Pierce County Resource Guide to Services and Supports for Individuals
Who Experience Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities
(section links below).
Please call our office at 253.564.0707 to make arrangements to pick up your copy!
Dear Reader:
This Pierce County Resource Guide is dedicated to the hard work and commitment of those who have endeavored
timelessly over the years to “keep the promise.”
We want to acknowledge the generous support of Pierce County Human Services, Developmental Disabilities
Program, in providing the funds to update and print this important comprehensive guide to services and supports
for individuals who experience intellectual/ developmental disabilities. This important tool will assist you in
navigating the public and private programs and services available throughout Pierce County and beyond.
The Pierce County Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (PC2) welcomes the opportunity to assist individuals
and families in finding the services and programs that best meet your needs. We are here to answer your calls
if you need further assistance. Whether you are an individual who experiences an intellectual/developmental
disability, have a family member who experiences an intellectual/developmental disability, work within the disability
field, or are in the general community, we welcome your questions and concerns.
We acknowledge that, when compiling this complex list of resources, there are changes that can occur during the
production process. Please know that every effort was made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of agency
information.
Our experiences speak to the complexities of parenting a child/youth with constant behavioral health care needs. We help parents: increase daily coping strategies, navigate systems (school, juvenile court, and mental health) and develop an on-going support network. Our mission is to strengthen families for the long-haul - building resiliency for life one family at a time!
Aging and Disability Resources offers a wide range of community-based services that allow older adults and adults with disabilities to remain at home as long as possible. These services address the needs of frail, older and functionally disabled adults living in Pierce County. ADR can review your service needs and eligibility, help you make informed choices and access services, help you develop a plan that addresses your health, housing and safety needs, review your situation and help you make changes to the plan as needed. ADR provides case management, family caregiver support, services to help unpaid caregivers caring for aging parents, ailing spouses, partners, disabled adult children, or friends suffering from a debilitating illness, Long Term Care Ombudsman, and an Aging & Disability Resource Center. ADR also provides Lifespan Respite care (or short-term relief) for families and primary caregivers to restore and strengthen their ability to continue providing care for a child or adult with special needs. Please visit our website or call for more information.
The Mission of the Assistance Dog Club of Puget Sound (ADCPS) is to provide a safe, supportive environment for persons with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs and to provide educational opportunities for the local business community and the general public, including persons dedicated to the raising and training of assistance dogs.
The mission of Autism Society of Washington is to improve the lives of all affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders in Washington State. The vision of the Autism Society of Washington is to promote lifelong access to appropriate treatment and interventions for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. ASW also advances opportunities for individuals to be fully integrated and participating members of their communities by providing support to families and promoting advocacy, public awareness, education, and dissemination of current research related to autism. Check out our website for all the amazing links and information we provide.
Bethel Family Center is a community based program that provides linkage to services and resources for Bethel families. Bethel Family Center provides information and assistance with applying for Basic Food, Medicaid, and other services through DSHS. Emergency hygiene products and school supplies are also available on a limited basis. Contact us for more information.
The Brain Energy Support Team is a non-profit organization founded in 2008. Our mission is to provide support, advocacy, & education to individuals with a brain injury & their families. BEST distinguishes itself from other brain injury organizations in that the leadership, services, & programs are built by and for individuals with brain injury & their families. Programs include support groups, Project PEER, & education/outreach.
CFI is a non-profit organization serving as a resource for individuals with disabilities to fully access and participate in the community through outreach, advocacy, and independent living skills development. Our core services are: peer mentoring, info & referral, advocacy - individual and systemic, independent living skills training and transition services. Also offered: peer mentoring support groups, social activities and events, resource website, training on finding and keeping an attendant, and adaptive computer skills training. CFI serves Pierce, Thurston, South King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, Island, and San Juan Island Counties. Visit the website for additional statewide locations and contact info.
Our mission is to cultivate the advancement of the Latino and Indigenous communities by providing social services and educational programming while honoring heritage and culture through the arts. Our services include bilingual family services, advocacy and referral for individuals and families in crisis, guide and support for families through the court, healthcare, and social service system, and educational forums that effect the community.
Child Welfare Information Gateway connects professionals and the general public to information and resources targeted to the safety, permanency, and well-being of children and families. A service of the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to programs, research, laws and policies, training resources, statistics, and much more.
Children’s Therapy Unit (CTU)
Mary Bridge Good Samaritan, Dr. Donald and Beret Mott Children's Center
Mary Bridge Good Samaritan Children’s Therapy Unit (CTU) helps infants, children and adolescents who have special needs. We are dedicated to helping each child become as functional and independent as possible. The CTU is also connected to the Mary Bridge Pediatric Neurosciences Center, Southwest Washington’s most comprehensive integrated resource for pediatric neurosciences care. Together, the CTU and Mary Bridge collaborate to provide children and families the special care they need.
