Patti Skelton-McGougan, executive director for Youth Eastside Services (YES), was honored Friday at the Together Center’s 20th anniversary celebration (formerly Family Resource Center). Skelton-McGougan was recognized as a board “champion” for her 10 years on the board of directors and her continued commitment as an ambassador and advisor to the organization.

She was among 20-plus heroes who were acknowledged during the ceremony.

“Though no longer on our board, Patti continues to be a terrific supporter and we consider her one of our heroes,” said Pam Mauk, executive director of Together Center during the celebration held at the Redmond campus.

YES was one of four organizations instrumental in founding the Together Center which now includes 18 agencies who served more than 67,000 people in 2009. As one of the first nonprofit multi-tenant centers in the nation, Together Center lowers barriers to finding help by giving those in need a single place where they can access multiple human service agencies for everything from mental health services and medical care, to food, housing and more.

“It’s been great to see the center evolve and grow over the years and it’s so vital for Eastside families to have a single location where they can get the support they need,” said Skelton-McGougan. “By gathering together, we can work as one in solving issues facing our community and it’s been an honor to be part of that synergy,” she added.

The 20th anniversary celebration attracted more than 100 dignitaries and supporters from all over King County, including city council members from Redmond, Kirkland and Sammamish.