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# Service Alternatives

Advancing individual potential at each stage of life

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## Posts

- [SA Value Award April 2026 -- Community](https://servicealternatives.com/2026/06/09/sa-value-award-community-april-2026/) - Pictured: Valeria Anyango (center) receiving the award from Fatou Bah (left) and Samantha Sanabria (right) Congratulations to Valeria Anyango, in Residential Services – Snohomish County, Washington! At Service Alternatives, Community is the basis for belonging. It helps people feel valued, accepted, and it is the “why” of the work we do. Valeria’s nomination included a written thank you from
- [SA Value Award March 2026 -- Integrity](https://servicealternatives.com/2026/04/30/sa-value-award-march-2026-integrity/) - Pictured: Wendy Rutkowski (right) receiving the award from John Bollacker (left) Congratulations to Wendy Rutkowski, in Community Services-Snohomish County! At Service Alternatives, Integrity means our values, intentions, words and actions are in alignment. Wendy’s nomination illustrates how she lives this value every day through her work. Wendy is an Employment Services Coordinator in Snohomish County and brings
- [SA Value Award February 2026 -- Employee Satisfaction](https://servicealternatives.com/2026/04/09/sa-value-award-february-2026-employee-satisfaction/) - Pictured: Crista Hendrickson (right) receiving the award from Heather Hansen, Director (left) Congratulations to Crista Hendrickson, in Community Services from Vancouver, Washington! At SA, Employee Satisfaction means we each feel valued for our work and supported in advancing our own potential. Crista is recognized as being someone who always steps in to help without judgment. She is
- [SA Value Award January 2026 -- Respect](https://servicealternatives.com/2026/03/10/sa-value-award-january-2026-respect/) - Pictured: Joel Gipson (left) receiving the award from SATI Administrator, Vener Azurin (right) Congratulations to Joel Gibson, Training Specialist with SATI – the SA Training Institute! At SA, Respect means we honor the unique contributions and experiences of each individual. From our interactions with clients to our relationships with colleagues, we are committed to serving people. Joel’s nomination stood out for his
- [SA Value Award December 2025 -- Excellence](https://servicealternatives.com/2026/02/13/sa-value-award-december-2025-excellence/) - Pictured: Elizabeth Wambugu (center left) receiving the award from leadership and team members. Congratulations to Elizabeth Wambugu, in Residential Services – Snohomish County! At Service Alternatives, we strive towards Excellence. Together, we embody it. Elizabeth’s nomination is a wonderful example of excellence in action. She received nominations by both a staff member and a client – a
- [SA Value Award November 2025 -- Customer Service](https://servicealternatives.com/2026/01/22/sa-value-award-november-2025-customer-service/) - Pictured: Isabelle Tyyska with her award at the SA 909 Office. Congratulations to Isabelle Tyyska, in Community, Work First Program in Snohomish County! Customer service means we listen, take time to understand our customers’ needs, and follow through on our commitments. Isabelle exemplifies these principles through her dedication to client and customer service. Isabelle is recognized for
- [SA Value Award October 2025 -- Community](https://servicealternatives.com/2026/01/14/sa-value-award-october-2025-community/) - Pictured: Brehona Hancock (right) receiving the award from Olivia Boyd (left) Congratulations to Brehona Hancock, in Community, Youth and Family Services in Region 2 North! At SA, our services provide the support, belonging, and connection central to a meaningful life. We build community by building connection and Brehona’s nomination is a wonderful example of this in
- [SA Value Award September 2025 -- Integrity](https://servicealternatives.com/2026/01/07/sa-value-award-september-2025/) - Pictured: Christian Katabana (left) receiving the award from Patrick Layton, Area Manager (right) Congratulations to Christian Katabana, in Residential Services-Snohomish County! When we act with integrity at SA, it means our values, intentions and words are aligned. The nomination stands out for Christian as it recognizes Christian for his outstanding role in integrity spanning over a
- [SA Value Award for August 2025 -- Employee Satisfaction](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/10/29/sa-value-award-for-august-2025-employee-satisfaction/) - Pictured: Charles Wanjiku (center) receiving the award from (left to right), Samantha Sanabria, Nancy Magana, (Charles), Jhannaya Brown-Tanks and Tera Hill Congratulations to Charles Wanjiku, in Residential Services in Pierce County! Employee Satisfaction means we each feel valued for our work and supported in advancing our own potential. The nomination for Charles highlights a theme of how
- [SA Value Award for July 2025 - Respect](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/09/04/sa-value-award-for-july-2025-respect/) - Pictured: Bismark Tweneboah (center) receiving the award from Samantha Sanabria (left) and Fatou Bah (right) Congratulations to Bismark Tweneboah, in Residential Services in King County! At SA, Respect means honoring the unique contributions and experiences of each individual. Bismark Tweneboah’s nomination highlighted numerous everyday actions that demonstrate this core value. The committee noted the examples were
- [SA Value Award June 2025 Excellence](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/08/18/sa-value-award-june-2025-excellence/) - Pictured: Martin Jaika (center) receiving the award from Samantha Sanabria (right) and Soraya Sultan-Meer (left) Congratulations to Martin Jaika, in Residential Services in Pierce County! At SA, we each strive towards excellence; together, we embody it. Martin Jaika’s nomination highlighted outstanding examples of how he consistently embodies excellence across all aspects of our services and daily operations.
- [SA Value Award May 2025 Customer Service](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/08/14/sa-value-award-may-2025-customer-service/) - Pictured Left to Right: Nancy Magana, Anthony Mwangi, Jhannaya Brown-Tanks, Tera Hill Congratulations to Anthony Mwangi, in Residential Services in Pierce County! Customer Service at SA means we listen, take time to understand our customers’ needs, and follow through on our commitments. Customer Service is the act of taking care of the customer’s needs by providing and
- [SA Value Award Recipient for Fiscal Responsibility for April 2025](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/06/18/sa-value-award-recipient-for-fiscal-responsibility-for-april-2025/) - Pictured: Jhannaya Brown-Tanks, Right, receiving the award from Samantha Sanabria (left) Congratulations to Jhannaya Brown-Tanks, in Residential Services in Pierce County! At Service Alternatives, our sound financial management today empowers the services we’ll deliver and the lives we’ll change tomorrow. The nomination for Jhannaya stood out to the committee for highlighting the many ways she demonstrates responsibility and accountability in
- [SA Value Award for March - Community 2025](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/05/01/sa-value-award-for-march-community-2025/) - Pictured: Crystal Chatterton, Center, receiving the award from Shelina Rivera Fain (left) and Patrick Layton (right) Congratulations to Crystal Chatterton, in Residential Services in Island County! Our services provide the support, belonging, and connection central to a meaningful life. The nomination for Crystal Chatterton shines with powerful examples of this value in action. Her dedication to
- [SA Value Award for February - Integrity 2025](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/04/24/sa-value-award-for-february-integrity-2025/) - Pictured: Lucy Falmed, Center, receiving the award from Shelina Rivera Fain (left) and Patrick Layton (right) Congratulations to Lucy Falmed, in Residential Services-Island County! At Service Alternatives, Integrity means our values, intentions, words and actions are in alignment. Lucy’s nomination illustrates how she lives this value every day through her work. One particular example from
- [Value Award Recipient for Fiscal Responsibility for October 2024](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/03/14/value-award-recipient-for-fiscal-responsibility-for-october-2024/) - Pictured: Chondra Stone (Center Right), presented the award by Snohomish County Residential Services leaders Congratulations to Chondra Stone, Residential Financial Specialist in Residential Services! Our sound financial management today empowers the services we’ll deliver and the lives we’ll change tomorrow. Chondra Stone is recognized for her attentive, consistent and exceptional work as a Financial Specialist.
- [Value Award for November – Customer Service 2024](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/03/14/value-award-for-november-customer-service-2024/) - Pictured: Carolyn Wade, center with certificate presented by team members in Community Services. Congratulations to Carolyn Wade, Community Inclusion Specialist in Community Services! Customer Service means taking time to understand individual needs by providing and delivering professional, helpful, high-quality service and assistance. Carolyn Wade’s nomination stood out to the committee as a prime example of
- [Value Award for January – Employee Satisfaction 2025](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/03/17/value-award-for-january-employee-satisfaction-2025/) - Pictured: Kelli Cinco, Center, presented the award from Jhannaya Brown-Tanks (right) and Nancy Magana (left) Congratulations to Kelli Cinco, in Residential Services in Pierce County! Employee Satisfaction at Service Alternatives means we each feel valued for our work and supported in advancing our own potential. The success of our programs and services hinges on the
- [Value Award Recipient for Respect for December 2024](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/03/14/value-award-recipient-for-respect-for-december-2024/) - Pictured: Alex Boutwell, center right, holding award presented by Heather Hansen (right) Crista Hendrickson (left) and Juliane Ditzler (center left) Congratulations to Alex Boutwell, in Community Services serving Youth and Families! At SA, Respect means we honor the unique contributions and experiences of each individual. From our interactions with clients to our relationships with colleagues,
- [SA Value Award for September - Community 2024](https://servicealternatives.com/2025/03/14/sa-value-award-for-september-community-2024/) - Pictured: Tera Hill (Center), receiving the award from Nancy Magana (left) and Jhannaya Brown-Tanks, Residential Manager (right). This is the beginning of some catch up SAVA awards-please celebrate with me! I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Community for September, 2024! Congratulations to Tera Hill, Direct Support Professional in Residential
- [Integrity - January 2024, SA Value Award Recipient](https://servicealternatives.com/2024/02/05/integrity-january-2024-sa-value-award-recipient/) - Jodi Mizerka was presented with the award for Integrity at the January Administrative Assistants team meeting. This award was timely as Jodi also celebrated 18 years with Service Alternatives in January. One of the criteria the awards committee considers when reviewing the nominations is considering if the examples in the nomination seem to span a
- [SA Value Award Recipient for Employee Satisfaction December 2023](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/12/31/sa-value-award-recipient-for-employee-satisfaction-december-2023/) - I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Employee Satisfaction for December 2023 Congratulations to Samantha Sanabria, Administrator in Adult Residential Services! Pictured: Samantha Sanabria (right) receiving the award from Larissa Floyd, Director (left). Employee Satisfaction is when we each feel valued for our work and supported in advancing our own potential. The
- [Value Award Recipient for Respect](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/11/24/value-award-recipient-for-respect-2/) - At Service Alternatives, the definition of Respect begins with “Respect is the manner in which we each walk through our lives. It is rooted in the fundamental belief that each human being is truly valued and deserves to be treated with dignity and kindness.” I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for
- [Value Award Recipient for Excellence](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/10/24/value-award-recipient-for-excellence-2/) - Congratulations to Terri Martindale, Training Specialist in the SA Training Institute! I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Excellence for October 2023! Pictured: Terri Martindale(top) receiving the award virtually at the SA Training Institute team meeting. We strive towards excellence; together, we embody it. Terri Martindale is recognized for providing excellence on
- [Value Award Recipient for Community](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/08/11/value-award-recipient-for-community-2/) - I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Community for July 2023! Congratulations to Jeanene Rundgren, Youth Direct Support Professional in the Community program in Spokane. Pictured: Jeanene Rundgren (right) receiving the award from Kristine Hilton, Manager (top left) with Bobbi Clawdus, Area Manager (bottom left). Pictured: Jeanene Rundgren (right) receiving the award from Kristine
- [Value Award Recipient for Customer Service](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/09/29/value-award-recipient-for-customer-service-2/) - I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Customer Service for September 2023! Congratulations to Leslee Peterson, Area Manager in Community Services! Pictured: Leslee Peterson (top) receiving the award from Heather Hansen, Director (circle right) Customer Service means we listen, take time to understand our customer’s needs, and follow through on our
- [Value Award Recipient for Fiscal Responsibility](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/09/24/value-award-recipient-for-fiscal-responsibility/) - Congratulations to Lindsay Brown, Administrative Assistant in Community Services! I am pleased to announce that she is the SA Value Award Recipient for Fiscal Responsibility for August 2023! Fiscal Responsibility means our sound financial management today empowers the services we’ll deliver and the lives we’ll change tomorrow. The nomination for Lindsay Brown demonstrates how Lindsay grounds fiscal
- [Value Award Recipient for Integrity](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/08/10/value-award-recipient-for-integrity-2/) - Pictured: Kaytlin Eldred (right) receiving the award from Rob Hays, Director (left) with team virtually present (computer). I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Integrity for June, 2023! Congratulations to Kaytlin Eldred, Training Services Manager in the SA Training Institute. At Service Alternatives, Integrity, is where our values, intentions, words and actions
- [Value Award Recipient for Employee Satisfaction](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/08/03/value-award-recipient-for-employee-satisfaction-2/) - I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Employee Satisfaction for May, 2023! Congratulations to Ashlee Wiley, Area Manager in Community Services. Pictured: Ashlee Wiley (left) receiving the award presented by Heather Hansen, Director (right). Employee Satisfaction means we each feel valued for our work and supported in advancing our own potential. The
- [Value Award Recipient for Respect](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/06/23/value-award-recipient-for-respect/) - I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Respect for April, 2023! Congratulations to Forrest Sinnott, Residential Coordinator in Adult Supported Living, Residential Services. At Service Alternatives, in our work with clients and with our customers, Respect means always remembering that we are in the service of people. We value the contributions and experiences
- [Value Award Recipient for Excellence](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/06/01/value-award-recipient-for-excellence/) - Pictured: Demetria LaFond (center) receiving the award virtually, presented by Heather Hansen, Director of Community Services (circle inset). I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Excellence! Congratulations to Demetria LaFond, Program Manager for the WorkFirst Program, Community Services. At Service Alternatives, we each strive towards Excellence, together we embody it. Demetria LaFond
- [New Normal](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/04/27/new-normal/) - While I am not quite sure what 'normal' looks like these days, it sure seems like much of life is returning to what I knew it to be prior to March 2020. At Service Alternatives, it feels a little bit like puzzle pieces falling into place. Many of the pivots we took starting in 2020
- [Value Award Recipient for Customer Service](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/04/13/value-award-recipient-for-customer-service/) - Shawnee Hatcher was presented her award at a surprise virtual presentation during a team meeting. I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Customer Service! Congratulations to Shawnee Hatcher, Employment Specialist in Community Services-Island County! At SA, Customer Service is the act of taking care of the customer’s needs by providing and
- [Value Award Recipient for Fiscal Responsibilty](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/04/06/value-award-recipient-for-fiscal-responsibilty/) - Pictured: Rosemary Karanja (center) receiving her award from Administrator Samantha Sanabria (left) and Residential Manager Modou Sowe (right) I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Fiscal Responsibility! Congratulations to Rosemary Karanja, Direct Support Professional in Adult Residential Services! At Service Alternatives, our sound financial management today empowers the services we’ll deliver and
