|
Friends of The Arc
November 2026
| |
Highlights and Gratitude
| | Vote for The Arc During Target's Community Giving Event November to December! | | | | |
The Arc of Tri-Cities has been selected to participate in Target's Community Giving Program and we need YOUR help! It's a simple process and takes just a minute to do. Votes may already be in your account - check today!
Step 1: Open your target app or visit target.com/circle/community-voting.
Step 2: In the app click into the "my target" section. Below the purple Target 360 section, click the blue notification called "support nonprofits with your community votes"
Step 3: Find The Arc of Tri-Cities and enter your votes.
| | |
Family and friends can support The Arc, even from another state! Ask them to set their preferred Target store to the location in ZIP code 99336, then follow the steps above to vote for The Arc of Tri-Cities.
Your votes direct where and how much Target awards in grant funding to nonprofits in the community. Once the voting period wraps up, Target will award a grant to The Arc based on the percentage of votes we received. Let's show Target the magic of the The Arc community! Thank you for your support!
| | The Arc of Tri-Cities Appoints Longtime Advocate Donna Tracy as Executive Director. | | |
The Arc of Tri-Cities' board appointed Donna Tracy as its new Executive Director. Donna brings more than 33 years of experience, community involvement, dedication to service and a desire to continue former Executive Director and mentor Judy Westsik’s legacy of advocacy and care for each individual.
Judy hired Donna in 1993 as one of only a few employees for The Arc. Over the years, Donna helped develop and oversee nearly every major program the organization offers: Partners N Pals summer camp, Buddy Club in local schools, recreation activities for adults and the day programs connecting adults with the community and offering families respite. Her work has also included partnering with Special Olympics and Parent to Parent, supporting families and advocating with legislators and government officials.
“The Arc will continue developing programs that meet individuals’ and families’ needs,” said Donna. “Our goal is to help people have purpose, belonging and help amplify their voices.”
Donna envisions an organization that continues to support the voices of those it serves while building meaningful connections throughout the community. The Arc has a long history of partnering with local
| | |
schools, businesses and community organizations to create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“The Arc is a wonderful jewel in our community that is led by parents who are eager to create bridges to belonging and opportunity for their children,” said Donna. “Our organization is powered by the communities and volunteers that support us. I’ve seen how we are all lifted when we are serving together.”
As the organization looks to the
| | | future, local businesses, community groups and individuals are invited to become part of that mission through sponsorships, partnerships and volunteer opportunities. Whether helping with summer camp, recreation activities, Special Olympics or community events, there is a place for everyone to make a difference. | | | |
|
Harvest Ball
Save the date for the Harvest Ball. Join us for treats, beverages, and dancing to celebrate fall. You can sign up by calling The Arc's Help Desk at 509-783-1131.
📅Tuesday, Nov. 20
⏰ 6 to 8 p.m.
📍 Cross View Church
540 N. Colorado St., Kennewick
Click the flyer for the full-size PDF.
| | | |
|
BFT Answers Your App Questions in Person.
Our friends from Ben Franklin Transit are at The Arc to answer any questions you have and offer in-person assistance.
📅Tuesday, Nov. 24
⏰ 12 to 1 p.m.
📍 The Arc of Tri-Cities
1455 Fowler Street, Richland
Click the flyer for the full-size PDF.
| | | | |
Christmas Party
Join us for The Arc's annual Christmas Party! Please bring a side dish or treat to share. You can sign up by calling The Arc Help Desk at 509-783-1131. Spots are limited to reserve yours soon.
📅Wednesday, Dec. 2
⏰ 6 to 8 p.m.
📍 The Arc of Tri-Cities
1455 Fowler St., Richland
Click the flyer for the full-size PDF.
| | GET INVOLVED AND VOLUNTEER! | | Volunteers Needed for Local Special Olympics Bowling and Flag Football Regionals! | | | | |
Bowling
We need volunteers for bowling to set up, assist with awards, take shifts as lane monitors, and take down the event. Volunteer opportunities are set up in shifts and we are happy to work around your schedule.
