LYNNWOOD—Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW), travel writer guru Rick Steves, multiple stakeholders and investors, and community supporters finally cut the ribbon on Lynnwood’s brand-new, highly anticipated, Lynnwood Neighborhood Center (LNC) near Trinity Lutheran Church and Schools on Friday, January 9.
“The Lynnwood Neighborhood Center is a long-awaited dream and it’s about to open its doors to the public and become a reality,” said Rick Steves. “When this center is full, when the tenants’ doors are open, and people start to take advantage of its services it will breathe life into this building. To me its like an organism, filled, and fueled by us – an energizing metabolism of people coming, people going, needing, sharing, laughing, playing…the result is the fabric of our community will be stronger and those who need these services will benefit people in ways that we can hardly imagine.”
The LNC is Lynnwood’s new 40,000 square-foot facility, which will serve over 20,000 community members annually, from the most vulnerable needing support to at-risk children and youth.
Through various non-profit and organizational partnerships, the LNC will act as a one-stop shop for those seeking, or in need of, community resources, medical, dental and behavioral health clinics, an early childcare education and assistance program (ECEAP) preschool, a Boys & Girls club, technology lab, adult day programs, community events and gatherings, culturally specific programs, refugee and immigrant assistance, a commercial kitchen and café, and classes, trainings and workshops serving the areas of South Snohomish County and beyond.
VOAWW President and CEO Brian Smith, who has been with VOAA for over a decade and has worked on the LNC, in some capacity, from concept through completion, reflected on the history of our nation since this project had first landed on VOA’s desk about 15-years ago, from Blockbuster Video filing its first bankruptcy, to Apple releasing the first iPad, to President Barack Obama’s first year in Presidency.
“Just as our nation has undergone so many changes in that amount of time, so has this project. The services and design have shifted, and morphed, into something that will a spectacular asset for this region for years to come,” said Smith. “We engaged in community listening sessions, we researched community needs assessments, and we really just took a lot of time to reassess the needs of our community in a post-COVID world. We have been able to creates something that will provide targeted, and relevant, services to people of all walks of life.”
But this “shifting” and “morphing” doesn’t stop with its opening later this month. Rick Steves, who has personally contributed the land, and approximately $5 million (including a $1 million match) to the project’s $26.6 million price tag, said the very design of the LNC was strategically intended to “morph” with the community’s shifting needs.
The building was also designed, and constructed, with environmental stewardship in mind – certified Gold in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for utilizing solar energy for power (with solar panels installed on the roof – any surplus of which can be transferred back to the grid), an all-electric community kitchen, and even offering shore power in the parking lot to support an array of food trucks during community events.
Led by GLY Construction, Tyler Tonkin, Executive Vice President, told the Lynnwood Times the most exciting thing about working on the project thus far is knowing the tremendous benefit it will serve for the community.
“The systems are optimized to be highly efficient and clean within the building, the material choices within the building also helped in getting the LEED certification as well as the systems in place,” said Tonkin.
The building’s design, on the other hand, was handled by ARC Architects. Emily Wheeler, with the architecture firm, informed the Lynnwood Times the design was a collaborative process with the many nonprofits who will be setting up shop inside – from interviewing them on their various needs, to implementing it in form and practice.
“One of our primary goals was the make the space welcoming for everybody and I think we’re getting there,” said Wheeler.
National VOA President Mike King applauded VOAWW, specifically President/CEO Smith for his instinctual, “special” gift of, not only getting things done, but moving along the conversation.
“This is just incredible, a phenomenal achievement, how [VOAWW] stayed with it,” said King. “It would have been so easy to throw in the towel, at any step in the way – like many projects do. But the difference is [VOAWW] had the common bond of faith, and commitment, and desire, and love for those who will be benefiting in this. That held [them] together and kept [them] from throwing in that towel. It kept [them] together, and kept [them] moving, and now look at what we have.”
King added that the LNC will become a “national model” for similar resource centers across the country – a much-needed asset in a “time when we’re surrounded by conflict.”
“We’re surrounded by conflict but here you show what love, and trust, and collaboration can do for the human race,” said King.
Trinity Lutheran Church and Schools Lead Pastor Hector Garfias chalked the LNC’s success up to the countless community partners and stakeholders to came together under the shared vision of love for all.
“We are able to do these things when we work together and when we see each other as members of a larger body with a specific call, to be the presence, the catalyst, of healing, transformation and holiness in the community,” said Garfias. “Trinity Lutheran Church and Schools, together with Volunteers of America, I believe have responded to the call to join God’s mission as one, to serve, to nurture, and to love all people and for that I thank God for being a part of the opportunity.”
Background of the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center
The idea for the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center all began in 1996 when travel writer Rick Steves – who, for the first time in his career, found himself having “extra cash on hand” – purchased some property near Trinity Lutheran Church and Schools with the intention of building something community-oriented. At that time, he was considering building affordable housing but decided to “raise the bar,” so to speak.
Not knowing which direction to take it, Steves donated the land to nearby Trinity Lutheran Church, who believed in Steves’ vision but lacked the resources to actualize its ambitious end goal. That’s when they turned towards Volunteers of America Western Washington who, under the leadership of President Smith, transformed an empty plot of land into a much-needed facility that will lead to “generations of twinkles,” Steves said – a phrase he used to describe the “twinkle” in his father’s eye when he attended one of his choir concerts as a kid.
