Community Connections
Our Community Connections Department works out of the Bethel Family Center located on the Challenger High School Campus. Community Connections works to increase access for all Bethel students and their families; by removing barriers, providing resources and bridging the gap between schools and families. Working within our network of community partners we provide support by referring students and their families to these agencies and making that connection. We strive to create safe, healthy spaces that help foster productive learning environments and networks to support student success.
RESOURCES
Resource Contacts
Most Community services use 211 as a preliminary intake process. It can be a long process but if you are in need of assistance filling out the 211 intake over the phone can help with other processes.
- United Way: 211
- Associated Ministries: 253-682-3401
- TANF/DSHS: 253-476-7000
- Pierce Transit: 253-581-8000
- Tacoma Schools Information: 253-571-1000
In Crisis
The site is for informational purposes only, if you are facing a medical emergency please call 9-1-1
- Domestic Violence Helpline: 253 798-4166
- Crisis Helpline: 1-800-576-7764
- Mental health Crisis Line call or text: 988
- Washington Recovery Helpline: 866-789-1511
- Teen Link – If you're under 21, you can call Teen Link at 866-TEENLINK (866-833-6546) and ask to talk to a peer. The phone line is open 6 p.m.– 10 p.m. and chat is available 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. daily. Trained youth volunteers will answer your call or chat. You can call for any reason. At Teen Link, no problem is too big or too small.
- Crisis Text Line – This text helpline offers 24/7/365 emotional support and resources for people experiencing any type of crisis. Text HEAL to 741-741 to start a conversation with a trained volunteer crisis counselor.
Teen Pregnancy
- StepbyStep: 253-896-0903
- Family Support Centers: 253-798-6403
- Baby Lounge (bethel Family Center) 253-800-6850
- Bethel Family Center Diaper Bank (253-800-6862)
Homeless Services
- Treehouse: 253-398-4021
- New Hope Resource Center/Safe parking: 253-346-6482
- Family Promise Day Center (click name for hyperlink)
- Reach Center Tacoma: 253-383-3951
- Homeless Prevention/Rapid Rehousing (HPRP): 253-383-3056
- Tacoma Housing Authority: 253-207-4400
- Healthcare for the Homeless: 253-627-5445
- Homeless Childcare: 253-572-3213
- Energy Assistance:253-572-5557
Latino Advocacy
- Mi Centro: 253-572-7717
- Reach Center Tacoma: 253-383-3951
Health Care
- Bethel Middle School Clinic: 253-722-1793
- GKHS Clinic: 253-354-4315
- Public Health Information: 253-798-2987
- Community Health Care: 253-597-4550
- Dental Hotline: 253-798-6044
Bethel Family Serviecs
The Bethel Family Center has shifted into an appointment based facility focused on serving our Bethel students and their families. Responsible for hosting our Family Resource Coordinator (FRC) along with other social support services. The FRC works within the district and unincorporated Pierce County to connect our students and families with resources that help foster a sense of belonging and promote healthy child development. Alongside the FRC the Bethel family Center houses WIC, Center for Strong Families with space available for meetings.
To book meeting space at the Bethel Family Center:
Students and Families Experiencing Homelessness
Community Connections houses our Mckinney Vento and Foster Care program. Providing support and resources to those students and their families lacking regular fixed housing have the resources needed to succeed in school. This also concerns our youth who are not in the custody or care of a legal parent or guardian.
If you think you qualify for our Mckinney Vento program or are in need of assistance please click here.
In District Services
IN DISTRICT SERVICES
IN DISTRICT SERVICES
Community Connections is committed to removing barriers, providing resources and bridging the gap between schools and families. Listed below are some resources that we have on site as well as a food resource map that helps you locate local food banks in the area. We recognize that every family's situation is different, if you need additional resources please reach out to our team!
Food Resource Map : https://bit.ly/4gic5ey
Multicare WIC
WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children. It provides milk, cereal, eggs, peanut butter, fruits and vegetables, infant formula and other nutritional foods. This WIC program also provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, health assessments and referrals.
By appointment only, please call 253.800.6851 for WIC services
Located at the Bethel Family Center 18020 B St E, Spanaway Wa, 98387
Diaper Bank
The multicultural diaper bank is a partnership between the Pierce County Health Department and the Help Me Grow network of diaper banks throughout Pierce county. Diaper Distribution is available on Mondays and Fridays ONLY. Pick up at the Bethel Family Center at 18020 B St E, Spanaway WA, 98387
New Clients
Can walk-in to the Bethel Family Center on Mondays and Fridays to sign up and receive wipes and a 3-day supply of diapers. Clients are only allowed to make appointments once a month or every 30 days.
Existing Clients
Must make an appointment to pick up diapers using the app.
If you lost access to the form please click here.
Center for Strong Families
Bethel Family Center has financial and employment coaches on site to help clients create better opportunities. Both coaches bring expertise in their fields to provide answers and support at no cost to clients. The Center for Strong Families is a two year follow up program. When a client makes an appointment, here is what they should expect to learn:
Review credit reports and dispute credit report errors
Create a realistic budget
Short and long-term financial goal-setting
Job search strategies that include career exploration and portfolio creation
Workplace intelligence, culture, and image
Critical thinking cupport by short and long-term goal setting
Access to income supports that help you stay within a budget
For more information please contact:
Estella Morales, Employment Coach: 253.719.3609
Tia Rottach, Financial Coach: 253.278.4078
Bethel Community Services
Looking for an opportunity to engage and learn more about how you can support Bethel? Come join the Bethel Community Services Coalition (BCS)! BCS is a community-based volunteer collaboration of school personnel, community citizens, members of the clergy and service providers within the Bethel/unincorporated Pierce County community. Their Vision is that all Bethel residents are housed in safe neighborhoods, have access to the resources they need to thrive, are well-educated and engaged in the community. The coalition meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 3pm. If you are interested in attending please email Irina Foote: bcsinfo@bethelservices.org
Bethel Outreach Bus
BOB the Bus is available to our schools and community to provide access to resources such as: School Supplies, community resources, food. Community Connections hosts BOB the bus at a Variety of different events. BOB participates in Daffodil parade as well as Trunk-or-Treats, ABC day and if he is booked he will see you at your district event! If you see BOB, come chat to our Community Connections team to see how you can get involved in supporting our students and their families!
Book BOB the bus with Community Connections Team:
Contacts
Darius Alexander
Community Connections Director
253.800.2251
Karina Abbott
Secretary to the Director/BECCA
253.800.6854
Danielle Stanford
Community Connections Coordinator
253.800.6857
Echo Abernathy
Community Connections Coordinator
253.800.6852
Caitlin McConnell
Family Resource Coordinator
253.800.6862
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