- [Value Award Recipient for Community](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/02/23/value-award-recipient-for-community/) - Pictured: Kendra Mcdonald (front center) receiving her award virtually from Community leadership team members Leslee Peterson, Heather Hansen, and Olivia Boyd (circles top left to right). I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Community! Congratulations to Kendra Mcdonald, Case Manager in Community Services! We build community by building connections. We connect our
- [Value Award Recipient for Integrity](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/02/16/value-award-recipient-for-integrity/) - Pictured: Marc Rodriguez (right), receiving the award from Peter Tang, Technology Administrator (left). I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Integrity! Congratulations to Marc Rodriguez, Technology Specialist in the SA Tech Department! At SA, Integrity means our values, intentions, words, and actions are in alignment. Marc’s nomination stood out to the committee
- [Value Award Recipient for Employee Excellence](https://servicealternatives.com/2023/02/09/value-award-recipient-for-employee-excellence/) - Pictured: Summer Simson receiving her award virtually from Vener Azurin (circle left) and Dianna Kujawski (circle right). I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Excellence! Congratulations to Summer Simpson, Training Specialist! At SA, the pursuit of Excellence is an on-going practice requiring persistence and diligence. The nomination for Summer Simpson stood out
- [Value Award Recipient for Employee Satisfaction](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/12/30/value-award-recipient-for-employee-satisfaction/) - Pictured: Jennifer Gaston (right) receiving the award from Kristine Hilton, SA Manager (left), and joined virtually by Jodi Mizerka (tv screen left) and Bobbi Clawdus (tv screen right) and staff team (tv screen inset). I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Employee Satisfaction! Congratulations to Jennifer Gaston, Visitation Supervisor with Community
- [September Value Award Recipient for Respect](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/12/15/november-value-award-recipient-for-respect/) - Pictured: presenting the award is Olivia Lyons, SA Manager (left), Nathan Lofquist (center), joined with Jake Peterson, Employment Specialist from partnering provider Chinook Enterprises. I am pleased to announce the SA Value Award Recipient for Respect! Congratulations to Nathan Lofquist, Janitor with Community Services. At Service Alternatives, Respect means we honor the unique contributions and experiences
- [Throwback to Some Good Advice](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/11/17/throwback-to-some-good-advice/) - The end of 2022 is creeping up on us! We're entering the holiday season and wanted to revisit an old post with some good advice. It's an easy time of year to get busy, and out here we also battle the changing weather. So, what can you do to make your day, your week, or
- [August Value Award Recipient for Excellence](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/10/27/august-value-award-recipient-for-excellence/) - Pictured are Belinda Kindschi, CEO (top left) and Demetria LaFond, WorkFirst Manager (bottom center) presenting the award to Ashlie Soto (top right). I am pleased to announce August’s 2022 SA Value Award Recipient for Excellence! Congratulations to Ashlie Soto, Executive Assistant! At SA, the pursuit of Excellence is an ongoing practice requiring persistence and diligence. The
- [Direct Support Professionals](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/09/23/direct-support-professionals/) - Did you know that September 11th-17th was Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week? What better time than now to talk about the value and contributions of Direct Support Professionals, a role that embodies the concept of purpose! What is a DSP? For anyone not clear about the fundamental role of a Direct Support Professional (DSP) let
- [July Value Award Recipient for Customer Service](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/09/15/july-value-award-recipient-for-customer-service/) - Pictured are Melani (center) receiving her award from Bobbi Clawdus, Area Manager (left) and Cristina Villalba, Program Manager (right) I am pleased to announce July’s 2022 SA Value Award Recipient for Customer Service! Congratulations to Melani Gutierrez, Case Manager, Tri-Cities Program, Community Services. At Service Alternatives, Customer Service means we listen, take time to understand our
- [Summer Adventures in Learning](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/09/01/summer-adventures-in-learning/) - Many SA employees have been getting out and about this summer, either visiting local sites or traveling afar. I myself have enjoyed staying local. Sandra Cohen, Master Coach, also shared a story from her summer. “I had the most amazing day in Modena at a cutting-edge school with folks with autism. They are experts in
- [BBQ Celebrations](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/08/26/bbq-celebrations/) - For anyone who doesn’t know what our Advocate Advisory Council is, this is an amazing group of adult clients we support who advise us as an organization on a variety of issues. We have been meeting with our council virtually all throughout COVID so seeing some of them in person was awesome. It was our
- [June Value Award Recipient for Fiscal Responsibility](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/08/05/june-value-award-recipient-for-fiscal-responsibility/) - Pictured above are Gabe (center) receiving his award from Bobbi Clawdus (left) and Opal Svancara (right). I am pleased to announce June’s 2022 SA Value Award Recipient for Fiscal Responsibility! Congratulations to Gabe Gregory, Foster Care Licenser, Community Services. Service Alternatives’ mission is to advance the potential of our communities, customers, and ourselves through exceptional service.
- [Sprucing Up](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/07/28/sprucing-up/) - As the heavy veil of COVID lifts and as more of us settle into doing our work in more typical ways, offices are taking shape once again. Just recently, I heard of multiple people (myself included) cleaning and organizing offices. We're taking care of shredding, hanging things up, and doing other tasks that have fallen
- [Appreciation](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/07/21/appreciation/) - Do you know how important it is to recognize and appreciate one another for meaningful contributions? This can happen in a variety of ways and we are working hard here at SA to improve the consistency and quality of appreciation. Longevity awards, SAVA awards, SA Happenings, Administrative Professionals Week, DSP Week, Friday Messages… these are
- [May Value Award Recipient for Community](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/06/30/may-value-award-recipient-for-community/) - I am pleased to announce May’s 2022 SA Value Award Recipient for Community! Congratulations to Nancy Magana, Residential Coordinator in Pierce County. Pictured below are Nancy (center) receiving her award from Samantha Sanabria (left) and Soraya Sultan-Meer (right). At Service Alternatives, Community is the basis for belonging. It helps people feel valued, engaged, and worthy. It
- [April Value Award Recipient for Integrity](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/05/27/april-value-award-recipient-for-integrity/) - I am pleased to announce April’s 2022 SA Value Award Recipient for Integrity! Congratulations to Francis Osei-Amofah, Direct Support Professional in King County! At Service Alternatives, Integrity means our values, intentions, words and actions are in alignment. Francis Osei-Amofah is recognized for demonstrating this value, consistently aligning his actions with integrity. The nomination introduces Francis
- [Let’s Talk About National Autism Awareness Month! ](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/04/28/lets-talk-about-national-autism-awareness-month/) - You’ll see National Autism Awareness Month talked about in two different ways. The alternative title it’s been given is National Autism Acceptance Month. The driving force here is a community wanting to challenge us to go a step beyond becoming aware of autism. We could do so much more good if we also accepted it. So,
- [Finding a Silver Lining](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/03/31/finding-a-silver-lining/) - As we start to consider emerging from the dark side of this pandemic and truly consider the reality of COVID-19 becoming endemic, it is a great opportunity to take stock of what we have learned, gained, and lost during this time. What pain must you work through personally to begin healing? What silver linings are
- [Covid-anniversary ](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/03/24/covid-anniversary/) - We have just passed what I consider our 2-year COVID-19 anniversary here at SA. Little did we know what the next two years would hold for us. These two years have been so very hard on many levels. As an organization, we also have much to be proud of. I believe that, as we move
- [Sharing Appreciation](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/02/10/sharing-appreciation/) - Michael Wallace, our Vancouver Manager, shared the following story. “During the pandemic, it became clear to our team that this is something we can get through so long as we do it together. Juliane Ditzler has been leading a side project in which she randomly picks someone from our team and goes around collecting little
- [January](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/01/27/january/) - January is a natural time for transition. But, sometimes the opportunity for a fresh start gets built up in our heads and we can get a little stuck. As the holidays wind down and we try to find our footing in the new year, keep in mind that contributing to something meaningful beyond ourselves can
- [A Day in the Life: Sandra](https://servicealternatives.com/2022/01/06/a-day-in-the-life-sandra/) - Name: Sandra Cohen Program: 90 – Corporate Job Title: Master Coach of Executive Development What does a Master Coach do? I am our Executive Coach for Service Alternatives. I design and help carry out all kinds of leadership initiatives. I spend a lot of my time with the Executive Team and SA Leadership and
- [Integrity](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/12/30/integrity/) - This world in which we are living is filled with different perspectives which I find enriching. Here at SA, we have a common mission of ‘advancing the potential of our communities, customers, and ourselves through exceptional service’. One of our foundational pillars is integrity. Here's a recent situation where integrity led the way for
- [Winter's Pause](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/12/23/winters-pause/) - Sometimes we just need to stop, feel, and let it all unravel. Just like nature does at this time of the year. This time of year, the land becomes dormant, the trees naked, the birds silent. At the same time, deep underneath the soil decays, matures, and gets ready for the inevitable new growth. With the Winter Solstice
- [Communities](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/12/02/communities/) - Our values of integrity, excellence, fiscal responsibility, community, customer service, employee satisfaction and respect form the foundation of everything we do here at SA. I want to focus on the value of community in this post. Community is the basis for belonging. It helps people feel values, engaged, and worthy. It is the “why” of
- ['Tis the Season](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/11/24/tis-the-season/) - It’s already November, which means we’re in that time of year that’s jam packed with holidays. Whether you celebrate any of these holidays or not, you are likely continuing to navigate how to spend time with loved ones safely. If you don’t celebrate one of these holidays, you are likely overwhelmed by the advertising. We
- [Celebrating Foster Parents](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/07/15/celebrating-foster-parents/) - Celebrating foster parents happens in a variety of ways. In these three stories, Kim Northrop and Liz Pieros, are dropping off foster parent appreciation gifts to Serena, Zina, and Bernadine while conducting health and safety reviews. Serena has been licensed with Service Alternatives for 18 months. She has provided respite and placement for several children. In October, a 16-year old youth (TF) in Behavior Rehabilitation Services was placed with Serena. TF had a history of running away, self-harming, and had
- [Work-life balance and boundaries](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/12/28/work-life-balance-and-boundaries/) - In a world that's becoming faster paced by the minute, work-life balance is a hot topic. In particular, there’s a lot of discussion around boundaries: recognizing we need them, developing the competency to assert them (usually by saying “no”), and vigilantly maintaining them so that we’re not overextending and neglecting what is important to us.
- [Hello 2019!](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/01/06/hello-2019/) - As the new year is laid out before me, I cannot help but reflect on the one that has just past. The end of a year and the beginning of a new one is something I work hard to commemorate both personally and professionally My family has started a tradition of going away for a
- [Spreading Cheer](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/01/19/spreading-cheer/) - It's the start of a new year, but of course we couldn't get too far into January without sharing some of our winter fun with you. Thank you Molly for these wonderful photos! And I promise we'll get back to 2019 goings on after this. You know you’re #winning when your coworkers go
- [Break It Down](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/01/31/break-it-down/) - Have you ever wondered what a typical day looks like for us? Well, Jenny gave us a little insight into one of her work routines! This is me and RG volunteering at Operation Sack Lunch in Seattle as we do every week. RG loves to break down the boxes but I’m always there to support him when the box glue
- [Raft of Resolutions](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/02/08/raft-of-resolutions/) - At the turn of the year, and in the months leading up to it, reflection often brings a raft of resolutions. It’s the perfect time for fresh starts and sowing the seeds of different habits and positive changes. No matter how much planning you do, however, daily tasks can take priority ahead of seemingly inessential
- [Celebration!](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/02/25/celebration/) - This week we have a story from Rhianna about one of her clients in Community & Employment Services. Thank you for sharing this celebration with us! J has been in service with us since 2002, almost 17 years. For the last 3 years, J has worked at Cost Plus World Market, keeping the store floors
- [Wise Use of Power:  5 Tips for How To Do This](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/03/09/wise-use-of-power-5-tips-for-how-to-do-this/) - Last June, (see Wise Use of Power) I wrote a post about the importance of recognizing one’s own power. Specifically, I defined the wise use of power as owning one’s power and using it in alignment with vision and values to make critical decisions that move an organization forward to achieve results. Many of us can resonate
- [Longevity at SA](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/03/16/longevity-at-sa/) - Recently, Iris Lilly was presented with her longevity award for being with SA for 14 years! Tim, Tammy, Cheryl, Tamara, and Kalvin all swarmed her office and surprised her with a gift and thank you card. It was a great opportunity to hear Iris and Tim reminisce about her first year with Service Alternatives and
- [Writing for Discovery](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/03/21/writing-for-discovery/) - Recently I have had the privilege of participating in a yearlong memoir writing class and it has reenergized my awareness of just how powerful writing can be in uncovering our past, illuminating our present, and shaping our future. Many of my clients ask, “should I be keeping a journal?” Shoulds aside, writing can be an
- [Sharing Knowledge & Gaining Skills](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/03/29/sharing-knowledge-gaining-skills/) - Our Training Institute, in partnership with DDA, certified 100 new Residential Core Training trainers throughout the state of Washington in 2018! Now these trainers can provide the training to their own organizations. SATI will continue this partnership in 2019 with DDA. Thank you to LJ Keller for continuing to teach the RCT Train-the-Trainer in 2019,
- [The little things make a difference!](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/04/12/the-little-things-make-a-difference/) - Who doesn’t like Mickey Mouse pancakes? All staff and clients are enjoying our brand new glass top stove! Thanks Service Alternatives, and Kathy Conners. That's all for now!Anna
- [Setting Up for Success](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/04/26/setting-up-for-success/) - This week we have an update from Brandy about how CES is reaching our community on the east side of the mountains! Joie and I (Brandy) had the opportunity to represent CES at the Yakima County Transition Fair in Selah. We were able to meet with students and their families about what employment supports are
- [Writing for Discovery: Part 2](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/05/02/writing-for-discovery-part-2/) - Writing Exercises Kathleen Adams in her book, Journal to the Self, describes how writing, “…spreads out before you in black and white the contents of the heart, mind, and soul.” While writing can be quite helpful, it is not always easy or painless. Spilling the contents of your soul out on paper is often intimidating and
- [Watch It Bloom](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/05/09/watch-it-bloom/) - Heather took some beautiful pictures of one of her clients hard at work! Thank you for sharing with us. Here's R, working extremely hard with his garden—and seeing the beautiful bounty that he gets to reap! Look at those beautiful flowers! That's all for now!Anna Join the conversation on our Facebook page!
