Summer at SYM

Summertime in Seattle is one that deserves to be enjoyed, and we here at SYM want to ensure our clients have the opportunity to experience all that the season has to offer. This summer, we created opportunities for our clients to get out, have fun, build connections, and enjoy some of the simple moments that make summer special. We make sure to do this by planning some sort of activity or outing at least once a month for our clients to enjoy. This summer, SYM had the opportunity to visit the Woodland Park Zoo twice and put on a fun, bingo-filled afternoon with prizes and a special visit from a community member and his ice cream van. The zoo visits were definitely a highlight for both clients and staff, as they were a chance to explore, walk around, and enjoy an experience that was different from the normal environment we spend time in. We got to walk around and enjoy the animals while having interactions, conversations, and experiences outside of our typical day, with a definite favorite moment being getting to say hi to the new lion cub.

We also brought some fun into the drop-in center with bingo. Clients were able to participate, compete for gift cards, and enjoy some friendly competition. What started as a simple activity quickly became an opportunity for laughter, conversation, and connection. The prizes were certainly exciting, but it was just as rewarding to see clients engaging with one another and enjoying the moment. All of us getting to enjoy some ice cream wasn’t too bad either! Planning and getting to participate in these fun days and outings was definitely a highlight of my summer and my time as an SYM intern. It allowed me to connect with and get to know the clients, staff, and the city better. I truly enjoyed and valued having this planning and participation put into our hands, and I especially enjoyed getting to do it alongside the other intern, Jennifer. Throughout this year and the planning process, we grew our experience and strengthened our community with both staff and clients. One of my biggest takeaways from this summer was seeing the different sides of our clients that came out during these activities.

At SYM, our work often involves helping clients navigate immediate needs, connect to resources, or work through difficult circumstances. Those things are incredibly important, but our clients are also people who deserve opportunities to laugh, explore, have fun, and simply enjoy themselves, which was an apparent result of our activities this summer. These outings reminded me that the work we do at SYM isn’t always about solving a problem. Sometimes, it’s about creating a space where someone can feel included, connected, and able to enjoy the moment. These moments helped us build relationships, have fun experiences, and create memories together. As the summer comes to an end, I am grateful for the opportunity to have helped create these experiences and to have shared them with our clients.

- written by Ashlyn Piercy, SYM intern