Northwest Center

To promote the growth, development and independence of people with disabilities through programs of therapy, education and work opportunity.

Every Step of the Way

We are a leader in advancing equal opportunities for children and adults with disabilities. Our services for children provide early intervention, inclusive early learning, and after school programs. Our employment services include transition services, vocational training, job placement, and supported employment. ​

We provide outsourcing solutions that meet the manufacturing and service needs of small and medium sized businesses, Fortune 500 companies, local government offices, and large federal agencies. ​Our portfolio of Social Enterprises employ people with and without disabilities working side-by-side to offer world-class service to our customers.

Our History

Northwest Center was founded in 1965 by parents who refused to institutionalize their children with developmental disabilities or accept the prevailing notion that their children couldn't be taught. Banding together to form Northwest Center, they hired their own teachers to develop education programs targeted to special needs children.

Northwest Center Kids

Northwest Center Kids provides an inclusive environment in which all families receive individualized programs of education, advocacy, therapy and family support that nurture the development of children with and without disabilities. Northwest Center Kids Early Intervention offers comprehensive therapy services to the youngest and most vulnerable populations; our Early Learning Centers include children with and without disabilities in the same classroom.

Early Learning

Founded over 50 years ago, Northwest Center Kids is a licensed provider of childcare for infants and children from 6 weeks through 12 years of age.  Northwest Center Kids follows an inclusive model.  We provide an early learning program for children with and without disabilities in the same program, recognizing each child as a unique individual.  Children of all abilities play side by side, learning valuable lessons from each other.  We believe that through inclusive environments, children are given opportunities to reach their highest potential.

Early Intervention

Northwest Center early intervention uses a comprehensive approach with family and other caregivers at the center of a child’s therapy. We provide services for eligible children aged 0-3 years old and believe that participation of everyone on the child’s team is vital for a child’s success. We provide speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, dietitian, special education and family resource coordination services wherever the child learns, plays and sleeps—including their home, their childcare center, Northwest Center’s inclusive early learning programs (at Greenwood and Chinook) or other community settings.

Employment Services for Adults

Northwest Center provides employment services in Washington State to adults with disabilities in King County, Snohomish County, Pierce County, Okanogan County, and Spokane County. We place people in jobs that match their skills, and then provide them with the appropriate level of support at each step along their career path, every step of the way.

Transition Services

Transition assists students with developmental disabilities to leave school with a job and experience a seamless transition to adult life and support services.

Students work with a Northwest Center Transition Specialist who will partner with the student's team of educators and collaborate with parents and the adult service system to help the student find a good job match before they leave school.

Utilizing our community business partners and local connections, we have enjoyed great success in finding jobs for students so they leave school with a job and enter the workforce with confidence.

Job Development 

At Northwest Center, we pride ourselves on assisting our clients with either discovering their dream or chasing it. Our discovery process sets us apart which is reflected in the long-term success of those we place in permanent employment positions. We take the time to uncover our clients’ passions and develop their skills with the goal in mind of making a living by doing what you love. We believe we’re only as valuable as the decisions we make. 

Supported Employment

Northwest Center has a talented team of employment consultants who support individuals through the entire employment process. Our consultants are trained to work with individuals of all abilities. As the DVR process concludes, client assistance may not. Northwest Center offers long-term assistance for those in need of such supports. A person may require occasional, intermittent support, or may need assistance throughout their shift – we tailor the support to meet each person’s needs. Our job is to help each individual we serve be successful in theirs.

In 1967, just two years after our founding, Northwest Center entered into a partnership with Value Village. We collect clothing and household donations with The Big Blue Truck™ and The Blue Bin. Value Village buys that merchandise to sell in its stores, and the revenue funds our inclusive education and employment programs. 

We offer a convenient donation pickup and drop off service for clothing, shoes and household items. The more we can collect the more support we can provide for our programs. Your donations will help impact the lives of local children and adults with disabilities and keep recyclables out of our landfills.

We frequently hire drivers and donation station attendants.

Our Businesses 

We provide an array of outsourcing solutions that meet the manufacturing and service needs of businesses and government agencies in Washington State and throughout the US. When you partner with Northwest Center, you receive world-class quality service and contribute to our vision of a world that fully includes people with disabilities in the workforce.

Argus Building Services

Providing comprehensive building services to commercial customers in Seattle, WA. Our team assesses the specific needs of each customer and develops a schedule for general cleaning, handyman services, and building maintenance.

Argus Janitorial 

Providing comprehensive janitorial services to commercial customers in Spokane, WA. Our team assesses the specific needs of each customer and develops a schedule for general cleaning, floor and carpet care and building maintenance.

Electronetics, LLC 

Harnessing the power of custom magnetics—from prototypes to high volume production. We have earned a reputation as the specialist in custom magnetic component design for the aerospace, medical, defense, audio and telecommunications industries.

Northwest Center Assembly & Packaging

Northwest Center's Assembly & Packaging division has built a reputation by solving the production challenges of hundreds of companies. We provide quality assembly, packaging, warehousing, shipping and distribution services—on time and at a competitive price.

Northwest Center Integrated Facility Services 

Offering a full range of facility services solutions, starting with janitorial services that meticulously maintain some of the areas most prominent buildings. We also provide building maintenance, ship provisioning, mail room and reception services—whatever our customers need, whenever they need it.

Northwest Center Commercial Landscaping Services

Providing quality, experienced landscaping solutions to commercial customers throughout the Seattle area. Let our team of experts provide you with a free consultation and quote today. We'll get the job done right!

The Big Blue Truck™

Travels throughout Washington picking up donations of clothing and household goods. We sell the donations to our partner Value Village and use the income to support programs for people with disabilities.

Puget Sound Laundry Services 

We offer dependable, on-time, competitively priced commercial laundry services to large hotels and hospitals in the Puget Sound area. Located in a 50,000 sq.ft. facility in Kent, WA, Puget Sound Laundry Services uses state-of-the-art equipment with energy efficient water, heat and steam reclaim systems.​

Northwest Center was founded on inclusion, and this passion still drives our work today. Whether you find employment in our education or employment services, administrative offices, or one of our owned businesses, you can be proud to support a mission of inclusion for kids and adults with disabilities. In every role, you're part of a unified, supportive work community with opportunities for career growth and development. Achieve your personal career goals and be part of something bigger than yourself. Join the inclusion revolution at Northwest Center.

Northwest Center is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and veterans status, and employs people of all abilities across our organization.