Cares of Washington is helping residents with disabilities find meaningful employment while celebrating 45 years of community service.
Alexis Salas, an employment specialist with Cares in Kitsap County, works directly with clients to match their skills and interests with local employers. “I connect individuals with disabilities to the right employers,” Salas said. “We get some background on them, figure out a good fit, and connect them with businesses that maybe have a gap in a specific area.”
Salas said clients face a variety of barriers, including transportation and communication challenges. In one case, she worked with a client at the Port of Manchester who maintains the park by collecting trash. The client, who had limited communication skills, learned to use signs to lead his own route, building independence while supporting the community.
Jess Watts, a board member at Cares, emphasized the organization’s mission. “Our clients’ disabilities are not a problem to be solved; the true issue lies in the one-size-fits-all way that our society, communities, and workplaces are structured. Cares helps to bridge that gap in making work and life more accessible for everyone,” she said.
Other clients participate in Cares’ community inclusion programs, which help individuals engage in social and recreational activities. Salas described a client who previously could not leave her car but now attends chair yoga twice a week and participates in social events. “It’s been really cool to see her gain confidence and explore new activities,” Salas said.
Cares works closely with the state Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDA) to receive referrals for clients. Salas said the agency conducts a personalized assessment, often visiting clients in their homes to understand their interests and skills before matching them with suitable jobs.
In Kitsap County, clients have found placements in retail, manual labor, and public service. Other success stories include placements with the Bremerton Fire Department.
This year, Cares is celebrating its 45th anniversary with the 45 Days of Giving fundraising campaign. The goal is to raise $45,000 to expand services and reach more clients.
“Together, we’ve been able to achieve 13,000-plus new jobs for people with disabilities, refugees and immigrants, People of Color, and those at the federal poverty line,” the organization said. “Even small donations have a significant impact. $15 can fund an hour of one-on-one coaching, while $1,000 funds a whole year of services.”
The nonprofit also emphasized the ongoing challenges of federal and state funding cuts for human services and harmful statements about the capacity of immigrant and disabled communities. Despite these challenges, the organization said it remains committed to supporting local residents.
Salas described a hands-on approach that emphasizes independence and personalized coaching. “We work with clients who have slipped through the cracks,” she said. “We meet them where they are, implement visual aids, and use step-by-step instruction to help them gain skills and confidence.”
This fall, Salas highlighted a client who is a nonverbal and developmentally disabled individual who is learning basic service skills in preparation for employment as an example of the program’s success.
Cares also aims to raise awareness among local businesses and community members about the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. Salas said the organization continues to seek more staff and volunteers to expand its reach.
