In 1957, Sherwood Community Services was born out of the shared determination of eight families whose children experienced disabilities, driven by a vision that every child, regardless of their abilities, had the right and ability to learn.
Together, these families laid the foundation for an organization that would become an advocate and resource for countless adults and youth over the next 66 years.
Sherwood’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment is evident through its two flagship programs: Early Supports and Career and Community Connections.
One-on-one Early Support and Delays
Providing support to children facing early developmental disabilities, Sherwood’s Early Supports program goes above and beyond by offering assistance in the comfort of the child’s home. Recognizing that a supportive environment is crucial for growth, the organization ensures that developmental support is seamlessly integrated into the child’s daily surroundings and routines.
As children navigate their crucial early years of development, Sherwood Community Services become a partner in their journey, meeting each child’s individual needs and unlock their full potential. It’s this personalized approach that sets Sherwood apart, fostering an environment where every child’s unique needs are acknowledged and addressed.
Forging Career and Community Connections
The second pillar of Sherwood’s impactful work is the Career and Community Connections program, catering to adults with disabilities of all ages, regardless of the severity of the disability.
Recognizing that meaningful employment is not only a source of financial independence but also a crucial aspect of personal fulfillment, Sherwood pairs individuals with trained support workers. These dedicated professionals guide clients through the entire employment process, including determining goals and skills offering one-on-one support that is tailored to the specific needs of the client.
Sherwood Community Centre’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In recent years the organization received the Best Non-Profit, Best Workplace and Best Employer awards from the Everett Herald. These accolades serve as a testament to Sherwood’s commitment to excellence in service and employment practices.
The recognition is not just a celebration of the past but a reminder of their responsibility to continue providing exceptional support to an ever-growing community of individuals with diverse needs.
“An additional 200,000 people are expected to move to Snohomish County by 2040. Some of them are going to have developmental disabilities and delays. We want to continue to have the capacity to provide life-changing services to people who depend on agencies like ours,” says Sherwood CEO Lance Morehouse. “If you’re interested in providing meaningful services to children and adults with disabilities, we would love to talk to you.”
While the Sherwood Community Services expands its range of support, the need for passionate and skilled staff has become paramount. The organization is currently on the lookout for new staff members who share its vision – contributing to the betterment of the lives of those with disabilities.
If you have an interest and experience working with adults and youth with disabilities, Morehouse encourages those interested to visit www.sherwoodcs.org/employment and if the opportunity suits their interests, applicants are encouraged to contact Sherwood Community Services by email: sherwood@sherwoodcs.org or phone at 425-334-4071.
To learn how you can make a difference, visit Sherwood Community Services for more information.
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