Catholic Community Services of Western Washington

Catholic Community Services is “the largest local provider of assistance to poor and vulnerable people in the state of WA” (from their website). CCS sponsors the HOME program in Kent to shelter homeless men, runs Katherine House, also in Kent as well as Rita’s House in Auburn, both of which provide transitional housing for homeless women who are in recovery from addiction. CCS can help clients with pregnancy and parenting support, foster care, child and family mental health, senior chore services, and other help.

Source: ccsww.org

Auburn Food Bank

In 1930 a family was burned out of their home and neighbors helped gathered what they would need to restart. At the end of that "project", there was enough left over to help more families, and the Auburn Community Chest was formed. Over the years and with new partnerships the Auburn Food Bank has become a staple in the community, assisting nearly 140 families every day by providing food, referrals, and emergency assistance to those in need.

Source: http://www.theauburnfoodbank.org/

Nexus (AYR)

In 1973 a concerned group of parents, educators, and local civic leaders joined together to address the growing problem of drug abuse among South King County youth, this group founded what was known at the time as Auburn Youth Resources. What began in 1973 as a four-person organization with a budget of $35,000 has become a regional provider of mental health counseling, homeless and emergency shelter, residential, youth outreach and substance abuse services with over 90 employees.

Source: http://nexus4kids.org/

See Ya Later Foundation

Nearly everyone has been affected by a medical crisis of some sort. Typically, disappointment, fear and discouragement settle on family and friends. Support from others is extremely important when dealing with a family member’s medical issues. Regular activities and schedules and even jobs are sometimes set aside to take care of their unique needs. We’ve been there.

When 10 year-old Scott Banke was diagnosed with a rare type of bone cancer on his mother’s birthday in July of 1999, family and friends supported them in a variety of ways.  They provided meals, spent time with their daughter, visited them at the hospital, sent cards, wishes and prayers, decorated their house with Christmas lights, and brought snow and built a snowman in their front yard even when there was no snow in town and much more.

After the two-year battle, and in memory of Scott Banke, the mission began. Scott had an unexplainable impact on many people. That’s the reason why his closest adult friends had such a passion to make something good out of something bad. Almost immediately, the idea and vision of a huge indoor play structure, free and open to the community was brought to the Banke family for approval. This was one way to honor the boy who made everyone smile. The family’s consent launched a series of opportunities for Scotty’s friends, the community and beyond

Today See Ya Later provides camps for kids, scholarships to help students continue their education, resources to families, and much more.

Source: http://www.seeyalater.org/

Auburn Valley Humane Society

The Auburn Valley Humane Society (AVHS) opened its doors in early 2013. AVHS is much more than just "the pound". It's a community education center where pets and people can come togehter.

Source: http://auburnvalleyhs.org/

Communities in Schools of Auburn

Originally founded in 1985 as the Auburn School Lunch Fund, Communities In Schools of Auburn connects community resources with students and schools throughout Auburn but primarily focuses on addressing the most significant risk factors for students dropping out of school.

Source: https://auburn.ciswa.org/

Green River College Foundation

The Green River College Foundation was founded in 1975. Their four focuses are Access, Capacity Building, Flexibility, and Success. In recent years they have significantly increased the scholarships awarded to students now reaching nearly 300 students each year.

Source: https://www.greenrivercollegefoundation.org/