Youth Eastside Services (YES) will officially open the doors to its new central headquarters Friday, Sept. 26, with a Celebration of Kids and Families, featuring tours, games, music, juggling and magician performances, life-sized puppets, refreshments and more.
The event, running from 4 to 6 p.m., will take place at YES’ new building, 999 164th Ave. NE, in Bellevue’s Crossroads Park. The celebration is part of YES’ year-long commemoration of 40 years of service to greater Eastside communities.
The grand opening, scheduled for 4:30 p.m., will feature comments from:
* Patti Skelton-McGougan, YES executive director;
* Bill Henningsgaard, YES board president and campaign chair;
* Rob McKenna, state attorney general;
* Jane Hague, King County councilmember;
* Grant Degginger, Bellevue city mayor; and
* YES’ young clientele.
Since volunteers created it in 1968, YES has been helping young people and their families cope with emotional issues, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual abuse, violence, cyber threats, teen parenting and other challenges.
“This is an exciting time and it’s long overdue,” said Patti Skelton-McGougan, executive director for YES. “We can now better serve the needs of our growing number of clients, and our dynamic location is opening doors to more partnership opportunities.
YES planned, constructed, equipped and staffed the new facility to accommodate the Eastside’s rapid growth and need for services. The agency secured a 50-year lease with the City of Bellevue and continues to receive generous community support.
Their ongoing capital and service expansion campaign has raised $9.7 million to date, and an additional $800,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation will be awarded if the agency reaches its campaign goal by October 1 of this year.
At 22,000 square feet, building capacity has been doubled and includes 22 individual and group counseling rooms and more.
The design integrates an open desk space concept, referred to as touchdown spaces, to accommodate community and school-based YES counselors, and designates areas for administrative support and employee interaction. Meeting rooms offer access to an outdoor patio, and provide generous capacity for large group gatherings. Other enhancements include areas for private client meetings, a controlled and secured entrance, elevator, and disabled access. Agency parking is accessed adjacent to the building.
The facility’s exterior complements the atmosphere of Bellevue’s Crossroads Park and features a commemorative brick pathway leading to the entrance to the building. Inside elements include an open-air atrium lobby and oversized gas fireplace. Local artwork will soon be added.
“The facility and our location make a statement,” notes Skelton-McGougan. “We offer an inviting setting and complement the diversity of the Crossroads area and the offerings of the adjacent park. The entire area promotes well-being for kids…physically, environmentally, and we offer the mental health services side.”
Through their capital and service campaign, YES plans to relocate their Kirkland satellite office from Rose Hill to North Kirkland, and open new satellite facilities in South Bellevue and on the Sammamish Plateau. The agency also has an office in Redmond, and provides services at community and teen centers and schools in the Lake Washington and Bellevue school districts. The expansion of services and programs were designed to meet the projected needs of serving nearly 43,000 Eastside kids and families by 2015.
YES is located at 999 164th Ave. NE in Bellevue’s Crossroads Park. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The phone number is 425.747.4937. For driving directions, a schedule of events, and an overview of YES broad range of services, visit www.youtheastsideservices.org.
About Youth Eastside Services
Youth Eastside Services is a lifeline for kids and families coping with challenges such as emotional distress, substance abuse and violence. This is the agency’s 40th year of serving youth and families in East King County. Through intervention, outreach and prevention, YES continues to build confidence and responsibility, strengthen family relationships, and advocate for a safer community that cares for its youth.
