Family Resources
Resources below include
Athletic Activities in the Surrounding Area
Resources for families that need special services,
REGIONAL RECREATION SERVICES
1.METRO PARKS OF TACOMA https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/activities-and-sports/ 253.305.1022
2.LAKEWOOD PARKS & RECREATION https://cityoflakewood.us/parks-and-recreation/ 253.589.2489
3.PENMET PARKS https://penmetparks.org/ 253.858.3400
4.CITY OF FIRCREST PARKS & RECREATION https://www.cityoffircrest.net/government/parks-and-recreation/ 253.564.8177
5.YMCA OF PIERCE COUNTY https://www.ymcapkc.org/ 253.584.9622
6. PIERCE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION https://www.piercecountywa.gov/114/Parks-Recreation 253.798.4176
Athletic Activities in the Surrounding Area
1.METRO PARKS OF TACOMA https://www.metroparkstacoma.org/activities-and-sports/ 253.305.1022
2.LAKEWOOD BASEBALL CLUB https://www.lakewoodbaseballclub.org/home 253.271.8532
3.Soundview Little League https://www.soundviewll.com/
4.Patriot Athletic League https://patriotathleticleague.com/current-programs
5.TOP CAT TENNIS topcattennis@aol.com 253.376.4529
6.CITY OF FIRCREST PARKS & RECREATION https://www.cityoffircrest.net/government/parks-and-recreation/ 253.564.8177
7.DANCE THEATRE NORTHWEST www.DTNW.org 253.778.6534
8.University Place Soccer Club https://www.upsc.org/
9.Lakewood Soccer Club https://www.lakewoodsoccerclub.org/
10.Tacoma elite soccer academy https://tacomaelite.com/
11.CHALLENGER SOCCER https://www.challengersports.com/
12.NORTHWEST PROSPECTS ACADEMY - WEST www.NWProspects.com 253.301.0491
13.TIGER TAEKWON DO ACADEMY www.Tiger-Taekwondo.com 253.476.2886
14.KIDZ LOVE SOCCER www.KidzLoveSoccer.com
15.PIERCE COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION www.PierceCountyWA.org/index.aspx?nid=114 253.798.4176
16.SKYHAWKS SPORTS CAMPS www.Skyhawks.com
17.University Place VIKING COMMUNITY CHEER https://www.vikingscommunitycheerleading.org/
18.University Place Viking Cheer http://universityplacejuniorvikingcheer.weebly.com/
19.University Place Viking Football Club https://davegalla.wixsite.com/up-vikings
20.The first tee of South Puget Sound https://firstteesouthpugetsound.org/
21.University Place soccer club https://www.upsc.org/
21.University Place VIKING LACROSSE CLUB www.UPLacrosse.com
22. Ascend Gymnastics https://ascendgymnastics.com/
23. Zenith Gymastics https://www.zenithwestgym.com/
24. AGA Northwest Gymastic https://www.aganorthwest.com/contact-us/
25. AGA Northwest Gig Harbor https://www.aganorthwest.com/
26. Ethereal Arts Northwest https://www.etherealartsnorthwest.com/
27. Grace Gym Gymnastics https://gracegym.com/
28.METROPOLITAN BALLET OF TACOMA http://www.metropolitanballetoftacoma.com/
29. Tacoma City Ballet https://www.tacomacityballet.com/
FREE Programs
1. You can check out Museum passes from the library and get into museums for free. Below this link will show which museums are included in the program. All you need is a library card per free entry pass. Which Include Foss Waterway Seaport - Seaport Pass, Harbor History Museum, Lakewold Gardens, Museum of Glass, Tacoma Art Museum, Washington State History Museum
https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/books-materials/museum-pass.htm
2. University Place library STEAM program https://stem.pcls.us/
3.Library Virtual Events https://calendar.piercecountylibrary.org/events?l=virtual%20pierce%20county
4. How to get your library card https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/services/library-card/library-card.htm
5.TAM Museum Free entry every Thursday night from 5 -
1701 Pacific Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98402
Parks in the Area
Cirque Bridgeport Park
7401 Cirque Dr W, University Place, WA 98466
This park is also getting an inclusive playground.
Chambers Creek Regional Park
4800-4850 Grandview Dr W, University Place, WA 98466
Wooden playground, Beach frontage, Walking loop (steep hills in some areas), Great place for picnics.
Sunset Terrace Park
1902 Seaview Ave W, University Place, WA 98466
Playground for kids, zip line for younger kids
Titlow Park
8425 6th Ave, Tacoma, WA 98465
75-acre park with extensive beach frontage, a kids' spray park, playgrounds, trails & tennis courts.
