With hot dogs grilling, courtesy of the Pasadena Police Department, music playing and gratitude flowing, more than one hundred people, including government officials, board members, donors and volunteers, attended the free family-friendly Union Station Homeless Services’ 40th Birthday Block Party on Sunday, August 4, 2013.

With the hub of activity taking place at Union Station Homeless Services’ Family Center, supporters were encouraged to share in the celebration by visiting one or more of the organization’s sites, which include Euclid Villa Transitional Housing, Centennial Place and Passages Intake Center.

Also on hand were Union Station’s CEO Rabbi Marvin M. Gross, Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard and local Congresswoman Judy Chu who presented Union Station’s Homeless Services with an official Certificate of Congressional Recognition. Chu commended the organization for the important work it has done thus far during its 40 years of helping men, women and children rebuild their lives and end homelessness and committed to continue to fight the fight with Union Station Homeless Services.

“It has been an extremely busy and productive 40 years and we are thrilled to share this opportunity with people to experience first-hand how we have grown, said Gross. “We are proud of the many accomplishments that our organization and our clients have achieved to date and are honored to continue this important work along with our tireless staff, volunteers, donors and large community of friends.”

Grace Kim, founding member of Union Station’s Homeless Services newly established Young Leaders Society, also shared a common sentiment at the event. “It’s such a great organization, it’s hard not to want to get involved,” said Kim, who serves as a Union Station Board Member in addition to overseeing the 40 plus member team of volunteers and fundraisers that range between the ages of 21 and 39 years old.

Union Station Homeless Services is the San Gabriel Valley’s largest social service agency assisting homeless and very low-income adults and families. With a mission to help men, women and children rebuild their lives and end homelessness, Union Station provides comprehensive services to help homeless individuals achieve self-sufficiency, including intake and assessm­­­­­ent, emergency shelter, case management, career counseling, transitional housing, medical and mental health services, women’s and family services, and housing resources.