Over six decades, Encompass has expanded services to meet changing needs, supported thousands of children through critical developmental milestones, and stood alongside families during some of life’s most challenging moments. Every success story, from a child speaking their first words to gaining confidence in a classroom through vital mental health support, has been made possible through the generosity of people who believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

Today, we’re inviting our community to help write the next chapter through our $60 for 60 Campaign with a commitment of $60 per month for one year. The need for Encompass services continues to grow. Sustained support ensures that children can receive the care they need at critical moments in their development and that parents have trusted resources to help their families succeed. For many supporters, this commitment may be a meaningful addition to the gifts they already make throughout the year. Whether you already support Encompass through annual giving, attend our events, volunteer your time, or are considering your first gift, becoming a monthly donor is a powerful way to deepen your impact.

To honor this milestone year, the first 60 donors who join the $60 for 60 Campaign will receive a limited-edition Encompass 60th Anniversary Tote Bag, created exclusively to commemorate this special anniversary. It’s our way of thanking supporters who are investing in the future while celebrating the legacy that has brought us to this moment.

The achievements of the last 60 years were only possible because community members chose to show up, give generously, and believe in the potential of our community’s children and families. The next 60 years will be shaped by the same spirit of commitment and care.

As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we invite you to join us. Your $60 monthly gift, given this year, ensures that Encompass can continue to provide life-changing services, strengthen families, and create opportunities for children to thrive for generations to come.

Become a $60 for 60 donor today and help build the future your generosity makes possible.

Become a $60 for 60 Donor

The post $60 for 60: Be Part of the Next Chapter first appeared on Encompass.

Five Questions with Jason Cole

What originally drew you to Encompass, and why do you continue to dedicate your time to the organization?
Our oldest daughter was a bit slower to walk than typical, and as first-time parents, we weren’t sure what to do. We asked our pediatrician, and she suggested that Encompass might be able to help. As recent transplants to Snoqualmie from the Kansas City area, it was our introduction to the organization and the incredible work being done to support children and families. It was such a tremendous relief after the in-home evaluation and just a few therapy sessions to have her up and walking.

We’ve also benefited from services for our younger daughter, working with the occupational therapy team with great success. Both experiences were wonderful learning opportunities for us, completely free of any judgment or criticism. It’s difficult to explain in words the relief of seeing that progress and knowing that organizations like Encompass exist to reduce the pressure and concern for families.

I continue to dedicate my time to Encompass for several reasons, but the most critical is the opportunity to support an organization full of dedicated and passionate people. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to hear the stories from the staff and families about their experiences. Our “mission moments” during board meetings are a powerful reminder of why we share our time, energy, and resources. Additionally, as a member of the Finance Committee, I love seeing firsthand the careful financial stewardship of the organization. We’re blessed to have the support of so many individuals and partners to deliver our mission and bridge the funding gaps from insurance and government programs—and that support is managed with the greatest care and efficiency.

Which of the Encompass core programs are you most passionate about, and why?
Having experienced the life-changing impact of both Pediatric Therapy and Occupational Therapy firsthand with our daughters, those programs will always hold a special place in my heart. They provide immediate, tangible relief to parents when they need it most. However, from a broader perspective, I am incredibly passionate about our Early Learning programs. Investing in early childhood development sets a foundation that changes the entire trajectory of a child’s life. Seeing the intentionality, care, and expertise our team pours into these programs makes me incredibly proud to support them.

What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about the work the Encompass Board of Directors does behind the scenes?
People might be surprised by just how deeply involved the Board is in the operational health and long-term sustainability of the organization. It isn’t just about attending meetings or high-level governance; there is an immense amount of rigorous, behind-the-scenes work dedicated to careful financial stewardship. We dive deep into the numbers to ensure every dollar, donation, and grant is maximized to its absolute full potential so that our frontline staff can focus entirely on what they do best: supporting families.

