Preserving Family Ties Through Kinship Care | | |
Considered the oldest form of family preservation, Kinship Care is an important safety net for children whose parents are either unable or unwilling to care for them. By placing them in the care of a family member, cultural, family, and community ties are maintained, and the trauma of displacement can be minimized through familiarity and continuity.
In our latest blog, we look at how the Encompass Kinship program makes a difference for families who suddenly find themselves stepping into the role of full-time caregivers for a relative child.
| | Please Join Us for the Inspire Breakfast! | | |
𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟗, 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐧𝐨𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐢𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞.
We invite you to join us as we gather civic and philanthropic leaders, donors, partners, educators, and Encompass advocates to engage in our vision of a community where ALL children thrive.
The morning's program will include a motivating keynote address, an engaging family speaker, Inspire Community Awards, and the opportunity to partner with Encompass to support our purpose: to improve the well-being of children by partnering with families and the community.
Special Guests:
Emcee: Chris Cashman, award-winning radio and television personality
Keynote Speaker: Dan Schlotfeldt, Superintendent of the Snoqualmie Valley School District
Honorary Chair: Nancy Whitaker, Former Executive Director of Encompass
Reserve your seat today using the link below!
| | Encompass Represents at Nonprofit Action Day | | |
Encompass Executive Director Nela Cumming and Encompass Board Member Christina Davis visited with lawmakers in Olympia as part of Nonprofit Association of Washington's (NAWA) Action Day on Tuesday, February 18.
As part of her service to the Encompass Board, Christina is the Chair of the Engagement and Advocacy Committee. Nela and Christina met individually with five legislators from the 5th and 12th districts to advocate for stronger support for nonprofits like Encompass. They also met many other nonprofit staff from across Washington state.
| | A Packed House for Trivia Night! | | It was a packed house for Trivia Night in support of Encompass last month. Thank you to our generous sponsors, our trivia hosts, Jason and Chelsea, and our volunteers. We can't do this night without you. And, of course, thank you to everyone who joined us for a fun and entertaining evening supporting Encompass programs for children and families! | | Summer Camp Registration Opens Monday! | | |
Our Early Learning Team is busy putting together a fun summer filled with exciting themes and adventures for kids ages 2.5-5 years. Each camp will include engaging age-appropriate activities and crafts in themes such as engineering, art, cooking, space, and more!
Visit the link below for pricing and a complete camp schedule. Bookmark that page and get ready to register on March 17. We can't wait to see you this summer!
| | Challenger Baseball is Back! | | |
Partnering with Snoqualmie Valley Little League, Encompass is a proud sponsor of Challenger Baseball, where flexibility, adaptability, and fun are top priorities. This adaptive baseball program is for boys and girls ages 5 and up with physical and developmental challenges. All players are partnered with a 'buddy' aged 10+ to assist as needed and will enjoy playing the game at their level in a low-pressure environment.
Players and buddies are needed for the 2025 season. Games will be played in May and June on Saturdays or Sundays. Visit the link below for more information and registration details.
| | Preschool Playground Energy | | Outside playtime is a key part of Encompass Preschool. Students are provided with opportunities to get some fresh air, practice gross motor skills, work on cooperative play, and use up some of that seemingly endless energy! | | March is Social Work Month | | |
This March, Encompass celebrates Social Work Month, paying tribute to thousands of professionals who provide compassionate support and guidance for individuals, families, and communities.
Join with us to celebrate our social workers at Encompass who dedicate countless hours to serving the needs of children and families in our community: Nela Cumming, Sandy Dempsey, Janet Douglas, Amber Eckert, Caroline Joven, Shannon Murphree, and Megan Walsh. We appreciate all you do!
| | Kindergarten! A Special Podcast from the Snoqualmie Valley School District | |
As many families look to register their students for kindergarten, our friends at the Snoqualmie Valley School District have recorded a special podcast about what you might expect in the fall and things you can do now to prepare.
Fall City Elementary Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Scourey lends her tips and insights, and then two current kindergarten students give a giggly account of their perspectives.
For more information about Kindergarten enrollment, click on the links below.
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The Connection Crew: A support group for elementary-aged kids whose parents are going through divorce or separation. Tuesdays, March 25 - May 20, 4:00-5:00 pm in Snoqualmie.
Infant Feeding Group Spring 2025: Wednesdays, March 26 - April 23, 2:45-3:45 pm in North Bend.
Making Sense of Your Worth: A virtual 9-week program for adults, Tuesdays, April 1 - June 3, 12:00-1:00 pm.
Ongoing Workshops and Groups
Flourish Fridays: Weekly enrichment opportunities for kids 3-5 years; Fridays, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in North Bend.
Toddler Groups: Play-based learning experiences for children 12-36 months and their caregivers. Tuesdays in North Bend/Snoqualmie; Fridays in Carnation.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Support Group for Parents and Caregivers: A virtual gathering on the first Monday of each month, 12:00 pm.
American Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Class for Childcare Providers: First Wednesday of each month, 6:00 pm. Email cchc@encompassnw.org for more information or to register. Please note: This class is for childcare providers, preschool teachers, and non-parent caregivers working in the Snoqualmie Valley.
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Inspire Breakfast
Tuesday, April 29, volunteers from 7:00 - 9:30 am
The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge
Volunteer with our 2025 Inspire Breakfast and savor the sweet joy of giving back. In addition to a keynote and family speakers, we will honor a well-deserved volunteer, business, and community partner with our annual Inspire Community Awards. Volunteers will help us welcome guests and are, in turn, welcome to sit and enjoy breakfast and the program with us.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day
Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Snoqualmie YMCA
Healthy Kids Day® is the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids and families. Encompass is planning to participate in the event this year and needs your help. We’ll have the Encompass booth and need 1 to 2 volunteers to help us engage kids with sensory activities.
Interested in either of these opportunities? Drop an email to volunteer@encompassnw.org.
| | Thank You to Our Trivia Sponsors! | | |
As we wrap up Trivia Night for another year, we want to say a special thank you to our generous sponsors for the evening:
Presenting Sponsor: Frankies's Pizza
Food and Beverage Sponsors: Frankie's Pizza, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Issaquah, Volition Brewing, and William Grassie Wine Estates.
Individual Trivia Challenge Sponsors: Wendy Mariani with Absolute Mortgage and Jason Totedo with Long Term Capital Management.
Round Sponsors: Nicole Graham Designs, Abe Schilperoort with Compass Washington, Reliance Fire Protection, The Medium Art & Design Studio, Salish Veterinary Hospital, and Confidential Data Disposal.
We appreciate your support for Encompass Programs for children and families!
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Encompass is looking for passionate people to join our dynamic team! We are currently hiring for the following positions:
Work where you live and make a difference in your community!
Click below to view the job postings and learn more about how to apply.
| | In addition to Encompass events, check out these other great opportunities happening in our community! | | |
Daddy-Daughter Community Dance
March 22, 6:00-8:00 pm
Si View Community Center
Our friends at Si View Metro Parks are hosting a night out for dads (and dads alike) and their daughters. Grab your dancing shoes and enjoy an evening of "Disco Fever" featuring a live DJ, a photo booth, prize giveaways, and snacks. Pre-registration required.
Learn More
LEGO Expo
March 30, 12:00-3:00 pm
Blakely Hall, Issaquah Highlands
LEGO hobbyists, fans, and families of all ages are invited to a free LEGO expo. There will be hands-on activities, LEGO displays and models, shopping, and photo opportunities.
Learn More
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