EVERETT — Adults with special needs have a new place to go to make friends.
All Aboard has moved into a new building at 2913 W. Marine View Drive. It has space for the nonprofit to grow while it continues to raise money for a permanent home.
“That gives us the opportunity to find the perfect location,” said Shannon Danks, who teaches art and other classes at All Aboard.
The organization offers adults with special needs a place to socialize, learn new skills and play games. All Aboard recently moved from its old location at 2507 Broadway into new digs on the lower level of the Knights of Columbus building. It has a five-year lease on the 3,300-square-foot space.
“Oh yeah, I like it,” said client Bob Barr, 61. “We have a bunch of room.”
Eventually, All Aboard hopes to raise $500,000 to buy a building to become the nonprofit’s permanent home. So far, volunteers have raised about $75,000 through bake sales, craft fairs, car washes, art shows and other fundraisers.
In the meantime, the new building is roomier than All Aboard’s previous location, Executive Director Evelyn Pringle said. On a typical day at the Broadway building, about 35 people with special needs and several volunteers were crammed into a 2,000-square-foot space. Now that there’s room, the nonprofit is expanding its offerings and needs more volunteers to help with classes, games and activities.
“It’s never been better for All Aboard,” Danks said. “This place has changed so many people’s lives.”
All Aboard’s founders, Gene and Marie Rogoway, started the nonprofit in 2002 to provide their son, Mike, who has Down syndrome, something to do after he finished his schooling.
After Gene Rogoway’s death in 2011, volunteers decided to form a board of directors to keep All Aboard going. Mike, now 35, lives with Danks. He said he’s is enjoying the new space, especially when he gets to be the DJ. Eddie Barnhart, the client who advises the nonprofit’s board, agreed.
“It’s 10 times better,” Barnhart, 34, said.
Phil Born, who shops for bargains on groceries, makes meals and teaches cooking classes at All Aboard, said he’s happy to have a real kitchen in the new building. He was previously cooking in a space the size of a small walk-in closet.
All Aboard serves more than 250 adults with special needs across Snohomish County and hopes to serve more.
“This is one of the few programs for special needs adults,” said bookkeeper Cherie Estok, noting the clients inspire her to volunteer. “They’re so loving and giving.”
Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports
Fundraisers
The latest All Aboard fundraiser features works from local artists on sale at Anthony’s Woodfire Grill during July and August. The event is sponsored by the Everett Cultural Arts Commission.
Find out about All Aboard’s future fundraisers and volunteer opportunities at allaboardwa.org.
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