Our guest speaker on Friday, October 30th was Sarah Lundstrom, talking about “Take the Next Step.” The organization was founded in 2005 as a drop-in resource center. Take the Next Step, located in Monroe, has evolved into a appointment-only Family Resource Center. The organization's budget grew from $100,000 eleven years ago to nearly $900,000. It's team has expanded to eight staff members with dedicated staff for each program. Funding has diversified with grants now the primary source of income and supplemented by invested reserve funds.
Staff care initiatives, including rotating mental health days, help maintain high staff retention and prevent service disruptions for clients in a crisis. The organization participates in the Snohomish County and Stevens County Family Resource Center networks to standardize values and incorporate community feedback into service design. The organization supports Frank Wagner Elementary School, a Title 1 school where more than 70% of students qualify for free or reduced price lunch and most families speak Spanish. It's after-school Kid's Club provides snacks academic and homework help, reading, thankfulness journals, and games.
In response to the high rates of suicidal ideation and attempts, the organization implemented “Source of Strength” which is an evidence-based suicide prevention curriculum shared with the school district. Other programs include “Growing Together” program, community dinners, small business training classes and so much more. There is a free monthly medical clinic to treat untreated drug-related wounds and provide general healthcare. The outreach program faces recurring shortages of essential supplies-extra large winter jackets, food bags, blankets and socks with no active outreach campaign.