May Newsletter

We Are Hiring!

Are you looking for a fun, dynamic work environment that focuses on empowering others to pursue their goals in life? 

We are seeking caregivers who understand the complexities of living with developmental disabilities and who are caring, kind, creative, and pay attention to detail.

We are looking for a part-time care partner to work directly with our residents at the Hamilton House up to 28 hours per week with day, evening and weekend hours available.

Caregivers will be responsible for assisting residents with their daily routines; collaborating with family members, community professionals, and other staff; and creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment for residents.

Click here for more info Care Partner Job Description. Please fill out a job application and return to [email protected].

Client Stories

Hamilton House 

The residents of Hamilton House are staying busy! All the residents are involved in volunteer work. Some current volunteer sites are the Foodbank, the Senior Center, and working with horses at a local stable. Two residents are working in the community and one resident is taking courses at West Sound Tech.

In addition to work, school and volunteerism, our residents have been hosting dinners at the home for their friends, families and significant others. They have been going to FLASH classes, Bingo, karaoke, Special Olympics Swimming, various gyms to exercise, they are connected to churches, movies, and more!

 Olympic Neighbors’   residents also   participate with   other organizations   that provide   employment, day   services and   support to engage   in community   activities. Through   this collaboration   we are able to   maximize the   support that this   population   receives, be good stewards of our funding, and not duplicate services.

Flash Classes

Our first Family Life and Sexual Health courses are halfway through. We started with intention of providing a 12 week course to adults with developmental disabilities to help them learn healthy relationships skills. Based on the needs of our participants we have extended the course to 20 weeks.  We will be offering a second session later in the year. These courses are open to any adult with a developmental disability.

Monthly Social Events

Join us for one of our monthly Friday Night Hangouts. These community activities are open to the entire community and free for all. For dates and activities click  Friday Night Hangout

T-Shirts Are Here!

We are selling T-Shirts for our upcoming 4th Annual Summer Bash Fundraiser. These shirts will be for sale at our event at the Pourhouse on August 18th.

Need one sooner?

We will be selling them at Seal Dog Coffee Bar and at the Uptown Farmers Market on Saturday June 1st, July 6th, and August 10th. 

If you live locally and would like to purchase a shirt please contact Claudia at [email protected]

Shirts come in sizes small through extra large in blue or purple/pink and are $25.

Agency News

 Grants Grants Grant 

Olympic Neighbors is doing great things and people are starting to notice! Our team has been working hard not only in our fundraising efforts, but also by providing excellent services that people want to fund.

This Spring we were awarded 2 grants. We are grateful to the Foundations’ belief and support of our mission to help people with developmental disabilities live good lives in our local community.

 Olympic Neighbors was honored to be awarded a $10,000 grant from the Jefferson Community Foundation to use towards the operations of our housing services for adults with developmental disabilities.

The Jefferson Community Foundation strengthens our community both now and for future generations through engaged philanthropy. To learn more go to www.jcfgives.org

We are also beyond thrilled to be the recipient of a $5,000 grant from the

These funds will help cover the cost associated with assisting our residents get to needed medical and wellness appointments, to maintain employment and volunteer opportunities, and to help build meaningful relationships with others. Our goal is for people with developmental disabilities to be engaged, healthy and have a good quality of life. 

First Federal Community Foundation invests in the communities served by First Federal Bank by supporting qualified charities working to address needs in the areas of community support, affordable housing, economic development, and community development. To learn more go to www.firstfedcf.org/

Funding Increases

As we often tell anyone who will listen to us, Washington State has a severe lack of funding for housing services for people with developmental disabilities.

As parents of adult children with developmental disabilities continue to age, it becomes imperative that we address this now and help families access services before they are in crisis.

One group working hard specifically for adult family home providers is the Adult Family Home Council of Washington They were able to negotiate rate increases for AFH’s that includes a 17% average increase to Medicaid rates over the next two years.

While this is a BIG win, there is still much work to be done. Washington ranks near the bottom in the nation for funding for services for people with developmental disabilities. We still need your support more than ever to fill in the funding gaps so we can continue to lead the way for inclusive, cost-effective housing solutions.

Upcoming Events

Rhody Parade

Look for us in the Rhody parade. We will be walking in the parade on May 18th at 1pm with the Jefferson Community Foundation. We hope to see you out there. For a complete list of activities and events go to http://www.rhodyfestival.org/

4th Annual Summer Bash!  At the Pourhouse August 18th, 2019

Join us for our biggest fundraising event of the year! Listen to music of Lowire, the Merry Makers and more, bid on silent auctions items, dance in the sunshine all while supporting housing and inclusion services for people with developmental disabilities.

We are still accepting corporate sponsors and silent auction items for the event. If you are interested in supporting this event please contact Claudia at [email protected]

Bingo

Olympic Neighbors will be hosting Bingo on June 19th from 7pm to 9pm at Hilltop Tavern.   

$1 gets you 2 cards

Great beers, great prizes, great cause!

Thank You!!!

To all of the people who support our organization by donating money, time, or services; to those who share our mission and our story with others; and to those who continually encourage us in our efforts we truly and sincerely thank you.