When you aren’t advocating for Encompass, how do you like to spend your time in the Snoqualmie Valley?
My family and I love making the absolute most of the incredible Pacific Northwest outdoors. You can usually find us out hiking and exploring the beautiful local trails, camping, or firing up the smoker in the backyard to cook for family and friends. We also love supporting our amazing local businesses, whether that’s picking up our summer CSA share at Jubilee Farm or enjoying a glass of wine at a local winery. We really feel like this has been an incredible 17-year vacation, and we take none of our opportunities here for granted.

What is your best advice for someone who wants to get involved or support Encompass for the first time?
Don’t hesitate to take that first step, no matter how small it might seem. Whether you are donating your time, your resources, or simply helping to advocate and spread the word about our mission, every single bit of support matters. Encompass is a uniquely welcoming community, and there are so many ways to plug in. If you want to see your generosity make a direct, visible, and deeply meaningful impact on local families right here in our community, this is the place to do it.

The post Board Spotlight: Jason Cole first appeared on Encompass.

Snovalley Pride Founder Greg Jamiel points to these basic tenets as ‘building blocks of humanity’. Along with connection and inclusion, they are at the heart of Snovalley Pride’s mission and Greg’s recent book, “Uni’s Quest for Kindness.“

We invite you to tune in to our latest Radio Encompass Podcast as our host, Caley George, talks with Greg about the work of Snovalley Pride, the message of his book, and the importance of building a community where every individual feels safe, seen, and celebrated.

Students in our Carnation Preschool classroom take a moment to enjoy the beautiful artwork and message of Uni’s Quest for Kindness.

Resources:

Snovalley Pride

Uni’s Quest for Kindness

Snovalley Pride Events

Thanks for listening!

View All Podcast Episodes

The post Connecting with Community: Greg Jamiel of Snovalley Pride first appeared on Encompass.

At every event, we aim to provide fun and engaging activities for kids. We might have our prize wheel or sensory activities. Sometimes it will be cornhole, bounce houses, or face painting. Some events will feature our Mobile Therapy Unit available for an up-close-and-personal experience. You’ll even see us in a few kiddie parades. Did we mention prizes? We always have fun giveaways for kids – and grownups!

While it might look like it’s all fun and games on the surface, there’s something more at work. At the heart of Encompass outreach is the opportunity to connect with our community at a deeper level.

At nearly every event, we enjoy seeing current or former Encompass families. We love hearing kids tell us about their teachers or therapists. We are inspired and touched when caregivers share the difference Encompass made for their child and give us an update about where they are now.

Kids will see our Mobile Therapy Unit and shout, “That’s my school!” They enjoy the opportunity to take their parents on a ‘tour’ of the unit, proudly showing their favorite toys and activities.

These testimonials and connection points provide so much fuel for our team. But community events also offer something more: the opportunity to share our programs and services with families seeking answers.

As a mother of a child who had developmental challenges as a toddler, Encompass Marketing & Outreach Coordinator Renee Christensen says this is what initially drew her to the role.

“We moved to the Snoqualmie Valley when my son was a toddler. I knew he needed support, but I didn’t know where to turn. We didn’t learn about Encompass until he was older, and while he’s doing great now, I wonder how different his journey might have been if we had known about Encompass.

“I guess you could say that’s my ‘Why’. Hearing about the work of Encompass prompts many caregivers to open up about concerns they have for their child. I know that struggle. I know that need for some sort of direction. Outreach events provide space to share our programs and services that give parents a place to turn.

“Just recently, I met someone collecting a few of our flyers, and they asked about our Kinship program. When I explained about our support groups and resources for relative caregivers and the children in their care, it was clear that something resonated. I saw not just a look of recognition, but more importantly, relief. I may not know what will happen from there, but I like to think that person walked away with hope and a plan.”

If you’re out and about at community events this summer, we invite you to stop by our booth and stay hi. Tell us your Encompass story. We never grow tired of hearing about your experiences. And if you know someone who might benefit from our services, send them our way. We’d love to meet them and see how we can help.

See you this summer!

