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Community Resources.
Families frequently work with multiple organizations and systems when addressing developmental, behavioral, educational, financial, and family support needs. This resource collection is intended to help families identify organizations and services that may provide additional assistance.
If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, at any hour.
Immediate help
Available around the clock.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifelineCall or text 988. Free and confidential, at any hour.
- Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor.
- Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline1-800-422-4453. Crisis intervention and referral, at any hour.
- Washington Recovery Help Line1-866-789-1511. Substance use, mental health, and problem gambling support.
Foster and kinship care
For caregivers raising a child who came through the system.
- National Foster Parent AssociationAdvocacy, training, and peer connection for foster parents.
- FosterClubA network built by and for young people with foster care experience.
- Generations UnitedNational resource center for grandfamilies and kinship caregivers.
- Foster Parent Association of Washington StateStatewide support line for Washington foster and kinship families: 1-800-391-2273.
Developmental disability
Diagnosis, services, and long-term planning.
- The Arc of the United StatesAdvocacy and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Washington PAVETraining and support for Washington families of children with disabilities.
- Informing FamiliesWashington guidance on developmental disability eligibility and services.
- Family VoicesNational network for families of children with special health care needs.
Approaching adulthood
Benefits, education, and independence after eighteen.
- Social Security AdministrationDisability benefit eligibility, applications, and appeals.
- ABLE National Resource CenterTax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
- Center for Parent Information and ResourcesTransition planning and special education guidance.
- Independent Living Program, Washington DCYFSupport for young people leaving foster care.
Advocacy and legal
When a family needs representation.
- Disability Rights WashingtonLegal advocacy for Washington residents with disabilities.
- Northwest Justice ProjectFree civil legal aid, including a special education clinic.
- Council of Parent Attorneys and AdvocatesDirectory of special education attorneys and advocates.
- Office of the Education OmbudsNeutral help resolving disputes with Washington school districts.
Housing and basic needs
Stability underneath everything else.
- Opportunity CouncilHousing, energy assistance, and family support across Whatcom County.
- Whatcom Homeless Service CenterHousing navigation and homelessness prevention: (360) 734-5121.
- Bellingham Food BankFood assistance for Whatcom County households: (360) 676-0392.
- Washington WICNutrition support for pregnant women, infants, and young children: 1-800-841-1410.
Not sure where to start?
Write to us. We will point you somewhere useful, even when that is not toward one of our own programs.