The Informer - March 2026 | | If you would like Flyers for these events to email, print/distribute with your network you can download pdf copies at www.peacenw.org/flyers | | |
As we prepare to 'spring forward' and welcome the extra hour of evening light this March, we are reminded that some of the most impactful growth happens when we collectively step into the light of advocacy and inclusion. This month marks National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and for 2026, we are leaning into the powerful national theme, 'The Power of Support'.
At PEACE NW, we know that just as the season’s renewal depends on a vibrant ecosystem, the individuals and families we serve thrive because of the 'ecosystem' of peers, caregivers, and supporters like you.
While the clock change gives us more daylight, it is your unwavering commitment to independence and inclusion that truly illuminates the path toward a more accessible world. This March, we invite you to join us in 'springing forward' not just by adjusting your watches, but by sharing stories of support that break down barriers and celebrate the unique contributions of every person in our community.
| | | | PEACE NW 10 Year Celebration - March Events | | |
Learn more at www.peacenw.org/anniversary
Thank you for being part of our journey. Your support, participation, and belief in inclusive community are what make PEACE NW so special. Here’s to continuing to grow together.
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March Bingo is Here!!!
PHYSICAL COPY OR PRINT: To Download this card to use or print Click here
If you would like to pick up a printed card or have one mailed to you call 360-823-2247
- MARK BOXES: After completing the activity on the box, cross it out. If possible, take a picture of yourself doing the activity, and feel free to use #PEACENWBingo on social media!
- BINGO CARD COMPLETION: If you get a bingo, you can go to PEACE NW’s office to get a surprise. Completing the entire bingo card will have you entered in a quarterly raffle.
- RESOURCES Links:
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Vancouver Mall Walk: https://www.shopvancouvermall.com/services/mall-walker-program
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Mall Walking with Peace NW
Due to its success, Mall walking will continue past February! Come join us every Friday 9:00-10:00 for an hour of building community and healthy habits together!
Contact Christa for more info:
christac@peacenw.org
(360)823-2247
| | PEACE NW Groups and Events | | |
Inclusive Dungeons & Dragons Virtual Club
Every Wednesday 5:00pm -6:00pm
Every Friday 5:30pm-7pm
Parent Volunteer led inclusive Dungeon's and Dragons Campaign. All ages.
Building Independence
Every Thursday 6:00pm -8:00pm
Supporting individuals 18 and Over to Build the Life of Their Dreams
Cafe con PEACE NW
Thursdays at 10:30 am
For Spanish Speaking Families
For more information and to register for these events visit: https://www.peacenw.org/events
For Flyers to print/share visit: https://www.peacenw.org/flyers
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Circles and My Relationships: Understanding the people in my life
In Person at Bridgeview/The Foundation
Dates: March: 5,12,19,26 and April 2
Time: 6-8 pm
Location: 505 Omaha Way, Vancouver, WA 98661
This class is for adults with disabilities who want to learn about relationships.
We will talk about the people in your life, like friends, family, partners, coworkers, and support staff. You will learn who you trust, how close people should be to you, and how to set boundaries.
In this class, you will learn how to:
- Understand different relationships
- Make choices about who is in your life
- Say yes, no, or maybe
- Build healthy and respectful relationships
- This class is about your relationships and your choices.
Registration Link https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/wua9bzq
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Senior Parent Group - Legacy Planning
Families united in planning for lifelong care and community connection that endures beyond the parents’ lifetime.
Thursday, March 5th 2026 2:00 PM
Mary McDirmid, Financial Planning
Thursday, April 2nd 2026 2:00 PM
Area of Aging and Disabilities'
The Legacy Network is a peer-led group for parents of adults with Intellectual/developmental disabilities focused on planning for when they are no longer able to care for their loved ones.
We share tools, resources, and conversations that help families navigate long-term care, decision-making, and community connection so every person can have a secure and supported future
📍 PEACE NW, 9414 NE Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98662 & Virtual
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9x8bkgn
For Questions contact Darla Helt 360-823-2247 or darlah@peacenw.org
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So You Want to Date?
In Person at Bridgeview/The Foundation
Dates: April 9, 16,23,30, May 7,14,21,28
Time: 6-8 In-Person
Location: 505 Omaha Vancouver WA 98661
This in-person class series is for adults with disabilities who want to learn about dating and relationships.
Participants will learn skills to help them feel more confident and independent when meeting people, building relationships, and making choices about dating. The series focuses on respect, communication, boundaries, and safety.
This class supports adults with I/DD in building confidence and forming healthy, meaningful connections.
Registration Link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/wua9bzq
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Need a free low-key space to connect with fellow neurodivergent creatives?
Join us each month for Chill and Chat, a relaxed Zoom gathering hosted by AE-NCC Program Lead Brian Tashima.
When: The 1st Saturday of each month (unless otherwise indicated)
Upcoming Dates for 2026: March 7th, April 4th, May 2nd
Time: 3:00 PM Pacific
Length: 45–60 minutes (based on group energy)
Location: Online via Zoom
Who’s it for? Neurodivergent Creators Collective members and visiting guests (Membership is free!)
Zoom Link (same each month): https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86095978904
Whether you want to share your current creative project, ask questions, brainstorm, or just hang out and listen, you’re welcome here! These chats are not recorded, and you are not required to turn on your camera or speak if you just feel like hanging out and want to get a feel for who we are. No pressure, just friendly faces, creative energy, and good vibes.
