SPOKANE, Wash. — A support program that helps families navigate life with children living with intellectual and developmental disabilities could disappear from Spokane because of state budget cuts.
The Arc of Spokane is part of the “Parent to Parent” program, which provides resources, services, education and events for families across Washington state. The local nonprofit receives $50,000 each year to run the program, with 75% of that funding coming directly from the state. The Arc of Washington receives $900,000 per year overall for the program.
If the state doesn’t renew the contract, The Arc will be forced to cut back services after August 31.
“I think, without the Parent to Parent program, there’s gonna be a lot of people falling through the gaps, not getting the connections, which just leads to more instability,” said Jared Bradshaw, director of community programs at The Arc of Spokane.
The program operates at little to no cost for families who participate, which Bradshaw said makes it a critical resource for parents seeking guidance and community support.
Bradshaw said the uncertainty surrounding the program’s future weighs heavily on staff.
“It’s very anxiety-inducing,” Bradshaw said. “We are all here because we want to help everyone as best as we can.”
In response, 44 state lawmakers have written a letter to the governor and the Department of Social and Health Services supporting the program. While acknowledging the state’s budget challenges, the lawmakers said they “believe the Parent to Parent program represents exactly the kind of investment government should protect.”
Despite the uncertainty, Bradshaw said The Arc is not giving up on its services.
“It’s a feeling of perseverance as well, though. We are going to find a way to do it,” Bradshaw said. “If we can’t continue to do it the way that we have, how can we continue to make it moving forward, even if it’s on a lesser level?”
The Arc of Spokane says it is actively exploring alternative sources of funding while waiting to learn whether the state will renew the contract.
4 News Now reached out to the Department of Social and Health Services and is waiting to hear back.
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