Resources for Youth and Families

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Back to School Resources

 

Welcome to the Olympia School District 

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!

 

Community Resources

 

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 in the United States.

  •  988 (call or text)

 

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.

  •  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.

 

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 today…and tomorrow.

  • 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, and information and referral, every hour of the year.

  • 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. Children's Mobile Crisis Services also available.
  • (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

 

Olympia 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.

  • (360) 207-1608

 

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.
  •  (360) 705-2738


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.t 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.


The Jefferson Center:  How Adults Allies can support LGBTQ youth.

  • 1-844-493-8255 or Text TALK to 38255

 

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 and 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:

 

The Trevor Project Ally training
This training is designed to create dialogue around being an adult ally for LGBTQ youth by informing participants about common terminology, the “coming out” process, and challenges at home, in school, and the community.

 

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 98503

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St. 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 aides and services for our outpatients.

  • (360) 456-7575

 

Washington Recovery Help line

24 hours a day-7 days a week

  • 1-866-789-1511 (Call or Text)
  • Email (One of the staff member will get back to you within 1-2 business days)

 

Non-Medicaid/Private Counseling

Contact your medical insurance provider to obtain a list of in-network counseling providers.

 

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Partners in Prevention and Education (PIPE)Opening in a new window

Opening in a new windowFree 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 ServicesOpening in a new window

Opening in a new windowCo-occurring Disorders: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Gambling Addiction Counseling1230 Carpenter Rd. SE, Suite C-3, Lacey, WA 98503

  • (360) 799-5782

 

SeaMar Behavioral Health

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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

 

Washington Listens Fact Sheet

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Washington Listens is a free, anonymous service for anyone in the state. It provides support to people who feel sad, anxious, or stressed due to the events of this year.

 

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

  • 1-866-583-1527

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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

 

SoundCareKids

Grief Support Group for children and teens

  • (877) 620-3286 or (360) 493-5928

 

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 education.

  • (360) 493-6021

 


 

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.

 

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) 943-0780 Ext. 186

 

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

 


 

Housing & Finance

 

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


Department of Financial Institutions

Visit this site for assistance with unemployment, mortgage, credit card, rent, utility and student loan payments

 

Employment Security Department Unemployment Benefits

(800) 318-6022

 

Evergreen Christian/Community Care Services

(360) 352-3410

  

Puget Sound Energy Assistance

1-888-225-5773

 

Sacred Heart Emergency Outreach

Food pantry and utility and rent assistance.

(360) 923-0929

 

 Catholic Community Services

(360) 753-3340

 

 CIELO

(360) 709-0931

 

 Community Youth Services

(360) 515-5587

 

 Sidewalk Housing Services

(360) 515-5587

 

 Family Support Center of South Sound

(360)754-9297

 

 Homes First

(360) 236-0920

 

 Housing Authority of Thurston County

(360) 753-8292

 

 SafePlace Olympia

(360) 754-6300

 

 Rosie's Place Engagement Center

(360) 943-0780

 

 Salvation Army

(360) 352-8596

 

 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

 

 Thurston County Legal Services

(360) 705-8194

 

 Emergency Housing Information

Emergency Shelter Hotline

1-844-628-7343 

 

 United Way of Thurston County (provides assistance with rent, utilities and other basic needs). 

(360) 438-1100 or (360) 943-2773

 

 Veterans 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

 

Thurston County Eviction Prevention Rental Assistance (updated 3/2023)

 


 

Internet/Phone Options

 


 

Child Care Options

 

 


 

Other Community Resources

 

 


 

Thurston County Legislators

 

22nd District

 

35th District

 

Parenting Resources and Supports

Parenting Resources & Supports

 

Please view the YouTube links of past parenting presentations hosted by the Olympia School District. 

 

Parenting Classes

 

Parenting Websites

 

Parenting Tool Videos

 

OSD Parenting Presentations

 

Topic Date Presenters Video Link
Empowered Parents Raise Empowered Children 2/23/21 Taryn Tessneer & Gale Luce https://youtu.be/vz68SdZBqo8
Understanding Anxiety in children
3/23/21 Cathy Gudgel & Lisa Perry
https://youtu.be/PqupKRtSffE
Should Parents “Fix” Unhappiness?: Guiding Your Child to Handle the Ups and Downs of Life
4/27/21 Denise Hammer, Kris Norelius & Faith Abeyta
https://youtu.be/2dBiaCPrK8k

 

Parenting FAQ

 

Mental Health/Social Emotional Resources

I’m worried about my child’s mental health.

 

 

Talking to Children About Traumatic Events: Resources for Parents

 

 

Educational Resources

 

Olympia School District Technology

 

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

 

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.

 

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