RESOURCES
Welcome to The Here and Now Project’s Resource Hub
Our mission is to connect and empower individuals affected by spinal cord injuries and other conditions that cause paralysis or impaired mobility (SCI/D), so they can “Do Life” in the here and now.
We understand that facing a new injury or diagnosis can be overwhelming. You may have countless questions and not know where to begin—but you are not alone. We’re here to offer support, guidance, and a growing network of individuals and families who are navigating similar experiences.
This page features categorized, clickable sections designed to help you find the resources you need—whether you're newly injured, recently diagnosed, or further along in your journey. These resources include local and national programs, organizations, events, and community services tailored to support your recovery and reintegration.
Most of the information here is specific to the Pacific Northwest. If you're looking for resources in other regions, please reach out to us at info@hereandnowproject.org.
Recovery is not an overnight process—it takes time, community, and access to the right tools. Our goal is to walk beside you, helping you regain independence, maintain your health, and find purpose through this new chapter.
Explore the sections below and let us know how we can support you or your loved one.
Visit www.hereandnowproject.org/events to stay up to date with meetings and events.
Contact: Kenny Salvini
Email: info@hereandnowproject.org
Phone: 253-880-5634
Here and Now Project Support Groups
What Now? Caregiver/Supporter Meeting - In-person at Good Samaritan Hospital
Contact Jeanne Salvini for details at jesalvini@hotmail.com or 253-312-8686
1st Tuesday of every month from 6-7:30 PM
Virtual Here and Now Meeting 1 - Online via zoom
Contact Rob at godawggo89@gmail.com or 206-724-8797 with any questions.
1st Wednesday of every month from 12:30-2 PM
Sequim Here and Now Meeting - In-person at Barhop Artisan Pizza
Contact Ian Mackay for details ian@ecman.net or 360-808-6588
1st Thursday of every month from 4-5:30 PM
Woodinville Here and Now Meeting - In-person at the Woodinville Library
Contact Denise Smith-Irwin for details/questions denise323@me.com or 425-890-4242
2nd Tuesday of every month from 4-6 PM
Virtual Here and Now Meeting 2 - Online via Zoom
Contact Kenny Salvini for details 253-880-5634
2nd Thursday of every month from 4-5:30 PM
Virtual Here and Now Meeting 3 - Online via Zoom
Contact Rob at godawggo89@gmail.com or 206-724-8797 with any questions
3rd Monday of every month from 5-6:30 PM
Bellingham Here and Now Meeting - In-person at Cordata Presbyterian Church
Contact Rob at godawggo89@gmail.com or 206-724-8797 with any questions
3rd Tuesday of every month from 4-5:30 PM
Seattle Here and Now Meeting - In-person at Washington Hall
Contact Clark at clarkmattclarkmatt@gmail.com or 215-880-0253 with questions
3rd Wednesday of every month from 6-8 PM
Renton Here and Now Meeting - In-person at various locations
Contact Addie Killam at addiebobaddie@hotmail.com or 206-226-6024
Random times, days and locations
Virtual Here and Now Meeting 4 - Online via Zoom
Contact Ian Mackay for details ian@ecman.net or 360-808-6588
4th Friday of every month from 2:30 - 4 PM
Partners and Spouses Meeting - Online via Zoom
Contact Claire Salvini for details claire@hereandnowproject.org or 360-224-6041
Last Monday every month from 4-5 PM
Additional Local Support Groups
Here and Now – Washington Paralysis Network www.facebook.com/groups/hereandnowproject
Private H&NP group with over 600 members who share about all aspects of SCI/D recovery.
NW Women's Wheelers Network
A social support group consisting of women who use wheelchairs. Most members reside in the Greater Seattle/Tacoma area, however some live in Oregon and one in California. They host a summer picnic and a holiday party and stay connected online.
Spanish Speaking Support Groups
SCIboston Grupo de Apoyo en Español - Online via Zoom (https://bit.ly/3tOdxTs)
Una discusión abierta sobre todo lo relacionado con la vida con lesiones y trastornos de la médula espinal (LME).
Todos los lunes a las 1-2 PM PST / 4-5 PM EST (Every Tuesday. Hosted and facilitated by SCIboston.)
KnowBarriers Spanish Speaking SCI Support Group - Online via Zoom
Contact Jaqueline Ramirez Mancilla jramirezmancilla@dhs.lacounty.gov to register.
Meets every Thursday from 12-1 PM PST (Every Tuesday. Hosted and facilitated by Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.) Website: https://bit.ly/3tSCKfr
Spinal Cord Injury - National Support Groups
United Spinal Association https://unitedspinal.org/united-spinal-association-chapters/
If you are looking to find a support group near you, check out United Spinal Association. Most of their Chapters located across the United States have support groups
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation https://www.christopherreeve.org/get-support
Multiple virtual support meetings for both spinal cord injury survivors and their family members
SPINAL CORD PEER SUPPORT WORLDWIDE www.facebook.com/groups/scpsworldwide Facebook group with over 16,000 members who share openly and honestly about all aspects of SCI/D recovery.
