Resources for Youth & Families
Information About Support Groups
Looking for information about support groups, crisis lines, help with meals or bills, social and emotional wellness, or tips for taming toddler temper tantrums? You can find all that and much more here at our Resources for Youth and Families webpage.
Whether you're a family that's brand new to the Olympia School District, or just wondering where to go to find answers to specific questions you've never known how to answer, here is a great place to start!
We know how overwhelming it can be at the beginning of the school year. Please do not be afraid to connect with us via any of the contact information included below. We are here to answer your questions!
-
National Suicide Prevention Hotlines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.- 988 (call or text)
- 988 (chat)
- Press 4 to be connected to the Native and Strong Lifeline
Trans Lifeline for peer support
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and micro grants non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis.- 1-877-565-8860
Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth
Our trained counselors are here to support you 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at:- (866) 488-7386 or
- text START to 678678.
- Chat online
Jed Foundation
The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive.- Text Home to 741-741 (To talk right now to a trained counselor)
Teen Link
A helpline for teens, by teens- (866) 833-6546
Local Crisis Resources
Crisis Clinic of Thurston County
The Crisis Clinic of Thurston County strives to empower people, especially those in crisis, through telephone intervention, information and referral.- Crisis Line: (360) 586-2800/1-800-627-2211
Catholic Community Resources - Crisis Stabilization Services
Crisis stabilization services are designed to assist youth who are experiencing a mental health crisis to help them remain in their homes and avoid hospitalization.- (360) 480-5721
Youth Helpline
Are you a youth needing someone to talk to? The Teen/Youth Help Line is a 24/7; free, completely confidential and totally anonymous phone line that you can call to talk about anything.- (360) 586-2777
Emergency Shelter Network Hotline
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, please call the 24-hour homeless hotline at:
- (844) 628-7343
Olympic Health and Recovery Services
Provide access to an effective, reliable safety net of behavioral health crisis and recovery support services throughout our region.- (360) 754-1338
SafePlace Olympia Helpline
SafePlace works to put an end to sexual and domestic violence through crisis intervention and education.- (360) 754-6300
StrongHearts Native Helpline for domestic/sexual violence
StrongHearts Native Helpline is a safe dating and sexual violence helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives.- 1-844-762-8483
LGBTQAI Local and National Resources
LOCAL OLYMPIA AND WASHINGTON STATE RESOURCES:
PFLAG Olympia Chapter
Group meetings, one-on-one meetings, events and workshops.Pizza Klatch
Fostering resilience in LGBTQ youth to create a safe and positive school experience through support, education and empowerment.- (360) 339-7574
Stonewall Youth
Stonewall Youth is a youth-led organization that empowers LGBTQ youth to speak for themselves, support each other, educate our communities, and work for social justice. Group meetings, emotional support, LGBTQ events, counseling referrals.OSPI - Gender Inclusive Schools
Civil rights laws prohibit discrimination and discriminatory harassment on the basis of gender expression and gender identity in Washington public schools. All students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school.NATIONAL RESOURCES:
It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe.
LGBT National Youth Talkline
Free and confidential peer support for the LGBTQ & questioning community ages 25 and younger- (800) 246-7743
PFLAG National Organization
PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ ) people, their parents, families, and allies.Trans Lifeline for peer support
Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and micro grants non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.-
(877) 565-8860
Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth
Our trained counselors are here to support you 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at:- 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678678.
- Chat online
The Trevor Project Ally training
This training is designed to create dialogue around being an adult ally for LGBTQ youth.The Trevor Project: The Coming Out Handbook
Explore what coming out means to you with tools and guiding questions.
Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment
Behavioral Health Resources
As a multi-county provider of mental health and addiction recovery services, BHR offers programs and services to individuals, children, youth and families in the areas of mental health and chemical dependency recovery.- (360) 704-7170
The Emily Program
The Emily Program has become nationally recognized for our compassionate and personalized approach to eating disorder awareness, treatment, and lifetime recovery.
673 Woodland Square Loop SE, Suite 330 Lacey, WA 98503St. Peter's Chemical Dependency Treatment
Providence is dedicated to the health of each of our chemically dependent patients. We evaluate each patient holistically and treat them with the respect and concern they deserve.
