Two of Burien's biggest non-profit organizations serving children and families have combined into one organization.
On Nov. 1, Ruth Dykeman Children's Center (established in 1921) became a part of Navos, one of the largest providers of community mental health services to low income people in King County.
After planning and consideration by the agency's Board of Directors and senior staff, Ruth Dykeman Children's Center (RDCC) made the decision to join with Navos. Operating as a single and larger organization will create efficiencies as Navos has earned a reputation as a well-administered organization with strong financial management and support services, according to Dykeman board members.
Jim Dykeman, grandson of the founder, Judge King Dykeman and a long time RDCC Board member, endorsed the agreement to combine agencies, commenting, "I am very pleased about this new relationship with Navos. By integrating our resources during these difficult economic times, RDCC will have additional capabilities to provide programs and services to the more vulnerable children in our community.
Dr. David Johnson, Navos CEO, added "This is a combination that will greatly benefit both organizations: pooling our resources and programs will result in making both RDCC and Navos stronger and more effective in helping children and families with multiple, significant issues requiring a broad range of services."
Following the merger, the RDCC campus by Lake Burien will retain the Ruth Dykeman name and will continue offering its accredited residential treatment programs for youth and adolescents.
RDCC outpatient counseling services will become part of NAVOS' Child and Family Services department and will continue to be offered on the Ruth Dykeman campus.
For 88 years, Ruth Dykeman Children's Center (RDCC) has served the needs of the community through its residential, home and community-based services. Helping children, families, and communities achieve success and self-sufficiency is the primary goal of each of the programs RDCC offers.
NAVOS is a private, non-profit organization founded in 1966 that offers a full spectrum of innovative mental health services to thousands of low income children and adults each year, from crisis intervention to inpatient care to highly specialized and recovery-oriented outpatient services for individuals and families at every life stage.
Navos is building a new facility at South 136th Street and Ambaum Boulevard Southwest.