TACID offers a number of peer groups to facilitate our goal to effectively promote advocacy, self-direction, and self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities. TACID services are free and the building is differently-abled friendly. We offer a monthly support group pamphlet of groups, workshops and activities. To receive a copy, please email us a request. A group event calendar is available on the website.
DADS M.O.V.E. (Mentoring, Others with Voices of Experience)
Our vision is to provide every male caregiver, in every community of the United States and its territories, the tools, support, and training needed to be fully engaged in the recovery of their children. No man in any part of this country, whether the largest metropolitan city or the most rural community, should be excluded from the opportunity to help their children and family flourish. Dads M.O.V.E. supports the use of evidence based practices to effectively help families. We offer: collaborative parenting skills, CIT training, juvenile justice, WRAP, high fidelity wraparound, S.M.A.R.T. IEP plans, and peer support specialists. Check out our website for more information and find us on Facebook.
DADS M.O.V.E. (Mentoring, Others with Voices of Experience)
Our vision is to provide every male caregiver, in every community of the United States and its territories, the tools, support, and training needed to be fully engaged in the recovery of their children. No man in any part of this country, whether the largest metropolitan city or the most rural community, should be excluded from the opportunity to help their children and family flourish. Dads M.O.V.E. supports the use of evidence based practices to effectively help families. We offer: collaborative parenting skills, CIT training, juvenile justice, WRAP, high fidelity wraparound, S.M.A.R.T. IEP plans, and peer support specialists. Check out our website for more information and find us on Facebook.
The Epilepsy Foundation is the only national organization dedicated to helping people pursue seizure freedom. The mission of the epilepsy foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. We are a national non-profit with over 50 local organizations throughout the United States, and have led the fight against seizures since 1968. We are an unwavering ally for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy and seizures. We work to prevent, control, and cure epilepsy through community services, public education, federal and local advocacy, and supporting research into new treatments and therapies. We work to ensure that people with seizures have the opportunity to live their lives to their fullest potential.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Joint Base Lewis-McChord
EFMP at the Service Member & Family Assistance Center (SFAC)
EFMP supports an all-volunteer force and their families by ensuring family members’ medical and educational needs are considered each time they process for an assignment where family member travel is authorized at government expense and related services are available within the local commuting area.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Joint Base Lewis-McChord
EFMP supports an all-volunteer force and their families by ensuring family members’ medical and educational needs are considered each time they process for an assignment where family member travel is authorized at government expense and related services are available within the local commuting area.
Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), Joint Base Lewis-McChord
Center for Autism Resources, Education and Services (CARES)
EFMP supports an all-volunteer force and their families by ensuring family members’ medical and educational needs are considered each time they process for an assignment where family member travel is authorized at government expense and related services are available within the local commuting area.
The Family Caregiver Support program helps support and sustain the primary, unpaid caregiver providing continuous care for an older adult or a functionally disabled adult 18 years of age. We connect caregivers with the resources that will enable them to continue at-home care and make it possible for care recipients to continue to remain in their familiar environment.
Foundation for Multicultural Solutions (also known as El Camino Program or Foundation El Camino) is a substance use disorders intensive outpatient treatment facility located in Tacoma, Washington. The programs offered are designed for adolescents, adults, women and men. The services offered are: intensive outpatient, outpatient, assessments/evaluation, DUI assessments, alcohol information school (ADIS), DUI victims impact panel in spanish, recovery support groups, and family inclusive. Our services for adults are provided in Spanish. Our staff is fully bilingual in Spanish/English.
The vision of GAPP is to assure community members with developmental disabilities are able to live productive lives within their community. This will be accomplished with the support and in the interest of the community. One of GAPP's objectives is to facilitate person-centered planning activities and support individuals and their families on an on-going basis.
The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) and its Affiliates undertake collaborations to build community coalitions, conduct public outreach, coordinate advocacy efforts, and create media awareness campaigns. The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Washington State, a nonprofit 501(c)3, is an alliance of families and professionals supporting individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, the families that care for them, and the systems that serve them by way of: prevention, education, intervention, and advocacy. Please visit our website for more information and our programs.
The Coalition includes representatives from Full Life Care, SHAG-RSC, the City of University Place, King County Housing Authority, Seattle Housing Authority, and geriatric mental health professionals among other professionals. The group has adopted specific goals to offer support, training, resources and education for people with the disorder, their families and the community. Community support groups provided include: Hoarding Support Group, OCD/Hoarding Support Group, Family and Friends of People who Hoard, and Individuals who Hoard.
The Coalition includes representatives from Full Life Care, SHAG-RSC, the City of University Place, King County Housing Authority, Seattle Housing Authority, and geriatric mental health professionals among other professionals. The group has adopted specific goals to offer support, training, resources and education for people with the disorder, their families and the community. Community support groups provided include: Hoarding Support Group, OCD/Hoarding Support Group, Family and Friends of People who Hoard, and Individuals who Hoard.
