History
The Center for Independence started at Good Samaritan Hospital in 1981 by a group of rehabilitation doctors who embraced the IL Philosophy. By 1991, CFI had become it's own 501 (c) (3) with federal funding and recognition. In 2003, CFI moved to Lakewood just off the I-5 corridor to be more centrally located to our service area of Thurston, Pierce and South King counties. In 2012, we were awarded a second federal grant to open another center in the north sound area of our state which is now located in Marysville. This office serves Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, Island and San Juan Island counties. Together we now serve eight counties.
Specialties
Center for Independence (CFI) is a community-based 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization operated by people with disabilities, serving people with disabilities. We serve as a resource for individuals with disabilities to fully access and participate in the community through outreach, information & referral, peer support, individual & systems advocacy, independent living skills development, youth transition programming, and more.