Center for Independence (CFI) - Lakewood, Marysville, and Bellingham, WA

Location: Lakewood, Marysville, and Bellingham, WA 

Mission

The Center for Independence is a 501 (C) (3) organization serving as a resource for individuals with disabilities to fully access and participate in the community through outreach, advocacy, and independent living skills development. We serve senior citizens with senior-related disabilities as well.

We serve people in Island, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, South King and Whatcom counties.

Independent Living Philosophy

The Independent Living Philosophy means that people with disabilities have rights to self-direction and autonomy. We have the right to choose where we live and how we live. We have the right to participate fully in our communities. Independent Living means self-direction and self-care, and freedom from control by professionals. We have the right to have control over the support services and assistive technology we use to live independently.

Our assumption is that people with disabilities have many strengths, abilities, and thoughts to contribute to the greater community. In order to support independent living, the Center for Independence is committed to advocating for removal of architectural and communication barriers, as well as equal rights and opportunities.