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VARIOUS WEBSITES TO ACCESS SERVICES IN TACOMA/PIERCE COUNTY
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Looking for a Job! You Need a Phone for That!
FREE PHONE available at the Tacoma Goodwill Work Opportunity Center. Come to the REACH Center to sign-up.
You must be 18+ to apply for a Safelink phone. Safelink offers a program that enables qualifying customers to receive a free cell phone and free minutes every month.
The process to qualify for Lifeline Service depends on the State you live in. In general, you may qualify if:
You already participate in other State or Federal assistance program such as Federal Public Housing Assistance, Food Stamps and Medicaid.
OR
Your total household income is at or below of the poverty guidelines set by your State
AND
No one in your household currently receives Lifeline Service through another phone carrier.
You have a valid United States Postal Address. In order for us to ship you your free phone you must live at a residence that can receive mail from the US Post Office. Sorry, but P.O. Boxes cannot be accepted.
In addition to meeting the guidelines above you will also be required to provide proof of your participation in an assistance program, or proof of your income level.
Contact Dorothy Wilkins for more information: 253.573.6579
United Way 211
United Way works to create opportunities for a better life for all Pierce County residents. Calling South Sound 2-1-1, a comprehensive information and referral service, can be a first step toward real, lasting change. This free service connects people with essential health and human resources.
The South Sound 2-1-1 call center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with 24-hour voice mail.
For questions or additional information about South Sound 2-1-1, please call 2-1-1 or toll free at 1-877-211-WASH (9274) or email us, including your zip code or telephone number, at 211@uwpc.org.
United Way: Where to Turn to in Tough Times
In this struggling economy, you may have found yourself among the many in our community facing the loss of a job and financial trouble. The information on our website is intended to connect you with organizations that can help. Pierce County has many services available from help with employment and utility assistance to health services and food.
Washington State Library
Resources compiled by the Washington State Library you can use during tough times.
Department of License
Get your drivers license or identification card
Department of Social Health Services
Sign up for food stamps and other services.
Pierce Transit
This site provides information about bus routes, bus passes and the ORCA card.
Youth for Christ
The Youth for Christ Juvenile Justice Ministry works with at-risk young people that are often outside the scope and reach of mainstream ministry. Whether at the skate park, in the neighborhood or at the juvenile detention facility, YFC believes in the power of connecting these hurting young people with caring Christian adults. With over 25 years of experience in Remann Hall, Pierce County’s juvenile detention facility, YFC staff and volunteers show God’s love and hope to institutionalized youth through chapel services, counseling, long term follow-up and social skills instruction. We have nearly 30 volunteers who spend many hours investing in young lives. Both boys and girls not only taught each week, but are mentored in a strategic fashion as they transition out of the detention center.
At Youth for Christ, a network of workers has come under the umbrella of the national Core Ministry title of “City Life.” Along the way, the work to clarify the best strategy and practices of this Core Ministry has been a struggle. The complex challenges related to working with urban youth and families has stretched the boundaries of more traditional YFC club models. At Tacoma YFC, we have five ministries that work under the City Life banner: SOZO/SOZO Kids & Teen Late Night, Foss City Life, Wilson City Life, Tillicum Youth & Family Center, Puyallup Youth Investment Center.
Metropolitan Development Council
There are a wide ranging array of services provided by MDC, which includes: college assistance, chemical dependency treatment, housing, medical care for the homeless, small business training, and counseling services.
Tacoma Goodwill
When it comes to getting and keeping a job, Goodwill has the job training and placement programs that can make a difference. Goodwill’s mission is to change lives by helping people with disabilities or disadvantages go to work. It means helping senior citizens who need to get back into the workforce. It means building supported employment programs that connect those with developmental disabilities to solid work opportunities. It means bringing jobs to people who are homebound through online training programs. It means teaching English skills, and job search skills, to those trying to enter the workforce.
Most importantly, it means helping people build pride and independence through work. For more information about the variety of programs available, call 253.573.6814
PAVE
PAVE is a parent directed organization that works with families, individuals with disabilities, professionals and community members in all walks of life and with all types of disabilities. Since 1979, PAVE has provided information, training and support for over 1,000,000 individuals with disabilities, parents and professionals.
Support for Parents
Family Support Centers in Pierce County. There are Family Support Centers in almost every area of Pierce County. Each Family Support Center can help families to learn about:
* Healthy pregnancy
* How a baby grows
* How a toddler or preschooler grows
* How to help a child learn
* Parenting skills
Family Support Centers can also help families find resources for food, clothing, and housing; and assist families applying for food stamps.
Nurse Family Partnership
The Nurse Family Partnership Program is designed to teach young, first-time mothers how to take care of themselves during pregnancy and also how to care for their new babies. The program is voluntary and free to those who meet the eligibility requirements. Specially trained nurses provide frequent home visits that start before the woman’s seventh month of pregnancy and continue until the child’s second birthday.
A Step Ahead
Supporting families of infants and toddlers with special needs by enhancing their development and relationships both at home and in their community.
Immigration Services
At Tacoma Community House, the multilingual services department is a culturally diverse department that specializes in three core programs: Immigration Services, U.S. Citizenship, and Social Services. Our staff speaks a variety of languages to break through communication barriers, which increases our ability to provide the services necessary to link our clients with the information, forms, and processes they need.
