Lakeland Village
Helen Boots, Chairman

Lakeland Village is located in Eastern Washington on the outskirts of Medical Lake. It was established by the state of Washington to help children and adults with physical and mental handicaps. In past years it provided help for special needs children whose families did not have resources to care for them. Also, there was a period of time when families could have their children housed full time at the facility or bused daily to and from the facility by the Medical Lake School District for schooling. Since the incorporation of many special needs children into the public schools, the State facility’s focus has changed. The makeup of the residents has changed as well as the funding for these facilities. Many residents have no families; many have families who do not provide support of any sort. Because of this need for both personal and financial support this school needs our help. Several ways have been identified as a means for each and every Auxiliary member to help. These include;

A Card Program Have you ever had a time in your life when you went to the mailbox expecting to have a special letter arrive only to find the box empty. Now hold on to that feeling and remember it when thinking about the residents at these two schools. For most, the mailman comes daily and brings them nothing. A card in the mailbox with their name on it is the highlight of a lifetime for them. For residents at these schools this card, a card with their name on it becomes their ‘pot of gold’. They carry this card for months showing it to all who will see it. To them it gives them importance. This small act shows someone cares. Contact the Department Children and Youth Chairman or the School Chairman for a name and address.

A Vocational Program At Lakeland Village many residents are involved in vocational training. The school contracts piece work with outside agencies for the residents. This work, as well as those who work in the various retail outlets within the grounds, will allow residents a means to earn a small wage. With this wage they can go to the Lakeland Village canteen, clothing store or rent g-rated videos.

Unfortunately with the changing times, piecework has become harder to contract. However, a new program has been developed. The "We be beads" program, was created to help alleviate the piecework shortage.  It is a means to benefit the residents and allows the Auxiliary members to participate by purchasing beads.  The residents are producing beads for jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, key rings etc.  The project is a viable means of training.  The residents learn to fill orders, make and paint beads.  Remember these items are "made by special hands with special hearts at Lakeland Village".