Our full spectrum of care includes detoxification, inpatient treatment and a wide range of services- (360) 456-7575
Washington Recovery Help line
24 hours a day-7 days a week-
1-866-789-1511 (Call or Text)
Partners in Prevention and Education (PIPE)
Free therapy and support groups available to youth and young adult (ages 13-30) survivors of child sexual abuse, rape, sexual assault and/or sexual exploitation who are homeless, street-dependent, or at-risk for becoming homeless. 317 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98501- (360) 357-4472
Pathways Mental Health Services
Co-occurring Disorders: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Gambling Addiction Counseling. 1230 Carpenter Rd. SE, Suite C-3, Lacey, WA 98503- (360) 799-5782
SeaMar Behavioral Health
We are a state-licensed community mental health agency. Our team of behavioral health providers is committed to the highest quality evidence-based treatment that is individualized to the needs of each child and family.- 3030 Limited Lane NW, Olympia, WA 98502
- (360) 491-1399
Community Youth Services - Transitional Age Youth Program (TAY)
TAY offers therapy and peer counseling when and where a youth needs it.- (360) 918-7860
Community Youth Services - MultiSystemic Therapy (MST)
MST is effective with providing an intensive home and community based treatment to help families reduce acting out behaviors in their 12-17 year old.- (360) 918-7860
Catholic Community Services - Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe)
WISe is a voluntary service that takes a team approach to meeting your child’s needs. It provides intensive mental health services to support your child and helps your family reach your goals.- (360) 878-8248
Washington's Mental Health Referral (Seattle Children's Hospital
-
1-833-303-5437
Cowlitz Tribe Behavioral Health
Systems of Care Partnership
This site is provided by a coalition of Behavior Health Service Agencies offering a wide range of services in Mason and Thurston Counties. Most (but not all) of the programs are geared toward helping school-age children with behavioral health issues.WA State Department of Health - Teen Health Hub
Find links to quality, accurate information on health topics that are important to youth. Each link is vetted by DOH’s Adolescent and Young Adult Health Team and reviewed by the Youth Advisory Council.
Non-Medicaid/Private Counseling
Contact your medical insurance provider to obtain a list of in-network counseling providers.
Support Groups
Family Alliance for Mental Health
Support group for parents with children or youth who struggle with social, emotional, behavioral challenges and mental health needs-
(360) 790-7505
South Sound Parent to Parent
All families caring for someone with special needs will receive the support and resources they need to feel empowered, encouraged, and supported.-
(360) 352-1126
NAMI
NAMI is an organization that advocates for better lives of those who have a mental illness, and offers support and educationFamily Education & Support Services
Groceries & Meals
Olympia School District Child Nutrition Services
Get the most recent information on meal distribution in OSD, including information on Free and Reduced lunches.Olympia Education Foundation
The Principal’s Emergency Fund is a limited resource that assists students who have urgent basic needs. Contact your student’s school principal to learn about our grocery vouchers, which are redeemable at Bayview and Ralph’s Thriftway, Grocery Outlet (Olympia and Lacey) and Capitol Market.Rosie's Place Engagement Center (for ages 12-24)
We can help with food, shower vouchers, clothing, crisis intervention, shelter, family counseling, first aid, drug/alcohol treatment, hygiene supplies, job search and goal setting, legal support and advocacy, untangling school problems…and more!- 520 Pear St. S.E., Olympia
- (360) 918-7879 (Rosie's Place program line)
The Community Kitchen at Salvation Army
Lunch 11 a.m. - noon; Dinner 5 - 6 p.m. (Monday - Saturday)- 824 5th Ave. S.E, Olympia
- (360) 352-8596
Thurston County Food Bank
Check website for specific days, times and locations.-
(360) 352-8597
Washington Connection: Apply for Food Benefits
Housing, Finance & Legal
Olympia Education Foundation
The Principal’s Emergency Fund is a limited resource that assists students who have urgent basic needs. Contact your student’s school principal to find out if they are able to provide rental assistance or move-in expenses.Community Action Council
The Community Action Council (CAC) strengthens individuals and families to lessen the impacts of poverty. Particularly in the areas of community engagement, health, hunger and housing.-
(360) 438-1100
City Gates Ministries
In the course of connecting people in need to community resources, we seek to help them become emotionally and financially independent of programs and social services.-
(360) 705-0291
Employment Security Department Unemployment Benefits
(800) 318-6022Puget Sound Energy Assistance
1-888-225-5773Sacred Heart Emergency Outreach
Food pantry and utility and rent assistance.
(360) 923-0929Catholic Community Services
(360) 753-3340CIELO
(360) 709-0931Community Youth Services
(360) 943-0780Family Support Center of South Sound
(360)754-9297Homes First
(360) 236-0920Housing Authority of Thurston County
(360) 753-8292SafePlace Olympia
(360) 754-6300Rosie's Place Engagement Center (for ages 12-24)
(360) 918-7879 (Rosie's Place program line)Salvation Army
(360) 352-8596Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families provides temporary cash for families in need.Emergency Housing Information
Emergency Shelter Hotline
1-844-628-7343United Way of Thurston County
(provides assistance with rent, utilities and other basic needs).
