Encompass Blog

The Heart of Encompass Outreach

May 14, 2026 | Community | By Encompass

As the days grow longer and we approach summer, the Encompass team is busy preparing for a full season of summer outreach events. Beginning in June, you’ll find us at a host of city festivals, farmers’ markets, and specialty events such as National Night Out and Big Truck Day.

At every event, we aim to provide fun and engaging activities for kids. We might have our prize wheel or sensory activities. Sometimes it will be cornhole, bounce houses, or face painting. Some events will feature our Mobile Therapy Unit available for an up-close-and-personal experience. You’ll even see us in a few kiddie parades. Did we mention prizes? We always have fun giveaways for kids – and grownups!

While it might look like it’s all fun and games on the surface, there’s something more at work. At the heart of Encompass outreach is the opportunity to connect with our community at a deeper level.

At nearly every event, we enjoy seeing current or former Encompass families. We love hearing kids tell us about their teachers or therapists. We are inspired and touched when caregivers share the difference Encompass made for their child and give us an update about where they are now.

Kids will see our Mobile Therapy Unit and shout, “That’s my school!” They enjoy the opportunity to take their parents on a ‘tour’ of the unit, proudly showing their favorite toys and activities.

These testimonials and connection points provide so much fuel for our team. But community events also provide something more: the opportunity to share our programs and services with families who are looking for answers.

As a mother of a child who had developmental challenges as a toddler, Encompass Marketing & Outreach Coordinator Renee Christensen says this is what initially drew her to the role.

“We moved to the Snoqualmie Valley when my son was a toddler. I knew he needed support, but I didn’t know where to turn. We didn’t learn about Encompass until he was older, and while he’s doing great now, I wonder how different his journey might have been if we had known about Encompass.

“I guess you could say that’s my ‘Why’. Hearing about the work of Encompass prompts many caregivers to open up about concerns they have for their child. I know that struggle. I know that need for some sort of direction. Outreach events provide space to share our programs and services that give parents a place to turn.

“Just recently, I met someone collecting a few of our flyers, and they asked about our Kinship program. When I explained about our support groups and resources for relative caregivers and the children in their care, it was clear that something resonated. I saw not just a look of recognition, but more importantly, relief. I may not know what will happen from there, but I like to think that person walked away with hope and a plan.”

As we get ready for summer outreach season, we invite you to stop by our booth and stay hi. Tell us your Encompass story. We never grow tired of hearing about your experiences. And if you know someone who might benefit from our services, send them our way. We’d love to meet them and see how we can help.

See you this summer!

Encompass Summer Outreach 2026