Family support specialist Morgan Moore helps summer camp participants get creative in the kitchen.

Center for Human Services

Social service organizations are used to money challenges, but this year, according to Center for Human Services employees, they've had to do still more with even less. But such hurdles just make them more committed to their mission of strengthening the community through helping local families. The Shoreline-based not-for-profit is, as one staff member says, a "great organization that serves more than 10,000 clients annually with a staff of less than 90. Our team is dedicated, qualified and energetic to do their jobs."

They get their satisfaction at work from the successes they're continually able to achieve, such as when a father tells them they've turned his life around by helping him find dedication to his kids; or when hundreds of excited children and their parents show up for free haircuts at a back-to-school event. "I just love the work we do at CHS," another staffer tells us. "It is so gratifying to provide much-needed social services in a diverse, loving environment."

Other top finalists*

• C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation
• Crisis Clinic of King County
• ElderHealth Northwest
• Facing the Future
• Foundation for International Understanding Through Students
• GreaterGood.org
• Northwest Burn Foundation
• PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society)
• Peace for the Streets by Kids from the Streets
• Seattle Theatre Group
• The Arc of Snohomish County

*Listed in alphabetical order