- [What's Your Reason?](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/05/23/whats-your-reason/) - Thank you Wendy, for sharing this reason you love this work! I just wanted to share one of the many things that make this job so special. The joy on our clients' faces when they receive their paycheck. Every time I see this it bring a huge smile to my own face, along with my
- [Engaging an Audience in Training](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/06/06/engaging-an-audience-in-training/) - I used to teach students how to make improvised and extemporaneous speeches. One of the most useful techniques we provided new students was to outline their speech in the introduction. The most common outline was to start with an “attention getting device” like a pithy quote or joke, state the topic and their position on
- [Building Leaders](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/06/13/building-leaders/) - Here we have our newest managers that recently attended the Manager Core Training Series! From left to right: Andrea Owen who is the new Program Manager for Cedar & Malu, and Molly Ronne, who is the new Accounting & DS Manager in our Oak Harbor Office. Next is Modou Sowe, who is the Program Manager
- [Ready for take off!](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/06/27/ready-for-take-off/) - Thank you Heather for sending in these pictures from a recent adventure with your clients! Richard and Robin recently enjoyed a visit to the Museum of Flight. They got to eat lunch at the Wings Café, explore the museum, and wander through the Concorde, a retired Air Force One, and a Space Shuttle. There were so many things to
- [Getting Crafty!](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/07/04/getting-crafty/) - We love the variety of work we do every day! Here's the latest from Juliane about a project she did with one of her clients. One of our Vancouver foster kids and I sat by the river and painted these beautiful rocks. Then we decided to leave them along the Vancouver waterfront as a surprise
- [What's your motivation?](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/07/18/whats-your-motivation/) - I had the great honor of sharing J’s birthday with her. She saved up to buy herself an Xbox 1 and she was super excited! She amazes me so much. I, as we all do, have moments where I think, Why do I keep doing this? When I’m with J, she reminds me that what
- [Ahoy!](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/08/01/ahoy/) - Often times, flexibility is so important in the work we do. It's always fun to see the ways our clients are being supported in doing the things they love! When my client, S, asked to postpone a shift until Saturday, I was a little hesitant. That is, until I found out it was so he
- [What's your summer project?](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/08/08/whats-your-summer-project/) - Thanks Heather, for these awesome photos! We had the most amazing opportunity to support our client with his desire to have chickens. He helped staff build a chicken coop for his new pets! He is now very proud to be the owner of two chickens in the house he helped put together. There were lots of laughs shared
- [Welcome!](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/08/15/welcome/) - We're always excited to add new members to our teams! Thank you, Tim, for introducing your newest members! Introducing the two newest members of the SA Region 2 North Adult Supported Living Leadership family. We are so excited to welcome them to the team and look forward to their development and contributions. Pictured left to
- [What would you create?](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/08/22/what-would-you-create/) - Thank you, Wendy! What a cool opportunity to share with your client. Recently, one of our clients was able to join a painting class at a brewery. He had lots of fun painting a turtle and saying hello to all the ladies. He even got his picture taken with Bob Ross. He says he will
- [Change](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/08/29/change/) - Change is the one thing you can count on. We hear this over and over again. It can be an unforeseen trauma which alters our lives forever, it can be an event we have known about for awhile, such as a move or a marriage, or it can be something we aspire to achieve. We
- [What makes a team?](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/09/05/what-makes-a-team/) - So many of our teams work closely in the same locations. But what about teams that are spread across the state? Thanks Chelsey, for sending in this story about how your team is coming together to stay connected! We had the most amazing time at the Administrative Assistant gathering this year in Yakima. All seven
- [A Day in the Life: Ruki](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/09/09/a-day-in-the-life-ruki/) - Did you know that this week is Direct Support Professional Recognition Week? We're so excited to introduce you to just a few of the folks working as DSPs at Service Alternatives! The work of a DSP is very unique and in these next few interviews you can gain a glimpse into what a day in their life looks like. Stay tuned for
- [A Day in the Life: Willy](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/09/11/a-day-in-the-life-willy/) - Name: Wuyeh ‘Willy’ Drammeh Program: 26 Job Title: Direct Service Provider Can you explain your job title a little bit more in-depth? Meaning, what does a DSP do? “We oversee the day-to-day of our clients in their homes. We assist them with their medications, feeding, hygiene, appointments, and a whole gamut of other things.” What did
- [A Day in the Life: Fraicis](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/09/12/a-day-in-the-life-fraicis/) - Name: Fraicis Osei Program: 26 – North City/Alpha House Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP) Can you explain your job title a little bit more in depth? What does a DSP do? “I’ve been with the company for almost 18 years. Being a Direct Support Professional, I assist clients with their Activities of Daily Living,
- [A Day in the Life: Kiruki](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/09/13/a-day-in-the-life-kiruki/) - Name: Kiruki Ngumba Program: 46 – Pain Field Job Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP) Can you explain your job title a little bit more in depth for me? Meaning, what does a DSP individual do? “A Direct Support Professional is an individual who is trained to take care of clients. These clients are individuals
- [What interests you?](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/09/19/what-interests-you/) - Thank you, Kimberlee, for sharing this success with us! This client and I have been working together since I started here in April 2018. He has grown in a lot of ways concerning job search. He has a great attitude no matter where he interviews, and there have been several interviews and applications put
- [Take time to celebrate!](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/10/03/take-time-to-celebrate/) - As we settle in to fall, we're still reminiscing about the great times we had this summer. Thank you, Gabe, for sharing these memories and photos! We celebrated some renovations with a BBQ and Summer Fun at the Cedar House Crisis Residential Center, Hope Beds, and Emergent Placement Services in Arlington. We're very thankful for
- [Warmer Days](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/10/17/warmer-days/) - Thank you, Juliane, for sharing these fun memories from the summer! We took seven kids and four staff to Seaside, Oregon this summer. It was a gorgeous day; it was 70 degrees and the water was almost warm! The kids enjoyed playing in the waves, burying their friends in the sand, and relaxing on
- [A Day in the Life: Molly](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/10/24/a-day-in-the-life-molly/) - Name: Molly Ronne Program: 90 – Oak Harbor Admin Office Job Title: Accounting and Data Systems Manager What do you do in your position? I oversee payroll and am the ADP Guru. What did you do yesterday? Yesterday was my first day without Janet being in the office because she was on vacation. I transferred money
- [Rise Up!](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/10/30/rise-up/) - Thank you Vener, for sharing this achievement with us! Congratulations RISING STARS! At the end of the summer, we celebrated our second year RISING STARS cohort with their completion of the 2019 Emerging Leaders Training Series. In this photo, the cohort is joined by Belinda Kindschi, Karina Briscoe, Rob Hays, and Vener Azurin. That's
- [A Day in the Life: Sandy](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/11/03/a-day-in-the-life-sandy/) - Name: Sandy Palmer Program: 76 – Region 3/6 Job Title: Administrative Assistant Can you explain your job title more in depth, meaning what does an administrative assistant do? I do a whole bunch of everything! I handle every day job functions such as personnel files, communicating with program managers, tracking petty cash, writing checks, and
- [What are you missing?](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/11/14/what-are-you-missing/) - Mindfulness is popular right now, and with good reason. Summer shares one way that she encourages her clients to practice mindfulness in their lives. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) engages our participants in mindfulness practices. Among the many benefits of mindfulness, our participants learn to pay attention to the moment and in turn experience the
- [A Day in the Life: Ashlee](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/11/19/a-day-in-the-life-ashlee/) - Name: Ashlee Wiley Program: 60 – CES Admin Job Title: Operations Manager Can you explain your job title a little more in-depth? Meaning, what do you do? This is a new position that started in February of 2019. It's kind of off to the side as far as the typical structure of a company
- [Building a Team](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/11/21/building-a-team/) - Thank you Chelsey, for these great photos! Team building is an important aspect to this work, and it looks like this was a lot of fun! Once a year, all of SATI gathers together for a 2-day, fun filled, teambuilding experience, and this year did not disappoint! We had a wonderful time at our
- [A Day in the Life: Liz](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/11/26/a-day-in-the-life-liz/) - Name: Liz Carstensen Program: Oak Harbor Admin Office – Program 90 Title: Corporate Office Manager Would you describe your job – what does the Corporate Office Manager do? Being the Corporate Office Manager involves a lot of different aspects and each day differs from the next. My responsibilities range from keeping the copy machine
- [A Day in the Life: Lindsay](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/12/05/day-in-the-life-lindsay/) - Name: Lindsay Brown Program: CFS – Program 73 Job Title: Administrative Assistant Can you explain your job title more in-depth – What does Administrative Assistant for CFS do? I do a wide variety of things. I manage our personnel files, track income, as well as support my management team, including my administrators. I also
- [A Day in the Life: Cristina](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/12/12/a-day-in-the-life-cristina/) - Name: Cristina Villalba Program: 38 – Sunnyside Job Title: Program Manager Can you explain your job title a little more in depth? In my position, I'm responsible for keeping on top of fiscal responsibility for the program and making sure that the case managers and BISS (Behavioral Intervention and Support Specialist) staff are doing
- [Welcome to the Team!](https://servicealternatives.com/2019/12/26/welcome-to-the-team/) - Thank you AJ, for this picture from a recent Orientation training! What a fun class and great group of new hires! Welcome to Service Alternatives everyone! That's all for now! Anna Join the conversation on our Facebook page!
- [A Day in the Life: Tamara](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/01/02/a-day-in-the-life-tamara/) - Name: Tamara Clemmer Program: DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) 570. Title: Program Manager for DBT & PBS Can you explain your job title a little more in depth? I manage the DBT budget and oversee the facilitators within my team. They keep me in the loop during their home visits and any time that we need to troubleshoot. We have
- [What do you bring to work?](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/01/11/what-do-you-bring-to-work/) - Thank you, Summer! It's always fun to see a different side of our coworkers and be able to share our passions. I was asked to help decorate the new Leadership Library at our Lynnwood office so I made some original art pieces! This is the first time that I have created art for something
- [Who has the ugliest of them all?](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/01/16/who-has-the-ugliest-of-them-all/) - Of course, we couldn't get too far into January without sharing some of the holiday fun we had! Here's how one of our teams celebrated the end of 2019. The Community & Employment Services Leadership team just had our final meeting of the year and we included some holiday fun- complete with an ugly
- [A Day in the Life: Andrea](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/02/03/a-day-in-the-life-andrea/) - Name: Andrea Owen Program: 27/41 – Cedar House/ Malu Job Title: Program Manager What did you do yesterday? We started our day with a staff meeting to touch base on general information and followed up on incident reports from the weekend. Recently, we had a youth return to our care. She is not the biggest
- [Enjoy the view!](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/02/06/enjoy-the-view/) - It's a well known fact that Washington state does not have the best plans in place to handle snow. We get it so infrequently that when it happens we just have to curl up with our tea and wait for it to melt! What a beautiful view you had, Ashlie! During Snowapocalypse 2020, I got
- [Reach Out](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/02/13/reach-out/) - Thank you, Andrea, for sharing this great community experience! We're definitely still in winter in the PNW - which means lots of rain - and the desire to stay at our desks out of the storm. It's encouraging to see the commitment we share with other agencies to support our communities, rain or shine. A few
- [A Day in the Life: Kathryn](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/02/20/a-day-in-the-life-kathryn/) - Name: Kathryn Harrill Program: 81 – RIGHT RESPONSE © Job Title: Office Assistant for RIGHT RESPONSE © What does the Office Assistant for RIGHT RESPONSE© (RR) do? As the RIGHT RESPONSE Office Assistant, I ensure the integrity of everything entered into the our database. The RR Office Assistant is responsible for the data entry, filing of all workshops, creation of certificates, internal and external, and providing workshop materials to the instructors, including shipping workbooks, etc. What was your
- [What About You? ](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/02/23/what-about-you/) - Did you know this past week was Random Acts of Kindness Week? There are so many opportunities to recognize this time, whether it’s leaving a kind note for a stranger or bringing an extra coffee to work for a coworker. A lot of us in this field of helping people are really good at remembering to express kindness. It’s a
- [Cleaning up!](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/02/27/9602-2/) - Spring still feels far away, but that hasn't stopped our folks from getting outside and volunteering! Thank you Soraya for sharing this recent outing. Back in January, the annual Titlow Beach Clean Up Day happened! Edwin took J. to help out the community and clean up the beach! That's all for now! Anna
- [A Day in the Life: Ashlie](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/03/06/a-day-in-the-life-ashlie/) - Name: Ashlie Soto Program: 60 Job Title: CES Administrative Assistant How long have you been an admin assistant for? I’ve been an Administrative Assistant with SA for six years. Can you explain your job title more in-depth, meaning what does an Administrative Assistant do? In a very general sense, an Administrative Assistant or “AA”, supports their division in basic operations and day-to-day items. I end up with those off-end tasks, little odds
- [A Day in the Life: Leslee](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/03/12/a-day-in-the-life-leslee/) - Name: Leslee Ferguson Program: 27, 39, 41 Job Title: Area Manager Can you explain your job title a little bit more in-depth for me, meaning what does an Area Manager do? I oversee a lot of what would be the licensing portion of the program, along with the services that we’re providing within the programs and then placement within foster care.