Let’s build community, support each other, and grow together—one chat at a time.
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Free check-in service now available in Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat counties!
CDM Caregiving, working with a grant from the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW), now offers a free telephone check-in service for older adults and adults living with disabilities in Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties.
The new service, RUOK (aRe yoU OK), is designed to check-in daily (or less often as you decide) to see how you are doing. The program is designed to reduce social isolation for vulnerable adults in the community, assist case managers with an additional set of “eyes and ears,” and give peace of mind to family, friends and neighbors.
CDM Caregiving will have current home care supervisory staff doing the calls to participants and they will keep a track of “outside of normal” events to alert a case manager at AAADSW, family, friends, neighbors or emergency services as necessary.
To sign up for the service, you can complete a referral form and return it to CDM Caregiving. You can also use this form to sign up a family member or neighbor. You can find the form online at: Click Here or call CDM Caregiving at 360-896-9695 or AAADSW’s Aging & Disability Resource Center at 360-694-8144.
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Need Help with Taxes?
Ren Locus offers free tax assistance year round to qualified individuals in Southwest Washington. Qualified individuals are: People who generally make $70,000 or less. If you do not qualify, see Other Ways to File.
If you need help filing a tax return, reviewing a letter from the IRS, or just have a tax question, learn more visit: https://renlocus.org/vita
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Swindells Resource Center & Community Partners
The Menopause Conversation: Realtalk with Our Experts (Virtual)
Monday, March 9th 6-7:30 p.m.
Are you approaching or experiencing menopause? Whether you're just beginning this transition or are well into it, understanding the changes happening in your body is crucial. Join us for a comprehensive class designed to provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate this new phase of life with confidence.
REGISTER HERE
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SPOKANE: The 11th Annual Steps for Autism 5K Walk is happening Saturday, April 25 at Riverfront Park, beginning at noon at the Ice Age Playground. Join us for a fun, family-friendly walk to support individuals and families affected by autism.
EARLY BIRD PRICING is officially open, $20 registration, includes a t-shirt…LIMITED TIME ONLY
REGISTER (Early Bird Pricing)
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Autism Society of Oregon is hosting a
T-Shirt design contest:
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FIND LOVE SAFELY: MATCHMAKING SERVICE FOR ADULTS WITH IDD
Love and meaningful relationships are something everyone deserves to experience. That is why we are thrilled to share this resource called Find Love Safely, a personalized matchmaking and relationship coaching service designed specifically for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Find Love Safely was created by a parent who understands both the desire for independence and the need for safety. What started as one family's question — "How can my child date safely?" — has grown into a nationwide service that helps adults with I/DD build safe, meaningful relationships through personalized matchmaking, coaching, and community support.
Their services include one-on-one matchmaking, social skills coaching through video-based lessons, and community events like speed dating mixers.
If your Loved One has expressed interest in dating or building deeper friendships, this could be a wonderful resource to explore together. Learn more: Visit findlovesafely.com to explore their services.
Source: Find Love Safely, findlovesafely.com; CBS Minnesota, "Apple Valley mom starts matchmaking service to help people with intellectual disabilities find love," February 12, 2025
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The benefits of ABLE accounts are expanding
There are lots of exciting things to look forward to as 2025 comes to a close. With life-changing ABLE updates and enhanced online tools, there are great changes in store for your Washington State ABLE account. Catch up on everything that’s happening—and see how to make the most of your account moving forward.
Learn more at: https://www.washingtonstateable.com/
| | | | It's time to rally together and advocate for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) during Washington State Advocacy Days! | | |
Clark County Survey of Needs Now Available Deadline is March 31st!
Are you living on a limited income and want your voice to be heard? Your community is listening. Clark County has launched a Survey of Needs of Low-income Families in Clark County and wants to hear from you!
This confidential survey gives you the chance to share the challenges you face every day, the resources you need to thrive, and what really matters to you on issues such as employment, education, housing, income and asset building, physical health, behavioral health, and support services.
The survey is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, and Chuukese and will take about 15 minutes to complete.
You can complete the survey by:
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Reproductive Health Research
People without disabilities may assume that people with disabilities are not sexual and are not interested in having children. But actually, people with disabilities often have the same interests and desires as anyone else. We do research to understand more about sexual and reproductive health needs among people with disabilities. We are also working to develop tools to help support reproductive health.
Click Here for more information
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Public policy
The Community Advocacy Coalition for Developmental Disabilities has released its 2026 priorities, highlighting the most urgent policy needs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Washington. The agenda focuses on protecting essential services, strengthening community-based supports, reducing reliance on institutional care, and advancing equitable, person-centered policies. Read and share the full priorities to support your advocacy this session.
Emily Rogers, WADDC Public Policy Director
Learn more and read the priorities document
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How to Afford Family Caregiving – Part 1: Paid leave and job-protecting unpaid leave in Washington State
This three-part series from Washington PAVE - Partnerships for Action Voices for Empowerment shares ways families can balance work and caregiving. Part 1 explains Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave and federal unpaid leave options that can help caregivers take time away from work while keeping their jobs protected. It covers who qualifies and how to apply. Read Part 1 Here
| | | People Empowered and Communities Enhanced | PO BOX 820681 | Vancouver, WA 98682 US | | | | |
