Recommended resources
COVID-19
Resources
ASAPC Resources
Community Resources
Family
Resources
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Tacoma Pierce County Health Department is offering transportation assistance for residents that need help getting to a vaccine location. Click on the logo to visit the website and scroll for all vaccine-related information!
The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington Consumers impacted by the Coronavirus. Additions will be made to this list as more resources become available so continue to check back as your needs change. Click the logo to visit their website and find the links.
Health Care Authority is offering free cell phones and minutes to low-income individuals during the COVID-19 emergency, through a federal program called Lifeline. For information on the phone services and carriers click here.
ASAPC INFORMATION & RESOURCES
COMMUNITY INFORMATION & RESOURCES
24 Hour Pierce County Crisis Line: 800.576.7764
24-Hour Pierce County Crisis Text Line: Text the word HEAL to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.8255
Veterans Crisis Line: 800.273.8255 Press 1
Happier Travels
Christie MacDonald, owner of Happier Travels. Is a wife, and mom of 4 amazing kids, (3 of which participated in the A Step Ahead program) and also a travel agent.
Traveling can be tricky. My family used to think so too, especially with our kids' disabilities. I've discovered awesome vacation spots that provide fantastic accommodation services for individuals and families that need them! My family's first magical adventure to Disney World was a game-changer, and it gave us confidence that we could make travel a regular part of our lives. Does this sound like something that would help your family? As an inclusive travel advisor, my mission is to make every trip unforgettable and easy for you. I'll take care of the planning, so you don't have to stress, worry, or have anxiety about your next vacation.
To get started, you can reach me at: christie@happiertravels.com You can also follow along on social media! Instagram: @happier_travels Facebook: www.facebook.com/happiertravels Click the Happier Travels Logo to register for this month’s free webinar. We’ll be discussing Royal Caribbean’s commitment to accessible travel.
Pierce Transit Runner
Introducing Puyallup Runner. With one simple smartphone app and just a few taps, Runner will pick you up and drop you off in the Puyallup zone wherever the bus can't – all for the same low public transit fare. Convenient, fast, and affordable transportation will be at your fingertips to help you get to work, school, shopping, or connect to local buses or regional rail.
Inclusive Play to Learn in partnership with A Step Ahead in Pierce County
In partnership with A Step Ahead Pierce County, the Play to Learn Pierce County powered by Greentrike provides Inclusive Play to Learn for children with special needs and their typically developing peers. Thematic curriculum invites individual play, fun group activities, songs, and a whole group circle time for children and adults to enjoy together! This 90-minute program is held once a week.
Family Connects Washington Pierce County
A Safe and supportive space to get all of your feelings out about your baby’s feeding journey. Come talk, or just listen. Sometimes it’s just nice to know you aren’t alone. Free Weekly Gatherings for Pierce County Families. A Safe space for all families with babies to connect and learn together with other parents.
Triple P (Positive Parenting Program)
Set-up your child for success—and make life with kids less stressful and more enjoyable! Triple P helps parents around the world become more loving, confident and effective in their parenting style. The evidenced-based program promotes safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. Learn skills to improve behavior issues like:
Temper tantrums.
Sibling conflict.
Chores or homework struggles.
Bedtime or mealtime problems.
Family Resource Centers
Get the help and resources you need. Achieve your family goals. Each resource center has unique services. We design each center to meet the needs of the community around it.
Home Repairs
The Pierce County Human Services Home Repair Program is funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program provides home repairs to income eligible populations in the form of a grant.
Pt Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is now a certified Sensory Inclusive facility, registered with KultureCity. Our staff is trained, and we offer headphones, lap pads and other tools to help guests with sensory needs and challenges have the best experience at the Zoo. And you can bring your caregiver or therapist for free with a paid membership or admission: just mention it at the front gate. Click on the Point Defiance Zoo logo to visit their website for more info!
Pacific Science Center Exploration for All invites all families affected by autism spectrum disorder to PacSci for a special free visit. Monthly events take place either in the morning from 8-10 a.m. or in the evening visit from 6:30-8:30 p.m. During Exploration for All, PacSci is not open to the public and guests are asked to enter through the North Entrance. Click the logo to go to the PacSci website for more information and details.
United Way of Pierce County
Click the logo to visit United Way for Resources on Housing, Utilities, Jobs, Transportation & more
NW Furniture Bank
A Step Ahead is an Authorized Referrer for NW Furniture Bank. Is your family in need of furniture for your home? Click the logo for mor information about NW Furniture Bank and Contact your ASAPC FRC for help with your referral.
Tuesday Play Days at CMoT (Ever Tuesday from 10am to 1130am) The Museum is open every Tuesday morning* exclusively for families with children who have special needs. This family program is drop in, with no reservation required. Admission is Pay As You Will. For more information, contact Miranda Owen at mowen@playtacoma.org or 253.627.6031 ext. 228.
AMC Sensory Friendly Films AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly). Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don’t forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.
Child Care Aware of Washington is a great option for families looking for high-quality child care. They work with you to find a licensed childcare option that best meets your family’s needs. With a few details from you, Childcare Aware can put together a customized list of childcare centers in your area that fits your family’s unique set of preferences. Their website also has a great resources page that covers community resources, childcare subsidies and child development. Services are available in all languages.
The Center for Strong Families motto is “Earn It, Keep It, Grow It.” Their team takes a two-pronged approach to helping Pierce County families improve their economic situation. They work to grow your income potential by connecting you to employment opportunities while providing financial counseling to help you best manage your income. Services are free and are offered in partnership with the Bethel School District, Sound Outreach and United Way of Pierce County. For more information, give them a call at 253-719-3079.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) announced new services this past October to make travel more accessible and less stressful for everyone. The expanded services, like a new pilot program to meet the needs of guests with hidden disabilities, make the airport more accessible and help improve the travel experience beyond the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. For more detailed information, click the Port of Seattle Logo. Or click here to visit the SeaTac Airports Accessibility Page.