        Encompass Summer Outreach 2026

• Duvall Days: June 6, Downtown Duvall
• Pride Picnic: June 7, Tolt Commons
• Fall City Day: June 13, Downtown Fall City
• Big Truck Day: June 25, Snoqualmie Community Park
• Carnation Farmers Market: June 30, Tolt McDonald Park
• North Bend Farmers Market: July 2, Si View Park
• Sammamish Farmers Market: July 8, Sammamish Commons
• North Bend Downtown Block Party: July 18, Downtown North Bend
• North Bend Farmers Market: July 23, Si View Park
• Carnation National Night Out: August 4, Tolt Commons
• Duvall Farmers Market: August 6, Taylor Landing
• Sammamish Farmers Market: August 12, Sammamish Commons
• Snoqualmie Days: August 22: Downtown Snoqualmie
• Snoqualmie Street Fair: Center Street, Snoqualmie Ridge

Volunteer opportunities available at all events!

Reach out to volunteer@encompassnw.org for more information.

The post The Heart of Encompass Outreach first appeared on Encompass.

Thanks for listening!

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The post The Value of Volunteering first appeared on Encompass.

The John Castle Corporate Partner of the Year award is given to a business in honor of Dr. John Castle, a long-time Encompass Board and emeritus board member until his passing in 2017.  John’s passion was in helping staff develop new business initiatives, including the Encompass Pediatric Therapy clinic, which has helped thousands of children with high-quality, innovative pediatric therapies. This clinic evolved into the new purpose-built Child Development Center in Snoqualmie

We are pleased to honor Heritage Bank as our John Castle Corporate Partner of the Year.

Sandy Ramsey and her team at Heritage Bank have been champions of Encompass for 12 years. As our relationship manager, Sandy has a gift for navigating the complexities of a large banking institution while keeping the needs of our organization front and center. Her dedication is a reflection of something bigger — a bank that genuinely invests in the success of its nonprofit partners.

Heritage Bank’s support of Encompass runs deep. Their financial partnership helped make the construction of our Child Development Center possible through thoughtful financial planning, and they consistently help us secure the best available rates and nonprofit pricing.

But their commitment doesn’t stop at banking. Year after year, Heritage Bank has been a steadfast partner—generously sponsoring events, strengthening our community, and contributing to the sense of connection we’re celebrating this morning. And I especially want to recognize Sandy Ramsey—Sandy serves on our Board of Directors and plays a key role on the Board Finance Committee. Sandy, thank you for your years of steady leadership, thoughtful guidance, and care for this organization. Sandy’s retiring this spring, which is so well deserved, and we’re thrilled she’ll be staying on our Board.

We’re truly grateful for the long, trust-filled relationship Heritage Bank—and Sandy—have built with us, and for the many ways they continue to strengthen Encompass.

Encompass is proud to recognize Feed Kiddos as our Community Partner of the Year.

Feed Kiddos is a non-profit organization providing food for children in the Snoqualmie Valley facing food insecurity when away from school on holidays, breaks, and weekends. Their dedicated volunteers organize donations, pack food, and work with many schools to deliver food bags where needed.

Through their partnership with Encompass, Feed Kiddos ensures that every child enrolled in our Early Childhood Education and Assistance Education Program (ECEAP) preschool receives a food bag to take home each week. It may sound simple, but the impact is profound. For families navigating uncertainty — especially over weekends and school closures — these bags provide something essential: nourishing food and the quiet reassurance that their community is behind them.

What makes this partnership so special is the joy woven into it. Children light up when they discover new, healthy meals and snacks in their bags, proudly carrying them home to share with their families. In those small moments, Feed Kiddos is sending a message that goes far beyond food — that these children are supported, seen, and valued.

At Encompass, we believe that strong communities are built through partnerships like this one, where a shared commitment to children’s well-being translates into real, everyday impact. Feed Kiddos lives that commitment week in and week out, and we are grateful for their generosity and their heart.

We are honored to celebrate Sarah Demopoulos and Brenda Freudenberg as our Volunteers of the Year.

Sarah Demopoulos has served as both an outreach ambassador and a classroom volunteer since 2024, bringing reliability, warmth, and joy to every space she enters. Watching her in the classroom, engaging with children on the floor and playing games, it’s clear she’s exactly where she belongs. She takes the time and care to build connections with children and staff alike. On the playground one day, a child asked, “Where’s my best friend?” When asked who that was, the child smiled, pointed at Sarah, and ran straight toward her. This exemplifies why Sarah is more than a helping hand. She builds relationships that help make our children, families, and community feel connected and supported.

