Have you ever heard of TACID?
If you have, this post will give you an update!
If you haven’t, this post is an introduction for people who live in Tacoma and the surrounding area, but have never heard about our free support services for adults (18+) in Pierce County.
Let’s start with a little history:
TACID (Tacoma Area Coalition of Individuals with Disabilities) was founded in 1980 by the Tacoma Council on Disabilities, Pierce County Association of the Blind, Tacoma Association of the Deaf and the MS Society. TACID was established to be a community center where adults with disabilities could receive services, and a facility and meeting place for support groups in the Pierce County community.
Needless to say, some things have changed in 40+ years!
Today, we provide support services for adults experiencing visible conditions such as sensory, cognitive, developmental, and physical disabilities and invisible conditions such as mental and behavioral health challenges. We continue to provide meeting space and facilities for community partners such as Tacoma Social Support Group and Tacoma Brain Injury Support Group.
The Wellness and Recovery Program
Wellness and Recovery is TACID’s umbrella program of services. Guided by the principles of peer support—an evidence-based model for building hope and social connection among peers who have shared life-experiences—the goal of the program is for participants to discover their strengths, learn new skills and improve their quality of life. Wellness and Recovery services include peer support groups, wellness activities, Information and Referrals, and inclusive recreation and community.
Our Location and On-Site Services
TACID is located next to Tacoma Community College at 6315 S19th Street. We’re opened Monday-Friday from 9:30AM-5:00PM. During the week, we offer peer support groups such as Living in the Balance and Stress Less Peer Support Group with our Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPCs). We also offer wellness activities such as Gentle Yoga Movement with our certified yoga teacher and Intuitive Painting. From 9:30AM-2:00PM, we have inclusive recreation such as Bingo, Friday Popcorn and a Movie, and Fun Movement (with our yoga teacher) in our Drop-in Dayroom.
On-site or Online?
Do feel shy or overwhelmed about going to a place you’ve never been before? We understand. Give us a call at 253-565-9000 to ask any questions or to connect with one of our CPCs. We also offer online peer support groups on Zoom, such as Generation of Change, Peer Support for BIPOC Young Adults (age 18-26) and Choose Hope for Depression. You can check out a daily schedule of all our groups and activities on our Calendar Page.
A little more information:
Non-clinical, community setting: TACID is a community-based organization that doesn’t provide clinical services. Our support services, wellness activities, and opportunities for social interaction are here to reduce isolation and help people to make connections in their community.
No diagnosis needed: You don’t have to be diagnosed by a doctor to receive our support services. If you’re experiencing grief, stress, anxiety or depression, our peer support groups and CPCs are here to support you in working with these challenges.
Unlimited Access: We don’t put a time limit on wellness and community. You’re welcomed at TACID—our services are available to you for as long as you want to participate.
Thank you for reading this update and introduction!
If you’d like to see our facility, meet a few staff members, and experience our services, Join Us on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 for an Interactive Open House and Fundraiser from 4PM-6PM. To RSVP, go to our Facebook Event Page and let us know you’re Going to be here!