October 31, 2019
City of Renton Contacts
Kelly Beymer, Community Services Administrator, 425-430-6617
Preeti Shridhar, Deputy Public Affairs Administrator, 425-430-6569
City of Renton and partners cut ceremonial ribbon to move forward on construction of Family First Community Center
Center will provide health care and youth services to the Cascade/Benson Hill area of Renton
RENTON, WA ¬– The Family First Community Center took another step towards becoming a reality as Renton Mayor Denis Law was joined by project partners and community leaders at a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the site adjacent to Cascade Elementary School on Oct. 26.
“This symbolic ribbon cutting tells the community we are moving forward with the construction of the Family First Community Center,” said Mayor Law in remarks to the crowd. “This new center is possible thanks to the vision and support of Doug Baldwin, collaboration between the city and the school district, and the generous support from local businesses, Rotary Club of Renton and state and county representatives.”
Mayor Law was joined at the ceremony by Baldwin, former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver; Dr. Damien Pattenaude, Renton School District superintendent; Tom Trompeter, CEO of HealthPoint; Charles DeLaurenti, Chair First Financial Northwest Foundation; Renton City Council; members of the Renton School Board; and business and service club donors.
The $15 million Family First Community Center project has raised just over $10.3 million, with other commitments forthcoming. Renton City Council was the first to donate, contributing $4 million. Doug Baldwin contributed $1 million through his Family First Community Center Foundation and Renton School District donated the land, which was valued at $450,000. HealthPoint, a community-based, community-supported and community-governed network of non-profit health centers, will provide and manage services at the center.
Other project contributors include First Financial Northwest Foundation ($3 million), Washington State Legislature ($1.5 million), Starbuck’s Foundation ($151,000), Car Pros Renton ($128,700), Tom & Karen Easton and their company ATS Automation ($121,000), Rotary Club of Renton members ($120,000), Seattle Seahawks ($70,000) and individual donors ($25,000). Contributions can be made via Renton Regional Community Foundation. Simple click the “Donate Now” button and select “Family First Community Center” from the list of funds.
The project started over four years ago when Baldwin, who then lived in the Cascade/Benson Hill area of Renton, visited Mayor Law to see what could be done to assist youth in that community. The two worked together on several ideas, before focusing on a community center that would provide a wide range of vital services to families and youth in the area.
The Cascade/Benson Hill area was annexed to the City of Renton in 2008, and has almost a quarter of the city’s population, with 12 percent living below the poverty line. Twenty percent of the population is 14 years or younger and the community is very diverse. The area has been historically underserved, though after the area was annexed, the city increased police services and also made significant investments in roads and infrastructure. However, there has been no investment in recreation services for family and youth.
“This project will improve the lives of many people living in our community,” said Mayor Law. “We’re already think about the groundbreaking celebration early next year!”
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About the City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 104,700 (2019), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace and favorable business climate have attracted the attention of nationally recognized companies that are providing employees and their families an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, the Seattle Seahawks, and the eternal resting place of Jimi Hendrix. More information can be found on our website, news releases, or Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
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