Fort Steilacoom Park
8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood, WA 98498
Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood, Washington is the largest park in the city. The 340-acre park includes a playground, Waughop Lake, an off-leash dog park, and several soccer fields and baseball fields. It is adjacent to Pierce College, historic Fort Steilacoom, and Western State Hospital.
Events in the Community
https://www.cityofup.com/132/Events
Community Resources
Provided by the Public Libraries https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/community-resources/Default.htm
Point Defiance Zoo - Free garden tours
When: 10 am on the first Sunday of every month
Where: Meet at Pacific Rim Plaza, just inside Zoo front gate
Cost: Free with admission or membership
https://www.pdza.org/discover/plants/garden-tours/
Farmers markets
1.Lakewood opened Tuesdays in June to August. 2pm - 7pm Located in Fort Steilacoom Park
https://cityoflakewood.us/lakewood-farmers-market/
Steilacoom farmers market is located in their downtown on Wednesdays in June to August
3pm - 7pm
https://townofsteilacoom.org/267/Farmers-Market
2.Proctor Farmers Market: located N. 27th st & N. Proctor.
Hours are Regular Season:
Current dates are; Every Saturday Mar 26 2022 - Dec 17th 9am to 2pm
Winter dates; Jan 14, Deb 11, March 11 2023 from 10 am to 2pm
http://www.proctorfarmersmarket.com/
3.Tacoma Farmer Market: Locations vary for dates and time. Check out their website to see current information
https://tacomafarmersmarket.com/
4.Olympia Farmers Market;
Winter hours are nov - Dec, Saturday and Sundays from 10am - 3pm
Regular hours - April - October Thursday - Sunday from 10am - 3pm
https://www.olympiafarmersmarket.com/
5.Tacoma Night Market and Sunday Drag Brunch. Dates and times are posted on their website
https://tacomanightmarket.com/
Resources for Guardians with Children that Need Special Programs.
1.PAVE - https://wapave.org/
This is a great resource for parents needing guidance on the process of setting up IEPS, 504’s, and other programs involving school. For example, they are a great resource for what time of questions you should ask at IEP meetings. They can also tell you your rights as a parent and how to best advocate for your child. Pave also gives you great information on navigating different evaluations your child may need in relation to an IEP Or 504. Their website also provides a ton of information and different events.If you aren’t sure, what services you need or what areas they can help you in - on the website you can fill out the “GET HELP” form (this link will take you directly to it https://wapave.org/get-help/
And they will connect you really quickly. Typically 24 - 48 hours
This a link to their calendar of events https://wapave.org/calendar/
2.Special Education Alphabet Soup Acronyms used in Special Education and what they mean https://www.parentcenterhub.org/acronyms/
3.Open doors for multicultural families. This website provides culturally and linguistically relevant information, services, and programming to culturally and linguistically diverse families of persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities
https://www.multiculturalfamilies.org/
4.OSPI Family Engagement and Guidance; This is Washington instruction information and overview of special education programs in the school district
https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/family-engagement-and-guidance
5.The ARC of Washington State; Resources and information for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities http://arcwa.org/
6.IEP's resources https://adayinourshoes.com/
7.IEP resources and special education advocacy https://www.specialeducationadvocacy.org/
8.Parents, advocates, teachers, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for reliable, up-to-date information about special education law and advocacy for children with disabilities. https://www.wrightslaw.com/
9. For children ages birth to 3 there is the Birth to 3 program. Ask your child’s doctor for referral https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1972/Early-Supports-for-Infants-and-Toddlers
10. For children ages 3 - 5 Child Find through University Place School district, Child Find is a screening process used to help identify any developmental delays that may interfere with your child's learning and growth. The screening is also provided to help parents identify their child's strengths and weaknesses, and to determine if a child needs further evaluation for special education eligibility. https://www.upsd83.org/programs/special_services_and_programs/childfind
11.When making an IEP you have athe right to Free Appropriate Public Education
FAPE (https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/edlite-FAPE504.html) , and should read the special ed pamphlet.https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/special-education-resource-library and https://specialeducationsupportcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Special_Education_Manual_sept2019.pdf The OSPI is also a good resource and never be scared to speak up for anything. They should know you well at the school if your child needs assistance. https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education
12. Kids Mental Health Resorces
https://kidsmentalhealthpiercecounty.org/youth-mental-health-resources/
13.Unmasking anxiety: Resources for families
https://www.seattleschild.com/unmasking-anxiety-resources-for-families/
Autism Resources:
1.https://washingtonautismalliance.org/
2.UW Autism Center Research and resources for individuals with autism http://depts.washington.edu/uwautism/
Attention and Learning Resources
1.Online tutoring help through the Pierce County Library - All you need is a library card to sign in. The services are offered from 1pm to 10pm everyday
https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/kids-teens/tools-students/online-homework-help.htm
2.ADD/ADHD - this website provides information and resources for families that have a child that has ADD/ADHD. https://chadd.org/
3.Understood website; https://www.understood.org/mission - helps families that have children that learn and think differently discover their potentials, take control, find community, and stay on positive paths along each stage of life’s journey. Children may have ADHD or dyslexia.
