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

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

Resources:

Akin

Birth to Three

Encompass Advocacy Page: Learn more about our work and sign up for Advocacy alerts.

The Impacts of Contracting Structures on the Sustainability of Human Services Providers Study

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The post Radio Encompass Podcast: The Essential Work of Advocacy Part 2 first appeared on Encompass.

Be sure to follow along for part two of this discussion on Advocacy. We’ll be joined by Akin President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Newell, and Birth to Three Executive Director Maryanne Barnes. Along with Nela, these powerhouse leaders from Washington nonprofts share their challenges and how we can drive systemic change for families.

Resources:

Encompass Advocacy Page: Learn more about our work and sign up for Advocacy alerts.

The Impacts of Contracting Structures on the Sustainability of Human Services Providers Study

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The post Radio Encompass Podcast: The Essential Work of Advocacy 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.

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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.

Resources:

Encompass ParentChild+

Encompass It All: Connections

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The post The Aha Moment: Creating Connection at Home first appeared on Encompass.

Quick Supports (30 seconds–5 minutes)

Breath (Optional, Not Required)

• Take one slow exhale (longer out than in)
• Place a hand on your chest or belly and breathe naturally
• Count 3 things you can see while breathing normally
• Skip breath work entirely if it increases distress

Body-Based Regulation

• Sit down or lie flat (horizontal can help overwhelmed systems)
• Drop shoulders and unclench jaw
• Press feet firmly into the floor or bed
• Stretch only the part of your body that feels tight
• Rock, sway, pace, or gently move
• Allow stimming (tapping, rubbing fabric, fidgeting)
• Movement and stillness are both regulation.

Sensory Support (Choose one sense at a time)

Touch

• Weighted blanket, heavy hoodie, or firm pressure
• Hand on chest, thighs, or back
• Comfort object or fidget

Sound

• Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs
• Brown noise, rain, or silence
• One familiar song on repeat

Visual

• Dim lights or close eyes
• Look at one predictable object or pattern
• Reduce visual clutter in one small space only

Temperature

• Cool water on face or neck
• Warm drink held in both hands
• Step outside briefly

If a sensory tool “should” help but doesn’t, discard it.

Micro-Moments of Safety

• Say quietly: “I’m safe right now.”
• Sit before responding
• Put phone face down for one minute
• Pause problem-solving
• Let yourself not fix anything for 60 seconds
• Pausing is not failing.

Cognitive Supports for Busy or Tangled Minds

• Name the state, not the story: “This is overwhelm.” “This is shutdown.”
• Use fewer words: “Pause.” “Later.” “One thing.”
• Write one sentence only (no journaling required)
• Set reminders instead of holding everything in your head
• Lower demands before adding coping strategies

Connection (Without Pressure)

• Sit near someone without talking
• Parallel play with your child
• Make eye contact and smile
• Send a one-word or emoji text to a safe person
• Pet an animal or watch a child or pet breathe
• Place a hand on your child’s back or your own and breathe
• Connection does not require conversation.

When You’re Near Shutdown or Meltdown

• Stop problem-solving
• Reduce language (yours and others’)
• Lower lights, noise, and expectations
• Cancel or postpone nonessential tasks
• Choose containment over calm (quiet, dark, pressure)
• Decide later. Nothing urgent needs clarity right now
• Safety first. Regulation second. Decisions last.

Daily Nervous System Care (No Extra Time Required)

• Eat something with protein or fat
• Drink water you actually like.  (Try options: sparkling, flat, flavored)
• Take medications and supplements consistently
• Build one predictable routine (same mug, same chair, same show)
• Go to bed 10–15 minutes earlier when possible
• Schedule recovery time after social or sensory demands

Permission Slips (For All Caregivers)

• You are allowed to sit instead of stand
• You are allowed to respond later
• You are allowed to ask for help
• You are allowed to accommodate yourself
• Rest is not a reward; it’s essential care
• Your nervous system is not broken. It is responsive to the demands you are facing.

Caregivers carry a lot emotionally, physically, and neurologically. Supporting your nervous system is not selfish or indulgent. It is foundational care that allows you to keep showing up with presence, connection, and compassion for yourself and your family.

Resources:

Encompass Parent Talks Podcast: Care for the Caregiver

Nervous System Care: Printable Version

Balanced and Brave Parenting Workshop

The post Care for the Caregiver: Nervous System Care first appeared on Encompass.