- [Take a Moment](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/03/19/take-a-moment/) - In a time where are daily routines have been disrupted it's helpful to remember to ground and spend a little time in nature. Thank you, Sharon, for sharing this photo from your walk! I had the honor of experiencing a beautiful and peaceful moment this morning enjoying some frost-bitten trees. Happy (end of) winter! That's
- [Emotions Are Data](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/04/03/emotions-are-data/) - Like many in this time, we have been adjusting our plans. We had anticipated starting a new series this past month, but we’ve decided to put it on hold for the moment. We’ll be taking a short break from these posts so that we can focus our energies and creativity on our service fields. That
- [Day in the Life with Our Vancouver Team](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/09/15/day-in-the-life-with-our-vancouver-team/) - We are so excited to start up our blog again! And we thought what better time to begin blogging again than during Direct Support Professional Recognition week? We have a few interviews that we’re eager to share with you this week. First up, is a special Day in the Life interview. Chelsey Fairris had the
- [A Day in the Life: Liz](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/09/17/a-day-in-the-life-liz-2/) - Name: Liz Cha Program: 34 – Vancouver Can you explain your job title a little bit more in depth, meaning what does a BISS Specialist do? We mainly work with the foster kids who come into our program and we help them grow up healthily. We teach them different ways to interact with others and also work on their
- [A Day in the Life: Zuzana](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/10/11/a-day-in-the-life-zuzana/) - Name: Zuzana Madrigal Program: 45 – Tri Cities Job Title: Program Manager Can you explain your job title a little bit more in depth, meaning what does a Program Manager do? This is the beginning of my third week as Program Manager. I make sure that the program is moving smoothly, and items are going well. I make sure that my staff and I are on the same page, along with Foster Parents and the kiddos. If anything pops up, I am there to help
- [Small Changes](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/11/19/small-changes/) - I recently had the opportunity to take some time off and, while it was certainly different than a typical vacation, I truly appreciated the break. This pandemic stuff is exhausting, isn’t it? I encourage you each to keep focusing on your self- care, giving others the benefit of the doubt, and recognizing the shared impact of stress. I
- [A Day in the Life: Fall Leader Group](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/11/28/a-day-in-the-life-fall-leader-group/) - Welcome to those who recently completed our Management Core Training series! Let's get to know a little more about them: Michael Wallace – Vancouver Program 34 Crystal Wipf – Snohomish County Program 46 Adriana Ramirez – Oak Harbor Program 2 Tracy Jones – Statewide Program 70 Soraya Sultan-Meer – Tacoma Program 3 Zuzana Madrigal –
- [Welcome Winter](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/12/21/welcome-winter/) - The COVID-19 pandemic can feel overwhelming due to new information, long work hours, and everything from protecting and caring for one’s own family to dealing with changes in one’s income and financial situation to managing changing work conditions. As you process the ever-changing information and circumstances, we want to remind you to take care of
- [Grounding](https://servicealternatives.com/2020/12/31/grounding/) - Here we are at the end of December. I’m not sure about you, but I’m feeling a lot of conflicting things all at once. While it’s exciting to see this year coming to an end, there’s a lot to wrap up. From what I’ve been reading, there seem to be two strong feelings about 2020.
- [A Day in the Life: Lisa](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/01/07/a-day-in-the-life-lisa/) - Name: Lisa Quilico Program: 002 (Island Program) Job Title: Residential Coordinator What does a typical day look like for you? I work in the office one day a week, and the rest of the time I am working with clients. A typical day starts with two of us on shift. We ensure the morning routines are done before anything else. A recent day included supporting one of
- [Did you know?](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/01/28/did-you-know/) - Now more than ever, there are so many opportunities to learn. From books, to podcasts, to webinars, education is being represented across every platform. During quarantine, a lot of folks have turned to reading and spending their spare time expanding their knowledge of a new subject. What are you learning about? Did you know that
- [Always Learning](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/02/04/always-learning-2/) - Let’s continue our theme from last week and keep talking about learning. Remember back in school how we all had that one subject we doubted would ever be needed in life after school? Personally, for me this was math. While I enjoyed it, I couldn’t imagine a time in my adult life that having the
- [Random Acts of Kindness](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/02/12/random-acts-of-kindness/) - Is this just another of those small dates pre-printed on your calendar? Or a reminder that pops up on your Google calendar that gets dismissed? Have you wondered what it’s about? February 17th is about performing acts of kindness and was originally started in Colorado in 1995. The goal for this small non-profit, Random Acts
- [A Day in the Life: Jennifer](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/02/25/a-day-in-the-life-jennifer/) - Name: Jennifer Goodridge Program: 35 – Walla Walla Position: Behavioral Intervention Support Specialist (BISS) Can you explain your job title a little bit more in depth, meaning what does a BISS individual do? I work directly with clients every day and interact with them. We try to be their mentors and typically try to keep the clients on a one-on-one activity schedule. The reason we do our best to
- [Finding Resilience in Community](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/03/04/finding-resilience-in-community/) - Our resilience is inherently linked to our sense of community. To strengthen one strengthens the other. One strategy toward building resilience is intentionally making the best of a situation. Many of us in Washington State experienced an added layer of complexity this past month when a snowstorm impacted our communities. Sam, one of our managers, shared that there are usually one or two houses in King and Pierce County that get enough snow that staff are not able to get
- [Developmental Disability Awareness Month](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/03/11/developmental-disability-awareness-month/) - March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month! If you’ve spent any time with us, or even just on our website, you know we strive for this year-round. Our society does not always make it easy to include people with developmental disabilities in everyday activities. Sometimes individuals with developmental disabilities just need a little support to negotiate those barriers and
- [A Day in the Life: Kaileigh](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/03/25/a-day-in-the-life-kaileigh/) - Name: Kaileigh Oliphant Program: 605 - Vancouver Job Title: Employment Specialist Can you explain your job title a little bit more in-depth, meaning, what does an Employment Specialist do? I have found this job has a lot of facets. A large part of my job is helping my clients find their ideal work position. Another part is helping them either learn their work position or supporting
- [One at a Time](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/04/08/one-at-a-time/) - The Vancouver program was recently notified that a youth being served in Behavior Rehabilitation Services (BRS) needed to exit this service level due to the substantial progress she had made since first beginning services with us at Brentwood and then moving to an SA therapeutic foster home. While the youth wanted to remain in her home until an adoptive home was
- [A Day in the Life: Chelsey](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/04/22/a-day-in-the-life-chelsey/) - Name: Chelsey Fairris Program: 80/90 - Corporate/SATI Job Title: Administrative Assistant How long have you been with Service Alternatives? June this year will be four years. You are the Administrative Assistant for engagement programs and SATI (Service Alternatives Training Institute). Can you explain your job a little bit? Yes, I split my time between
- [A Day in the Life: Emmanuel](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/06/03/a-day-in-the-life-emmanuel/) - Name: Emmanuel Camarillo Program: In-Home Community Services (Region 3) Job Title: Foster Parent Recruiter Can you explain your job title a little bit more in-depth, meaning what does a Foster Parent (FP) Recruiter do? As recruiters, one part of our role is to host monthly Foster Parent info sessions that I do with another co-worker.
- [Small Steps](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/06/10/small-steps/) - While we have many signs of hope around SA and much is being done to support the resilience of our employees and clients, we also must recognize the continued COVID cases in many of our communities to those who are not vaccinated. All through COVID, there have been steps forward and steps backward and it appears that we will move
- [Psychological First Aid](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/06/17/psychological-first-aid/) - Heather Hansen, one of our managers, shared that she had an opportunity to practice her skills in Psychological First Aid awhile back and found it to be a natural way to connect with and support staff to make sure they were able to move through an impactful event. For anyone not familiar with Psychological First Aid, here is a description (a bit of a pared
- [A Day in the Life: Ali Al-Sadi](https://servicealternatives.com/2021/07/22/a-day-in-the-life-ali-al-sadi/) - Name: Ali Al-Sadi Program: Technical Assistance, SA Training Institute Job Title: Financial Coordinator Can you explain your job title a little bit more in-depth? Meaning, what does the Financial Coordinator do? As the Financial Coordinator, I handle all things pertaining to the financial coordination of our contracts. What the Technical Assistance (TA) department does is
- [Community-Based Mental Health First Aid Training](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/11/30/community-based-mental-health-first-aid-training/) - When discussing first aid, we often jump to thinking of emergency treatments for those who are physically injured. In building our competencies of support for the whole person, Mental Health First Aid provides resources and skills to help a person undergoing an emergency in mental health. More information on the training including purpose, practices, and research
- [5 Tips for Sustaining Training Outcomes](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/06/14/5-tips-for-sustaining-training-outcomes/) - Co-written with Vener Azurin, Training Administrator People attend trainings for a variety of reasons. It may be the desire to receive a formal certificate to demonstrate deep knowledge in a skill, seeking to comply with legal or contract requirements, or wanting to close a performance gap. Regardless of the intent, sustaining training outcomes is a major
- [Four Tips to Provide Meaningful Feedback](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/08/03/four-tips-to-provide-meaningful-feedback/) - You’ve met up with a friend and catch up on the latest football game. An avid fan, your friend feels disappointed in a loss from the night before. Your friend brings up coaching, decision-making, field conditions, and more. What options do you have to address the concerns your friend raised? As a mere fan, you
- [Training Skills Academy: The 5 “BE”s of Dynamic Presentations](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/06/26/training-skills-academy-the-5-bes-of-dynamic-presentations/) - Most of us have experienced rigid presentations. Sometimes, it can be like a train barreling to the destination—no stops or breaks down a single rail without deviation. A good presentation is like a chicken. You can move, rotate, and pull a chicken in any direction, but it can keep its head steady. In a dynamic
- [A 5k for a Cause](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/07/06/a-5k-for-a-cause/) - This week we hear from Ja'net Cooper about a recent experience while supporting a client. I wanted to share something client DW did in early June. He walked in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5k and did amazing! He finished in 1:20 minutes. It was extra special to DW since cancer has affected some very
- [Direct Support Professionals Week -- A Recap](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/09/23/direct-support-professionals-week-a-recap/) - Summary of the Week It is difficult to express the sincere, heart-felt appreciation we have for our direct support professionals. These are people who work directly with our clients in finding meaningful employment and living in their communities. In many ways, Direct Support Professionals are the people most empowered to carry out Service Alternatives' vision
- [Always Learning](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/09/30/always-learning/) - It's important to stay up to date on developments in your field of work. It's just as important to study the past and be aware of the progress that's been made. Here' s just one story of what our staff do to stay current and informed! Last fall, my program manager sent me to the
- [Get to know us!](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/10/13/get-to-know-us/) - At Service Alternatives, we value transparency and we work to create a team environment. Sometimes it can be challenging because we are spread across Washington (and even have employees in South Dakota and New Jersey!). Our CEO, Belinda Kindschi, makes an effort to visit sites and get to know our staff and clients. She’s been
- [Finding a Place](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/10/19/finding-a-place/) - This week, we get to hear from someone in our Community Employment Services division. Last year, I started working with Rosemary who is employed at Walgreen’s. Rosemary lacked confidence in doing her job even though she knew the basics of how to do it. Rosemary had days where she wasn’t sure if her co-workers would remember
- [Leaders: When is Decisiveness a Deficit?](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/11/06/leaders-when-is-decisiveness-a-deficit/) - The ability to respond rapidly is critical for leaders. In our busy, hurry-up days, decisiveness is a positive attribute - much of the time. With teams counting on leaders to define next steps, or managers expecting approval of initiatives, there is pressure to move quickly. In most aspects of leadership however, decisiveness is complex. Of
- [Celebrate!](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/11/11/celebrate/) - I love reading submissions like this. Especially when things are busy, it's important to take some time to celebrate the work that's being done. Every year, our Community & Employment Services division gets all of our employees together for an All Staff appreciation day! It’s our day to celebrate the employees of CES and all the
- [Unexpected Connections](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/11/23/unexpected-connections/) - We've been sharing 'happenings' around the company for a few years now. It's been so fun to hear what's going on in the different divisions and share our stories with each other. Here's a story from a few years ago, enjoy! I am writing to share just one of the wonderful things that has happened since
- [Growing Together](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/12/12/growing-together/) - December is not a slow month for Service Alternatives. Our divisions have been hard at work, and some programs are actually moving. Talk about multi-tasking! Here's an update from Sam: This December, we moved into our expanded multi-service Tacoma office! There have been a lot of obstacles to overcome but in the end, we got
- [Taking a Break](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/12/21/making-your-holiday-break-a-genuine-break/) - When you examine the lives of history’s most creative figures, you are immediately confronted with a paradox: they organize their lives around their work, but not their days. Figures as different as Charles Dickens, Henri Poincaré, and Ingmar Bergman, working in disparate fields in different times, all shared a passion for their work, a terrific
- [Team Building](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/01/18/team-building/) - I wanted to take the time to write an SA happening submission. Adult Supported Living Region 2 North held a Christmas party and it was a blast! Clients, staff, and family members came to enjoy the fun! There was food, games, prize baskets, and photos with Santa! Tammy worked really hard calling around to different
- [The Cat and the Fox: Crossing the Threshold for Making Decisions](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/01/28/the-cat-and-the-fox-crossing-the-threshold-for-making-decisions/) - This post is a derived sample from the Service Alternatives training Critical Thinking: A Model for Effective Decision-Making. There is an old fable that begins with a cat meeting a fox on an old road. The two begin a debate about which of them was the cleverest. The fox tells the cat that he has
- [Little Things Still Make a Difference](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/02/04/little-things-still-make-a-difference/) - As you may have noticed, we have lots of traditions at Service Alternatives. The story I want to share with you this week comes from our Training Institute. Trainers with the Service Alternatives Training Institute often have to travel to their training locations. Over the course of each year, we collect unused toiletries from the
- [Build Your Community](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/02/15/build-your-community/) - Our teams have a lot of fun together, the work they do matters deeply to each person. This week, we hear from Megan in our Community & Employment Services division. This is some of our team's finest having the time of their life volunteering for A Night to Shine, A prom style event celebrating teens
- [To Be a Team](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/03/04/to-be-a-team/) - There's a lot going on at Service Alternatives. But in the midst of everything, we try to take time to appreciate our co-workers. They do amazing work every day. Here is a reminder from our Community Employment Services division! I recently had a baby and just returned to work. This was a very stressful day for
- [In Memory](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/03/09/in-memory/) - It is with great sadness that I write that our Training Specialist, John Carbonetti, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 25th. John has been with Service Alternatives since November 2015 and served as a beloved peer, colleague, and family member. We will truly miss him and the amazing contributions he made for our company, our
- [How We Celebrate](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/03/19/how-we-celebrate/) - Thank you Sam, for keeping us updated on what's going on in your program! On Valentine's Day, our clients got together and had a party. They had tons of food and lots of sweets. This year they decided to hand out homemade valentines to each other, which was so much fun for them to
- [Present to the Collective](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/03/22/present-to-the-collective/) - As I prepared for our upcoming SA Collaboration Team Gathering I began to ponder….. How can we become more capable of working with whatever comes up in our lives in a way that actually supports the growth and evolution of all of us? When we cultivate presence, we are more able to work with the
- [Cookies All Around!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/04/02/cookies-all-around/) - Thank you Elaina for sharing this happening with us! We have a lot of traditions at SA, and we're creating more each day. When residents transition out of Alpine after completing the program, the staff and kids celebrate with a dinner or dessert the night before. We recently had a child transfer to a foster
- [Wise Use of Power](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/06/01/wise-use-of-power/) - As I start my fourth year as CEO, I have been struck by the impact of power. Specifically, how my power is perceived by those around me. While I have always understood at an intellectual level that power has an impact, it is difficult to truly grasp the full extent when you're the one with
- [A Little Updating](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/06/18/a-little-updating/) - Here's an update from AJ on what's been happening at one of our Everett offices! Have you seen the gradual updating taking place at the Doph? The Doph has been stripped of all its old wallpaper and received a beautiful new paint job inside. The new carpet will be ordered soon, and we added two, large acrylic
- [Go Mariners!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/06/29/go-mariners/) - We're throwing it back a little this week! Thank you Dani for sending in this update and photo. The Mariners do a special event at one game every year in May called "We Are Family" to celebrate Foster Families. Children and Family Services attended and had a recruitment booth that included a putt putt golf
- [Get to Know SA!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/07/12/get-to-know-sa/) - We’ve been working on a new project and we’re so excited to share it with you! A few of our staff have been compiling interviews with coworkers so you can get to know the people who work at Service Alternatives. Meet Ashlie Soto! She has been with SA for the past 6 years. Ashlie started
- [Breaking the Ice](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/07/19/breaking-the-ice/) - This week, Megan shares a new team activity with us. Thanks Megan, this would be fun to use in other group settings, too! Out team busted out the art supplies for a new meeting ice breaker! Each of us randomly chose a coworker’s name and also a common answer to what children want to be
- [Attending to Your Awe](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/07/26/attending-to-your-awe/) - At the University of California, Berkeley, participants in a study were asked to stand and look at the tallest grove of hardwood trees in North America for one minute. Other participants were invited to gaze upon the facade of a science building for the same amount of time. At the end of the 60 seconds,
- [Get Involved](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/08/02/get-involved/) - Lindsey from our Vancouver office sent in this summer happening. Some of our Vancouver team volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. Together we learned how to build houses, but we also learned more about each other, and how to better work as a team. It was hard work, but so is our work, and it feels great
- [Volunteer and Connect](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/08/16/volunteer-and-connect/) - Sam is keeping us up-to-date on the happenings in her programs, including what the SA staff are involved in! In July, we had some volunteers from Adult Supported Living in Tacoma spend their day at the Special Olympics softball games. They had an amazing day! They stayed through the metal ceremony and were then given "ball
- [Getting Creative!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/08/29/getting-creative/) - We have a couple of new things happening in WorkFirst. First, we have begun posting available jobs in Snohomish County on our Now Hiring Bulletin Board in our computer lab. This board provides immediate job opportunities to our participants in the lab who are job searching or job training. Thanks, Sheena for putting this together!
