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Dear Friends and Families,
As we move through the summer season, we invite you to take a breath, look around, and connect with your community, your loved ones, and yourself. Whether you're showing up for others or learning to show up for yourself, each small act of care and inclusion helps build a stronger, more compassionate world.
At PEACE NW, we believe in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. That starts with simple moments: checking in on a neighbor, reaching out for help when you need it, or setting aside time to recharge. Community isn’t just about being together, it’s about belonging.
This month, we encourage you to slow down when you can, celebrate what makes us unique, and take part in building a more inclusive community one connection at a time.
With care,
The PEACE NW Team
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Special Celebrations’ 10th Annual Formal Dance!
Get ready to sparkle at the Lemons and Lace Sunshine Ball
Saturday, June 21 from 2:00pm -4:00pm Stephen’s Place
This enchanting afternoon is specially designed for individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) ages 16 and over. Join us for an elegant celebration filled with music, dancing, and memories to last a lifetime.
Registration is required secure your spot by visiting:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/kcepcvn
Questions? Email TheresaV@peacenw.org or call/text 360-513-6682.
We can’t wait to see you shine!
| | Catch the Replay! Lunch and Learn | | | | |
Check our our past Lunch and Learn with Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries
Learn about what the library has to offer, accessibiity and what fun you can find this summer!
The library is for everyone! For this and other Lunch and Learns visit our YouTube Channel!
https://www.youtube.com/@Peacenw
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Lunch and Learn with PEACE NW
Every Tuesday 12:00pm
Inclusive Dungeons & Dragons Virtual Club
Every Wednesday 5:00pm -6:00pm
Cafe con PEACE NW - Group in Spanish
Thursdays alternating am and pm sessions during summer
Building Independence - Resumes May 22
Supporting individuals 18 and Over to Build the Life of Their Dreams
Parent to Parent Journal Group
Last Sunday of every month 10:30am - 1:30pm
For more information and to register for these events visit: https://www.peacenw.org/events
For Flyers to print/share visit: https://www.peacenw.org/flyers
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Exciting possibilities to come from DSHS restructuring - Info from The ARC
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) recently announced a series of changes to its organizational structure effective May 1st.
As advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we are excited for the possibilities that will emerge from the creation of a new state agency called The Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA), integrating home and community-based services within the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA). To continue reading Click here
Home and Community Living Administration (HCLA).
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Choosing Good Advisors.
by Eva M. Luchini, JD, Law office of Eva M. Luchini, PLLC
If you are the parent or grandparent of a child with disabilities, think twice before opening a custodial account for that child. I’m not saying don’t set aside money for the child. I’m just saying don’t set it aside in a custodial account.
Funds in custodial account for a child belong to that child. When that child turns 18, they get those funds. And if that child has disabilities and applies for Supplemental Security Income, they may be financially ineligible because of that custodial account -- Read more
| | Community Events and Opportunities | | |
Join the Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
Clark County’s Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board is currently recruiting volunteers! This is a meaningful opportunity to learn about issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, share your concerns, and engage with public feedback.
The board meets every other month on the first Wednesday at 5:15 p.m. in a hybrid format—both in person at 1300 Franklin Street (6th Floor, Public Service Center) in Vancouver and virtually.
The board advises the Clark County Council and plays a vital role in shaping local services and supports. Applications are due by Monday, June 30, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to Michelle Pfenning at michelle.pfenning@clark.wa.gov. For more information, contact Trish Buescher at 564-397-7826 or patricia.buescher@clark.wa.gov.
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CLARK COUNTY SOWA PRESEASON FALL SPORTS MEETING JULY 12, 2025 (Saturday)
Fall Season from August 2, 2025 – November 9, 2025
Fall Sports:
• Bowling - SOWA Regionals Tournament
• Flag Football - SOWA Regionals Tournament
• Volleyball - Local competition
• Powerlifting - Local competition
Steps to register for fall sports:
1) Follow the link for clearance: https://portals.specialolympics.org/
2) Let Elizabeth Francis know which sport you want to participate in.
