Fun in the sun at annual Lakeland Village open house

The annual open house at Lakeland Village attracted a large number of guests to the facility in Medical Lake.

The Big Mumbo Blues Band and the Ryanwood Trio took part in the festivities, providing upbeat music for clients and others gathered on a sunny afternoon Thursday, July 19. Representatives from Lakeland Village recognized the hard work of the Lakeland Village Associates, who help provide funding for visits to Olympia. Those visits are typically spent speaking with advocates about mental health programs and funding. The association also helped fund the installation of a satellite TV system at the facility for clients, who, before then, used to only receive three stations.

John Wiley, a public affairs representative with the Department of Social and Health Services, said many clients at Lakeland Village wouldn't have been able to make it on their own. Each situation is different.

“This is a resource for those folks,” he said.

One parent at the event said Lakeland is an, “excellent facility, and I'm so appreciative for them.”