AYR endorses Best Starts for Kids
Published 10:52 am Monday, August 24, 2015
For the Reporter
Having championed the need for better health and human services in South King County for years, the Auburn Youth Resources board of directors has unanimously endorsed King County’s Best Starts for Kids initiative.
The initiative, which will be on the Nov. 3 ballot, will improve the health and well-being of children, youth and families in King County by investing in prevention and early intervention strategies.
“We are passionate supporters of Best Starts for Kids,” said Jim Blanchard, AYR’s executive director. “AYR has been advocating for additional funding to serve high-risk youth and young adults in our diverse South County region for years. The need keeps increasing and getting more complex so it couldn’t come at a better time.
Kim Anardi, board president, added:
“Best Starts is critically important for people like us at AYR who care so deeply about helping our young people grow to be healthy, productive members of our South King County communities.”
AYR was established as a grassroots organization in 1973 to address the growing problem of drug use in the areas surrounding Auburn and Kent. Today, AYR is a leader in engaging vulnerable South King County youth and young adults in services and supports that positively impact their healthy development, mental health, living situation and life skills.
Last year, AYR provided child care and preschool, mental health counseling, substance abuse prevention and treatment, and homelessness services to 4,995 clients at 28 sites in schools, homes, probation offices and at its campus. AYR served an additional 5,000 youth and young adults through its Street Outreach Team that travels around South King County distributing hygiene packs, food packs and information about available resources.
To learn more, visit www.ayr4kids.org.
