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Child Development Center Grand Opening Marked with Joy, Gratitude

September 9, 2021
Over 100 supporters turned out on Aug.19 to celebrate the ribbon cutting and to tour the one-of-a-kind pediatric therapy center


Stories of perseverance and appreciation were punctuated with cheers and hugs at the ribbon-cutting and open house hosted at the Encompass Child Development Center on August 19.
 
The building’s grand opening was some five years in the making, from a capital campaign kickoff in 2016 and the official groundbreaking a year ago, to Thursday evening’s celebration.
 
Legislators and community leaders in attendance included Snoqualmie Tribal Council Chairman Robert De Los Angeles; mayors Matt Larson (Snoqualmie), Rob McFarland (North Bend), and Mary Lou Pauly (Issaquah); King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert; and state representatives Lisa Callan and Bill Ramos.  
 
Throughout the planning and development of the Center, a network of committed stakeholders cultivated strong community and business relationships that kept the project on track for completion. One such supporter was State Representative Lisa Callan, who recalled advocating for the funding of the Child Development Center as one of her first official acts after being elected her first term.
 
Families who benefit from the Center were represented by Rebekah McHugh, whose 6-year-old son, Peter, has worked with Encompass therapists since infancy. Peter is currently receiving speech and physical therapy in addition to receiving services through the Snoqualmie Valley School District. McHugh cited her appreciation for the coordination Encompass therapists have with his school district therapists to ensure the approach and goals are consistent.
 
“Encompass been vital in helping Peter hit each and every developmental milestone,” said McHugh. Commenting on the friendly, child-centered design of the Child Development Center, McHugh described the warm and welcoming reception area as “a direct reflection of the warmth and care of the staff.” She added that Peter especially enjoys the sensory garden and “wants to explore everything there is” at the new facility.
 
Those who had been involved from early on spoke with emotion about their passion for the project and the families it would help. “Every one of you are here today because you know that every child deserves their best chance to thrive,” said Callan, “and that’s exactly what this building is about.”
 
Nela Cumming, Executive Director, paraphrased her favorite statement about the existence of the Center in Snoqualmie Valley: “This is special. This is unique,” she said. “It is the physical embodiment of the love, care, and concern we have for children and families in this valley.”
 
The Child Development Center is located at the corner of 384th Avenue SE and SE Kimball Creek Drive in Snoqualmie.
 
For more information about the Encompass Child Development Center and its services available to all children, visit https://www.encompassnw.org/child-development-center/.
 
Photo caption: Encompass client Rebekah McHugh and Executive Director Nela Cumming perform the ribbon cutting while supporter Miles Yamasaki holds an end.

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