Auburn Youth Resources (AYR) was established as a grassroots organization in 1973 to address the growing problem of drug use in the areas surrounding Auburn and Kent. Today it is a fully accredited, regional mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, youth and young adult residential center serving South King and North Pierce Counties. Their mission is to assist families in their journey to becoming healthy, effective, loving and self-directed people by providing counseling and support services. 

AYR is a private non-profit agency focusing on serving low-to-moderate-income children, youth and families. Embracing the diversity of the populations they serve, AYR offers a broad range of services in six locations throughout South King and North Pierce Counties. The organization operates four major community-based programs that provide substance abuse treatment, intervention and prevention services, mental health counseling, children’s residential services, child care and Head Start, tutoring, homeless and runaway youth outreach services.