Providing connections to
resources, and support, counsel, and guidance to adults and students in
transition with developmental disabilities on successful independence in their
communities where they live, work, and play
The
purpose of the Independent Living program of the Arc of Snohomish County is to
educate individuals about their rights with regard to housing and
landlord/tenant issues, benefits-planning, employment opportunities, and other
areas regarding independence and leadership/advocacy. We do this by providing
connections to resources necessary to achieve and/or maintain independence
within the SnohomishCounty community. By
actively participating in workshops and forums, individuals with developmental
disabilities will be equipped to successfully live, work, and play in their
communities; these goals build integration and inclusion of people with
developmental disabilities, and inclusion equates to success.In addition to educating individuals, the
Program Coordinator educates family members of individuals with developmental
disabilities, as well as the community at-large.
The
goal of the Program Coordinator is to increase efforts of agencies and others
who support independence for people with developmental disabilities, by working
in collaboration with other non-profit, State, County, and City organizations,
schools, and other private agencies and individuals.The program offers support to individuals in
many ways, some of which are connection and referral, and counseling and
guidance. There is also a small amount of resources for direct, financial
support to individuals who meet the Federal criteria for very low income, and
who meet other specific criteria.
As
the new Independent Living Coordinator for The Arc, I am thrilled to begin my
journey in this position.While I am
passionate about helping all under served populations in SnohomishCounty,
I am especially excited and motivated to begin working with individuals with
developmental disabilities, and pray my work at The Arc of Snohomish County
will be a blessing to everyone in the community.
Just
a little bit about me.First and
foremost, I am a mom and a wife.While
both of my kids (Joe, age 12 and Sophie, age 9) are “typical learners,” I have
faced my fair share of struggles and triumphs as a parent.In addition, learning to juggle the roll of
full time student, a full time mom and wife, and an active community member has been a challenge!However, my life is full of wonderful
blessings, and I feel so grateful for the amazing opportunities I have been
given.
As
a graduate of WesternWashingtonUniversity’s
Human Services Program, I have learned valuable information about diversity,
social justice, and systems theory. Consequently, I have developed a fierce
passion for those in need, and an intense desire to be part of the solution to
some big scale problems.Part of my learning
for the Human Services Program was heavily focused on
internships/practicum.I was fortunate
enough to take a year long internship at The Snohomish County Department of
Human Services in their Office of Housing, Homelessness and Community Development
(OHHCD).I spent my time at this
internship coordinating Project Homeless Connect, a one stop shop event
designed to bring services to the homeless in our community.
Through
this internship, I developed a unique understanding of the different systems
related to affordable housing and homelessness.In addition, I was able to connect with a wide variety of social service
agencies and establish many valuable relationships within this community, and
have become involved in several work groups dedicated to increasing awareness
and combating homelessness.
As
a result of my fun, unique internship experience, I am now able to pass along
this information and knowledge to others who may be struggling to navigate the
system. One of the most valuable lessons
I have learned as a parent, a student, and as a human services professional is
this: people thrive if they are just given the chance! In addition, I fully and
wholeheartedly believe that every person has a right to affordable, safe
housing.As the Independent Living
Program Coordinator, it is my goal to encourage, support, and serve individuals
with disabilities, to the point where they can proudly express their
independence.
The Arc of Snohomish
is proudly affiliated
with the United Way.