To see volunteer opportunities for bowling regionals on Nov. 8 from
7 a.m. to 5 p.m., click here.
| | | |
|
Flag Football
We need volunteers for flag football to set up, assist with awards, work as a station helper at the individual skills station, take shifts as score keeper/time keepers and take down.
To see volunteer opportunites for flag football regionals on Nov. 1 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., click here.
| | |
If you have ANY questions about volunteering email volunteer@sowa.org or call Susan Greenwood, Volunteer Recruitment Manager at 206-536-1458 (calls only, no texts).
| | Service Project to Organize Special Olympics Gear! | | Click the flyer for full-size PDF. | | |
The Arc partners with our local Special Olympics program, which has been here for over a decade. There is sports gear, uniforms, and equipment that needs organizing. Please come help us! This project will provide support to coaches so they can keep their focus on serving athletes.
Sign up here or with the QR code If you have any questions you can reach out to The Arc Help Desk at 509-783-1131 x 100 or helpdesk@arcoftricities.com
Service Project
📅 Saturday, November 14
⏰ 9 a.m. to noon
📍 The Arc of Tri-Cities
1455 Fowler Street, Richland
| | DAY PROGRAMS AND ONE-ON-ONE SERVICES | | |
🌟 Tim Lamb
Tim Lamb often calmly observes his peers in The Arc's day programs. Although Tim is quieter, he is taking it all in. Recently, he nominated the last two Stars of the Month with intelligent insight into their personalities and positive traits. Tim is observant and a good listener.
Tim has always been independent and determined to do things on his own. Some of his favorite things are attending Bible study once a week at 7 a.m., watching TV and his days at The Arc. In the last six months, with new supports put in place by Tim's family, Tim has become more engaged — sitting at the "talkative" table, playing Sorry with friends and initiating more interactions.
In a few weeks, Tim is adding an additional day to come to The Arc, and we are happy to have more time with him! ✨
| | |
WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS FOR HAPPY HIVE, COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS/EXPLORERS, AND THE ADULT DAY PROGRAM!
| | |
Monster Mash
Buddy Clubs's monster mash in October was a huge hit. Students with and without disabilities dressed up and gathered for fun and food during their school lunch hours. Buddy Club currently serves students in 9 school throughout the Tri-Cities. If your student is interested in community and meeting new people, visit our website for more information!
| | | PARENT TO PARENT CONNECTION | | |
|
Click flyer to see
full-size PDF.
| |
Click flyer to see
full-size PDF.
| | |
The Month's P2P Drop-In Office Hours
Every month Parent to Parent Coordinators have drop-in office hours in English and Spanish (at The Arc of Tri-Cities, 1455 Fowler St., Richland) in addition to scheduled appointments.
Weekly Drop-In Office Hours
📅 Thursday, October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
⏰ 12 to 2 p.m.
For help with support, questions, resources, services, and applications. No appointment needed.
Monthly In-Person New Autism Diagnosis Help
📅 Wednesday, October 7
⏰ 12:30 p.m.
Interactive meeting for families with a new autism diagnosis to explain resources, services and next steps.
Monthly Virtual New Autism Diagnosis Help
📅 Wednesday, October 7
⏰ 6 p.m.
📍 Zoom Meeting, to register contact Melissa Brooks (see above).
Interactive meeting for families with a new autism diagnosis to explain resources, services and next steps.
PAVE Monthly Drop-In Office Hours
📅 Thursday, October 15
⏰ 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sherry Mashburn with PAVE is present to help with IEP and 504 questions. No appointment needed.
| | This Month's Parent to Parent Support Groups | | |
Parent support groups meet monthly at The Arc of Tri-Cities (1455 Fowler St, Richland) and are available for mothers and fathers to support each other during difficult times and help each other find solutions.
Parent Monthly Support Group
📅 Wednesday, September 7
⏰ 11:00 to 12:00 p.m.
English and Spanish speaking. Grandparents welcome.