Brenda Freudenberg has been volunteering with us since 2024, giving more than 100 hours of steady, dependable support at the Early Learning Center. She is the behind-the-scenes force who makes our work possible, jumping in wherever she is needed most—even when that means chopping onions and cleaning plates. Thanks to Brenda, our Early Learning team can plan more complex, healthy, and delicious lunches, helping fuel children for growth and allowing staff to focus on what they do best. Her consistency and excellence have strengthened our entire program.

Congratulations to our partners of the year, and thank you for your generosity in our shared vision of a community where ALL children thrive!

The post 2026 Inspire Community Awards first appeared on Encompass.

The John Castle Corporate Partner of the Year award is given to a business in honor of Dr. John Castle, a long-time Encompass Board and emeritus board member until his passing in 2017.  John’s passion was in helping staff develop new business initiatives, including the Encompass Pediatric Therapy clinic that has helped thousands of children with high-quality, innovative pediatric therapies. This clinic evolved into the new purpose-built Child Development Center in Snoqualmie

This year, the John Castle Corporate Partner of the Year Award goes to Symetra.

Symetra is deeply committed to giving back to the community, and Encompass has been fortunate to benefit from that generosity.  Through their corporate giving, matching gifts, and volunteer programs, local Symetra employees have shared their time and resources, making them a truly valued partner.

Over the past two years, as part of their Summer of Service, Symetra employees have gone above and beyond by donating supplies and volunteering to assemble hundreds of nutritious snack packs and sparking creativity with activity packs. These thoughtful contributions make a meaningful impact, bringing joy and support to the children in our summer groups and other programs.

Symetra is also a consistent and generous sponsor of our fundraising events, including both the Inspire Breakfast and Annual Encompass Gala over the years.

We are especially grateful for Symetra’s commitment to empowering its employees to serve on nonprofit boards. Thanks to that support, Board Vice President Kim Darby is now serving her second term on our Board of Directors. Her personal connection to Encompass, combined with her professional expertise and commitment to her community, has made her a wonderful ambassador and an invaluable leader for our organization.

We are proud to recognize Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church (SVA) as our Community Partner of the Year for their unwavering support and partnership in serving children and families in our community. At the heart of our work is the belief that supported families strengthen communities. SVA is a true community connector, demonstrating that same belief by using their voice, their network, and their influence to bring people together.

One example is how SVA reached out to Encompass and offered to provide a welcoming, accessible space for our therapists and families. Knowing that reducing barriers to services is a key component of the work of Encompass, SVA has generously offered the use of their beautiful new Care Cottages as a way to bring services closer to homes for many in Fall City, Carnation, and Duvall. But their support doesn’t stop there.

Rooted in their passion for community, SVA has been instrumental in the formation of outreach opportunities, two of which are now thriving nonprofit organizations:

Love Snoqualmie Valley connects nonprofit organizations across the Valley to build unity and collaborate to maximize resources.

CarePoint Clinic provides free, quality, primary healthcare to the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding areas.

Both organizations have become vital resources within our community.

SVA has also offered financial contributions, helping to sustain our programs and services, ensuring children and families have the resources they need.

Thank you, Snoqualmie Valley Alliance Church, for your compassion, your commitment, and your support in the work we do together. We admire the way you embrace our community.

We are pleased to honor Madison Chess as our Inspire Volunteer of the Year.

Madison found Encompass in 2021 while seeking service hours to fulfill an undergraduate requirement. She has volunteered at the last four galas and spent countless hours helping in the Child Development Center and with Early Learning programs. Madison graduated last spring, moved, got married, and started a career in the early learning sector, and still found time to dedicate to the Encompass volunteer program.

Most recently, Madison was instrumental in providing support to the volunteer program for the Encompass annual gala. She helped weekly with volunteer recruitment and planning. The night of the gala, she was the first volunteer to arrive and the last to leave, helping to manage the 50+ gala volunteers. Madison kept things running smoothly with relentless enthusiasm.

