current issue - Village Community Services

Spring 2016
engaging people with disabilities
Our hope is that this newsletter will meet the informational needs of families and care givers, and engage people with disabilities in their community.
By Madison Green,
Guest Writer
Have you ever
wondered how you
are supposed to
know what you
want to do for the
rest of your life?
Well I have. I grew up as a worrier and was always stressed out
about situations, such as choosing what I would want to study in
college and what I would want to do after that. I was afraid that I
wouldn’t pick the “right” thing and I would end up unhappy doing
something I did not love. Luckily that is not going to be the case for
me though.
When I was a sophomore in high school, I got the opportunity to
start tutoring a young boy with autism. I worked as his one-on-one,
doing things from working on his playing skills to his speech skills.
I was warned from the beginning that I may not like the job and was
told it was going to be hard, confusing, and overwhelming. At times
I found what I was warned about to be true. It was hard to tell a little
boy who is hitting you in the head “no” when you know the reason he
is doing that is not because he wants to harm you, but because he is
trying so hard to communicate with you and is doing so the only way
he can figure out how. But the hard and frustrating times became so
small when I started to feel the passion God was stirring inside my
heart for the work I was doing. I began to wait for that 2:30 bell to
ring so I could hurry out of the classroom and over to work and do
what made my heart so happy. And no matter what happened that
day during our session, I began to walk out a happier person than I
walked in as. I started to believe I found what I wanted to do for the
rest of my life.
That summer, I heard about a summer camp for special needs
adults called Warm Beach Special Friends Summer Camp and with
the new found passion I had, I decided to sign up to volunteer as a
camp counselor. I was so nervous when I was dropped off, but I was
also so excited to see what God had in store for me over the week.
After one day of training, the campers rolled in at 8:30am Tuesday
morning. Each volunteer was assigned a special needs buddy, in
which they became special friends with for the week. I had a very
fun, music loving young man as my buddy. And as the week went
by, I realized that I had more fun myself than I had experienced in a
very long time. I had the same feelings that I had when I tutored the
little boy with autism. I was happy, filled with love, joy, and laughter,
and more than anything else I knew this was what I wanted to do for
the rest of my life.
I came back as a volunteer the next summer and spent five of the
best weeks of my life with special needs adults who quickly became
my friends. I again returned the next summer for five more weeks of
amazing memories and adventures. Every moment I spent over the
past three years with a person with special needs holds a dear place
in my heart and has shaped me into the person that I am today.
I can honestly say that since I fell in love with working with people
with special needs, I have not worried or stressed about my vocation
someday or what I want to do with my life.
My name is Madison
Green and I am 18 years
old. I attend Northwest
Nazarene University
and I study Missions
and Special Education.
I hope to continue to
find ways to serve
people with special
needs for the rest of my
life, because as I find
ways to put a smile on
their face, I always end
up with one on mine.
n
Spring 2016
PAGE 1
EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
ALL ABOARD
www.allaboardwa.org 425-327-5533
S.P.I.N Dance: Donation $1, 3rd Tuesday of every month, 7-8:30pm, Floral Hall, Forest Park, Everett, for ages 18 & up.
Bowling: John Parkin [email protected] 425-512-6344
AQUA EXCEL
An Individualized Aquatic Program
Karen Rice Hendrickson [email protected] 360-969-9178
ARC OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY
www.arcsno.org
Jamie Coonts, Program Director 425-258-2459 ext 104
Lego Club: 3rd Sunday of every month 1-3pm A social and recreational opportunity for individuals of all ages and
abilities. Held at the Everett Firefighters Hall (2411 Hewitt Ave, Everett) Contact Sugely Sanchez at
[email protected] 425-258-2459 x106
BIBLE BAPTIST CHURCH
Sam Dallas 425-353-6200
805 West Casino Road, Everett WA.
Sunshine Sunday School Class: Every Sunday 9:00 am-10:15am. Ministry for developmentally disabled adults
with mental abilities of 3-8 years including Singing, Bible study, prayer time and craft related to Bible truth being taught.
CHILD STRIVE
www.childstrive.org (formally Little Red School House)
Leann Denini 425-353-5656 x7142 Located in Everett
New Play and Learn Group: 1st and 3rd Friday 10-11am Verdant Community Wellness Center in Lynnwood.
Play & Learn groups are open to all children of all abilities ages 15 months to 5 years old. Explore new toys,
meet new families, and enjoy playing with your child!
COMMUNITY THRIFT STORE
604 E Gilman Arlington, WA 98223 360-435-0707
Open Tues-Sat 10am-4pm
Profits benefit Quilceda & Sherwood programs
DONOR CLOSET
Helping Hands 425-712-1807
409 Howell Way, Edmonds WA 98020 Open Tue-Sat 10-3pm
Medical equipment …for Anyone…when resources are limited
We also accept donations of no longer needed medical equipment
EAGLE WINGS MINISTRIES
www.eaglewingsministries.org 360-658-6093 [email protected] Located in Marysville
Monthly Celebrations: 22 Celebrations throughout the year!