Visit www.hereandnowproject.org/events to stay up to date with meetings and events.
Contact: Kenny Salvini
Email: info@hereandnowproject.org
Phone: 253-880-5634
Advocacy
Disability Rights Washington
Home page - Disability Rights Washington
(206) 324-1521
Provides free services to people with disabilities. A private non-profit organization who protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. Their mission is to advance the equality, dignity and self-determination of people with disabilities. Contact if you need disability rights information, general information about legal rights, strategies to become a stronger self-advocate and much more.
Rooted in Rights
For press inquiries contact Allexa Laycock, Creative Director, at 206-915-3202 or AllexaL@RootedinRights.org
A program of Disability Rights Washington that uses accessible digital media to advance the self-determination, equality and dignity of people with disabilities.
Washington State Client Assistance Program
Contact via phone or email Monday through Friday between 8-5 PM
Jennifer Bean, Director: Washingtoncap2@gmail.com Phone: 206-849-2939
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) serves Washington State as an advocacy program with the following services: provides information about the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Independent Living Programs (ILP’s) and Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Programs. They help explain your rights and responsibilities as an applicant or client of these rehabilitation agencies. They work to solve problems through negotiation, provide information about the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as social security benefits.
Community Reintegration
Aging and Disability Resources
Home - co.pierce.wa.us
Contact: (800) 562-0332
Community based resources include but not limited to: housing, legal resources, transportation.
Center for Independence
Contact: 800-724-8172
Serves as a resource for individuals with disabilities to access and participate in community through outreach, advocacy and independent living skills development.
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR is a statewide resource assisting people with disabilities to prepare for, secure, maintain or regain employment. They partner with businesses and organizations to develop employment opportunities. Various offices around Washington.
Visit Office Locator | DSHS (wa.gov) to find the office closest to you.
OSC Vocational Systems
The region’s most diverse provider of clinical, hands-on vocational rehabilitation, life care planning, case management and economic damage calculation services.
TACID - Tacoma Area Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities
Contact: 253-565-9000
Provide resources to support independence of individuals with disabilities through peer support, advocacy and self-sufficiency programs.
Validus Consulting
Empowering individuals with disabilities to live their full potential.
Worksource
WorkSource is a statewide partnership of local, state and nonprofit agencies who provide various employment and training services to job seekers and employers in Washington.
Visit www.hereandnowproject.org/events to stay up to date with meetings and events.
Contact: Kenny Salvini
Email: info@hereandnowproject.org
Phone: 253-880-5634
Advocacy
Disability Rights Washington
Home page - Disability Rights Washington
(206) 324-1521
Provides free services to people with disabilities. A private non-profit organization who protects the rights of people with disabilities statewide. Their mission is to advance the equality, dignity and self-determination of people with disabilities. Contact if you need disability rights information, general information about legal rights, strategies to become a stronger self-advocate and much more.
Rooted in Rights
For press inquiries contact Allexa Laycock, Creative Director, at 206-915-3202 or AllexaL@RootedinRights.org
A program of Disability Rights Washington that uses accessible digital media to advance the self-determination, equality and dignity of people with disabilities.
Washington State Client Assistance Program
Contact via phone or email Monday through Friday between 8-5 PM
Jennifer Bean, Director: Washingtoncap2@gmail.com Phone: 206-849-2939
The Client Assistance Program (CAP) serves Washington State as an advocacy program with the following services: provides information about the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), Independent Living Programs (ILP’s) and Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Programs. They help explain your rights and responsibilities as an applicant or client of these rehabilitation agencies. They work to solve problems through negotiation, provide information about the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as social security benefits.
Community Reintegration
Aging and Disability Resources
Home - co.pierce.wa.us
Contact: (800) 562-0332
Community based resources include but not limited to: housing, legal resources, transportation.
Center for Independence
Contact: 800-724-8172
Serves as a resource for individuals with disabilities to access and participate in community through outreach, advocacy and independent living skills development.
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR is a statewide resource assisting people with disabilities to prepare for, secure, maintain or regain employment. They partner with businesses and organizations to develop employment opportunities. Various offices around Washington.
Visit Office Locator | DSHS (wa.gov) to find the office closest to you.
OSC Vocational Systems
The region’s most diverse provider of clinical, hands-on vocational rehabilitation, life care planning, case management and economic damage calculation services.
TACID - Tacoma Area Coalition for Individuals with Disabilities
Contact: 253-565-9000
Provide resources to support independence of individuals with disabilities through peer support, advocacy and self-sufficiency programs.
Validus Consulting
Empowering individuals with disabilities to live their full potential.
Worksource
WorkSource is a statewide partnership of local, state and nonprofit agencies who provide various employment and training services to job seekers and employers in Washington.