The Alliance of Eastside Agencies (AEA), a professional membership organization of human service providers, held its fifth annual awards luncheon at Bear Creek Country Club earlier this month, to honor outstanding contributions to human services in East King County. The awards were designed to celebrate an elected official, a volunteer, a business, a staff member and a youth or youth organization. This year a legacy award was also given.

Winners of the awards for Outstanding Contribution to Human Services were chosen from among many individuals nominated by Eastside human service providers.

Redmond City Council member Pat Vache was honored for his dedication to human services as demonstrated by his involvement with Hopelink, the Eastside Human Services Forum and the Family Resource Center.

Dr. Shirley Handley, a volunteer for Evergreen Healthcare Access Clinic, donates her time and skills so that people in need can receive quality health care.

PrintCore business has been a dedicated donor and volunteer with Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center.

Paula Matthysse, Operations Manager at the Family Resource Center was honored for her work on the Eastside Cultural Navigator Program and multiple efforts to better meet the needs of immigrants and refugees, domestic violence survivors and others seeking help at the Family Resource Center and throughout the Eastside.

The Voices Group, a youth volunteer organization associated with the Eastside Domestic Violence Program, works with youth that have experienced or been exposed to domestic violence in their homes. They also do outreach in the high schools concerning dating violence and domestic violence.

A special Legacy Award went to Karen Ridlon, founder of Eastside Baby Corner. She has provided resources of baby and children’s items to low-income families for 18 years.

Eastside Baby Corner is a founder-led, all-volunteer organization that helps over 150 different programs and organizations that work with children in need throughout East King County.

“The AEA is pleased to honor members of the community who have played a significant role in supporting human services in East King County. This event highlights the work of those in the community who make the Eastside a better place for all of us to live and work,” said AEA chair David Downing, associate director of Youth Eastside Services.