- [Gather Together](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/09/13/gather-together/) - Fall is upon us! However, we're still reminiscing about this past summer at SA. Thank you Chelsey for sharing these fun memories with us! This summer, the Administrative Assistants traveled to Ellensburg, WA to attend a two-day gathering! We had an excellent time learning about Elemental Leadership, taught by the amazing Sandra Cohen. After the
- [Handmade](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/09/28/handmade/) - The folks we work with, and work for, are so creative! Thank you Summer, for sharing this story of just one of our client's hobbies! One of our Community Inclusion clients takes weekly card making classes. This recent class was on a new technique using Alcohol Ink, a stamp pad, Alcohol Lift, straw, and paper
- [Hunting for Success!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/10/12/hunting-for-success/) - Our teams have a lot of fun when they get together! Here's an update from Sarah. Over the summer, our program had a team building event! We went to Fred Meyer for a Scavenger Hunt of sorts. We split into two teams, had four rounds, and switched up the teams for each round. Our teams
- [Is Anyone Listening?](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/10/18/is-anyone-listening/) - Listening is the cornerstone to every facilitation I do whether it’s Emotional Intelligence, social contracts, Fierce Conversations or leadership trainings. What continues to surprise me is how passive we can be when it comes to listening, and how automatic we think listening is even though, to truly listen, it requires awareness, space, energy and practice.
- [Get to Know Richard!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/07/23/get-to-know-richard/) - Meet Richard Haller. Rich has been with SA for the last 2 years. He started his journey as an Employment Specialist – and then he noticed there was an opening for a Program Manager. He applied for the position and got it! He is now the Program Manager for Program 25 – King County, Community
- [Get to Know Gina!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/07/30/get-to-know-gina/) - Meet Gina Tilley! Gina has been with SA since last October. She started out as a Parent/Child Visitation Monitor and now, she has transitioned to working out of our Spokane office as the Evidence-Based Practice Therapist. What Gina enjoys most about working for SA are her co-workers. They are an amazing group of women who care unconditionally
- [Get to Know Joie!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/08/13/get-to-know-joie/) - Meet Joie Chapman-Oswood. Joie is a new Program Manager who just celebrated two years with SA back in July! Before being promoted to Program Manager, she was an Employment Specialist for Community Employment Services in Moses Lake. What Joie enjoys most about her job is working with the clients. She loves being able to see
- [Get to Know Angie!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/08/20/get-to-know-angie/) - Meet, Angie Ramsey. Angie has worked with Service Alternatives for four years. Right now, she’s a Program Manager for Community Employment Services in Island County. She works all over the island, anywhere the work day takes her. What Angie enjoys most about her work with SA is mentoring customers & clients and seeing the growth
- [Get to Know Michelle!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/08/27/get-to-know-michelle/) - Meet Michelle Searcy! Michelle was the winner of our SA Value Award in Employee Satisfaction and has been employed with SA for the past seven years. Michelle is currently a BISS (Behavior Intervention Support Specialist)/PCV (Parent Child Visitation) Supervisor at Moses Lake, along with being the unofficial admin assistant. Some things that Michelle enjoys the
- [Get to Know Christy!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/09/10/get-to-know-christy/) - Meet Christine (Christy) Cooper. Christy has been with SA for the past year and a half. She joined the SA team as an Employment Specialist with Community Employment Services (CES). Some things that Christy enjoys about the work she does with SA is that every day is different! You never know what the day will
- [Get to Know Isaac!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/09/17/get-to-know-isaac/) - Meet Isaac Folkerts! He has been with SA for the past three and a half years! He is currently the Program Manager for Community Employment Services in Whatcom County. Before that he was an Employment Specialist in Whatcom. Isaac most enjoys the diversity of the clients we serve, the work we do, and the impact
- [Get to Know Kristian!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/09/24/get-to-know-kristian/) - Meet Kristian Stewart! He has worked with SA for over 5 years as an Employment Specialist in Yakima. And he was recently the winner of our SA Value Award for Integrity! What Kristian enjoys most about working with SA is that he gets to help people find jobs and gain skills toward independence. However big
- [Get to Know Modou!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/10/15/get-to-know-modou/) - Meet Modou Sowe. Modou is the new Program Manager for program 26 – North City and Lake Forest Park. He has been with the same program during his 5 years at SA! During his time working with SA, he has noticed that we are a company where everyone can grow as individuals. There is no
- [Get to Know Kristine](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/10/29/get-to-know-kristine/) - Meet Kristine Hilton! She has been with SA for the last 6 years! Kristine originally began her journey at the Burlington office as a Case manager, before being transferred a year ago to the Spokane office to become the new Spokane Children & Family Services Program Manager! What Kristine most enjoys about working with SA
- [Building Community](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/11/02/building-community/) - Is it just me, or does this changing weather have you thinking of summer too? There are some projects that are just easier and more enjoyable during the summer months. Like this update from Sam on an activity she participated in this summer! This summer, a group of us from Pierce County team including
- [Seahawks!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/11/08/seahawks/) - Here in Washington, we love our Seahawks! Lisa shares a pretty cool story below. GC, as a season ticket holder, had the privilege of attending the Seattle Seahawks Training Camp. GC brought along a friend, J, who attended last year as well. What made this day even more memorable, was that they were able to
- [Get to Know Cherylne!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/11/12/get-to-know-cherylne/) - Meet Cherylne Magalei! Cheryl won SA’s first Value award in January 2018 for Integrity. Cheryl has been with SA since September 2015 in Adult Supported Living as a Residential Coordinator. She recently began a new chapter with SA and is assisting with our respite clients. Cheryl really enjoys the interactions with the clients. Whenever she
- [Summer Fest](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/12/01/summer-fest/) - 2018 has been full of new, amazing memories, here's one from Sam! Service Alternatives was asked to attend Rainer School's Summer Fest this year, which was super hero themed. Liz and I (Sam) dressed as "Cat Women" and "Poison Ivy." This gave us an opportunity to talk with many residents and family members from Rainer
- [Get to Know Kalvin!](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/12/11/get-to-know-kalvin/) - Meet Kalvin Erbacher! Kalvin has been with SA since June of 2017 and has been promoted toDialectical Behavior Therapy Program Manager homed at the Lynnwood Office! Kalvin greatly appreciates and respects how dedicated SA is to our guiding values. When you meet someone, and they ask, “What do you do? how do you answer? “I say
- [5 Tips to De-Stress the End of the Year](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/12/20/5-tips-to-de-stress-the-end-of-the-year/) - We’re coming to the end of 2018, filled to the brim with successes, challenges, and changes. As we resolve ourselves to new commitments for the new year, we can feel the stress of wrapping up 2018. Whether you want to finish out a project, have meaningful time with friends and family, or complete that reading,
- [Leadership](https://servicealternatives.com/2018/01/11/leadership/) - On November 8, 2016 we as Americans voted in the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump. In my work life, I have not known such a time where politics have held such potential to seep into the workplace. Much of our funding is from Medicaid. Many of our clients receive Medicaid. We have employees who are immigrants from other
- [The Direct Support Professional: a Purpose Filled Role](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/09/15/the-direct-support-professional-a-purpose-filled-role/) - Did you know that September 11th-15th is Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week? What better time than now to talk about the value and contributions of Direct Support Professionals, a role that embodies the concept of purpose! Dorothea, is our longest serving Employment Direct Support Professional! For anyone not clear about the fundamental role of a Direct Support
- [Reflections](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/09/02/reflections/) - As summer turns to fall, it's nice to take a moment and reflect on all that was accomplished in the past few months. Here at Service Alternatives, we've been busy and we're sure you have been too! Below is a throwback story to the beginning of summer. In early June, a client, RC, was supported to
- [Summertime](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/08/17/summertime/) - This week we hear how summer started off in one our Vancouver programs. Vancouver kicked off our summer activities program with our Annual Family Barbeque and Award Ceremony. It was an eventful day full of mindfulness lessons, hikes, and park activities. We ended the evening with a family dinner. SA staff MC’ed the third annual end
- [Genuine Curiosity](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/08/10/genuine-curiosity/) - I spent a week this year meditating with 60 other people without talking. We ate, slept, walked, and sat next to each other, the whole time in silence and avoiding eye contact, like peaceful zombies. I had no previous information about my fellow zombies. But by the week’s end, they each had a persona in
- [Seeing the Sites](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/08/08/seeing-the-sites/) - This week, we hear from our Adult Supported Living division. Earlier this summer, one of our clients was supported by staff member Shelina to explore the Museum of Flight in Seattle. He had an enjoyable time, as you can see from the photos. Aside from tons of displays, interactive activities, and great photo ops, they make
- [Sharing Success](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/07/30/sharing-success/) - At Service Alternatives, we value our relationships with clients and so appreciate the invitation to remain involved in their lives. Thank you Hillary Hewson for sharing this recent accomplishment from your program! This month a former SA youth graduated from high school. This young lady came into our program as a sophomore with less than
- [A New Space](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/07/20/a-new-space/) - A few people sent in word about a big Happening around SA, we've moved offices! Read on to see what's new. The Bothell office is no more! At the end of June everything was packed up and removed from the officeinto our new space in Lynnwood! The move was completed without many hitches. We are
- [Workplace Traditions](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/07/13/workplace-traditions/) - An average US worker spends 92,120 hours or 35% of waking hours over a typical work life span at work. This is according to an August 2016 article on revisesociology.com. Interestingly enough, if you search this topic, there is VERY little information available! Regardless of actual statistics, I think we can all agree that many
- [Minding the Mind](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/06/29/minding-the-mind/) - As an executive coach, I think a lot about power in the work place and beyond. What is it? Where does it come from? How does it work? Conventional thinking has us believe that power is the ability to push through, multi-task, drive for results and get things done. Business and management books are full
- [Staying Involved](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/06/22/staying-involved/) - This week, we have a story from Heather in Adult Supported Living. We’re working together to keep our clients involved and active in each other’s lives, even though they are in separate programs now. GC from the Island Program has been a LONG time season ticket holder for the Seattle Seahawks. He and RB from
- [#TacomaRocks](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/06/08/tacomarocks/) - #TacomaRocks I am excited to start sharing stories from our staff about the work they do in our communities! This first story comes from Sam Sanabria who works in our Adult Supported Living programs. Pierce County has a Facebook group called “#Tacoma Rocks.” You paint rocks however you see fit and put the hashtag “Tacoma
- [An Introduction to Service Alternatives](https://servicealternatives.com/2017/06/01/an-introduction-to-service-alternatives/) - We are excited to be launching our Service Alternatives blog as a new feature for making a difference to our communities, our customers, our clients, and our employees. Through sharing resources, ideas, stories, and inspiration, we hope to inspire you, our readers, to make a difference in your communities as well! Below are the people

## Pages

- [Service Alternatives Home](https://servicealternatives.com/) - Discover your Service Alternatives:Whether in the service of a foster child, an adult with developmental disabilities, or a large organization, we provide the tools and support all people need to live their best lives. Click through to discover the SA programs and services that are most appropriate for your needs. Careers With SAEvery employee deserves meaningful work that leverages their strengths.
