Community ResourcesPrincess Project of Washington: the Princess Project of Washington provides dresses and accessories free of charge for proms, pageants, and more! No proof of income is needed.
Special Portraits: This portrait studio specializes in photographing children and adults with special needs. Financial aid is available. We Rock the Spectrum: This indoor play gym in Federal Way was designed specifically for kids with special needs! Consulting and SpeakingEducational Advocacy: Helen Caldart is available to conduct paid training sessions for groups of parents, school administrators, teachers, and school staff.
Community Inclusion: Our primary goal is to help our community better understand special needs so that our children can be accepted as the diverse people they are. Promoting understanding and normalizing differences, allow families who have exceptional children (those with special needs, especially those with invisible disabilities) feel less stress and more inclusion. Specific topics include:
EducationEducational Advocacy Workshops:
Paid Educational Advocacy Training Sessions for:
Greater Pierce Special Needs PTA: a community of parents of students with special needs in districts located in Pierce county Homeschool Group Social Time: children are invited to explore and share ideas while playing games with one another. Tacoma Special Needs PTA: a unifying voice for students with special needs in the Tacoma School District Special Education Advocates League - Helen Caldart, Special Education Advocate, uses this website to help families navigate the special education system. Family Support
Coffee & Chat: a chance for families to get together and enjoy coffee and treats with people who understand. Children are welcome. We meet in both Lakewood, Olympia, Puyallup, and Sumner.
DadsMOVE: A support group specifically for fathers of children with special needs. Friendship Connections: EFN's Friendship Connections Program provides activities for children and teens (birth to 19 years old) with special needs in an inclusive environment to guide them in social and communication skills. Lending Library: EFN members can choose from over 100 books about different topics related to disability. All books can be found at our office in Lakewood. New Roads Project: This program offers families with a suspected or new diagnosis support through monthly meetings. Share thoughts and ideas while working on weighted lap pads, blankets, or our project of the month. Support Groups: Our monthly support groups are held in Tacoma and Olympia and offer a variety of topics and speakers to learn from. |
Fun Classes & EventsBirthday Buddies: a monthly opportunity for children to celebrate their birthday month in a sensory friendly setting.
Family Movie & Game Night: a monthly event for the entire family with movies, games, crafts, snacks, and conversation. Family Nature Walk: enjoy the outdoors while exploring Snake Lake with other EFN families. Playground on site. Not all parts of the path are stroller/wheelchair friendly. GOAT Games & More: a teen group that provides an opportunity for youth to socialize and play games together in a relaxed environment. Inspired Movement Troupe: an ongoing fun and inclusive dance program geared toward those who may need extra support. Miss Exceptional Pageant: A pageant specifically for boys and girls with special needs. Sensational Bunny: kids with special needs can meet the Easter Bunny in a low stress environment with whatever accommodations they need. Sensational Santa: kids with special needs can meet Santa Claus in a low stress environment with whatever accommodations they need. Summer Picnic: join us for our annual summer picnic for food, fun, and community! Sunday Funday: a day where many clubs meet and activities are available to families including:
Super Saturday: a monthly stamping and scrapbooking club with potluck snacks and coffee and tea provided. Trunk or Treat: trick or treat with EFN and our community partners! There will be games, treats, photo ops, and lots of fun! Words & Whine Book Club: a friendly support group and book club that meets in person and via Google Hangouts. Yoga: fun and engaging yoga for all ages and ability levels. MedicalAASPIRE: primary care resources for adults on the autism spectrum and their primary care providers
Mom and Me Mobile Clinic: this clinic provides basic healthcare at no cost to those in need every Monday from 10am to 2pm in Eatonville. No proof of income is needed. No one is turned away. Washington State Dental Association Special Needs Directory: find a dentist that works with developmental and special needs |