EVERETT HISTORICAL THEATRE
2911 Colby Ave Everett WA
Free Movie Monday’s 4pm - Concessions $1 per item
Spring 2016
PAGE 2
EVERYBODY MATTERS
Jim Strickland 425-870-1631 [email protected]
Open Mic Pizza Party: Alfy’s Pizza in Marysville 9330 State Ave, all ages and all Abilities welcome,
buy your own ½ price pizza & bring your ipod to sing along with.
Fridays 5-7pm March 11th, April 15th, and May 13th
FRIENDSHIP ADVENTURES
www.friendshipadventures.org [email protected], 425-444-3132
[email protected], 425-877-7199
FULL LIFE CARE
www.fulllifecare.org Everett
Adult Day Health Center 425-355-1313
Home Care 206-224-3752
INFORMING FAMILIES
http://informingfamilies.org
Informative website for resources and legislative information for families
MARYSVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION
[email protected] 360-363-8400
NW SPECIAL ARTISTS @ ARTWORKS
www.nwspecialartists.com
Open Art Studio where artists with disabilities can create art, ages 13 & up
201 2nd Ave S. Edmonds, WA 98020
Leslie James, [email protected]
OUT OF THE ASHES
Jon Dalgarn www.outoftheashes.us 360-770-2404
[email protected]
Music Programs: Tues-Bellingham 3:30-5:30pm, Weds-Burlington 3-5pm
OUTDOORS FOR ALL
206-838-6030 ext200
Learn to ride a bike, indoor climbing, adult day hiking, and more
PACIFIC SCIENCE CENTER Seattle
www.pacificsciencecenter.org
Village Community Services
Development Associate Intern
10-12 hours per week for students
or recent graduates pursuing a
career in fundraising, marketing,
volunteer management, etc. Call
Michelle at 360-631-2027 for more
information.
AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteer
Full-time volunteer position
developing the Village Training
Division. Monthly stipend, childcare
and other benefits, education award
upon completion of service.
Call Kris at 425-737-5582.
Residential Support Specialist
Full, part-time, and on-call relief
positions available. Visit VCS’s
Employment Opportunities page
for position description and
application instructions.
www.villagecommunitysvcs.org/
working-at-vcs
Exploration for all. 206-443-2001
QUILCEDA COMMUNITY SERVICES - Willow Place
Rachel, Activity Manager 360-653-2324
[email protected] [email protected] 9610 48th Dr NE Marysville, WA 98270 Mon-Thurs 9am-noon or 1-4pm $15 for ½ day or $30 for full day, provide your own lunch For Adults 18yrs and older
REGAL CINEMAS
Marysville 360-659-1009 or Everett 425-353-3505
1 support person free per person with disabilities.
Spring
2016
SHERWOOD COMMUNITY SERVICES
www.sherwoodcs.org
TechSTEP services coordinator: 425-404-3111 or [email protected]
DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY
Contact Autumn Long [email protected] 425-419-8792
SNOHOMISH COUNTY PARKS AND RECREATION
[email protected] 425-388-6614
SPECIAL OLYMPICS MARYSVILLE PROGRAM
Cheryl Davis 360-659-8274
Bowling, Basketball, Soccer, and Track and Field
STANWOOD CAMANO RESOURCE CENTER
www.stanwoodcamanoresources.org
The Lego Club is an after school activity with a healthy snack provided
for children of all abilities grades K through 5th.
First Tuesday of each Month from 3:45 to 5:15pm
at the Stanwood Camano Resource Center
9612 271st street NW in Stanwood 360-629-5257 This is a free event.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
STANWOOD SENIOR AND COMMUNITY CENTER
7430 276th St NW Stanwood, WA 98292
Enhanced Fitness Class: Mon/Wed/Fri 2 per day 9:30-10:30 Seated class 10:45-11:45 am standing class
STANWOOD THERAPEUTIC HORSEBACK RIDING
360-348-7425
15621 91st Ave NE Arlington, WA 98223
[email protected]
Contact Kathy Bateman
SUNDIAL TOURS
www.sundailtours.com 1-800-547-9198
Vacations for adults with developmental disabilities
[email protected]
TRIPS INC
www.tripsinc.com
Special Trips for ages 16 & up
1-800-686-1013 [email protected]
PAGE 3
Spring 2016
PAGE 4
VILLAGE COMMUNITY SERVICES
Voices of the Village www.villagecommunitysvcs.org 360-653-7752 ext 14
[email protected]
Friday Music: 1:00-3:00pm $1.00 Donation at Arlington United Church, all ages.
