Mission Statement

With the belief that every young person should be given the opportunity to grow and progress to their fullest potential, our professional and compassionate staff provide a continuum of programs and services to our evolving and diverse regional community.

Agency History

AYR  was established in 1973 by a group of concerned parents,     educators, & governmental leaders joined to address the growing problem of drug abuse among South King County youth.

In 1976, Dick Brugger was named as the agency’s new executive director. A self proclaimed ex-hippy priest, Dick brought a dynamism to the agency and soon the agency became responsive to the needs of at-risk children and families throughout the region. Dick was a visionary who was highly driven, proactive and a very good listener. He was keenly able to anticipate community needs and driven to provide effective services. In 1980, Dick met with community leaders in Enumclaw to develop a drop-in center for youth. This grew to become Enumclaw Youth & Family Services. In the mid-1980’s, as the Green River Killer threatened our youth, Dick developed the first emergency shelter in South King County.  In the 1990’s, Dick was there again to establish the first street outreach services for  homeless youth. 

What began as a four-person     organization with a budget of $35,000 has blossomed to become a regional provider of mental health, child residential, youth outreach and substance abuse services with 90 employees and an annual budget of over $4 million.

Today AYR and EYFS utilize cutting edge, proven-practice services to serve the children, youth & families of King & Pierce Counties.