4.Khan Academy is a an online learning resource https://www.khanacademy.org/
5. ARAK Individuals with learning difficulties can learn, they just learn differently. Using strategic learning methods, ARK Institute of Learning unlocks each individual’s learning difficulty with solutions that fit their personal needs.ARK Institute of Learning is here to provide students with customized toolkits for achieving learning success in and out of the classroom. ARK provides comprehensive educational evaluations, early screening for dyslexia, and specialized, individualized instruction. https://www.arkinst.org/
6. Tacoma Public Library E-Resources for Elementary Students https://www.tacomalibrary.org/kids-subject/middle-high/
7. Tacoma Public Library Language Learning Resources Enjoy levels 1-5 of Rosetta Stone courses for 30 different languages for free! https://www.tacomalibrary.org/resources/language-learning/
Family Military Resources
1.The University Place Library also has an amazing resource for military families - https://military.mypcls.org/
2.CYS - you first have to register your child in the - but once you do; you have access to lots of sport activities including swim lessons. When you register your child at CYS and they will give you loads of information of when to sign up and how https://jblm.armymwr.com/categories/cys
3. Military Mentoring https://mcfhc.org/military-mentoring-project/
Multicultural Resources
1.Puget Sound ESD Native American Education Program - Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PSESDNativeAmericanEducationProgram
2. Refugee resources
Resettlement; https://lcsnw.org/program/refugee-resettlement-program-2/
Health Program; https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/refugee-health-program
Resources; https://www.piercecountylibrary.org/community-resources/immigrant-refugee-citizenship.htm
3.Hilltop (Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center (MCFHC) is a non-profit human services agency. Our mission is to provide culturally relevant support services to children and families through daycare, ECEAP, and DSHS contracted services. A positive relationship between teacher and student is an important factor in the social, emotional and academic development of a child. Our center strives to ensure this balance.
https://mcfhc.org/ and this is there facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MCFHC253/
(253) 593-6641
4.ASIAN PACIFIC CULTURAL CENTER Asia Pacific Cultural Center (APCC) is a center for cultural exchange providing programs and services that promote the greater awareness, understanding, equity, and inclusion of the Asian and Pacific Islander people. This community includes immigrants, refugees, children and youth, seniors and elders, low-income, and all groups who are a part of the Asia Pacific community. https://www.asiapacificculturalcenter.org/aboutus
4851 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409 253-383-3900
5. KOREAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION Offers wide array of services for Asian and Pacific Islander populations. KWA partners with diverse communities to empower individuals to live safe and dignified lives. All families and individuals in communities where we work are empowered and supported to lead stable and healthy lives.
3625 Perkins Lane SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 Phone: 253-535-4202 or 1-888-508-2780 https://www.kwacares.org/
6.COLAGE unites people with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and/or asexual parent into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities. https://colage.org/
7. MULTICARE ASIAN COUNSELING SERVICES Provides culturally appropriate counseling and self-sufficiency services to Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations including refugees and immigrants (Bilingual counseling is available in Cambodian, Vietnamese, & Korean) https://www.multicare.org/services-and-departments/behavioral-health/behavioral-health-programs/adult-programs/behavioral-health-programs-adults-asian/
2201 South 19th St., Suite 104, Tacoma, WA 98405 Phone: 253-301-5250
8.MULTICULTURAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY MOVEMENT Helps diverse clients become self-sufficient through culturally competent and linguistically appropriate education, employment, and economic development social services http://www.msm-wa.org/ 3820 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499 Phone: 253-584-5615