(360) 438-1100 or (360) 943-2773Veterans Families United
Veterans Families United will provide gentle, accessible and holistic healing resources for Veterans.Salvation Army Warm Home Fund
(360) 352-8596
- Thurston County Public Health and Social Services: Office of Housing and Homeless Prevention
- NW Justice Project
- NW Justice Project Native American Unit
360-705-8194
Internet/Phone Options
Olympia Education Foundation
The Principal’s Emergency Fund is a limited resource that assists students who have urgent basic needs. Contact your student’s principal to find out if they can help provide free Internet access in your child’s home. (Must live in a Comcast service area and qualify for Free and Reduced Price Meals.)
Child Care Options
- Child Care Action Council
- Child Care Aware
- YMCA South Sound
- Boys and Girls Club - Olympia Branch
- Olympia Parks, Arts and Recreation
Laundry
Olympia Education Foundation
The Principal’s Emergency Fund is a limited resource that assists students who have urgent basic needs. Contact your student’s school principal to learn about our laundry vouchers, which are redeemable for one wash, dry, and scoop of soap at Westside Laundry.
Other Community Resources
- Dispute Resolution Center
- Family Education and Support Services
- OSD McKinney-Vento Services
- Sound to Harbor Learning Programs/Head Start/ECEAP
- (360) 464-6800 or 1-800-536-0992
- Espanol: (360) 464-6827
- Timberland Regional Library
- Dry Tikes & Wet Wipes
- Offering free diapers and diapering essentials to families in need across Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and surrounding areas
- The Baby Bank
- The Baby Bank is dedicated to providing clothing, diapers, and other necessities for infants and children up to a size 4T.
- United Way of Thurston County
- Crisis Clinic Thurston County Community Services List
- Thurston County Community Resource List
- Olympia School District Native Education Program
- PNW Finder for Indigenous Resources
- Native Lifeline
Thurston County Legislators
22nd District
- Sen. Sam Hunt
Contact Information - Beth Doglio
Contact Information - Rep. Jessica Bateman
Contact Information
35th District
- Rep. Travis Couture
Contact Information - Rep. Dan Griffey
Contact Information - Rep. Drew MacEwen
Contact Information
-
Local Parenting Support and Classes
- Family Education and Support Services
- Family Support Center of South Sound
- South Sound Parent to Parent
- National Alliance on Mental Illness, Thurston Mason - Parent Education and Support
- Family Alliance for Mental Health
- Olympia Education Foundation
Through our Mental Health Initiative we offer a Student & Community well being speakers series.
Parent Resources and Education
- Child Mind - Family Resources
- Seattle Children's - Child Development and Parenting
- School Avoidance Resources
- Parenting Resource on strategies for Neurodiverse Children -Understood
Mental Health
If you are concerned about your student’s mental health you can:
- Contact your child’s pediatrician. Make an appointment to share your concerns
- Contact your child’s School Counselor or Secondary School Social Worker regarding support and identifying resources
- Refer to the Crisis and Mental Health Information listed under Family Resources
- Contact your insurance to find a Therapist that is in your network
- Refer to the Systems of Care Hub with Thurston County Resources
- If you need more assistance finding a Therapist you can contact the Washington Mental Health Referral Line
Mental Health Resources
- National Alliance on Mental Illness - Thurston Mason
- Grief Resources for Youth and Families - Dougy Center
- Identifying an Eating Disorder - Emily Program
- Substance Use and Mental Health Service Administration - Family Information
Sexual Violence Prevention
Given the impact of sexual violence on young people, schools are an important setting for recognizing and preventing sexual violence and child sexual abuse. OSPI engages in activities that support school-based sexual violence prevention within sexual health education and more broadly throughout school communities including:
- Erin's Law Implementation (SHB 153, 2018)
- Youth-centered Environmental Shift (YES!) Program for Middle Schools
- Professional Development for Educators
- Ongoing Review of Instructional Materials related to SV Prevention
Suicide Prevention
- Suicide Prevention - 988 Lifeline
- Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Resources - JED Foundation
- What Parents/Guardians Need to Know About Suicide Prevention in our Schools- Maureen Underwood, Author of Lifelines the Suicide Prevention Program utilized at OSD
Educational Resources
- PAVE - Educational Advocacy and Parent Education Organization
- Olympia School District Student Support (special education, 504s etc)
- Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) K-12 Learning standards
- OSD Secondary School Social Workers
- WA State Educational Ombudsman
Parenting Presentations - By OSD Counselors
- Empowered Parents Raise Empowered Children (Taryn Tessneer & Gale Luce)
- Understanding Anxiety in Children (Cathy Gudgel & Lisa Perry)
- Should Parents “Fix” Unhappiness?: Guiding Your Child to Handle the Ups and Downs of Life (Denise Hammer, Kris Norelius & Faith Abeyta)
-
Child Nutrition Services (Food Services)
- How much do school meals cost?
- Paying for meals online via Skyward Family Access
- Contact Info: (360) 596-7007 or childnutrition@osd.wednet.edu
Transportation
- When and where will my child get picked up and dropped off at school?