Voices of the Village Performance Group: membership $50 a month, Practice 3:30-4:30pm Friday at Arlington United Church, Vicki Adams 360-435-5874, all ages.
Evening with the Arts: Dance, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2nd Thursday of every month,
5:30-7:30pm cost: $5, for ages 18 and older.
March 10th: St. Patrick’s Day, April 14th: Bunnies, May 12th: Mexican Fiesta, June 9th: Semi Formal Gala 5-7:30
dressing up encouraged, dinner & pictures $5
VCS GALA: Saturday May 14th 2016 VCS Fundraiser
Friendship Walk & Car Wash: Sat Sept 24th 11am Legion Park Arlington VOV Fundraiser
YMCA
Everett www.ymca-snoco.org/everett (425)347-5719
S.N.A.P. - Special Needs Adaptive Program
YMCA
Marysville www.ymca-snoco.org/marysville (360)653-9622
Scott Ballinger
Adaptive Swim: 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month at 2:00pm cost $2 for persons with disability
and support person are free of charge, for all ages **** Note New TIME for this event****
SPIN & FIT Dance&Fitness: Last Thursday of each month Cost $5 includes
beverage and a snack, for all ages, 4:30-6:30pm live music by Voices of the Village
YMCA
Monroe www.ymca-snoco.org/monroe 360-805-2165
Nick Hamblet (temporary contact) adaptive family coordinator [email protected]
Adaptive Swim Class: Tuesdays 4:40pm & Wed at 4:30pm for ages 3 and up. Registration required
SNAP Special Needs Aquatic playtime: Sundays noon-2pm for children with special needs under 18 yrs.
SUMMER CAMPS
CAMP KILLOQUA
www.campkilloqua.org 425-258-5437 (Campfire USA)
Summer Residential Camps and Day Camps
CAMP PATTERSON
Thornton A Sullivan Park At Silver Lake
11405 Silver Lake Rd Everett WA 98208
Contact: Jane Lewis, Everett Parks & Recreation
425-259-8369 [email protected]
EASTER SEALS
www.easterseals.com/washington 206-281-5700
Residential Summer Camps – 6 & 8 day camps
Weekend Respite Camps – 2 weekends a month during the school year
Family Camp – 4 days & 3 nights
Spring 2016
PAGE 5
KOREY’S CAMP
Located in Carnation, WA www.campkorey.org 425-844-3100
Family Weekends and Summer Camps
WARM BEACH CAMPS (Special Friends Summer Camps)
www.warmbeach.com 1-800-228-6724 Contact: Laurie Fertello ext 2282
2016 Day Camp Cost is $240-$320 (depending on ability to pay)
Dates:
Session 1
June 28-July 1
Session 2
July 5-8 Session 3
July 12-15
Session 4
July 19-22
Session 5
July 26-29
Session 6
Aug 9-12
2016 Overnight Camp
Costs is $326-$434 Includes lodging and meals
Dates:
Session 1
July 5-8
Session 2
July 12-15
Session 3
July 26-29
Session 4
Aug 9-12
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
DART: 425-347-5912
TAP: 425-423-8517
STTS: 360-629-0503 (Stillaguamish Tribe Transit Services)
Washington State Ferries: 206-515-3885 Contact Wendy-Information Agent
WA State Ferries provides a medical and ADA travel link that explains the half price fare for disability card holders
and free travel for attendant passengers: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/commuterupdates/ada/#attendant
GRANTS AVAILABLE
The Arc of Snohomish County, Greater Everett Community Foundation, & Coastal Community Bank have collaborated to
distribute support funds to qualified individuals with developmental disabilities. The purpose of the individual grant funding
is to provide individuals with developmental disabilities access to inclusive opportunities in their communities.
The focus of the Community Access Fund is to provide qualified individuals with funding for NEW inclusive community opportunities including, but not limited to:
Dance Class Music Class
Day Camp Swimming Class
Sewing Class
Tae Kwon Do
Exercise Class Art Class
Cooking Class Computer Class
Photography Class Yoga Class
Submission Deadlines
This Grant will be offered until funds are depleted. Applicants must have all documentation submitted for consideration.
Activities requested must be a new inclusive opportunity. Applicants that meet these requirements will be funded in order
of date received.
For details on Community Access Fund details and guidelines call 425-258-2459
or visit www.arcsno.org/resources for more details and application
**In order to support as many individuals in Snohomish County as we can, Individuals are eligible
to receive grant funds from The Arc of Snohomish County once every 2 years.