Grupo Familiar de Apoyo y Diversión
📅 Sábado, 21 Noviembre
| | Click on flyer to see full-size PDF | | Parent to Parent Resources & Contact | | For more info, visit our website. | |
|
Contact Melissa Brooks, RN
Phone: 509-783-1131, ext. 108
Email: P2P@acroftricities.com
Click here to schedule an
appointment online with Melissa.
| |
Contact Martha Jones, Spanish Speaking
Phone: 509-783-1131, ext. 109
Email: marthaj@acroftricities.com
| | 👉 Explore the resources available with Parent to Parent at The Arc of Tri-Cities. | | Upcoming Community Partnership Events. | | Click flyer to see the full-size PDF |
| |
Workshop: Understanding and Supporting Students with Autism and ADHD
This free virtual workshop is designed for parents and caregivers interested in learning more about Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA); how ABA can support their child and what it looks like in school. See below for full list of workshops!
📅 Monday, October 5
⏰ 6 - 7:30 p.m.
📍Zoom: 737-702-3071
| | |
| |
Inclusive Community
Event at Quake
The Benton-Franklin Counties Special Education, in partnership with The Arc of Tri-Cities, invites you out to The Quake Family Fun Center at a reduced rate and in an inclusive sensory-friendly environment. All ages and abilities welcome. Cost per jumper is $7 and includes jumping, socks, and laser tag.
📅 Tuesday, October 20
⏰ 6 -9 p.m.
📍106904 E. Detrick Pr SE, Kennewick
| |
Registration and a completed waiver for all adults and children is required.
| | Partnership Workshops Schedule | | Benton-Franklin Counties Special Education PTA, in partnership with The Arc of Tri-Cities offers a series of workshops for parents, caregivers, educators and professionals on a variety of topics to promote quality education, services, and care for individuals with special needs and their families. | | Click the flyers to see the full-size PDFs in English or Spanish. | | |
ACTION ALERT: Stop Proposed Eligibility Cuts
for People with Developmental Disabilities
| | |
TAKE ACTION
The legislative session doesn't begin until January, but the fight over the 2027–2029 budget has already started, and we need your voice now.
State agencies have submitted their budget decision packages to the Governor, who will decide in the coming weeks which to include in his budget proposal. One of those proposals would be devastating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
THE PROPOSAL
Beginning in 2029, the state would restrict eligibility for long-term care services, including Home and Community-Based Services waivers and Personal Care. It is framed as a cost-saving measure. In reality, it would strip services from thousands of Washingtonians and cost the state more in the long run.
WHO WOULD LOSE SERVICES
An estimated 2,655 people would no longer qualify. Because many receive more than one service, the impacts overlap:
- 195 adults and children in Community Residential Services or State Operated Community Residential (SOCR) settings
- 471 people receiving Personal Care services
- 874 people on the Individual & Family Services Waiver, living at home with family
- 1,170 people receiving Supported Employment and/or Community Inclusion services
- 325 people receiving respite (non-waiver, out-of-home, or in an Adult Family Home) or licensed staff residential services
Still unknown: how many DDA clients in Adult Family Homes would lose services, and how many adults and children would lose Medicaid coverage altogether when they lose their waiver.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Because the new criteria would apply to both DDA and Long-Term Care services, people living in residential settings would have nowhere else to turn. Many no longer have family able to care for them. Where are they supposed to go?
We know how this ends: people lose their homes, their supports, and their stability. The state then pays more, through emergency rooms, hospitals, jails, and crisis systems, than it ever saved. The human cost is higher still.
Our state has a moral obligation to care for this population. Cutting people from the services that keep them housed and safe is not a budget solution. It is abandonment.
THESE CUTS ARE NOT FINAL.
The Governor has not yet released his budget, and the Legislature has not voted. With your help, we can stop them.
Read more about the proposed cuts here.
TAKE ACTION
WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY
Contact the Governor and your legislators. Tell them:
"Do NOT change eligibility for people with developmental disabilities. People depend on these services to live, work, and participate in their communities. Please reject any decision package that restricts long-term care or DDA eligibility."
If you or a family member would be affected, say so. Personal stories are the most powerful tool we have.
-
EMAIL: click to use our email tool to send a message directly to the Governor.
-
PHONE: You can also call the Legislative Hotline to leave the Governor and your 3 legislators a message at 1-800-562-6000. Tell them to support legislation that would ensure Washington residents have the right to community-based care.
