SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 50 YEARS
OUR PHILOSOPHY
A Lifetime of Support
Tahoma Associates takes pride in our availability to serve a person throughout their lifetime. Beginning with Job Foundations and School to Work programs, we support school age adults and continue with our Employment Programs for those with work aspirations and Community Inclusion for those individuals aging out of the workforce or whose goals center around volunteer activities in the community.
Whole-Person Approach
We believe in the “whole-person” approach. Understanding that each person has a home life of family and friends that they value, and personal interests to pursue. Tahoma aspires to incorporate those values and interests into each person’s program plan to the greatest degree possible, as we recognize that individualized services are the keystone to success.
It is Always About Those We Serve
Dignity & Respect
We exhibit behavior that demonstrates recognition of an individual’s value
Honesty & Integrity
We will remain truthful even when faced with potential consequences
Accountability
We are responsible for our own actions whether in public or private
Empathy & Compassion
We will assist others in addressing their concerns and challenges
Tahoma Associates strives to offer rewarding experiences by first acknowledging everyone is unique and has their own set of values, desires and goals. Whether searching for Residential Supports, catered Employment opportunities or accessing Services in the Community, our staff prides itself in addressing each individual as an “INDIVIDUAL”. Choices are typically derived from a series of positive experiences. Many will come to Tahoma with life experiences that have shaped their decisions. Others are seeking a direction or additional information to make a decision that best suits their needs. We TALK, we MEET, we LISTEN, we HELP! It is a simple philosophy, but often overlooked.
Throughout the process, CHOICE remains a key component.
OUR HISTORY
Tahoma Associates started in a Tacoma church basement in 1969, with a group of loving parents providing training in activities of daily living. Originally called H.E.L.P. Centers, Tahoma was then an all volunteer, non-profit organization, using any available resources to do the best for our family and friends with disabilities.
With a successful group supported employment training program already established in Tacoma, in 1998, Tahoma Associates merged with Harbor Mobile Crew (HMC), in the Gig Harbor area to enlarge our landscaping crew opportunities. In 2002, we expanded our services to include Residential Supports by adding Gig Harbor Group Home. Later, Ellie’s House, Kleiner Group Home, and Supported Living were added to Residential Supports. In 2005, Tahoma joined with Metro Parks to provide volunteer opportunities and job training at the Portland Ave Community Center in Tacoma. In 2008, Tahoma began a partnership with Franciscan Health Systems and Pierce County School Districts to start a medical internship for transition students.
Like many businesses, Tahoma Associates has navigated the changing needs of those we serve. Always striving to do better, our current programs include Individual Employment and Group Supported programs for participants whose goal is to work in the community at a paid wage; Community Inclusion for those that have opted out of the workforce or who are nearing retirement and; Residential supports to ensure a safe, caring and respectful environment.
Today, we have not forgotten the dedication and caring of those parents who began training programs over 50 years ago, and we continue to have a strong connection to the parents and individuals we serve. We intend to keep those same ideals and to utilize our resources to best serve our participants.