9. PUYALLUP TRIBAL HEALTH AUTHORITY Healthcare and behavioral health resources offered to Native Americans enrolled in federally-recognized tribes https://www.eptha.com/ 2209 E. 32nd St., Tacoma, WA 98404 Phone: 253-593-0232
10. SOUTH PUGET INTERTRIBAL PLANNING AGENCY Offers TANF assistance to tribally enrolled Natives https://spipa.org/ 4301 South Pine St., Suite 400, Tacoma, WA 98409 Tacoma Office: 253-250-0550
11. Big Brother/ Big Sister Our participants come to us with a wide range of personal characteristics. We believe that participant eligibility shall be determined without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability.To create and support 1-to-1 mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Form for Inquiry https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/f/YouthInquiry
Website: https://www.inspirebig.org/aboutus/
12. ESL Classes Pierce College's highly successful, integrated ESL classes are designed to meet the language needs of our immigrant community. (Scholarships are available) https://pierce.ctc.edu/esl
13. Free English Classes Sumner-Bonney Lake Family Center https://www.sumnersd.org/familycenter Contact Email ida_cortez@sumnersd.org
Contact Phone 2538916153
14. Ukrainian Community Center of Washington (Tacoma Office)The Ukrainian Community Center of Washington (UCCWa) offers a variety of immigration services for a broad range of immigration matters to low-income individuals and families for free or low-cost.https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/organization.393427-Ukrainian_Community_Center_of_Washington_Tacoma_Office
-
Location:
2014 S. 15th St
Tacoma, WA 98405 -
Contact by phone: (425) 430-8229
And main website for the Ukrainian Community Center of Washington https://uccwa.org/
14. Oasis Youth Center Resources for LGBTQ+ youth Oasis Youth Center is a drop-in and support center dedicated to the needs of LGBTQ youth ages 11-24 in Pierce County. https://devoasis.dreamhosters.com/
15. PFLAG Tacoma's Resource Page for LGBTQ+ Youth A resource page provided by PFLAG for LGBTQ+ parents and youth. http://www.pflagtacoma.org/
16. School Based Counseling Program for Latino youth: The overall goal of Consejo’s School Based Counseling is to support Latino youth to succeed in school. https://consejocounseling.org/
Guardian Resources
1.The app called “Meeting Guide” is a great resource for every single AA meeting in any area- it’s based on location and lists all meetings in chronological order and even provides an option for mapping.
2.Celebrate Recovery is an option too for parents in recovery for anything from substance, alcohol or emotional trauma- they are held in churches all over the city, usually there is one meeting per day, the closest on I know of is located at Puget Sound Foursquare Church on 56th St near Tyler. https://www.pugetsoundfoursquare.com/ 4020 S 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98409 and phone number is 253-474-1876
3.Puget Sound Foursquare Church on 56th St also has a clothing bank every Friday from 1-4pm with womens, mens, and children's clothing ( plus shoes, coats, hats, scarves…) https://www.pugetsoundfoursquare.com/ 4020 S 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98409 and phone number is 253-474-1876
4.Food Bank in 2610 Sunset Drive West, University Place, WA, 98466, links below
https://www.familiesunlimitednetwork.org
Tuesday 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Thursday 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Saturday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
To donate you can drop off Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9am - 3pm
They also have a backpack program - fill out this survey https://www.familiesunlimitednetwork.org/backpack and they will deliver a backpack to the school your child attends
5.For anyone surviving or still suffering from domestic violence, wonderful resources for support, clothing, housing, financial assistance, and counseling. They are extremely confidential and they have top notch advocates within the organization https://www.familyjusticecenter.us/
6..Family resources center; When you have the resources to meet your basic needs, you can better focus on safe, stable, nurturing relationships. Parenting classes and support groups, Health and well-being programs, Apple Health, Basic Food. ENG ESP, Free diapers and wipes. ENG ESP, Domestic violence help referrals, Financial, Behavioral health, Immunizations, Legal aid, Social connections improvement, College and career education, Washington Connections, Refugee services: Resettlement, Health Program, Resources.