Spring 2016
PAGE 6
Assistive Technology Grant
The Arc of Snohomish County, The Nysether Family Foundation, & Wockner Foundation, have collaborated to distribute
support funds to qualified individuals with developmental disabilities. The Arc of Snohomish County will distribute funds to qualified
individuals with developmental disabilities. The purpose of the individual grant funding is to provide communication/speech output
devices to individuals that do not have other means by which to purchase these devices and software necessary to utilize these
devices. Communication is such a huge human need, which is why we are focused on this therapeutic, educational and social
need in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities that impact their ability to produce speech effectively. Consistency between care providers, families and school personnel is necessary in order for any one assistive technology system to be
successful, which is why we require the recommendations of a speech therapist familiar with the applicant, so that we can support
them in a manner that increases their chances of success. This grant program focuses on allowing the applicant to have a consistent way to communicate in all settings of their lives; not just in a limited setting within a speech therapy or school program. Ipads,
tablets, and communication apps are often used as communication devices because they are easy to transport, easily available,
and are a familiar devise that are easily used in most community settings.
This grant will be offered until funds are depleted.
Call 425-258-2459 or visit www.arcsnoho.org/resources for Assistive Technology Grant and application.
**In order to support as many individuals in Snohomish County as we can, Individuals are eligible to receive grant funds
from The Arc of Snohomish County once every 2 years.
What this newsletter is and when to submit
With this Quarterly newsletter, we want to help spread the word about your activities and events for people with disabilities
and their families, friends, and caregivers. We need your submissions as soon as possible so to help agencies avoid
scheduling conflicts. Since this is a quarterly newsletter you can submit events that are further out on the calendar.
Deadline for Summer issue is May 18th. Please send your events, activities, photos, and classified ads to Michelle
at [email protected] by May 18th. Please include the following: event title, date and time,
location, cost, age range or restrictions, contact person, phone number, email, and website address.
We now have 6 drop off locations where the community can find our newsletter; Everett, Marysville, Monroe, and
Mukilteo YMCAs, Willow Place in Marysville, and Friday Music in Arlington. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
How to place ads or submissions
To place Ads or Submissions please contact Michelle Dietz at [email protected]
You can purchase ad space per issue or per year. $50 per issue or $250 per year for a Full page,
$30 per issue or $150 per year for 1/2 page, or $15 per issue or $75 per year for 1/4 page.
Electronic Mailing List
To join the Snohomish County Experience electronic mailing list contact Michelle Dietz at [email protected]
or click HERE to sign up to receive the Snohomish County Experience newsletter.
(http://villagecommunitysvcs.org/snohomish-county-experience-newsletter/)
Songs of Love
The Songs of Love Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing personalized uplifting songs, free of charge,
for children and teens currently facing tough medical, physical or emotional challenges. www.songsoflove.org
Spring 2016
PAGE 7
The Voices of the Village band inspires audiences throughout
Washington State at festivals, fundraisers, coffee houses,
private parties, and other community venues. Audience members
are encouraged to participate using drums, shakers,
and tambourines supplied by the band or you can bring your
own instruments. It is truly an inclusive experience!
Membership in the band is open to people of all ages
and abilities, for a membership fee of $50 a month.
VOV practices every Friday 3:30-4:30pm at Arlington United Church.
For information on upcoming performances, to book VOV, or join
Voices of the Village, please contact Vicki Adams 360-435-5874,
425-330-0585. Email: [email protected]
Take the “Transportation Access and Experiences Survey”
https://unco.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_00wcGeTOzGL2lQ9
We would like to invite you to participate in a national survey titled, “Transportation Access and Experiences”, which is
designed to improve understanding of accessibility of public transportation for people with disabilities. This project focuses
on community living, community participation & work/economic participation disparities of people with disabilities (For more
information, visit the website: www.adaparc.org). We would like to improve our understanding on transportation access of
people with disabilities and use this information to make improvements at regional and national levels.
We are very interested in receiving as many responses as possible from people with disabilities based on their personal
experiences with public transportation. Please feel free to share the survey with potentially interested entities. The results
will serve as crucial evidence to support improvements to accessible transportation.
Please use the link below to access and complete the survey.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this survey,
please contact Jill Bezyak from the Rocky Mountain ADA Center
at [email protected]
Sincerely,
Jill Bezyak, Ph.D., CRC
Associate Professor
Human Rehabilitative Services
School of Human Sciences
University of Northern Colorado
Sibling Celebration - Save the Date!
April 22 & 23, 2016
Bellevue, Washington
We’re celebrating National Sibling Month, and the 25th anniversary of the Sibling Support Project to honor the family
member who will have one of the longest-lasting relationships with people with special needs.
The Kindering Center, in partnership with The Arc of Snohomish County, is thrilled to announce a two-day sibling celebration
event featuring:
• Lively workshops on sibling issues for family members and service providers
• A get-together for adult siblings (open to non-participants)
• A demonstration Sibshop with young siblings
• A gathering for Sibshop providers from Washington State and elsewhere
• Training opportunity to become a first-generation Sibshop facilitator!
Visit www.kindering.org for more details, or email [email protected] with questions.