Kay Field, a volunteer with the YWCA’s Pathways for Women Shelter in Lynnwood, was honored with a Spirit of Snohomish County award earlier this month.

The Brier woman was among a number of individuals recognized by the United Way at a breakfast event attended by almost 600 people.

Field created a free legal clinic in 2002 for YWCA’s Pathways for Women site in Lynnwood. The clinic, a joint partnership between the YWCA and Snohomish County Legal Services helps provide women and families access to legal help.

“Without Kay, the families that we serve would be left to figure it out on their own,” said Mary Ann Dillon-Bryant, Senior Regional Director of Snohomish County for YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish.

In addition to giving Field its Spirit of Snohomish County Adult Award, United Way honored several others who have worked to make Snohomish County a better place to live.

Coastal Community Bank received a Community Partner Award. They were recognized for their year-round commitment to the community and in particular for their decision to forgive debts of families who lost property during the SR 530 landslide.

Sarri Gilman, a long-time fixture in the community, founder of Cocoon House and former executive director of Leadership Snohomish County was honored with the Reeves/Sievers Founders’ Award. The award is named for J.A. Reeves and Roy Sievers, who were very active in the creation and growth of United Way in the 1940s.

Kim Tran of Everett won the Spirit of Snohomish County Youth Award and Paul Schubert of Everett won the Spirit of Labor Award.

Rich Harwood, the founder and president of The Harwood Institute, an organization that has partnered with some of the largest nonprofits in the world to help people create meaningful change gave the keynote address. In his remarks he cited Snohomish County’s collaborative spirit and ability to work together toward a common goal as an example for the rest of the nation. He specifically referenced how nonprofits, first responders, government agencies, donors and volunteers came together after the SR 530 mudslide.

Referring to United Way of Snohomish County, Harwood said, “We work with about 250 United Ways across the country. Your United Way is one of the best.”