Center For Independence

The Center for Independence, founded by individuals with significant disabilities, is dedicated to fostering independent living through self-empowerment and self-advocacy. This nonprofit organization has upheld this vision since its inception, incorporating peer mentoring into its services. The Center for Independence serves as a resource for individuals with disabilities, offering outreach, advocacy, and independent living skills development to help them fully access and participate in their communities.

The mission of the Center for Independence is multifaceted. It provides advocacy services, both for systems and individuals, ensuring effective delivery of its services. The organization operates in two distinct service areas: Lakewood serves Thurston, Pierce, and South King County, while Marysville serves Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, and San Juan Counties. In addition to advocacy, the Center for Independence offers information and referral services, ensuring individuals connect with necessary resources. It also provides independent living skills training, customized for each person's needs and learning style. The training covers various aspects of independent living, such as parenting rights, transportation access, personal care assistance, and housing modifications.

Furthermore, the Center for Independence offers peer support, which is a cornerstone of its services due to its consumer-based nature. The majority of its staff, managers, and board members have significant disabilities, making peer support an inherent part of its services. Individuals can call in or make appointments to discuss their concerns with a staff member, or they can attend monthly social support group meetings. The Center for Independence also offers fee-based services, such as the Roads to Community Living program, which helps individuals transition back into the community after living in institutions. It advocates for them and provides assessments, independent living skill training, and community access on a case-by-case basis. Lastly, the Center for Independence runs a youth transition program during the summer, which focuses on continued education, vocational goals, and various community programs. This program often leads to individual services and peer inclusion for participating youth.