Pierce County Coalition for Developmental Disabilities (PC2)
PC2 is a parent-driven 501(c)3 organization responsible for providing clear, consistent information for families and individuals who experience developmental disabilities in Pierce County, Washington. PC2: provides resource links and follow-up/follow-along services for families; publishes a quarterly newsletter with relevant articles and information; publishes a comprehensive Resource Guide of services and supports; conducts educational meetings on a variety of topics; provides information at resource and vendor fairs throughout the county; provides a Home Ownership Down Payment Assistance Program for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families; co-hosts an annual Legislative Forum for constituents to meet and speak with their elected officials; provides information on how the legislative process works and how your voice can make a difference; shows you how you can connect with legislators and how to advocate for yourself; helps families find their voice!
PURPAS-“PAVE-ing a Unique Road for People on the Autism Spectrum” offers life skill informational classes for youth 14 years and older with autism. Topics include personal hygiene, leadership, advocacy, dating and relationships, cooking, transportation, street safety. Monthly social meet up activities are planned by youth and can include: bowling, board game night, pizza night, zoo outing, and arts and crafts. 1 adult = 3 youth, transportation not provided. Family gathering night is for all ages and occurs throughout the year. These include meeting for dinner in the community where families and individuals have conversation, plan future events, discuss life skills topics and share resources. The yearly calendar is distributed in early September and, throughout the year, social meet up activities will be added. (Located on the Tacoma Community College Campus in parking lot “I” as you enter from 12th Street; opposite side of the campus from TACID.)
The South Sound Autism Partnership is a collaboration between individuals, families, providers, and organizations who are part of the autism community within the South Puget Sound area of Washington State. Our primary purpose is to increase awareness, acceptance and advocacy of autism in order to provide support for our community and impact change. We have monthly resource sharing meetings on the UW Tacoma campus. Anyone is welcome to attend. Please email us for more information! Our goals are: to strengthen and coordinate the existing resources through building authentic relationships in the South Puget Sound area that serve our community; to identify and further clarify the unmet needs of our community and help develop resources to meet those needs; to provide comprehensive information regarding needed supports for our community throughout the lifespan.
Special Child Family Services is a grassroots effort connecting parents, teachers, therapists, medical providers, and anyone who is actively involved with an individual who has disabilities or special medical needs on a daily basis. Our goal is to assist families in the following areas: family support, spiritual support, & equipment and supplies. Family Support is one of the core fundamentals of our ministry. We offer a parent-to-parent support group on our special child exchange Yahoo! Group, connecting you with 1,000+ families who are all experts in their own field of parenting and who can assist you with advice and information in a timely manner. Spiritual support is the heart of our ministry. We are a Christ-centered ministry, which leads us to be mindful of all of our members and their situations. The willingness of others to serve our families in all forms of crises is what we do, whether it is bringing a hot meal or willingly praying for a family who is in need. Medical equipment and supplies are daily needs for almost all of our families. It would only be natural for us to offer a way for our families to exchange gently used medical equipment, and unused medical supplies, in an effort to help other families who would normally not be able to afford such expensive equipment.
Sumner/Bonney Lake Family Center
Sumner/Bonney Lake School District, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
We are a family support center offering a wide variety of human service programs, resources, health services, information and referrals. Our goal is to work with the community and empower the family unit. We offer a variety of programs and services to the community that include: parent support groups, parenting classes, home visits, intervention services and resources, services in Spanish, family events, and sewing classes.
Washington PAVE (Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment)
PAVE provides support, training, information and resources to empower and give voice to individuals, youth and families impacted by disabilities. We envision an inclusive community that values the unique abilities, cultures, voices, contributions and potential of all individuals. PAVE’s online Helpline is available in multiple languages and the phone in English and Spanish. The Helpline is staffed 5 days a week and will make referrals to the many programs of PAVE. In addition to serving Pierce County some are also statewide for you, your family and those you know. In Pierce County: Person Centered Planning Program (PCP); Pierce County Parent to Parent (P2P); Paving a Unique Road for People on the Autism Spectrum (PURPAS); Spark Pierce County; and Start Now! Statewide programs include: the Family to Family Health & Information Center (F2FHIC); Parent Training and Information (PTI) Center; Lifespan Respite WA; and the Specialized Training of Military Parents (STOMP). Please visit our website for more information. (Located on the Tacoma Community College Campus in parking lot “I” as you enter from 12th Street; opposite side of the campus from TACID.)
Wilson Clinical Services provides specialized services to the deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, and late deafened population throughout the state of Washington and the United States. These services are available to community centers, private individuals, group homes, prisons, courts, schools, and other places that are in need of specialized care.
A Washington non-profit organization working with families who have children with special needs. Offers programs and activites for special needs children and their families. We support, educate, and empower exceptional families and our community to create an inclusive environment for children with special needs.