https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/family-support-partnership/family-support-centers
7.Family support Partnership https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/family-support-partnership
8. Behavioral health support https://www.tpchd.org/healthy-people/behavioral-health
9."Note"-able Free Instrument Scholarship; A Scholarship Program for students needing financial assistance to obtain a musical instrument. https://www.tbmoutreach.org/request-an-instrument.html
10. The Brave and Unbroken Project. A support group for victims of child abuse. http://www.braveandunbroken.com/resources.html
11. Child Care Resources A page for referrals to child care payment assistance. https://www.childcare.org/family-services/pay-for-care.aspx
12. Free Xfinity Internet for Low-Income Households ACP offers long-term financial assistance to qualified households of up to $30/month toward Internet service. https://www.internetessentials.com/
Or Project 10 Million T-Mobile's free internet program for low income families. https://www.t-mobile.com/business/education/project-10-million?cmpid=TFB_ENT_P_20TENMM_P0Y4WYJ0MNGEYF1658567
13. R.I.S.E Center Referrals: Education Assistance: School Supplies, Other Assistance: Basic Needs, Other Assistance: Free Meals, Other Assistance: Internet Access, Other Assistance: Mental and Physical Health https://www.risecenterofhilltop.org/referral
14. YWCA Resource Page: YWCA Pierce County is dedicated to transforming lives through safety, healing, and empowerment. As an inclusionary non-profit organization, YWCA Pierce County provides assistance to survivors of domestic violence and their children. All survivors are welcome regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, or sexual orientation. Bilingual staff and interpretation services eliminate language barriers and ease transitions for all of our clients. The YWCA serves over 11,000 adults and children annually, who are seeking help due to domestic violence. https://www.ywcapiercecounty.org/Home%20Page
15. Be SMART
The Be SMART campaign was launched in 2015 to promote responsible gun ownership in order to reduce child gun deaths. Whether you’re a gun owner, or you know someone who owns a gun, there is a role for everyone in the conversation around secure gun storage. Be SMART is a framework that parents, caretakers, and community leaders can follow to help keep their communities safe. Ultimately, you can help prevent kids from accessing firearms by storing them securely, and encouraging others to do the same. Because children deserve to feel safe, no matter where they are.
Summer Camps
1.Piece county has a list of summer camps including: Lego camp, cheer camp, Explores adventure camp, sport summer camps (Basketball, soccer, golf, flag football, multisport, ultimate frisbee), ice skating camps, skimboarding camp, science sea camp. https://www.piercecountywa.gov/1423/CampsClinics
2.Tacoma zoo camps; current registration March 15th for members and nonmembers is March 22
3.Lakewood Theatre Program
https://www.lakewoodinstituteoftheatre.org/summer-2023.html
4..Sailing Program
https://ghycjuniorsail.org/summer-camp-5/#1659641236041-8da8e4d3-02a0
5.Logger summer camps for baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, volleyball
https://loggerathletics.com/sports/2021/5/25/information-camps-loggercamps.aspx
6. Edgeworks rock climbing
https://edgeworksclimbing.com/tacoma/camps.html
7. Girls Scouts camp
https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/en/camp/ways-to-camp/sleepaway-camp.html
8.Fircrest Summer camps
https://www.cityoffircrest.net/government/parks-and-recreation/
9.Open Art Studio: Tacoma
http://www.openartsstudio.com/summer-camps-2023-by-week.html
10. Mountaineers Join us at the Tacoma Branch for a week filled with climbing, wilderness skills, fun, and adventure!
https://www.mountaineers.org/youth/programs-by-location/tacoma/tacoma-camps/tacoma-camps
11.Camp Invention: Stem Camp for K - 6: Locations in Tacoma, Steilacoom, Gig Harbor, Federal Way, Sumner
12. Skyhawks summer camps - lots of different sport camp options
13.Tacoma Elite Soccer Academy
https://tacomaelite.com/about-tacoma-elite/programs/
14.Seattle Mariners Grand Slam Camp
https://www.mlb.com/mariners/fans/camps
15.Wolf Camp - Kids Nature and Survival day camps
16. Tacoma Urban Performing Arts Center
https://tacomaupac.org/summer-2023
17.Parent Map Special Edition - resource that shows many different camps and activities for this summer
https://www.parentmap.com/2022-summer-camps-activities-guide
18. Snapology - S.T.E.A.M. camps
19. Charles Wright Summer Camps
20. Eco Explorers - for kids ages 8 - 11
https://www.piercecountywa.gov/3338/Eco-Adventure-Camps
Swimming Programs
1. Curtis Athletics summer and school year swim programs
https://sites.google.com/upsd83.org/curtis-aquatic-center/swim-lessons?authuser=0
2.Metro Aquatics
https://metroaquatics.commitswim.com/lessonregistration '
3. Morgan Family YMCA
https://www.ymcapkc.org/locations/morgan-family-ymca
4.Lakewood YMCA
https://www.ymcapkc.org/locations/lakewood-family-ymca
5. Tacoma YMCA
https://www.ymcapkc.org/locations/tacoma-center-ymca
6. Fircrest Summer Swim lesson program
https://www.cityoffircrest.net/government/parks-and-recreation/swimming-pool/
7. Fife Swim Program
https://www.cityoffife.org/150/Aquatics
8. Kinder Swimmer; locations are in Spanaway and Renton
https://www.kinderswimmer.com/
9. For Military Families - JBLM offers swim programs - you just have to enroll your kids in CYS
https://jblm.armymwr.com/programs/aquatics/youth-swim-lessons
10. Beard Swim Co. in Gig Harbor