- [Careers With SA](https://servicealternatives.com/connect-with-us/careers/) - Welcome to our Careers Portal!Info for Job Seekers If you are a job seeker, you will find listings of available positions and information to help you gain an understanding of what it is like to be part of the SA family. Resources for Job Seekers >>Info for Employees If you are a current employee, you will
- [Contact Us](https://servicealternatives.com/connect-with-us/contact-us/) - General InquiriesFirst name *Last nameEmail address *Message *Thank you for your message. It has been sent.×There was an error trying to send your message. Please try again later.×Submit SA Near YouUse our interactive location finder to discover Service Alternatives’ programs in your area. Visit the location finder > SERVICE ALTERNATIVES We are a one-of-a-kind human
- [Strategic Goal](https://servicealternatives.com/who-we-are/strategic-plan/) - Leveraging all our expertise to deliver customized solutions that drive human potential.As we leverage our expertise, we are setting bold new standards to achieve growth, robust profitability, and drive human potential with our “Accelerate 28” Strategic Plan. While the plan is established with targets and goals for three-years, the focus in 2026 is on the
- [Therapy Services](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/therapy-services/) - Giving individuals and families opportunities to improve their lives. Service Alternatives offers therapy to individuals of all ages, couples, families, and groups. Through comprehensive interventions and counseling provided by mental health professionals, our clients learn to resolve conflict, problem solve, gain coping skills, and understand and manage emotions effectively. Mental health professionals are trained
- [Services for Communities & Organizations](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-communities-organizations/) - Every community and organization deserves the tools and resources it needs to be successful.Services offered to communities and organizations facilitate development of individuals and groups through discovering goals, strengths, interests, and competencies, then building skills and resources to reach those goals. Supports we offer include training, coaching, mentoring, assessment, consultation, and other talent development activities.
- [Who We Are](https://servicealternatives.com/who-we-are/) - Service Alternatives is a one-of-a-kind human services organization that makes a difference by advancing the potential of our communities, customers, and ourselves.We are an eclectic team of individuals from different cultures, varying demographics, diverse perspectives, and unique strengths- all acting as one to fulfill our vision. We are grounded in our values, and steadfast in
- [Programs for Children & Families](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/) - Every child deserves to have a safe, nurturing, permanent home.Services offered to children and families are focused on advancing the potential for family stabilization, reunification, safety, behavior rehabilitation and opportunities for growth, through the fulfillment of goals for children and families across Washington state. This is achieved in a variety of residential settings, foster care
- [Our Leadership](https://servicealternatives.com/who-we-are/our-leadership/) - The SA Leadership TeamBelinda Kindschi, MSWChief Executive OfficerBelinda leads Service Alternatives in alignment with our vision, mission, and values. She holds the responsibility to lead and drive our organizational initiatives with the executive leaders of Service Alternatives. Intrinsic to Belinda’s passion….Read More About Belinda×Belinda Kindschi, Chief Executive Officer Belinda leads Service Alternatives in alignment with
- [Service Alternatives Training Institute](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/service-alternatives-training-institute/) - SATI HomeAboutServicesTraining CatalogEvents CalendarContact Us Featured Workshops Dual Diagnosis Foundations of Emotional Intelligence Grow through What You Go through: Psychological First Aid YOUR TRAINING PARTNER The Service Alternatives Training InstituteOffering a wide variety of technical assistance services to over 3,000 people each year. About UsLearn about our servicesOur Training CatalogView our training workshop catalog and
- [Programs for Adults & Seniors](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-adults/) - Every person deserves to be fully integrated into their community.Services provided to adults encompass residential, respite, community, employment support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and WorkFirst for individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). In each of these services that work toward advancing potential, our clients can be assured of the following:
- [Become a Foster Parent](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/foster-parent-recruitment/) - Giving individuals, couples, and families the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child in their community.With so many children in need of a safe, stable, and caring home, foster parents provide a critical role in the lives of children in their community. We provide all the tools, resources, and support your
- [Advancing Individual Potential](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/advancing-individual-potential/) - Advancing individual potential at each phase of life.In 2024, we were able to advance the potential of our communities, our customers, and ourselves through: 301 Businesses provided jobs, volunteer sites, assessment sites, and community inclusion sites.382 Employment Services and WorkFirst clients.Nine youth moved to permanent homes77 Respite stays provided 41 licensed foster homes 75,000 service hours
- [Our History](https://servicealternatives.com/who-we-are/our-history/) - Values DrivenCommunity Focused Exceptional Service Our FoundersIn 1983, Fran Einterz and Joyce Peterson, former Peace Corps volunteers, established Service Alternatives (SA) to provide human services. In 1997, Fran and Joyce retired from active work and in 2003, they sold the company to a group of long-term employees who, along with all other SA employees, continue
- [Benefits](https://servicealternatives.com/connect-with-us/careers/benefits/) - Enjoy these great benefits as an employee of Service Alternatives: Paid Time Off Bank – Vacation, Sick, and Personal Leave Competitive Health Benefits Package FSA – Flexible Spending Account Employee Assistance Program 401(k), Roth 401(k) with Partial MatchPaid Holidays for Eligible Positions Birthday Holiday Preferred Holiday Paid Training Advancement and Development Opportunities Variable Schedules Current
- [SA Near You](https://servicealternatives.com/connect-with-us/sa-near-you/) - SA Programs in Your Community Service Alternatives has programs located across Washington State. We’d love to connect with you in your area. Please select a category from the filters below the map to view locations near you. Not finding the program or service you are seeking? Please send us a message and we’ll be happy to assist
- [Annual Review](https://servicealternatives.com/who-we-are/annual-review/) - Our vision is of thriving communities that empower, and are powered by, each person’s unique contribution.This vision is reflected in the Annual Review stories which highlight the unique contributions of clients, foster parents, and employees alike. There are stories that reflect the joy and transformation that emerge when people are supported to believe in themselves.
- [Pre-Employment Transition Services](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/pre-ets/) - Building pathways to successful careers for youth and young adults with disabilities. For a youth or young adult with disabilities the transition from school to work can be challenging and filled with unanticipated barriers, but the Pre-Employment Transition Service (Pre-ETS) is designed to prepare you for the workforce. Participation in our comprehensive program will help
- [Individual Placement and Supported Employment](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-adults/individual-placement-and-supported-employment/) - A fast track to your ideal job.Are you having challenges finding or keeping a job? Our experienced professionals have the passion and skills to assist individuals 16 and older with complex health needs, mental health diagnosis, substance use disorders, and disabilities who experience challenges with finding and retaining employment. Services are delivered through Foundational Community
- [Events](https://servicealternatives.com/events-calendar/) - Upcoming Events
- [Service Alternatives' Commitment to DEIB](https://servicealternatives.com/service-alternatives-commitment-to-deib/) - At Service Alternatives, we start with humility when we honor the diversity, equity, inclusion, and ultimate sense of belonging of each individual that works with us and each client we support. As a learning organization, we hold a commitment to learning and growing. We recognize that meaningful growth occurs when intention is paired with executing
- [Vision, Mission, and Values](https://servicealternatives.com/who-we-are/vision-mission-values-and-deib-2/) - Our VisionThriving communities that empower, and are powered by, each person’s unique contributions. Our MissionAdvancing the potential of our communities, customers, and ourselves through exceptional service. Our ValuesIntegrityOur values, intentions, words, and actions are in alignment. Read More×Integrity There’s a grounding truth in human services: the work we do has real impact on human lives.
- [Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging](https://servicealternatives.com/diversity-inclusion-and-belonging/) - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (February 2025) At Service Alternatives, we start with humility when we honor the diversity, equity, inclusion, and ultimate sense of belonging of each individual that works with us and each client we support. As a learning organization, we hold a commitment to learning and growing. We recognize that meaningful growth
- [Code of Business Conduct](https://servicealternatives.com/code-of-business-conduct/) - Service Alternatives is committed to advancing the potential of our communities, customers, and ourselves through exceptional service. This mission defines our purpose and is at the heart of our business. We have a strong set of guiding core values through which we think, act, and operate our business in order to successfully carry out our vision. We
- [Vision, Mission, Values and DEIB](https://servicealternatives.com/who-we-are/vision-mission-values-and-deib/) - Our VisionThriving communities that empower, and are powered by, each person’s unique contributions. Our MissionAdvancing the potential of our communities, customers, and ourselves through exceptional service. Our ValuesIntegrityOur values, intentions, words, and actions are in alignment. Read More×Integrity There’s a grounding truth in human services: the work we do has real impact on human lives.
- [Maptest](https://servicealternatives.com/maptest/)
- [SA Impact Blog](https://servicealternatives.com/connect-with-us/sa-impact-blog/) - Featured StoriesA Day in the Life: Ali Al-SadiCelebrating Foster ParentsPsychological First AidDevelopmental Disability Awareness MonthFinding Resilience in CommunityQuick PicksGood Day SAImpact updates Watch More EpisodesSearch Search for: Subscribe to our Blog First and Last Name Email Address Leave this field empty if you're human: Categories A Day in the Life Adults Children & Families Communities
- [RIGHT RESPONSE Instructor Portal](https://servicealternatives.com/right-response-instructor-portal/) - RIGHT RESPONSE Instructor Portal – Coming soon!Are you a current or former RIGHT RESPONSE Instructor? We are excited to announce that our new RIGHT RESPONSE Instructor Portal is coming soon! When it launches, you’ll receive an email with further instruction. Thank you for your interest! Return to the RIGHT RESPONSE website >
- [Crisis Residential Center](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/crisis-residential-center/) - If you are experiencing homelessness, call us at 360-652-6830.The Crisis Residential Center offers safe short term housing and support for youth 12-17 for up to 15 days depending on your needs and risks. If you are experiencing any of the following: Are in conflict with your family and want help finding a resolution Would
- [ZOHO Test](https://servicealternatives.com/zoho-test/) - [zportals-public-directory module="Workshops"]
- [Become a Foster Parent](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/become-foster-parent/) - Giving individuals, couples, and families the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child in their community.With so many children in need of a safe, stable, and caring home, foster parents provide a critical role in the lives of children in their community. We provide all the tools, resources, and support your
- [Foster Hope](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/become-foster-parent/foster-hope/) - Considering fostering but overwhelmedby the licensing process?Thank you for your interest in becoming a foster parent! The need for safe, nurturing homes is greater than ever. At Service Alternatives, we pride ourselves on the support we provide to our foster families. That support begins with the licensing process itself, proceeds through readying your home for
- [Watch Now: Foster Care Licensing Process Video](https://servicealternatives.com/watch-now-foster-care-licensing-process-video/) - Thank you for your interest in the foster care licensing process!We hope this video will answer some of the questions you may have about what is involved in becoming a licensed foster parent with Service Alternatives. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with any additional questions, concerns, or to learn more. Get in touchConsidering becoming
- [What We Do](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/) - The variety and dynamic nature of our work creates engaging, purposeful, and limitless possibilitiesSince 1983, our team has supported individuals and families of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to realize their full potential at school, home, work, and in the community. On any given day you can find SA employees in the community doing things
- [Consultation, Development, and Facilitation](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/service-alternatives-training-institute/consultation-development-facilitation/) - Hiring well-qualified, educated, experienced team members is one critical step in the success of your organization. We can help.Businesses spend substantial time and resources on the hiring process. Unfortunately, these same businesses often struggle with properly onboarding, supporting, and developing their team members. This leads to low employee satisfaction, high burnout and turnover, and other
- [Connect With Us](https://servicealternatives.com/connect-with-us/) - Explore the options below to learn more about Service Alternatives and how you can engage with our team. You may also use the chat feature in the lower right corner of your screen to reach out to us directly in real time. We look forward to getting to know you! Find a JobDiscover the rewards
- [Technical Assistance](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/service-alternatives-training-institute/technical-assistance/) - When you require technical assistance, we will connect you with a qualified professional to meet your needs.If you are experiencing a challenge that exceeds the capabilities of your in-house resources, you may need to bring in external support to fill the gap. Such challenges could include finding a subject matter expert to train your staff,
- [Your Talent Resource](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-communities-organizations/your-talent-resource/) - We believe everyone is employable, and that businesses are enhanced by a diverse workforce that is reflective of the community.Are you experiencing challenges in finding employees who are reliable, skilled, invested in their own professional development, and interested in advancing the potential of your organization? Our Job Development service professionals are trained to match businesses
- [Community-Based Assessments](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-communities-organizations/community-based-assessments/) - With your partnership, we help individuals advance their potential on the pathway to employment.Would you like to assist an individual with disabilities in developing their employment skills? Is your business looking for meaningful ways to connect with your community? Sometimes, an individual we support can benefit from an assessment of their skills and job-related interests
- [WorkFirst](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-adults/workfirst/) - Helping each person achieve their employment potential.Are you looking for some support and guidance to move away from TANF and into financial independence for you and your family? Our experienced WorkFirst case managers would love to be a part of this exciting and challenging journey, recognizing that it can be scary or intimidating at times.
- [Residential Supported Living](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-adults/residential-supported-living/) - A person-centered approach for quality supported living services.For adults with disabilities who need support to live independently from a few hours a day to 24-hour care, we offer residential placement in a comfortable home setting tailored to meet the needs of each client. We encourage each person to use their voice in directing their own supports.
