OUR HISTORY:
In 1969, a group of loving parents, realizing the need
to provide something for their adult children challenged by mental retardation to do during the day, arranged with Tacoma's
First Christian Church to use their basement, for training in the activities of daily living and for fostering their social
competencies.
Out of that volunteer collaboration grew a work activity center, established in 1971 and incorporated
in 1973, providing work skill training and paid production activities. A sheltered
workshop grew out of the original program, leading the way to community employment supports, inclusion efforts within our
neighborhoods, and home life support programs.
Today, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,
Tahoma Associates is under contract with Pierce County and the Washington State Division of Developmental Disabilities.
We provide community services and supports in a whole-person approach, as we strive to bridge the gap in human services. Tahoma Associates has a staff of 46, and we currently serve 187 clients.