The Lynnwood Neighborhood Center: A Beacon of Hope for Vulnerable Communities

Last week on "The Day with Trae," Dr. Steve Woodard, a council member in Mountlake Terrace and VP of Community Engagement with Volunteers of America Western Washington (VOAWW), discussed his work in Snohomish County, the importance of community involvement, and the upcoming opening of the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center.

Dr. Woodard, who is running unopposed for reelection as a council member, expressed his deep love of Mountlake Terrace and its community. Noting the city’s history of systemic racism and his own residence having been redlined, Woodard emphasized the significance of Mountlake Terrace potential having three sitting African Americans on the council, including himself. "It really is deeply humbling to know that somehow my name is associated with that, let alone that somehow I'm kind of at the apex," he stated.

He also spoke about the African-American Leaders and Professional Network, a group he started with Wally Webster and Donnie Griffin. What began as a series of lunches among them quickly evolved into a broader initiative to connect Black leaders and professionals in Snohomish County. The Network, which started solely as a volunteer group, rarely sees fewer than 30 attendees and has hosted training and focus groups with the Washington State Department of Transportation, according to Woodard. From his perspective, the Network’s development demonstrates a commitment to both community building and tangible progress in making the world a better place.

A significant part of Dr. Woodard's work is with the Volunteers of America Western Washington, particularly the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center. This 40,000-square-foot facility which he proclaimed a "regional resource," is "devoted to love, dignity, and respect for our most vulnerable populations." It will offer early childhood learning, respite care, a commercial kitchen for startups, event space, a tech lab, and a wellness center with behavioral health services. Partners include the Boys and Girls Club, Cocoon House, Korean Community Services, and the Latino Education Training Institute. 

Aspiring for environmentalism in construction and operation, the center is set to receive its keys in October and officially open to the public in January. It's a testament to collaboration, with support from all levels of government and private donors, including Rick Steves, whom Dr. Woodard praised as " a committed social activist who recognizes need and how to get involved."

Dr. Woodard emphasized the power of volunteering, calling it "the most precious commodity that we have right now." He passionately urged people to "get involved," whether at the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center, a food bank, or by donating blood. He shared his personal goal of reaching 100 gallons of blood donated, having already given 80 units. "It genuinely is saving lives," he affirmed, highlighting that Bloodworks Northwest even connects donors to stories of those who received their units.

He concluded the interview by offering five expressions to live by: "Get involved," "Always a reason to keep your head up," "Teamwork makes the dream work," "Dream bigger," and "Protect your joy." He believes that by following these steps, "we can all lock arms and get this world back where we want it."

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, Dr. Woodard encourages reaching out to him directly or visiting voaww.org.