Business Details
Empowering Adults with Developmental Disabilities Through Employment & Inclusion
Center Force is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering adults with developmental disabilities through comprehensive employment and community inclusion services. Since our founding, we have provided over 13,000 annual hours of direct support to approximately 200 individuals across south King, Pierce, and Thurston counties. Our team of certified professionals collaborates with county agencies and community partners to deliver individualized programs that foster independence and social integration. We specialize in vocational rehabilitation, job placement, and life skills development, ensuring clients achieve meaningful employment and active community participation.With decades of collective experience in developmental psychology and social services, our leadership maintains CARF accreditation standards while advocating for disability rights and workplace diversity. Our approach combines personalized assessments, on-site job coaching, and community engagement activities to create sustainable pathways for client success.
Services
Employment Services
Inclusion Services
Job Placement
Community Integration
Vocational Rehabilitation
Life Skills Training
Transition Programs
Employer Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of experience in disability support services
- Our CARF-certified team provides personalized vocational rehabilitation
- We maintain partnerships with 7+ regional government agencies
- We guarantee 1:1 job coaching support during employment transitions
- Our programs serve 200+ clients annually across three Washington counties
Associations and certifications
- CARF International
What people say
Super power team
Advocates for dignity
Life-changing support
Community integration success
Dedicated professionals
Services
Employment Services
Our employment services provide personalized vocational rehabilitation for adults with developmental disabilities. Through partnerships with county agencies, we offer job assessments, resume development, and on-site coaching to secure competitive employment. Clients receive ongoing support to maintain positions at or above minimum wage while building career pathways in integrated workplaces.
Inclusion Services
Community inclusion programs foster social engagement through recreational and volunteer opportunities. We help clients develop life skills while participating in activities like bowling leagues, knitting groups, and church volunteering. These services promote independence through budgeting education, transportation coordination, and community resource navigation.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation includes community-based assessments and job placement assistance. Our specialists conduct skills evaluations, facilitate trial work experiences, and connect clients with employers. The program emphasizes career goal setting and provides ongoing job retention support through regular employer check-ins and workplace accommodations.
Transition Programs
School-to-Work programs prepare students with disabilities for post-graduation employment. We collaborate with school districts and DVR to create individualized transition plans, including job shadowing and interview preparation. Our services ensure seamless transition from educational settings to competitive employment through structured internship opportunities.
Life Skills Training
Life skills training addresses practical needs for personal independence. Clients learn meal preparation, budget management, and hygiene practices through hands-on instruction. Our specialists also assist with housing resources and community navigation to support clients' full participation in daily living activities.
People
Debby Graham
Executive Director
With 30 years in social services, Debby leads Center Force's strategic direction. She holds a master's in applied behavioral analysis and PHR certification, bringing expertise in developmental psychology and CARF accreditation standards.
Lisa Leonard
Director of Finance and Administration
Lisa oversees financial operations with a master of accountancy from UW. Her nonprofit financial management experience spans 19 years, including prior roles as Center Force's accounting manager and independent contractor.
Janet Pouvi
Program Director
Janet directs programs with 17 years of service experience. She holds a human services degree and has progressed from case manager to program leadership, specializing in community inclusion and employment services coordination.
Christina White
Individual Employment Manager
Christina leads employment initiatives with a sociology degree. Starting as a job coach in 2019, she now manages vocational programs, focusing on employer partnerships and client advocacy in workforce integration.
Shayne Gallauher
Community Inclusion Manager
Shayne directs inclusion services with experience in special education and case management. Since joining in 2023, she has expanded community engagement programs, emphasizing personalized support strategies for client social integration.
Questions
What populations does Center Force serve?
We support adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across south King, Pierce, and Thurston counties.
How do employment services work?
Our CARF-accredited program provides vocational assessments, job placement, and ongoing coaching for competitive employment.
Are services available for students?
Yes, our School-to-Work program helps transition students secure employment before graduating from school districts.
What community activities are offered?
Clients participate in recreational activities, volunteer opportunities, and social groups like knitting circles and church programs.
How is eligibility determined?
Eligibility follows state guidelines through county agencies like DVR and DDCS for developmental disability services.
Can businesses partner with Center Force?
Employers can collaborate through our partnership program connecting qualified candidates with job opportunities in the region.
Videos
