Together Center

Overview

The Together Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, dedicated to increasing access to human services through innovative collaboration and community engagement. Located in Redmond, Washington, it operates a comprehensive service center where over twenty independent health and human services agencies co-locate to provide a wide range of programs.

History

The concept of the Together Center was realized in 1990, when it became one of the first nonprofit multi-tenant centers in the nation. The founding agencies included Friends of Youth, Hopelink, Youth Eastside Services, and Eastside Human Services Council (EHSC). In 1991, Community Health Centers of King County (now HealthPoint) replaced EHSC as a founding agency. Initially, the center occupied a failing three-building strip mall purchased for $1.6 million, which was remodeled to serve the community effectively[2].

Mission and Vision

The Together Center vision is to create a healthy, housed, and thriving community where individuals can easily access a variety of supportive services in one location. The mission focuses on enhancing lives by connecting people with the help they need, leveraging co-location and collaboration among service providers to empower individuals and communities[1].

Services and Impact

The center offers a diverse array of services, including counseling, child care resources, cultural navigation, mental health programs, substance abuse services, resources for people with disabilities, immigration resources, and medical and dental clinics. By housing multiple agencies in one location, it addresses multiple client needs and helps overcome barriers such as transportation issues. Each year, the Together Center serves over 30,000 residents of East King County[1][2].

Recent Developments

In September 2023, the Together Center celebrated a major milestone with the grand opening of its newly redeveloped campus. This project, led by CEO Kim Sarnecki, included substantial redevelopment and the integration of affordable housing units into the site. The transformation further solidifies the Together Center's role as a community hub for comprehensive human services and housing support[4].

Financial Overview

The organization primarily relies on contributions and program services for revenue. In recent years, contributions have constituted a significant portion of total revenue, with program services also providing substantial income. Executive compensation and other operational expenses are managed effectively within the organization's budget framework[3].