Thank you for your advocacy,
Cathy Murahashi
Public Policy Specialist
The Arc of Washington
| | Spare Time Lanes Supports Individuals with Disabilities at Special Olympics and Beyond. | | |
Every fall, Spare Time Lanes, a bowling alley in Kennewick, hosts practices and tournaments for local Special Olympics bowling teams. When the Richland EZ Rollers, Pasco Panthers and Kennewick Strikers — along with other teams from the region — meet for a tournament, strikes and spares are celebrated, but some of the biggest moments happen between frames. Athletes, coaches, volunteers, spectators and bowling alley staff cheer everyone on and exchange high-fives.
“The amount of high-fives at one tournament is probably more high-fives than the Tri-Cities has in an entire month,” said Rob Watson, owner of Spare Time Lanes in Kennewick.
At his first tournament 10 years ago, Watson fell in love with the high-energy Special Olympics competitions, which are so different from the somber, general tournaments. Watson calls it an incredible experience. Now, every year, he and his
| | |
staff work extra hard to make the Special Olympics bowling season run smoothly and routinely. Watson’s dedication to providing good bowling and positive experiences for individuals with disabilities goes beyond scheduled events.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, Watson found more ways to welcome and support bowlers with disabilities and their caregivers. He created the Special Olympics rate of $5 per hour for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their caregivers. Shoe rentals are $3 and
| | | |
are optional for individuals who may choose not to or cannot wear them. For individuals looking for a sensory-friendly and less crowded time to go, the best days are Wednesdays and Thursdays between noon and 1 p.m.
The Spare Time Lanes staff and owner’s commitment to providing a comfortable and inclusive environment reflects the spirit Watson first witnessed at Special Olympics: people encouraging one another, celebrating achievements and building friendships and belonging.
| | Bowling and Flag Football Regional Schedule | | | |
|
Bowling Regionals
📅 November 8
⏰See below for schedule
📍 Spare Time Lanes
711 W Vineyard Dr, Kennewick
Schedule:
9:45 AM Team Check-In Begins
10:15 AM Lanes open for warm up
10:30 AM Singles Competition (including ramp)
1:00 PM Lanes open for warm up
1:15 PM TEAMS - Double and Quad Competition
4:30 PM (approximate) Competition Completed
| | | |
|
Flag Football Regionals
📅 November 1
📍 Badger Mountain, Richland
Please contact your coach for more details
| |
Winter Season Registration Closes November 1st, Recreation Cornhole Added.
| | | | |
Basketball
Cornhole registration deadline is November 1.
Cornhole will 5:30 to 7 p.m. every Friday from Nov. 20 to Feb. 26 at The Arc of Tri-Cities, 1455 Fowler Street in Richland.
Register with the QR code, or you can find registration forms here.
Click on the flyer to see a full-size PDF.
|
| |
| |
Cheerleading
Cheerleading registration filled up quickly after it was posted on The Special Olympics Washington Tri Cities Area Facebook page.
We have a full team for cheerleading but are still accepting people for the waitlist. The cheer season will run during the winter season from Nov. 16 to March 7. More details will be provided by the coaches.
You can use the QR code or click here to join the waitlist.
Click on the flyer to see a full-size PDF.
|
| | |
|
Basketball
Basketball registration deadline is November 1.
Basketball season is during winter sports and will run from Nov. 16 to March 7. Coaches will reach out with more information about practice days, times and locations at the beginning of the season.
You can find registration forms here.
Click on the flyer to see a full-size PDF.
|
| |
New Athletes, Register in the Special Olympics Washington Portal
All new athletes must register through the State Of Washington Special Olympics portal in order to participate.
| |  | |
Check Health History Expiration Date.
Returning athletes need to login to the Special Olympics Washington portal to confirm their health history expiration date is after November 16th.
| | | |
Have Questions? Need Help?
If you have questions reach out to:
The Help Desk at The Arc of Tri-Cities
509-783-1131 ext. 100.
| | COMMUNITY EVENTS AND OTHER NEWS | | | | |
Mid-Columbia Gymnastics Offers Prism, Adaptive Gymnastics Class.