3) The deadline to complete the above is July 19, 2025
Please note: There is NO place on the SOWA portal to indicate the sport you/your athlete would like to participate in, therefore, it is imperative that you let us know to ensure participation.
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"Housing Workshop: Companion Home" virtual presentation with Darla Helt, PEACE NW and hosted by The Arc of Snohomish County
For: Self-advocates, Parents/Guardians
📅 Thursday, June 19, 2025
⏰ 6 to 7:30 PM 💻 via ZOOM
👥 REGISTER for the ZOOM LINK: https://www.arcsno.org/civicrm/event/register/?id=568...
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Paths to Medicaid for People with Disabilities in Washington State
Thursday, July 24th at 12 pm
Medicaid covers basic medical services and pays for home and community based services for people with disabilities…but how do you get Medicaid? This webinar will cover different ways that people with disabilities can access Medicaid in Washington State. Medicaid is state-specific, and we will not cover information for any other states in this webinar. There will be a live Q&A. To register visit: Webinar Registration - Zoom
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ECHO for Parents, Caregivers, and Families
Parent Education Series on Supporting Challenging Behavior
The Haring Center for Inclusive Education is recruiting parents and caregivers of children with disabilities ages 3-12 years old to participate in a remote parent education series on challenging behavior. Click here to download Flyer with Information
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Ashby Family Neurodivergent Network
Created in collaboration with Neuro_Nurturers, The Ashby Family Neurodivergent Network is launching with a kickoff gathering on June 21, 2025, from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm at Ashby Family LEAD & Engagement Services this new group offers a culturally affirming space for Black families and caregivers supporting neurodivergent loved ones of all ages. Whether parenting, grandparenting, or providing support in another way, participants are invited to share their experiences, build community, and help shape a responsive, healing space.
Kickoff Meeting Details: Free Event
📍 Location: Ashby Family LEAD & Engagement Services
5131 NE 94th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98662
💻 Format: Hybrid (in-person & virtual link provided upon RSVP
📅 Date & Time: June 21, 2025 from 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
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Summer Goal Setting Program
Free, online program from The Shadow Project to support your child’s positive behaviors, motivation, and confidence this summer.
How Does it Work?
- Parents/caregivers independently use Goal Setting worksheets to help their child set a goal and track their progress
- Children, ages 4 to 14, earn “Shadow Bucks” for making progress and reflecting on their goal each week
- Weekly email contains all the materials you need (or request copies mailed to you), plus video resources and one-on-one support for parents
- At the end of the session, kids get to spend Shadow Bucks on fun items from our online “Shadow Store” filled with books, art supplies, LEGOs and more!
Sign up for either 4-Week Session Session 1: June 23—July 18, 2025 Session 2: July 21—August 15, 2025 for more info click here: Summer Program - The Shadow Project
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The SNAP-Ed program offers free nutrition education to help you and your family make healthy choices and stretch your food budget. Find SNAP-Ed classes and resources near you at community centers, parks, schools, and more!
Learn more at doh.wa.gov/snap-ed
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program that helps families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get a one-time $120 benefit per year for each eligible child to help buy groceries during the summer months. Nearly 600,000 Washington children received SUN Bucks over the summer of 2024.
The SUN Bucks application is online in English and Spanish. Applications will be accepted through Aug. 29, 2025.
To learn more about eligibility and the application process, visit https://sunbucks.dshs.wa.gov/en/
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Family Panel: Nutrition Plans for Autism
Real parents. Real stories. Real results.
Join us for a special TACA Virtual Learning Event where parents share their firsthand experiences using nutrition to support their children with autism. Learn what worked, what didn’t, and how small changes made a big difference.
Monday, June 23
4 PM PDT / 7 PM EDT
Free to attend — register here: https://tacanow.org/.../virtual-learning-event-family.../
This is your chance to hear directly from families who’ve been there — and walk away with practical tips to help your own journey.
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