- Contact Info: (360) 596-7700 or trans-office@osd.wednet.edu
Technology Department
- Schoology for parents
- Schoology for students
- Contact Info: (360) 596-6172 or helpdesk@osd.wednet.edu
Student Information Systems (SIS)
- How to login to Skyward Family Access
- Retrieving your Skyward Family Access password
- Setting up notification preferences in Skyward Family Access
- How to access student ID's and Passwords in Skyward Family Access
- Contact Info: (360) 596-6150 or osd-sis@osd.wednet.edu
Student Support Department
- Health Services Information
- Learning Assistance Program
- Contact Info: (360) 596-7530 or knox-studentsupport@osd.wednet.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)?
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an integral part of education and human development. SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.SEL advances educational equity and excellence through authentic school-family-community partnerships to establish learning environments and experiences that feature trusting and collaborative relationships, rigorous and meaningful curriculum and instruction, and ongoing evaluation. SEL can help address various forms of inequity and empower young people and adults to co-create thriving schools and contribute to safe, healthy, and just communities.
-
Below are local options for food banks and pantries, school-based resources, and hot meals available throughout the area. (Call ahead or check each organization’s website for the most current information.)
Food Banks and Pantries
- Thurston County Food Bank
Multiple locations across the county. Visit the website for locations, days, and times. - Tenino Food Assistance Program
No ID or proof of residence needed. Visit the website for location, days, and times. - Rochester Food Bank
Must live within the Rochester School District to sign up.
Food distribution: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 2:00–5:00 p.m. - Hidden Creek Community Church Food Bank
1807 9th Ave SW Olympia, WA | 360-357-3739
Serves ZIP Codes 98502 and 98512
Wednesdays, 9:30–10:00 a.m. (limited quantity; first come, first served) - Faith Harvest Helpers Food Bank
True Grace Church (outer building in parking lot)
5615 32th Ave SE Lacey, WA | 360-339-4726
Sundays, 12:00–2:30 p.m. and Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. - Sacred Heart Parish
910 Bowker St SE Lacey, WA | 360-491-0890
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1:00–2:30 p.m. - New Bridge Community Church
812 Central St. SE, WA 98501
Sundays, 12:00–1:00 p.m. - Cielo Food Bank
Olympia: 1601 North St SE | 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Shelton: 1212 Connection St | 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Provides a monthly food bank at each location — check website for dates. - City Gates Ministries
Assistance is available by filling out the online request form. - Northstar Church
6820 Capitol Blvd. SE
1st and 3rd Saturdays 10am-noon
Grocery-style shopping, no ID required
School-Based Resources
Olympia School District Food and Nutrition
All schools provide breakfast and lunch for students who qualify for free/reduced-cost meals.
Weekend Food Programs
Call your school office to inquire and sign up.
- Elementary: Thurston County FORKids Backpack Program
- Middle & High School: All Kids Win
Meals and Snacks in the Community
- Rosie's Place
520 Pear St. SE Olympia, WA 98501 | 360-918-7879- For youth ages 12-24. Provides nutritious food and to-go snacks.
- Drop in from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday & Monday.
- Appointments needed Tuesday to Thursday or drop in, if available.
- Union Gospel Mission
413 Franklin St NE, Olympia | 360-709-9725- Monday–Friday: 6:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: Brunch 10:00–11:00 a.m.
- Sunday: 7:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
- Salvation Army/CCS Community Kitchen
808 5th Ave SE (downtown Olympia, east of Plum)- Lunch: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Dinner: 5:00–6:00 p.m., Monday–Saturday
- Closed Sundays
- Olympia First Baptist Church
904 Washington St. SE, Olympia | 360-357-3881
Sundays, 4:00–5:30 p.m. - Souper Sunday
Free soup and meals for anyone in the community, no questions asked. Locations vary; follow local announcements for serving days and times.
Tips & Tricks to Stretch Your Food Budget
Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to keeping food on the table.- Make the most of school meals: Families can apply at any time to find out whether their student qualifies for free/reduced-price meals. Every school offers breakfast and lunch each day, totaling 10 healthy meals a week.
- Check for weekend food bags: Many schools offer “backpack” or weekend food programs. Ask your school office or counselor to sign up.
- Plan meals around weekly deals: Browse grocery store ads online or use apps to find weekly bargains before shopping.
- Cook once, eat twice: Make a larger meal and use leftovers for lunch or freeze portions for later.
- Try store brands and bulk basics: Rice, beans, oats, and pasta are usually cheapest when bought in bulk or store-brand versions.
- Avoid food waste: Freeze bread, fruit, and leftovers before they spoil—every little bit saved adds up.
Need Help Connecting?
If you’d like assistance accessing food support or other basic needs resources, please reach out to your school social worker, family liaison, or counselor. - Thurston County Food Bank