 Request for Proposals (RFP) for Community Services for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Snohomish County Human Services Department is currently accepting proposals from qualified applicants for three distinct funding categories supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. The funding for these proposals is comprised of Federal, State, and County funds. These initiatives are designed to support community-based efforts that enable people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live fully, actively participate, and contribute to all areas of community life.
There are three (3) different services categories covered in this RFP. Proposers may propose on one, two, or all three categories. Services provided under these categories must be available countywide and not limited to a specific city or region.
ADVOCACY AND EDUCATION – This work is intended to strengthen advocacy and civic engagement efforts across Snohomish County by empowering individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and community members to take active roles in shaping public policy and service systems.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND OUTREACH – This work is intended to ensure individuals with developmental disabilities and their families are meaningfully connected to their communities and have access to the resources and supports they need to thrive. Successful programs will demonstrate a strong capacity for outreach, information sharing, and relationship-building across multiple systems, including education, community and faith-based organizations, and service providers.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT – This work is intended to support the development of effective leadership and advocacy pathways for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and allies throughout Snohomish County. This leadership and advocacy will advance community inclusion and expand opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. Successful programs will demonstrate a commitment to identifying and nurturing emerging leaders, offering meaningful training opportunities, and fostering connections with boards, committees, and community groups.
Proposals must be submitted by the due date of November 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Late proposals will not be accepted. For additional information about this opportunity, please visit our Request for Proposals (RFP) webpage.
Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation to Close Service Categories 1 and 2 in December
The Washington State Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) has announced plans to close Service Categories 1 and 2 effective December 8, 2025. Once this occurs, all five DVR Service Categories (1–5) will be closed, and individuals determined eligible for services will be placed on a waiting list.
DVR uses an Order of Selection system to prioritize services for individuals with the most significant disabilities when resources are limited. Federal law requires the implementation of a waiting list when DVR cannot serve all eligible participants.
Community partners and the public are invited to learn more about this change at an Order of Selection Information Session during the Washington State Rehabilitation Council Quarterly Meeting on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 10:30 am. The meeting will be held virtually. Details, including the meeting link and agenda, are available at www.wsrcwa.org/meetings.
Additional information about the Order of Selection, including FAQs and resources for students and families, can be found on the DVR website. Please note that updates to these web pages will be completed by December 8, 2025.
Celebrating Cathy Lackey and Her Many Years of Service
After nearly two decades of service, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank Cathy Lackey for her incredible contributions to Snohomish County’s Person Centered Planning program. As she prepares for retirement, we celebrate the lasting impact she has made through her dedication, creativity, and care. For close to 20 years, Cat has supported individuals and families in Snohomish County as they imagine meaningful futures and create plans that reflect their goals, strengths, and dreams. Her work has been an important part of building the foundation for Person Centered Planning services in our community.
Zandra, from our Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities team, has had the privilege of working with Cat for more than a decade and shared these kind words:
Over the past 10+ years, I've had the opportunity to see her at her best doing the work she loves by fostering growth in the people we serve to achieve their goals. She assists individuals to dream big and stresses that by building strong supportive teams; growth and success is possible. Her ability to document and create actionable next step with the beauty of graphics (a universal mode of communication) is a pleasure to see in action.
I've also gotten to know Cat personally. She is thoughtful, caring and always gives her best in everything she does. Her mentorship has reached far beyond our local community, and she has guided many across the state in person center planning both as a mentor and facilitator. She has played a key role in building the foundation for Person Centered Planning services and facilitation in Snohomish County. Cat’s resilience over the years as things of shifted and changed is a trait we admire and can all learn from.
As she begins this new chapter, our hope for her is that she now gets to “dream big” and enjoys a wonderful retirement filled with time for herself her family and her friends. After a career dedicated to helping others, she truly deserves the best that retirement has to offer.
Cat, it is now your time for a new adventure and to think about what you will do next. My guess is we will continue to see you from time to time. You are a beautiful and passionate person. Here are a couple quotes I thought summed it up nicely:
“Retirement is not the end of the road it is the beginning of the open highway.” “Your work has touched many lives, and your legacy will continue to inspire.”
Congratulations from your friends and colleagues,
Zandra, Jessica and the Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Team
Join the Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board!
Are you passionate about helping to create a community where people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families are respected, valued, and fully engaged? Snohomish County’s Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board is now accepting applications for new members.
As a board member, you will:
- Learn about issues related to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
- Share ideas about what makes our community a great place to live.
- Connect with others who are excited about making a difference and change in the community.
- Provide recommendations on how County money could be spent.
- Share ideas on County Programs that support individuals and families with developmental disabilities.
