Holly Ridge Center Awarded New Contract by Kitsap County to
Manage Long-Standing Parent Support Programs
Agreement with Kitsap-based nonprofit marks return of management and facilitation of Parent Coalition and Parent to Parent Program to inside the community they serve
Holly Ridge Center has been awarded a new contract by Kitsap County Developmental Disabilities to oversee and facilitate two programs that support families of children and adults with disabilities: the Parent Coalition and the Parent to Parent Program. Founded in 1963, Holly Ridge Center creates opportunities to empower people with disabilities to reach their fullest potential.
The Parent Coalition is a group of local parents and allies that share information with and advocate for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The Parent to Parent Program matches parents of children or adults with disabilities with families who have lived similar experiences. The two programs provide a full circle of support to help parents face their families’ unique challenges and navigate often-complex support systems.
Holly Ridge Center has worked with both programs in the past. In their new management role, they will help to grow the Parent Coalition and Parent to Parent Program through outreach activities, including engaging current and former Holly Ridge families, utilizing their robust communications channels, and hosting topical workshops and trainings. They will also connect parents and families through their strong relationships with the Kitsap County school districts, inclusive business partners, community organizations, and state and local agencies.
Dedra Miller, Executive Director of Holly Ridge Center, sees the Parent Coalition and Parent to Parent Program as natural extensions of the work Holly Ridge Center does on a daily basis.
“At Holly Ridge, we’ve always seen our role as not just a service provider, but as walking alongside our families so they can step into advocacy roles of their own and build resilient communities. We ensure that all of our services are as inclusive as possible through language access and cultural responsiveness,” said Miller.
“In addition, the Parent Coalition and the Parent to Parent Program will now be run by an organization inside the community it serves,” Miller added. “Holly Ridge Center has called Kitsap County home for over 60 years. We take great pride in understanding this community and, to this end, the people tasked internally with managing these programs will have community roots, as well as an authentic understanding of disability advocacy.” The positions will support advocacy efforts through education, including discussions of legislative issues, while helping parents and others in the program learn to use their voices to advocate for themselves and the disability community.
In a letter of support to Kitsap County Developmental Disabilities, Karen Williams, Executive Director, Trillium Employment Services, endorsed Holly Ridge Center’s approach and deep connections within Kitsap County.
“For decades, Holly Ridge has been a trusted and respected partner in Kitsap County with demonstrated commitment to DDCS Core Principals,” wrote Williams. “As a long-established early intervention and adult service provider, they have deep relationships with families, educators, and community organizations. These existing connections will enable them to quickly and effectively reach new families, support those navigating complex systems, and engage a diverse network of parents and caregivers.”
Holly Ridge Center is currently recruiting for a Parent Coalition Coordinator and Parent to Parent Coordinator. Full position details can be found at www.hollyridge.org/careers.
ABOUT PARENT COALITION & PARENT TO PARENT PROGRAM: The Parent Coalition and Parent to Parent programs work together to support families of children and adults with developmental disabilities across Kitsap County. The Parent Coalition is the hub for information and advocacy, helping families navigate complex systems like DDA, schools, and Social Security while also creating a community voice through events and resource fairs. Parent to Parent provides peer-to-peer emotional support, connecting families with trained volunteer parents who have walked similar paths and can offer encouragement and practical guidance. Together, they create a full circle of support, making sure families understand the systems they face while also knowing they don’t have to face them alone.
ABOUT HOLLY RIDGE CENTER: Holly Ridge Center creates opportunities to empower people with disabilities to reach their fullest potential. They are a nonprofit organization offering highly specialized programs and services for children and adults with disabilities. Founded in 1963, Holly Ridge has continuously offered support, guidance, education, and highly specialized programs and services. Their two major programs include:
- Infant Toddler Program is a neurodevelopmental center that provides early support services to children birth to three who present with developmental delays or disabilities in Kitsap County or North Mason County.
- Adult Employment Services is a vocational rehabilitation program that provides job training, job placement, and supported employment to adults with disabilities within Kitsap County.
For more information, please visit www.hollyridge.org.
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Editor’s Note: If you are a member of the media and would like more information or to interview Dedra Miller, Executive Director, Holly Ridge Center, please contact Ginger at ginger@vaughancomm.com.