Special Populations

Organizations that serve a particular (vulnerable/marginalized, specific medical condition) sector of the population

Bainbridge Island Senior & Community Center

The Bainbridge Island Senior & Community Center seeks to empower and enhance the quality of life of people in our community as they age. We serve over 3,000 members and guests each year, providing unique opportunities for social interaction and recreation, plus information and resources to help seniors live independently.

The Center’s purpose is crystallized in its vision: “Bainbridge Island is a vibrant, compassionate, inclusive place to grow up and grow older.” This vision is consistent with the City of Bainbridge Island’s Comprehensive Plan, which emphasizes principles of a caring community, neighborliness as the foundation for all human services, and the importance of cooperation and coordination among service providers.

Website: www.biseniorcenter.org

Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation/Stephen’s House

Bainbridge Island Special Needs Foundation/Stephens House was established in 2002 to serve adults with developmental disabilities who reside throughout Kitsap County. BISNF’s affordable day program reflects our belief that adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities thrive through participation in various community-based recreational and social activities. Our goals are to provide a space where our members can create community, develop friendships, improve their physical and mental well-being, learn new skills, and increase their self-confidence and sense of belonging. Activities include, but are not limited to, special events in the community, swimming, CrossFit, yoga, art projects, computer activities, movies, music, grocery shopping, and cooking. BISNF is funded primarily through private and public grants and individual donations. We are a DSHS-approved Respite Agency.

Website: www.bispecialneedsfoundation.org

Bainbridge Island Visually Impaired Persons Support Group

Our organization provides education, social support, and resources that improve independence and maintain quality of life for blind and low-vision persons. For example, “How- To” information on minimizing household hazards, simplifying food preparation, improving reading skills, adapting to digital devices, and traveling techniques is offered to all who have vision problems. We also serve as an advocate for the inclusion of visually impaired persons in the broader activities of the community by emphasizing their problems, needs and capabilities. Regular meetings by Zoom or in-person afford opportunities for information exchange and network development among members. Support through One Call For All enables the organization to extend community outreach, strengthen educational programs, and acquire equipment that is used for demonstration and training, thereby improving the capacity of visually impaired persons to function more effectively in their daily environment.

Kitsap Brain Injury

Our vision is to motivate survivors to pursue a fuller, more independent life that is neither limited nor defined by brain injury. The specific purpose for which Kitsap Brain Injury is organized is to provide information, motivation, inspiration, and support to brain injury survivors. We support, educate, and encourage survivors of brain injuries to lead the fullest lives possible by providing a safe, judgment-free support structure to people who have experienced a traumatic or acquired brain injury and their loved ones through dialogue, sharing experiences, and helpful strategies to survive and thrive after a brain injury We currently hold five to six meetings per month. Our educational groups, which occur on the second Thursday of each month, introduce and discuss concepts that we have found are essential for successful recovery. The TBI Klatch is an informal check-in that takes place every Monday at 10:00 AM.

Website: kitsapbraininjury.org

Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center

As a trusted provider of direct services to immigrant families in Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson, and Clallam counties, Kitsap Immigrant Assistance Center works to build power within communities through education, advocacy, and social justice. We serve over 2,000 community members each year through our immigration legal, tax, business, family services programs, and offering opportunities to build powerful community connections. This work is challenging, but the resilience of those we serve inspires us to keep supporting them in achieving their goals.

Website: kitsapiac.org

Neurodiverse Connections

Since 2023, Neurodiverse Connections has served those who work with, teach, love, befriend, parent or ARE neurodivergent themselves. Through community education and direct support, we’ve reached over 7,500 individuals on Bainbridge and beyond, promoting dignity and respect for all kinds of minds. Our immersive, engaging NeuroEmpathy Workshops for professionals, parents and students enable kids and adults of all neurotypes to experience the friction of being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world, creating relational understanding and deep, long lasting impact. We support our Island with Sensory Regulation Stations at community events like the Grand Old 4th and KiDiMu’s Fam Jam. Through regular support groups and one-on-one consultations, we serve families, providing resources and connection for parents of neurodivergent children. Together, we’re building a future where all minds are valued for their unique strengths, honored for their differences, and celebrated as part of this beautiful neurodiverse world we all share.

Website: www.ndconnections.org

Neurodiversity Allies

The mission of Neurodiversity Allies is to bring the joy of live theatre and other arts experiences to neurodivergent community members. Anyone and everyone should be able to experience theatre and art. Neurodiversity Allies advocates for the neurodivergent community and enables theaters of all sizes to bring Sensory Accessibility and inclusion to their productions. Neurodiversity Allies then promotes these inclusive events to the community. Creating Sensory-Friendly performances, Sensory Guides, and Social Narratives is expensive, important work that is simply not possible without the generosity and help of community members who care about inclusion. Theatre and art organizations typically do not have excess cash, and Neurodiversity Allies subsidizes up to 100% of the cost, removing the financial barrier to adding Sensory Accessibility and inclusion to live performances.

Website: ndallies.org

Vitalize Kitsap

Vitalize Kitsap empowers people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to live with purpose and self-determination. We’re building a truly inclusive community—one where individuals with I/DD are valued, recognized, and supported. Through daily programs, one-on-one mentoring, and community access, VK helps local teens and adults with I/DD set personal goals, develop life skills, build friendships, and engage in meaningful activities. Your One Call for All donation provides scholarships and vital resources that ensure people with I/DD and their families have opportunities to thrive. Join us in creating a more inclusive Kitsap!

Website: www.vitalizekitsap.org