Multi-Service Center unveils newest tool for rebuilding lives in South King County

South King County's leading charity organization has taken a giant leap forward in fighting poverty.

The Multi-Service Center officially opened its new Program Services Building on Oct. 5. The 8,100-square-foot three-story facility will house classrooms for tutoring and employment skills training. Classrooms also cater to students seeking their GED or learning English as a second language.

With demand for human services at an all-time high, the Federal Way charity assists thousands of low-income residents with clothing, food, housing and education. Multi-Service Center's goal is to help these residents rebuild their lives and become more self-sufficient.

In summer 2009, construction began on the $3 million facility, located next to the original "east wing" at 1200 S. 336th St. At Wednesday's grand opening, city leaders lauded the Multi-Service Center's role in meeting the needs of the community.

"We have people who stand at the food bank in a line around the block," Federal Way Mayor Linda Kochmar said, noting the Multi-Service Center's impact on the lives of low-income residents including seniors. "If you can at all help, this is where you come."

Deputy Mayor Dini Duclos, CEO of the Multi-Service Center, said the new building will help the charity itself reach self-suffiency. Aside from providing much-needed space for operations, the building will be paid off in 10 years at a cost that's cheaper than leasing — resulting in more money for programs, she said.

"It completes the picture," said Duclos, who has run the Multi-Service Center for 16 years. Local dignitaries praised Duclos for bringing the right parties together to build the new facility, and for transforming the charity into an integral part of South King County.

King County Councilman Pete von Reichbauer likened the facility to Federal Way's version of Yankee Stadium, commonly referred to as the house that Babe Ruth built.

"This building, Dini," he said, "is the building that you built."

Learn more

Call (253) 835-7678, ext. 105, or go to www.Multi-ServiceCenter.com.

Contact Federal Way Mirror Editor Andy Hobbs at editor@fedwaymirror.com or 1-253-925-5565 (ext 5050).

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.