A History of Auburn Youth Resources

A Legacy of Hope

In 1973, a small group of concerned parents, educators, and government leaders joined to fight for youth who could not fight for themselves. This small group, along with the support of Auburn's First United Methodist church, created an organization that would address the growing problem of drug use among Auburn's youth.

Originally named Auburn Information on Drugs, we soon became Kent Auburn Youth Resources and, finally, Auburn Youth Resources (AYR). Nearly 30 years later, AYR has grown from a modest operation with three part-time employees and an annual budget of $16,000 – to a state-licensed mental health and residential service provider – with an operating budget of over $2 million and more than 60 full-time employees.

1976 to 1996: The Building Years

Dick Brugger was named the agency's executive director in 1976. For 20 years Mr. Brugger, and the board of directors helped the agency develop. AYR's mission continued to evolve in response to the changing needs of Auburn's youth. AYR expanded its realm of influence by transitioning from a community-based entity for Auburn's youth to a service provider for the whole region.

In the 1980s, we began the first outreach, emergency shelter, and residential programs for homeless and abandoned youth in this area. Later, through a collaborative effort with the city of Federal Way, AYR established a drop-in center near the SeaTac Mall for youth in need of shelter and protection.

AYR's reputation for being both proactive and responsive to the needs of families and youth in crisis was again demonstrated with the opening of offices on the Enumclaw Plateau. Counseling, case management, and school-based outreach programs were opened in Enumclaw under the name Enumclaw Youth and Family Services. A teen drop-in center, similar to the one that existed in Federal Way, was made possible through a partnership with the City of Enumclaw.

The Legacy of Hope Continues

Today, AYR is a private, nonaligned, not-for-profit agency that provides mental health and residential services to youth and families in crisis throughout South King County. Currently, AYR operates the only state licensed transitional living program in all South King County for boys between the ages of 15 and 18 and an emergency shelter and residential care program for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 18. The agency is governed by an 18-member board of directors, which consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and career disciplines.

AYR has implemented individual, group, and school-based outreach programs designed to help alleviate pressing social problems relating to drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, domestic abuse, and anger management.

Counseling for at-risk youth and families has been a core concept of AYR since its inception. AYR provides case specific counseling for youth and families, which addresses challenging issues such as substance abuse, anger management, and domestic abuse. Special programs are available for children with learning and behavior disorders (such as ADD / ADHD). Early intervention and treatment for toddlers utilizing play therapy has proved effective in helping children and families better understand and manage learning and behavior disorders.

AYR's professional clinical staff, in partnership with area schools, provides outreach services designed to help at-risk youth deal with similar issues in group and individual counseling settings. In addition, AYR's case management staff networks with other service providers in the community to ensure that youth and families in need of immediate assistance with food, shelter, and clothing receive appropriate care and services.

AYR will continue to create and implement innovative programs that meet the challenges of children today and in the future.

The AYR staff is committed to providing encouragement, support, and hope to youth and their families in South King County now and for as long as these services are needed.