremony included Bill Tsoukalis (Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club, Snohomish County), Jo Olson (Executive Director of the Stillaguamish Senior Center), Mayor Barbara Tolbert and LCSNW Family Support Center Director Crisann Brooks.