- [Positive Behavior Support](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-adults/positive-behavior-support/) - Building your competency to become more self-sufficient.Are you looking to build your, or a loved one’s, competency to improve health and safety, enhance community connections and status, and benefit from the life experience of power and choice? Are there behaviors such as emotional outbursts, self-harm and suicidality, sexual aggression, property destruction, or injuries to others
- [Overnight Planned Respite Services](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-adults/overnight-planned-respite-services/) - Providing valuable new experiences for clients and much deserved breaks for their caregivers.Finding opportunities to recharge and take a much needed break can be an ongoing challenge for full time caregivers. Similarly, finding opportunities for social interaction or exposure to new activities can be a challenge for adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. SA’s Overnight
- [Employment Services](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-adults/employment-services/) - Helping people achieve their unique employment potential.Are you a person with a disability who is interested in finding meaningful, fulfilling, enjoyable work? Our Employment Services professionals provide individualized, community based employment services. We use a person-centered and results driven approach to connect people with disabilities to jobs. Even if you believe—or have been told in
- [Dialectical Behavioral Therapy](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-adults/dialectical-behavioral-therapy/) - Tools to find fulfillment and satisfaction for everyone.Receiving Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) through our team of certified skills trainers is aimed at enhancing your quality of life and independence. Whether in weekly skills groups or weekly sessions in your home, clients receive this evidence based cognitive behavior therapy to build skills in emotion regulation, navigating
- [Community Inlcusion](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-adults/community-inlcusion/) - We believe everyone can benefit from an active community life and contribute in their own unique way.Are you an individual with a disability who has reached retirement age or has already tried working in employment services? Our Community Inclusion program is designed to help you integrate into community activities that reflect your interests and preferences,
- [The Incredible Years](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/the-incredible-years/) - Promote social emotional and academic confidence and prevent children from developing early behavioral and emotional challenges.Are you the parent of an infant to 12 year old? Do you want to advance your parenting potential and learn to: Develop empathy toward your child — learn to listen to your child’s ideas, needs, and desires, and practice child-focused interactions
- [Promoting First Relationships](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/promoting-first-relationships/) - Giving your child the best possible start in life. Are you interested in connecting better with your infant or toddler? Have you heard about the importance of developing a secure attachment in your child but are not sure how to do that? Promoting First Relationships® is a powerful, practical program that not only develops loving, nurturing parent-child
- [Positive Parenting Program](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/positive-parenting-program/) - Effectively parent your child with behavioral and emotional challenges.Would you like to get more tools for your parenting toolbox? Are you running low on ideas for how to parent your child with behavioral and emotional challenges? The Positive Parenting Program(R) (Triple P®) is a dynamic and practical program that might benefit you. It is grounded
- [Family Preservation Services](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/family-preservation-services/) - Reinforcing your strengths to succeed in preserving your family. Are you feeling challenged to keep your family together? Are you struggling to safely keep your children in your home? Are you fearing that your children may be at risk of being placed out of your home? We can help. Family Preservation Services (FPS) are aimed at reinforcing
- [Family & Foster Care Services](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/family-foster-care-services/) - Giving families and foster families the tools, resources, and caring guidance to achieve their goals. Are you a biological, adoptive, or foster family parenting a high risk, high needs child? Are you feeling lost and unsupported in your pursuit to keep the child in your home? Our family and foster care services can fill this gap
- [Our Services](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/service-alternatives-training-institute/our-services/) - We look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with anyone looking for professional and personal development resources.At the Service Alternatives Training Institute (SATI), we have established ourselves as a cutting-edge provider of training, consultation, coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance. Our reputation as a leader in training delivery in Washington state and nationally, is based
- [Training and Certifications](https://servicealternatives.com/connect-with-us/careers/training-and-certifications/) - As an employee of Service Alternatives, you may be eligible to pursue the following training and certification programs:Nursing Assistant Registration (NAR) Long-term care worker (LTCW) Home care aide training towards certification Agency Affiliated Counselor Evidence-based Practice Therapist Mental Health certification supervision towards Department of Health License RIGHT RESPONSE® Instructor RISING STARS! SA’s Emerging Leaders Training Series
- [Training](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/service-alternatives-training-institute/training/) - Our trainings provide you the tools and resources that enable you to build the capacity of yourself, your team, your clients, and your community to achieve sustainable and meaningful results.Your time is valuable, so we have committed to maximizing the benefit of any time you spend with us by tailoring our trainings to your specific
- [Contact Us](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/service-alternatives-training-institute/contact-us/) - Get in touch with the Training InstituteWe’d love to hear from you. Send us a message using the form at right and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. First name *Last nameEmail address *Message *Thank you for your message. It has been sent.×There was an error trying to send your message. Please
- [About the Training Institute](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/service-alternatives-training-institute/about-the-training-institute/) - The Training Institute was born out of an extensive need for training services within the operational branch of our parent organization, Service Alternatives.Like you, Service Alternatives has always recognized the need for excellent training. Since 1990, the Service Alternatives Training Institute (SATI) has experienced the benefits of increased employee satisfaction, professionalism, and quality of work
- [Accessibility Statement](https://servicealternatives.com/accessibility-statement/) - Accessibility Statement: servicealternatives.com Last Updated 17-Jul-2021 We firmly believe that the internet should be available and accessible to anyone, and are committed to providing a website that is accessible to the widest possible audience, regardless of circumstance and ability. To fulfill this, we aim to adhere as strictly as possible to the World Wide Web
- [Privacy Policy](https://servicealternatives.com/privacy-policy/) - Our Commitment To Privacy Service Alternatives, Inc. respects your privacy. To better protect your privacy we provide this notice explaining our online information practices and the choices you can make about the way your information is collected and used. To make this notice easy to find, we make it available on our homepage and at
- [Current Openings](https://servicealternatives.com/connect-with-us/careers/jobs/) - Service Alternatives Job Openings[Indeed listing goes here] Resources for Job Seekers Benefits Overview Another Link Another Link Another Link Connect With Us Facebook Instagram LinkedIn
- [Crisis Residential](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/crisis-residential/) - Program value proposition goes here.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla
- [Cedar - A Crisis Residential Center](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/individual-program-template-children-and-families/) - A safe place for building the connection and support essential to healthy relationships and a successful futureThe Crisis Residential Center offers safe, structured, and stable short-term housing and support for youth 12-17 for up to 15 days depending on your needs and risks. If you: Are in conflict with your family and want help finding
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- [Children and Families Sub-Page Template](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-children-families/children-and-families-sub-page/) - Your Content Goes HereYour Content Goes Here
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- [Careers Portal Sub-Page Template](https://servicealternatives.com/connect-with-us/careers/careers-portal-sub-page/) - Your Content Goes HereYour Content Goes Here
- [Jobs](https://servicealternatives.com/jobs/) - [jobs]
- [Search Testing](https://servicealternatives.com/search-testing/) - The program area value statement goes hereLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu
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- [Individual Program Template - Adults](https://servicealternatives.com/what-we-do/programs-for-adults/program-template-adults/) - Program value proposition goes here.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla
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## Workshops

- [Adult Learning Theories and Principles](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/adult-learning-theories-and-principles/) - Adult Learning Theories and Principles is designed for instructors, coaches, mentors, and trainers who want to improve the effectiveness of their teaching through expanding their understanding of how adults learn. This training will introduce you to the best practices and key theories in adult education, providing you with practical tools to apply immediately. The overarching theme of this training is appreciating and respecting adult learners: valuing their lived experiences and cultural backgrounds, building on their existing competencies, providing them with immediately applicable knowledge and skills, and using their time effectively. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Dual Diagnosis](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/dual-diagnosis/) - Dual Diagnosis is designed to help you better understand and support individuals who have both intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health challenges. During this session, you will gain a basic understanding of the distinction between these two conditions and what it means for someone to have a dual diagnosis. The workshop will explore the difficulties faced by mental health professionals in diagnosing mental health issues in people with developmental disabilities and will provide insights into how affective disorders, anxiety disorders, psychosis, and personality disorders manifest in this population. You will also learn about treatment and therapeutic strategies along with practical ideas you can implement immediately to better support those with dual diagnoses. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Foundations of Emotional Intelligence](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/foundations-of-emotional-intelligence/) - Foundations of Emotional Intelligence explores the key competencies essential for effective leadership and personal success. Based on Daniel Goleman’s groundbreaking work, this session will provide you with an orientation to emotional intelligence (EQ) and its application in leadership. You will delve into the four core categories of EQ: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management. Through reflective practices and interactive activities, you will gain insights into your thought and behavior patterns, enhance your ability to manage intense situations, and improve your communication skills. By the end of this workshop, you will be equipped with practical tools to better understand yourself and effectively engage with others. This training is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their leadership capabilities and interpersonal effectiveness. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Emotional Intelligence in Practice](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/emotional-intelligence-in-practice/) - Emotional Intelligence in Practice is designed to help you apply the principles of emotional intelligence (EQ) in both your professional and personal settings. Building on the foundational concepts of EQ, this session offers practical exercises and tools to enhance your self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management skills. You will explore how to recognize and regulate your emotions, understand the role of thoughts in shaping emotions and develop strategies for using emotions to improve communication and handle difficult situations effectively. While not required, completing the Foundations of Emotional Intelligence course prior to attending this workshop is recommended for a deeper understanding of the concepts. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Community Engagement and Inclusion](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/community-engagement-and-inclusion/) - Community Engagement and Inclusion will help you recognize the vital importance of meaningful community connections for those you support. Throughout this session, you will explore strategies to facilitate independence, improve mental health, and build essential skills that enhance emotional and social well-being. The workshop will guide you in identifying the best ways to engage clients in community activities, from assessing their readiness to promoting positive relationships and expanding their social circles. You will also learn practical approaches to overcome barriers such as stereotypes, stigmas, and discrimination, enabling your clients to participate fully in their communities. Additionally, this workshop will help you understand the nuances between professional caregiving roles and the unpaid support networks that contribute to your clients’ lives. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Elemental Leadership](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/elemental-leadership/) - Elemental Leadership workshop introduces participants to the Elemental Leadership Model and prepares them to apply it in working with their teams. In this two-day session, you will explore the five core elements of the Elemental Leadership Model – grounding, reflecting, expanding, inspiring, and achieving – and how these elements can enhance your leadership competencies. The workshop will help you identify your strengths and areas for growth, providing you with practical tools and strategies to immediately apply in your work environment. You will leave with a comprehensive actionable leadership development plan tailored to your specific leadership goals, empowering you to lead your team more effectively to achieve meaningful, sustainable results. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Introduction to Elemental Leadership](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/introduction-to-elemental-leadership/) - Introduction to Elemental Leadership workshop is designed to familiarize participants with the key components of the Elemental Leadership model. This session will introduce you to the foundational elements of leadership: grounding, reflecting, expanding, inspiring, and achieving. The elements of grounding and reflecting will be explored in-depth. You will assess your individual leadership strengths and identify areas of growth, emerging with the beginnings of a personalized leadership development plan. Throughout the workshop, you will learn how to immediately apply this model in your work environment by embedding organizational values, enhancing self-awareness, fostering quality relationships, and achieving sustainable results. This workshop is for leaders of all levels looking to refine their leadership approach and build a solid foundation for future growth. Please contact Vener Azurin at vener.azurin@servicealternatives.com to confirm eligibility. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Motivational Conversations](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/motivational-conversations-2/) - Motivational Conversations is designed to introduce you to the principles and techniques of Motivational Interviewing (MI). During this session you will gain an appreciation for how MI can strengthen a person’s internal motivation to make sustainable changes, both in their personal and professional lives. You will learn to create an environment conducive to change by applying the philosophy and spirit of MI, which contrasts with traditional, confrontation-based approaches. The workshop will guide you through the transtheoretical model of behavior change, helping you assess a person’s readiness to change and use appropriate motivational strategies for each stage. Additionally, you will practice key MI micro skills— reflections, open-ended questions, summaries, affirmations, and information sharing— while learning to identify and reinforce change talk, a critical predictor of behavior change. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Critical Thinking](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/critical-thinking/) - Critical Thinking is designed to enhance participants’ ability to clearly and rationally analyze situations when making decisions in the workplace. This training teaches participants how to structure and filter their thoughts and information to pursue relevant and reliable knowledge. Through exercises, participants will learn to ask relevant questions, gather and sort through information effectively, and apply logical reasoning to reach trustworthy conclusions. By the end of the workshop, participants will have sharpened their decision-making skills and gained tools to apply critical thinking in both individual and team contexts. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Practices in Action: Learning Person-Centered Practices](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/practices-in-action-learning-person-centered-practices/) - Practices in Action: Learning Person-Centered Practices provides an overview of the history of lived experiences of individuals with developmental disabilities in Washington State, from institutionalization to community supported living. Participants will explore the importance of respecting the humanity, dignity, and rights of those we support. This workshop provides an introduction into Person-Centered Practices: supporting individuals in a way that values their perspectives, desires, beliefs, and preferences. You will also become familiar with State requirements related to Individual Instruction and Support Plan, Person-Centered Support Plans, and Habilitative Goals, ensuring your practices are aligned with legal and ethical standards. Additionally, the workshop provides an opportunity for self-reflection to consider how caregivers’ own lived experiences and culture influence their work. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [RIGHT RESPONSE® Recertification](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/right-response-recertification/) - RIGHT RESPONSE Recertification is a continuation of the de-escalation training program, RIGHT RESPONSE. It is designed for individuals who have already completed their certification and need to renew it. This workshop revisits the core principles of proactive, holistic, and immediately effective de-escalation approaches, ensuring participants are up-to-date on best practices for crisis intervention. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement and comfortable, stable, and safe footwear (please avoid open toe shoes or shoes with a raised heel). You will be practicing physical safety skills and we want everyone to feel and stay safe during the training. Participants must have a current RIGHT RESPONSE certificate or be within the 3-month grace period for an expired certificate to attend. This recertification is available at the Elements, Elements+, and Advance levels. For more information on eligibility, please contact the Service Alternatives Training Institute.. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [RIGHT RESPONSE® Certification](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/right-response-certification/) - RIGHT RESPONSE Certification is a de-escalation training program designed to equip participants with proactive, holistic, and immediately effective strategies for addressing conflict and crisis. This certification workshop emphasizes preventing the need for physical intervention by focusing on self-care, de-escalation techniques, and managing stress. Participants will learn how to create proactive environments, respond to trauma, and use positive behavior support to guide individuals through challenging situations. The certification is offered at three levels – Elements, Elements+, and Advanced. Elements Certification is a one-day course, while Elements+ and Advanced are two-day courses that must be taken in sequence. We recommend that you wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement and comfortable, stable, and safe footwear (please avoid open toe shoes or shoes with a raised heel). You will be practicing physical safety skills and we want everyone to feel and stay safe during the training. This workshop is free for Service Alternatives employees, foster parents, and SA served clients. For more information on selecting the appropriate certification level, please contact the Service Alternatives Training Institute.. