CHS and KCHA partner for Open House at Ballinger Homes

On April 9th, 2014, an open house was hosted by two of the King County Housing Authority AmeriCorps members, Elizabeth Johnson and Karla Urioste, at Ballinger Homes. The purpose of this event was to not only celebrate the kids’ success at the program, but to truly honor and recognize the hard work these two service members have accomplished. As a team, they planned an Open House that highlighted program activities, displayed student projects, and featured a youth speech along with two youth musical performances. 

Rep. Ruth Kagi with KCHA Executive Director Stephen Norman

In hopes of bringing the community together, invitations were given to the youth residents, family members, friends, Center for Human Services’ Staff members, State Representative Ruth Kagi, and the Executive Director of King County Housing Authority, Stephen Norman. By the end of the evening, the open house transformed from a small event to a successful celebration. The appreciative speeches given by both Stephen Norman and Representative Ruth Kagi, were only superseded by the emotional youth speech and performances. That night the community came together and was able to recognize the impact AmeriCorps members have on organizations, society, and people.

Program participant Mariam Hassan performing at the Open House

Since its inception in 1994, AmeriCorps has engaged more than 80,000 Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. The KCHA AmeriCorps team serves at 13 sites throughout King County, WA. Locally, Center for Human Services in Shoreline and KCHA have worked together for over 10 years to provide services for the families living at Ballinger Homes. This partnership supports the non-profit’s capacity to better serve the community.

AmeriCorps provides AmeriCorps provides a variety of opportunities to gain work and life experience while serving your community and country. By being a part of this service, you become a part of a solution to our country’s most challenging problems. Serving in AmeriCorps would allow you to build a better future for not just yourself, but our country as a whole. 

Visit their website for more opportunities!