Hopelink will celebrate 40 years of serving local families with an Anniversary Gala in Bellevue on May 19.

Since beginning as a neighbor-to-neighbor jobs program in Bothell in 1971, Hopelink estimates it has provided services to one million people and has become the largest social services agency serving north and east King County.

Through the years, the agency has broadened its focus from emergency intervention to include the longer term support needed by at-risk families and individuals. In 1984, Hopelink opened the first and only emergency shelter for homeless families in north and east King County and later, introduced transitional housing to the community. In 2001, Hopelink merged with Eastside Literacy to help equip adults with the basic literacy skills they need to be better family members, workers and community members.

Today, Hopelink provides an array of social services through more than 35 different programs, including housing, transportation, case management, financial assistance, employment, adult education and literacy training, a vast referral network and five food banks.

The gala at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue begins at 6 p.m. and includes a four-course dinner with hosted wine, music, dancing and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $150 and all proceeds benefit Hopelink.