The Board meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month, 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm (meetings are hybrid – attend in Everett or join via Zoom).
November is Native American Heritage Month!
This month is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Native American Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to raise a general awareness about the unique challenges Native people have faced both historically, presently, and the ways tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.
There are many great opportunities to celebrate the rich culture of Native America, including attending Powwows, festivals, art shows, and gatherings; visiting tribal reservations; listening to storytellers; attending presentations given by tribal elders and leaders, and reading about American Indian tribes and culture.
Native Americans with disabilities are also leaders in the disability rights and disability justice movements. This includes Deanna Sheldon, Tulalip Tribes member and founder of Leah’s Dream Foundation. The mission of this foundation is to provide social, charitable, economic and other support for families of children and adults with autism in Snohomish County. Leah’s Dream Foundation was founded in 2015 by Deanna and her daughter, Leah Stacy, is the namesake of the foundation. Learn more about Leah's Dream Foundation.
Other leaders include Sarah A. Young-Bear Brown, Hoksie Benally Jr., Vesper Moore, Jen Deerinwater, Johnnie Jae, Héctor Manuel Ramírez, and Jules Edwards. Click here to learn more from the Disability Rights Florida’s blog about these Native American disability justice leaders.
Join the Snohomish County Human Rights Commission for a screening of FISH WAR on November 6, 2025 at 6:30 pm. November's meeting/movie night will be in person in the Executive Conference Room, Admin West Building, Snohomish County Campus, 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett, WA. 98201. Contact Karen Anderson, 425-309-8222. No RSVP required.
Description: FISH WAR follows the tribes’ fight to exercise their treaty-reserved fishing rights. A landmark court case in 1974 would affirm the tribes’ treaty rights and establish them as co-managers of the resource, but the fate of salmon in the Pacific Northwest still hangs in the balance.
National Family Caregiver Month
November is a time to show support and to honor our nation's vital caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month. Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S. Many caregivers work and also provide care, experiencing conflicts between competing responsibilities. Research indicates caregiving also takes a significant emotional, physical, and financial toll. With nearly half of all caregivers over age 50, many are vulnerable to a decline in their own health. Studies show that coordinated support services can reduce caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress, and enable them to provide care longer, which avoids or delays the need for costly institutional care.
Locally, the Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board advises county Human Services staff on services for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. The Board plays a key role in coordinating local services to ensure the efficient use of available resources, providing direct services, and developing comprehensive plans for the future growth of services throughout the county. Visit the Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board page to learn more.
Learn more about the caregiver’s journey through the lens of Laura Porter & Muriel Cagey, who are Swinomish Tribal members. This video was produced by Children of the Setting Sun Productions, Colibri Facilitations, and The Arc of Washington have several videos that beautifully illustrate the diverse and vibrant values within our community.
Snohomish County Council Recognizes Veterans Day and Operation Green Light for Veterans
The Snohomish County Council has adopted Resolution No. 25-043, officially recognizing November 11, 2025, as Veterans Day and November 1–21, 2025, as Operation Green Light for Veterans in Snohomish County.
This resolution honors the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces, as well as the families who support them. It acknowledges the vital role veterans and military families have played in preserving the freedoms and values that define our community and nation.
The Council also recognizes the challenges many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. Each year, approximately 200,000 service members and their families make this transition, with studies showing that a significant number experience high levels of stress and an elevated risk of suicide during their first year after service. Through its Veterans Assistance Program, Snohomish County continues to provide local veterans with access to support, services, and emergency assistance.
As part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, Snohomish County encourages all residents, businesses, and organizations to display a green light from November 1–21 as a visible show of support and gratitude for our veterans.
In keeping with this observance, a green light will also illuminate the entrance of the Robert J. Drewel Building in Everett – symbolizing the County’s open door and ongoing commitment to welcoming and supporting veterans and military families.
Together, let’s shine a light of appreciation for those who have served and sacrificed to protect our freedoms.
Read the Resolution Snohomish County Council.
Learn more about Veteran's Day.
Cold Weather Shelters Open Across Snohomish County
As temperatures drop, overnight cold weather shelters across Snohomish County are open to provide safe, warm places to stay when the forecast falls to 34°F or below between November 1 and March 31. The Snohomish County Public Safety Hub is updated daily to show which shelters are open each night. Shelters are operated by Everett Gospel Mission, LINC NW, and Volunteers of America Western Washington, with funding and coordination provided by Snohomish County. Host locations, often local faith communities, are located in Everett, Marysville, Monroe, Snohomish, and Lynnwood. In addition, Community Transit and Everett Transit offer free rides to and from shelters on nights they are open, and multiple libraries and senior centers throughout the county serve as daytime warming centers during normal business hours.
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