What began as a graduation requirement became a strong connection and devotion toward our mission. Madison gives more than her time, she shares her passion and unwavering commitment to children, families, and community.

Congratulations to our partners of the year, and thank you for your generosity in our shared vision of a community where ALL children thrive!

The post 2025 Inspire Community Awards first appeared on Encompass.

Mosaic began receiving support from Encompass Child Care Health Consultation (CCHC) Nurse, Caitlin Young. Our CCHC team provides free support to licensed childcare programs, preschools, and other care provider programs, empowering providers to nurture the healthy development of the children in their care. When Caitlin learned about the unique needs of many Mosaic students, she suggested the school might benefit from the Encompass Community-Based Services program.

Centered around therapy services provided in a child’s natural environment in childcare and preschool settings, the Community-Based Services (CBS) program supports the occupational, speech-language, and mental health goals of children, 3-years-old and up. By working inside the community, the program reduces barriers to access and widens support services for children and families.

Christine jumped at the opportunity to be included. Her own child began receiving services in the classroom and other families quickly followed suit. What began as Encompass visits two days a week expanded to four days a week, with more than half of the students at Mosaic currently receiving services as part of their natural preschool day.

One Mosaic family began their Encompass journey with our Early Support for Infants and Toddler program when their child was 2 years old. As they looked for a preschool program and discovered Encompass provided onsite therapy services at Mosaic, it helped make their decision. Not only does their son receive regular therapy services he wouldn’t be able to get otherwise, but his therapists are also able to see him in his natural environment with his peers. They see how he responds to distractions or how he is socializing and can provide appropriate support in that setting.

“He also gets more contact. Therapists are there four mornings a week. He wouldn’t get this kind of support if we had to work around school.”

The family also praised the collaboration between therapists and educators. When teachers realized that some of the child’s challenges typically occur during morning outside time, they scheduled his therapy time around that play session. As he fully engages with his peers outside, his therapists are positioned to observe, provide support where needed, and offer coaching to teachers about tools and techniques that work best for him.

Christine echoed the benefits of the therapist and educator collaboration.

“When a child is experiencing challenges, the therapist can work with that child in their natural setting. Teachers can continue with the rest of the class but also have an opportunity to observe what is happening with the child and therapist. This gives them tools they haven’t had before, and often tools that work for one kid, end up working for all.”

Christine also stressed that the benefits extend right to Mosaic Montessori as a whole. Preschools often aren’t equipped to handle students with neurodiverse profiles. As a result, some of her students started with one school but couldn’t stay or just didn’t have the support needed, so they left.

“Many of those kids have found refuge here. The schools that don’t have Encompass are missing out.”

Another benefit she has witnessed is the normalization of therapy.

“Other kids see and want to join in. Sometimes the whole class gets involved and it makes the kid receiving therapy not feel singled out, but instead, special.”

While the Community-Based Services program has a far-reaching impact on her preschool program and families, Christine also expressed her gratitude for the personal difference in her family.  As a working mom with a son requiring additional support, she simply cannot leave work or pull him out of school for the level of care he needs. Because of the Encompass CBS Program, she doesn’t have to. The benefit to her son can’t be understated.

“He wouldn’t be able to be the very best him without that support.”

Resources:

To learn more about the Encompass Community-Based Services program and where it’s offered, visit https://encompassnw.org/program/pediatric-therapy/community-based-services/.

Watch our Encompass It All Spotlight on Community-Based Services here: https://youtu.be/t8W8Hu5pT10

Take a deeper look at Community-Based Services with our Parent Talks Podcast: https://encompassnw.org/understanding-community-based-services/

If you are a center provider and would like to learn more about offering Community-Based Services in your program, reach out to pediatrictherapy@encompassnw.org.

The post An Outside Lens on Community-Based Services first appeared on Encompass.

Centered around therapy services provided in preschools and childcare settings, the program supports the occupational, speech-language, and mental health goals of children, 3 years old and up. Services are provided in small groups or one-to-one in the classroom or childcare center with an emphasis on supporting participation in the natural setting.