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Residential Core Training - 40 Hour Basic Core](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/residential-core-training-40-hour-basic-core/) - Residential Core Training: 40-Hour Core Basic is a foundational training program required by Washington State for long-term care workers. This course provides essential knowledge and skills to effectively support individuals receiving DDA services. Topics covered include agency policies and procedures, Individual Instruction and Support Plans (IISP), Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP), rehabilitation skills, and maintaining positive relationships with Service Alternatives clients. Participants must attend Day 1 before progressing through the rest of the training. The first day focuses on core principles such as respect, dignity, boundaries, and the history of conditions qualifying individuals for DDA services. Days 1-5 are conducted via webinar, with additional homework required to meet the 40-hour certification requirements. The skills lab, held in person, completes Chapter 12 of the course. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Your Organized You](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/your-organized-you/) - Your Organized You is designed to help participants become more efficient and organized in their daily work. It explores how human psychology influences job performance, efficiency, and satisfaction. Participants will engage in activities to identify the factors that impact their productivity and will leave with practical tools to prioritize tasks, manage time, and enhance job skills. By the end of the workshop, each attendee will have developed a personalized plan for achieving their most organized and productive self. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Positive Behavior Support](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/positive-behavior-support/) - Positive Behavior Support: Expanding the Possibilities provides you with the tools and knowledge needed to support individuals with developmental disabilities by focusing on positive behavior change. This session will introduce you to the principles of Positive Behavior Support (PBS), an approach that emphasizes teaching safer and more effective ways for individuals to meet their needs. You will explore the concept of setting events, learn to identify antecedents, and differentiate between target, desired, and replacement behaviors. The workshop will also cover essential behavior modification techniques and the importance of documenting your interventions. Additionally, you will become familiar with the Washington State PBS plan form and learn how to effectively debrief incidents to support continuous improvement. A strength-based approach is emphasized throughout, ensuring that participants leave with practical strategies to reinforce positive behaviors in residential settings. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Training Skills Academy: Dynamic Presentations](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/training-skills-academy-dynamic-presentations-2/) - Dynamic Presentations equips participants with skills using their abilities needed to effectively convey information to an audience. It covers techniques for content organization, assessing your audience and incorporating cultural considerations. Participants learn effective methods in using voice modulation, body language, and eye contact to engage the audience. This includes using visual aids and delivering the message clearly and confidently. Each participant will prepare before class a 10-minute presentation to deliver and practice to receive constructive feedback. Ideal for those who regularly present as part of their role, this workshop helps elevate presentation skills. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Cycle of Reflecting](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/cycle-of-reflecting/) - Cycle of Reflecting workshop is designed to equip leaders with a powerful tool for transforming mistakes and successes into valuable learning experiences. During this session, you will explore the Cycle of Reflecting model, which facilitates a deep and fearless examination of the dynamics behind successful and unsuccessful outcomes. You will practice applying this model to real-life scenarios, gaining insights into how to view mistakes productively, enhance team cohesiveness, and lead your team toward sustained success. By the end of this workshop, you will have a practical framework for reflective practice that you can immediately apply to improve performance in both your personal and professional life. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Cognitive Restructuring](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/cognitive-restructuring/) - Cognitive Restructuring focuses on identifying and overcoming ineffective thought patterns that can hinder leadership effectiveness. During this session, you will explore the concept of Fundamental Attribution Error, our automatic tendency to explain others’ behavior by attributing it to their internal characteristics while overlooking external factors. By learning to recognize and replace these faulty thought patterns, you will enhance your ability to interact more effectively with others, both in your professional and personal life. The workshop will guide you in developing a plan to avoid this common error in future interactions, resulting in more thoughtful and constructive leadership. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Circles of Power](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/circles-of-power/) - Circles of Power workshop equips leaders with a practical model for understanding and navigating power dynamics in the workplace. During this session, you will explore the Circles of Power model – adapted from Stephen Covey’s framework – which helps you distinguish between what you can control, what you can influence, and what lies outside your influence. By recognizing these distinctions, you will learn how to focus your energy more effectively, improving relationships, reducing wasted time, and ultimately enhancing your leadership impact. This workshop will also guide you in applying the model, helping you develop a plan to achieve balance. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Ladder of Inference](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/ladder-of-inference/) - Ladder of Inference is designed to help you understand the process people use in explaining others’ behaviors and how it can lead to incorrect assumptions, poor decision-making, and strained relationships. During this training you will explore a practical framework for examining how inferences are made, and how they influence your decisions and actions. You will also receive tools to counteract the unproductive tendencies that arise from drawing conclusions based on limited information. By the end of the workshop, you will have an expanded understanding of your decision-making process in both professional and personal life. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Grow through What You Go through: Psychological First Aid](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/grow-through-what-you-go-through-psychological-first-aid/) - Psychological First Aid (PFA) prepares participants to provide PFA, one variation of a peer-mediated supportive psychological intervention aimed at mitigating stress people can experience following a potentially impactful life event. Participants will develop an appreciation for the benefits of PFA and become familiar with the SAFER-R model of its implementation. In addition to developing skills to provide PFA, this training introduces a less known way of using this intervention: to create an atmosphere of psychological safety within a team and provide team members with tools to support each other during life’s challenges, thereby increasing team cohesiveness and individual resilience. This training is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Preventing Suicide: Awareness, Assessment, Intervention, and Management](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/preventing-suicide-awareness-assessment-intervention-and-management/) - Preventing Suicide: Awareness, Assessment, Intervention, and Management is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently and competently support individuals at risk for suicidality. Throughout this session, you will learn how to assess both youth and adults for suicide risk, recognize common risk factors, and implement immediate intervention strategies. The workshop also covers how to refer at-risk individuals to expert mental health care and develop proactive interventions to increase resilience and reduce risk factors. Additionally, participants will learn how to dispel common myths about suicidality and increase their comfort level in dealing with these critical situations. This workshop is designed to provide you with tools and strategies that you can apply immediately in your professional or personal life. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Meet Your Brain: Appreciating and Navigating Neurodiversity](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/meet-your-brain-appreciating-and-navigating-neurodiversity/) - Meet Your Brain: Appreciating and Navigating Neurodiversity is designed to expand your understanding of the human brain and its complex functions. In this session, you will explore the different types of brain cells and how their communication influences our behavior, thoughts, and emotions. You will also gain insights into the brain’s main structures, their critical functions, and the stages of brain development from birth through adulthood. The workshop will introduce you to the concept of neurodiversity, exploring its causes – ranging from genetics to environmental factors – and providing practical strategies to support and enhance brain function through neuroplasticity. By the end of this workshop, you will be equipped with knowledge and activities to foster cognitive potential in yourself and those you support. Please note there is a required homework component which must be completed and submitted prior to attending. The assignment is expected to take about 1.5 hours. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Johari Window](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/johari-window/) - Johari Window is designed to help you expand your self-awareness and enhance your interpersonal relationships. In this session, you will explore the Johari Window model, a simple yet effective tool for understanding how you present yourself and how others perceive you. You will practice applying the model to your own experiences, gaining valuable insights into your Blind Spot, those aspects of yourself that others see but you do not. This workshop will guide you in developing a plan to shift these blind spot traits into the other quadrants of the Johari Window, improving your communication, relationships, and leadership effectiveness. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Training Skills Academy: Deeper Facilitation](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/training-skills-academy-deeper-facilitation/) - Deeper Facilitation equips participants to develop facilitation skills, including self-awareness, checking assumptions, and creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. Participants will learn concrete strategies to enhance preparation, engage participants, and navigate challenging situations with confidence. This workshop is designed for individuals who regularly facilitate training sessions or presentations. By the end of the workshop, facilitators will have developed tools to actively foster participation, value diversity within the group, and manage the dynamics of power in the room. It is recommended to complete Dynamic Presentations prior to attending Deeper Facilitation. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Intro to Dialectical Behavior Therapy](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/intro-to-dialectical-behavior-therapy/) - Introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) familiarizes participants with the core principles and practices of DBT, an evidence-based practice effectively utilized to support individuals with a variety of challenges. During this session, you will explore the origins and foundations of DBT and understand how biological and environmental factors often drive ineffective behaviors. This workshop emphasizes the importance of empathy, validation, and acceptance in supporting individuals on their journey toward defining and achieving a life worth living. Participants will learn essential DBT tools, including Behavior Chain Analysis, Core Mindfulness skills, and techniques for Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness, and Emotional Regulation. This workshop is designed to challenge and change perspectives, equipping you with practical skills to manage challenging behaviors in both professional and personal settings. Please note this course is a prerequisite for attending advanced DBT Skills training. This class is intended for Service Alternatives' Employees, Foster Parents, and SA-served Clients. If you are interested in attending the course and do not fall within those categories, please reach out to the Service Alternatives Training Institute. We make every effort to create an environment inclusive to all training participants. If you require additional support or special accommodations to participate, please email us at learn@servicealternatives.com at at least 5 business days before the training and let us know how we can serve you.
- [Motivational Conversations](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop/motivational-conversations/) - Course will introduce participants to effectively using Motivational Interviewing (MI) in their work environments and personal lives.

## Categories

- [Children & Families](https://servicealternatives.com/category/children-families/)
- [Employees](https://servicealternatives.com/category/employees/)
- [Adults](https://servicealternatives.com/category/adults/)
- [Communities & Organizations](https://servicealternatives.com/category/communities-organizations/)
- [Training Institute](https://servicealternatives.com/category/training-institute/)
- [Featured](https://servicealternatives.com/category/featured/)
- [SA Happenings](https://servicealternatives.com/category/sa-happenings/)
- [A Day in the Life](https://servicealternatives.com/category/employees/a-day-in-the-life/)

## Tags

- [SATI](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/sati/)
- [Sustainability](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/sustainability/)
- [Tips](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/tips/)
- [Training](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/training/)
- [Development](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/development/)
- [Leaders](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/leaders/)
- [Welcome](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/welcome/)
- [Change](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/change/)
- [Positivity](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/positivity/)
- [Self-development](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/self-development/)
- [Direct support professional](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/direct-support-professional/)
- [kindness](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/kindness/)
- [randomactsofkindness](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/randomactsofkindness/)
- [silver lining](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/silver-lining/)
- [healing](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/healing/)
- [strengthen relationship](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/strengthen-relationship/)
- [come together](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/come-together/)
- [transition](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/transition/)
- [embrace change](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/embrace-change/)
- [growth](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/growth/)
- [autism](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/autism/)
- [working our way toward acceptance](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/working-our-way-toward-acceptance/)
- [acceptance](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/acceptance/)
- [becoming aware](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/becoming-aware/)
- [National Autism Awareness Month](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/national-autism-awareness-month/)
- [Integrity](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/integrity/)
- [value](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/value/)
- [award](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/award/)
- [value award](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/value-award/)
- [community](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/community/)
- [employee satisfaction](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/employee-satisfaction/)
- [appreciation](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/appreciation/)
- [recognition](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/recognition/)
- [sprucing up](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/sprucing-up/)
- [cleaning](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/cleaning/)
- [organization](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/organization/)
- [back in the office](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/back-in-the-office/)
- [clean space](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/clean-space/)
- [community services](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/community-services/)
- [award recipient](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/award-recipient/)
- [fiscal responsibility](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/fiscal-responsibility/)
- [finding meaning](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/finding-meaning/)
- [summer travel](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/summer-travel/)
- [learning](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/learning/)
- [advocate](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/advocate/)
- [advise](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/advise/)
- [client support](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/client-support/)
- [contribution](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/contribution/)
- [guiding values](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/guiding-values/)
- [customer service](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/customer-service/)
- [follow through](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/follow-through/)
- [nomination](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/nomination/)
- [excellence](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/excellence/)
- [values](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/values/)
- [advice](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/advice/)
- [holiday season](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/holiday-season/)
- [end of 2022](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/end-of-2022/)
- [respect](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/respect/)
- [SAVA](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/sava/)
- [dedication](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/dedication/)
- [new normal](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/new-normal/)
- [celebrate](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/celebrate/)
- [normal](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/normal/)
- [congratulations](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/congratulations/)
- [fiscal](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/fiscal/)
- [responsibility](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/responsibility/)
- [residential services](https://servicealternatives.com/tag/residential-services/)

## Workshop Categories

- [Crisis Management](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/crisis-management/)
- [CE Approved](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/ce-approved/)
- [Executive Leadership](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/executive-leadership/)
- [Life & Professional Skills](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/life-professional-skills/)
- [Manager Core Training](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/manager-core-training/)
- [Therapeutic Skills & Clinical Skills](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/therapeutic-skills-clinical-skills/)
- [Health & Safety](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/health-safety/)
- [Training & Facilitation Skills](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/training-facilitation-skills/)
- [Supported Living Update](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/supported-living-update/)
- [Critical Event Response](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/critical-event-response/)
- [Featured](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/featured/)
- [Bite-sized Leadership](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_category/bite-sized-leadership/)

## Workshop Modalities

- [In-Person](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_modality/in-person/)
- [Live Webinar](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_modality/live-webinar/)
- [Train-the-Trainer](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_modality/train-the-trainer/)
- [Full-length](https://servicealternatives.com/workshop_modality/full-length/)