Who Is Involved

"Building Inclusive Communities in Seattle"

Darris and the Southwest Family Center: Creating a Place for All Families

By Rachel Kirby

Darris lived with her husband and two young children in Delridge but there were no activities and services designed for children with developmental disabilities. Darris had to take her son out of her neighborhood for suitable and welcoming activities. She was frustrated to have nowhere in her neighborhood for her son to go to be with other neighborhood kids and to have to drive so far from home.

When Darris approached the Southwest Family Center to explore their interest in involving families who have kids with special needs, the Family Center staff indicated they wanted to include families who have members with disabilities, they just didn't know how to begin.

With a small grant from the Department of Neighborhoods, the Family Center hired Darris to talk with family members of people with disabilities about how they would like to be involved in the Family Center and other neighborhood places. Darris listened to people and invited them to come, and soon people with developmental disabilities and their family members did come to the Family Center. Support groups came together and met regularly. Sign language classes were offered and invitations were extended to Family Center dinners and celebrations. People with disabilities and their families began attending Friday night gatherings. One young man with disabilities joined the Delridge Youth Group and another young man with autism became a regular volunteer at the Center. Family Center staff members talked about disability and inclusion.

The Center hired a childcare worker who had experience with children with disabilities so that families would feel comfortable. The Center also applied for money from local foundations to continue the work.

In a short time, the Family Center became a welcoming place for all families in the neighborhood. Families with special needs children had a place in their neighborhood where they felt heard and comfortable. Darris became a recognized leader, not only organizing family groups and getting individuals involved in community activities, but also participating in other neighborhood organizing activities. Darris's leadership has provided a lasting legacy at the Southwest Family Center.

One example is Jason, a 21-year-old with autism. Last June Jason finished high school and his family began searching for structured activities for him to participate in. They found the Southwest Family Center, just a few blocks away from Jason's house. It seemed an ideal place for him to get involved. As a volunteer, once a week, Jason tidied the playroom, stacked library books, and cleaned tables. While Jason volunteered, his sister participated in the After-School Tutoring Program and his stepfather took a much-needed walk. Jason's stepfather says that coming to the Family Center was something Jason looked forward to every week and that the whole family benefited from his experience.

Learn more about the strategies the neighbors in Delridge used.