By working inside the community, Encompass demonstrates its ongoing commitment to partnership, reducing barriers to access, and widening support services for children and families in the Greater Snoqualmie Valley.

In this episode of our Parent Talks podcast, we sit down with Encompass Pediatric Therapy Director Rachel Peterson to learn more about how the Community-Based Services program works and its profound impact on children, families, and educators. Encompass Lead Teacher Madi Shinn and Encompass Child and Family Therapist Molly Steuber share their insights on the importance of therapist and educator collaboration, how this unique approach normalizes therapy, and why early support sets children up for a smoother transition to elementary school.

Resources:

Learn more about Encompass Community-Based Services

Watch our Encompass It All Video on Community-Based Services

The post Understanding Community-Based Services first appeared on Encompass.

While our campers delighted in the opportunity to give Max and Jack some loving pats and watch them in action with a rescue demonstration, they also learned some valuable lessons.

They were first asked one important question: “What should you do if you find yourself lost?”

While Ms. Linda and Ms. Heidi agreed with the first answer thrown out – “Call 911,” they really wanted to get down to what happens when there is no phone or cell service.

Their two biggest rules:

1. STAY STILL! If you move around, others can miss you. People trying to find you may go to where you were, but if you’re no longer there, that doesn’t help anybody!

2. Find the nearest tree – and hug it! The tree will ensure you don’t move, and it might even give you a sense of security if you have something to hold onto.

Ms. Linda and Ms. Heidi then talked about the role of the search dogs who use their powerful noses to find people by scent. Encompass Family Services Manager Sam Sinanan found some clever hiding spaces and students were able to see how the dogs found her, quickly returned to their handler with a jump or nudge to signal their find, then led them back to Ms. Sam. Campers understood that there was nothing to be afraid of. The dogs didn’t actually touch Ms. Sam, but simply sniffed and returned to their handler to complete the rescue mission. Such amazing little heroes!

Ms. Linda and Ms. Heidi had a few additional tips for parents, particularly when it comes to packing for a hike. While it can be tempting to just have a grown-up carry everything, there are a few items each child should carry on their own so they have them if they become separated:

1. Their own water bottle. People can go a long time without food, but not without water.
2. A whistle – to help attract attention. Whistles can also help pass the time when you are lost, lonely, and waiting.
3. A jacket – even if it’s hot outside; it may become cool before a rescue is made.

Even young children can carry a small backpack to accommodate these items. Snacks are also helpful as well as a name and phone number somewhere on clothes or in the backpack so that even if a child is too scared to speak when they are found, they can show their rescuer who to call.

Finally, they stressed that parents should not hesitate once they discover a child is missing. The more time that passes from the moment of discovery to when a 911 call is made, the more difficult it can be to find the child. A false alarm is better than a long lapse of time.

We are so grateful for this fun and informative visit and for the service the King County Search Dogs provide for our community. Operating for more than 28 years, this all-volunteer non-profit organization provides trailing, air scent, and specialty search dog teams trained for canine search in support of the King County Sheriff’s Office. To learn more about them, please visit www.kcsearchdogs.org.

Some Final Hometown Heroes’ Wisdom

While there was so much to learn from our King County Search Dogs, campers enjoyed visits from Eastside Fire & Rescue and the Snoqualmie Police Department who also imparted a few important tips:

Fire safety talks with kids: If there is a fire in your home and you see someone in big dark clothes and a mask – if that person calls to you and tells you to come out, do it! Even though they might look scary, that person is there to help you and lead you to safety.

Law enforcement talks with kids: The big reminder here is that police are mostly here to help us. They will drive someone home whose car has broken down, help change flat tires, help find lost people and animals, and more. If you are in public and can’t find your grown-up, a police officer will help you.

For both fire trucks and police vehicles: If you are in a car and see the lights and hear the sirens, the driver should carefully pull over to let them pass. They might be on their way to put out a fire, help someone, or maybe even arrest a bad guy!

Thank you to all our Hometown Heroes!

The post Helpful Hints from Our Hometown Heroes first appeared on Encompass.