“We’re just so excited. Everyone from the state to four municipalities have given money to this project so everyone can be proud of this gem that we have, the first of its kind in South Snohomish County,” Steering Committee member and Lynnwood City Councilwoman Derica Escamilla told the Lynnwood Times. “This is it, this is what we’ve been waiting for, for forever.”
Other steering committee members included Lynnwood Times Person of the Year for 2025 Wally Webster II who told the Lynnwood Times he’s believed this “was the most impactful building in the City of Lynnwood, and South County, because it brings together all the services for people who need them.”
Though the LNC is 97% funded, including $4.6 million from Snohomish County’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, as well as federal contributions, state contributions, and municipal contributions from Lynnwood, Edmonds, and Mountlake Terrace, there is still about $200,000 left to go for the LNC to open debt-free.
“When Rick spoke to local law makers he spoke to our hearts with his stories. I think what made it possible is the hope, and inspiration, that everybody brought to the table made that possible,” said Representative Cindy Ryu. “This is a demonstration of the partnerships, and talents, from church, to government, to organizations and individuals. It’s a great demonstration how we can absolutely get things done and do it well with a few twinkles in our eyes and so that we can love one another.”
In honor of Rick Steves work on the LNC, his acquisition of a nearby apartment complex reworked to be low-barrier, low-income, housing, and his acquisition of the Lynnwood Hygiene Center, Snohomish County Deputy Executive Kent Patton, speaking on behalf of Executive Dave Somers, read a proclamation recognizing January 9, 2026, as “Rick Steves Day.”
“It’s the fastest growing county in the state, the fastest region in the county. This is a region that needs a facility like this, it has for a long time. As a father of four, to think about a space like this to bring them to, I’m really excited to be a part of it,” said County Councilman Jared Mead.
On the state perspective, Washington State Representative Lauren Davis, told the Lynnwood Times the LNC will be the “Fred Meyer of social services,” or in other words – a one stop shop.
“Things are just so challenging for families that are experiencing all sorts of crises, crises of poverty, of domestic violence, food insecurity. But to be able to come to one location and address a multiplicity of needs is really outstanding,” said Rep. Lauren Davis.
Speaking on the municipal level, new Mayor George Hurst told the Lynnwood Times that South County has always been a “desert” for these types of services but will now have a centralized hub where people can go. Hurst was a member of the Lynnwood City Council when it allocated $1 toward the LNC.
“I can’t be more pleased is going to be responsible for running this building, but I’m really looking forward to this place being a place of gathering. It’s really exciting, it really is,” said Mayor Hurst.
Snohomish County PUD Commissioner Dr. Julieta Altamirano-Crosby, who was also in attendance, told the Lynnwood Times that she is looking forward to the LNC opening and everything it will bring to South Snohomish County.
“As a Steering Committee member, I’m excited to see the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center open and begin serving South Snohomish County, ” Altamirano-Crosby said. “This center represents connection, access, and a strong investment in community well-being.”
A tour of what’s inside
The LNC will have an early learning center, where up to 80 children (ages 3-5) can receive much-needed care in a region struggling to keep up with affordable, accessible, childcare services.
Nearby, a gymnasium will holds a half-court basketball court, and storage space for various sporting equipment. Outside, a full-sized playground offers children the physical outlet to burn off excess energy. This playground was largely supported by the Rotary Club of Lynnwood and its generous donation of $24,000.
Further in you’ll find the senior services rooms which can serve up to 250 seniors and their needs, as well as host workshops and cooking classes.
In the community gathering place (or what Rick Steves calls ‘the Piazza’) a full-sized industrial community kitchen is fully equipped with everything needed to supply hearty and healthy meals, three times a day, to children enrolled in the early education programs. It’s here where a café will also be selling coffee and breakfasts for service providers, or parents dropping their children off at childcare, needing a pick-me-up.
Up the stairs from the piazza is where the offices of multiple community-driven nonprofits will set up shop, offering 600 individuals healthcare through Medical Teams International, 3,500 parents, infants, and young children with basic needs through Child Strive, 2,500 Korean Americans with wraparound support, 1,500 Hispanic residents with workforce training and education via the Latino Educational Training Institute, 2,160 people with mental healthcare and therapy through Center for Human Services, 3,000 families with young people facing homelessness through Cocoon House, 225 children with afterschool programs through the Boys and Girls Club, and more.
Volunteers of America will also have offices on-site offering 10,000 low-income families wraparound support and 50 adults with intellectual disabilities. VOA will also be running the early learning center and senior services center.
Lastly, the LNC’s has a massive community room which has the capacity to fit 500 people at a time, not including outdoor patio seating in warmer weather – separated by a large glass door. This space can be rented out for weddings, conferences, parties, or whatever the community desires. It’s in this community room where Friday’s ribbon cutting took place.
Located at 6330 195th Street Southwest in Lynnwood, the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center will also serve as a vibrant hub where neighbors can meet, learn, and serve, building, and sustaining, safe, stable, and healthy communities for generations to come.
The Lynnwood Neighborhood Center officially opens to the public on January 24. Its grand opening ceremony, which will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature food trucks, entertainment, and more.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