Community Action Programs
The mission of Pierce County Community Action is to create opportunities for economically disadvantaged families and to reduce the impact of poverty through a variety of social service and community programs.
Tacoma Health Center-Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading sexual and reproductive health care provider and advocate.
Services for Foster Youth
The Pierce County Alliance and Youth for Christ provide services for foster youth and the families they live with.
Catholic Community Services
CCS provides services for the homeless, housing, counseling, and services for families in need.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Consejo Counseling & Referral Services
Consejo’s services include outreach and engagement, substance abuse counseling, gang prevention, intervention, and recovery services as well Wrap-around services and positive, pro-social recreational activities which incorporate school, community, and home-counseling. Consejo is licensed by the State Division of Drugs and Alcohol (DASA) to provide outpatient drug and alcohol treatment for youth.
Chemical Dependency Services
Organizations that provide a range of services funded by Pierce County.
HopeSparks
HopeSparks is recognized as a leader in Pierce County in the field of counseling, eating disorder recovery therapy services, early education, and support for families in crisis.
Mental Health Services
Phone numbers of organizations that provide County mental health services.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESOURCES
Crystal Judson Family Justice Center
We provide a safe location where all the needs of victims are met, where children are protected, where violence stops, where families heal and thrive where hope is realized. To learn more about our services visit the Learn More or Services sections.
Domestic Violence Hotline
Contact the Pierce County Domestic Violence HELPLINE at 253 798-4166 or 1-800-764-2420. The HELPLINE is:
- Staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Anonymous – you don’t have to give your name or contact the police
- Informational – we’ll help you find resources and be safer
- Run by people who are trained and understand domestic violence
- For both victims AND friends and family of victims
FOOD & HOUSING
Affordable Housing in Pierce County
Low Income Apartments cost less than similar apartments for rent. Requires tenants to meet age and income guidelines. Income from assets (savings, annuities, investments, spousal support, etc.) is counted as income.
Subsidized Apartments: Renters pay 30% of their monthly income for rent and utilities. Requires individuals to meet moderate to low income guidelines. Income from assets (savings, annuities, investments, spousal support, etc.) is counted as income.
Metropolitan Development Council
MDC owns and manages homes and apartments in Tacoma for qualified residents. In addition, case management services are provided for specific housing projects. Please call for information and availability.
Pierce County Housing Authority
PCHA is commited to offering quality affordable housing options and opportunities for residents of Pierce County.
Housing Resources in Pierce County
Listing of agencies in offering low income/affordable housing.
Food Banks
Find food banks throughout Pierce County. Many food banks require an appointment as well as proof of ID, residency, social security, etc. Some may limit number of visits per year.
LEGAL SERVICES
Legal Services
This link will take you to a list of organizations that provide legal services.
Legal Services for Youth
TeamChild makes a difference for youth in trouble by helping them get the services they need to change their lives. TeamChild addresses the underlying causes of juvenile delinquency by advocating for education, mental & medical health services, safe living situations and other supports.
Health Care
Many youth in the juvenile justice system have mental or physical health problems and drug or alcohol addictions. TeamChild helps youth obtain evaluations, treatment, and other health services.
Housing
Homelessness, or a dangerous or unstable home, often contributes to a youth’s problem behavior. TeamChild helps young people access safe and stable living situations.
Volunteer Legal Services
If you are low-income you can make a toll-free phone call to get legal advice and referral to volunteer resources in Pierce County. Call the Northwest Justice Project‘s CLEAR line at 1-888-201-1014 (line open 9:15-12:15 M-F). ‘CLEAR’ stands for ‘Coordinated Legal Education, Advice & Referral.’ The number may be very busy so be prepared to take some time for the call.
EDUCATION
Tacoma Public Library
Visit the Tacoma Library site and learn how to get a Library card, download audio books, receive on-line homework help, learn about the Teen Center, check out videos and CD’s, and have access to an incredible array of books.
The Washboard.org
The WashBoard.org is a free, web-based non-profit scholarship clearinghouse for Washington students seeking college scholarships.
TheWashBoard.org makes scholarship searching easy!
There are over 50 scholarship providers from across the state registered on theWashBoard.org. These providers have over $4 million in scholarship funds available and anticipate making over 1,700 awards for the 2010-2011 academic year. New scholarships are added each day to the WashBoard.org.
In addition, you will also find other financial aid resources and information on theWashBoard.org
YOUTH ADVOCACY
Working with Youth
That young people gain more from an experience when they are actively involved is a core premise of peer education and youth development. Research also suggests that programs for youth which are developed through a partnership of youth and adults may be highly effective in building young people’s skills and reducing their sexual risk-taking behaviors. Read more …..
Ed Dejesus Consulting
The Youth Development and Research Fund, Inc. is solely dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth, and the policies and programs that serve them through research, training and the power of youth cultural competence (YCC). Our innovative research, training, products and information help policy organizations, advocacy groups, foundations, community based organizations and educational institutions better meet the needs of today’s youth. Our unmatched services, reinforced by a comprehensive network, recognizable staff experts and strategic partnerships with hip-hop industry celebrities, sets the Youth Development and Research Fund, Inc. apart from any other entity seeking to effectively reach and impact today’s youth.
