Centerforce

Centerforce believes individuals with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities have unique talents and abilities to share with others in their communities. People with disabilities experience a higher quality of life with a job, however, a job alone is not enough! Centerforce’s two main programs: Community Employment and Community Inclusion.

Community Employment Goals
1. 18,000 service hours will be provided to clientele
2. 75% of participants will be employed in the community at minimum wage or higher
3. 65% of participants will maintain, advance or modify employment through job retention services.

Community Inclusion Goals
1. 7,300 service hours will be provided to clientele.
2. 75% of participants will improve or maintain community involvement by meeting individual goals.
3. 90% of participants will report satisfaction with Community Inclusion services provided.

The main strategy is to focus in on each client by providing 1:1 individualized support services designed to help persons with disabilities optimize their personal, social, and vocational competency to live successfully in the community.

Once interests are identified and goals established, staff coordinate schedules with the individual and their families. Staff assists individuals to participate in activities, based on their needs or interests and may include shopping, finding an apartment, attending movies, meeting friends for coffee or bowling, going to the bank.

If the client is looking for employment they will be placed into the Community Employment program where staff assist with resume creation, interview preparation, transportation coordination, direct support in the hiring process, and job coaching in order to maintain fulfilling employment. Without these programs those served would otherwise be home bound, resulting in isolation and social deprivation.

For 50 years Centerforce has demonstrated a track record of supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The goal of Centerforce is to improve the lifestyle of the participants served and the community we serve in.

Distinguishing Centerforce from other organizations can best be represented through the services offered to individuals with high support needs and Centerforce is the only agency currently providing Community Inclusion in Pierce County. Additionally, the Centerforce program is unique in that it provides designated case management services where other agencies do not.

Case Managers focus on the quality of service delivery to ensure that client needs are being met. Case Managers communicate with residential or caregivers to develop a plan to address concerns such as transportation, hygiene, behavioral concerns, finances, and more!

1968 - Centerforce was initially established as "The Pacific Care Center." by concerned parents with an emphasis on daily living skills.

1981 - Centerforce evolved to focus on vocational rehabilitation by providing employment education, training and skill building.

2013 - Launched a $750,000 fundraising campaign to support new community-based services and provide needed resources to renovate a 5,000 sq. ft. facility.

2014 - Closed the sheltered workshop, due to a federal mandate, which lead to the transition of 129 individuals to community based employment and enrichment services.

2014 - Established an Endowment Fund with the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation.

2018 - Centerforce celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Future plans include growing the number of served clients in Pierce and King County along with, expanding services to Thurston County of Washington State.