Prism is an adaptive gymnastics class for neurodivergent and other special needs students, ages 5-12 years old. The class is co-ed, coach guided and parent participation is required. Please take a look at the flyer for more details.
📅 Saturdays
⏰ 12-12:55 p.m.
📍 Richland Mid-Columbia Gymnastics
1523 Fowler Street, Richland
Click on the flyer to view the full-size PDF
| | | | |
FREE Preschool for Eligible Families in Richland School District.
Richland School District's Early Learning Center offers free preschool to eligible families. For more information, scan the QR code to connect with an enrollment specialist or call 509-967-6164.
Click on the flyer to view the full-size PDF.
| | |
Click on the flyer to view full-size PDF. | | |
NEW to Tri-Cities, Sensory-Friendly Barbershop Booking Haircuts Now.
Legacy Barbershop in Kennewick is booking sensory-friendly haircuts. If you have a child who would benefit from a quiet environment, using a screen or comfort item during a haircut, having a break during a cut, working with experienced, gentle barbers and being able to choose where to sit (a chair, the floor, or a parent's lap) then Legacy Barber is a great fit.
You can book haircuts online or over the phone at 509-405-1787.Follow Legacy Barbershop on Facebook for more information.
| | |
| |
Autistics 4 Autistics Meeting
Autistics 4 Autistics is a peer-led space for autistic adults to connect, share, and support one another in an environment built on mutual understanding and lived experience.
📅 Second Thursday of the month, Oct. 8
⏰ 6:30 to 8 p.m.
📍 Spectrum Studios
830 N. Columbia Center Blvd., Suite B2, Kennewick
Click on the flyer to view the full-size PDF for more information.
| | For more information or questions, please contact Delayna Skadorwa at (509) 619-6346 or The Pacific Clinic at (509) 735-2014. | | |
Zumba Fitness Dance Class
Delayna Skadorwa has run "Our Zumba Fitness Dance Class at the Pacific Clinic" since 2011. The class is for all ages and is free for students who have a disability, caretakers and family members because it is more fun to dance with friends. They meet in the lobby of the Pacific Clinic.
📅 Tuesdays
⏰ 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.
📍 Pacific Clinic
1350 N Grant St., Kennewick
| | | | |
Family Connection: Parent Support & Kids Social Hour.
Join Community Autism Support Partners (CASP) for their weekly parent support group and children's social hour.
📅 Every Friday.
⏰ 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
📍 The Pasco Library
1320 Hopkins Street, Pasco.
For more information contact
Josie Garcia at 509-792-2392.
Click on the flyer to view the full-size PDF.
| | | | |
Madres Unidas
Madres Unidas le da la bienvenida a todas las madres que tienen hijos con necesidades especiales. Si tiene preguntas, contáctenos a Yubisela Terrones, 509-521-2590 o yubit@arcoftricities.com.
📅 Todos los martes, pero el ultimo
⏰ 9:45 a 1:00 p.m.
📍 The Arc of Tri-Cities
1455 Fowler St., Richland
| | | |
|
Parent Coalition Lunch.
Calling all families and caregivers caring for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bring your questions, ideas, and concerns.
Learn what is happening on the local, state and national level that may impact your loved ones.
📅 Second Thursday of the month,
October 8
⏰11:30 to 1:00 p.m.
📍 Round Table Pizza
1435 George Washington Way, Richland
Click on the Flyers to view full-size PDFs.
| | |
WAYS YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE
WE LOVE OUR VOLUNTEERS, BOARD MEMBERS, AND SPONSERS!
| | | | | |
Donations to The Arc of Tri-Cities have a direct impact on individuals with disabilities and their families who live in our local community. Donated funds to allow The Arc reduce individuals' program fees, assist with children's Partners N Pals summer camp costs, allow us to provide free notary services, and more. At The Arc we work hard to make every dollar count for the people we serve. Thank you for your meaningful contribution!
Donation Webpage
| | | | | |
We are indebted to the compassionate individuals and groups who volunteer their time to help us! For more information on how to get involved, look at our Volunteer Page! We update this page as opportunities come along.
Volunteer Webpage
| | | | |
