What is the main focus of the SCC?

We really are focused on 4 core things – friendship, connection, growth, and independence.   Ultimately, we want the SCC to be a true home away from home for all young adults/members.  We are building our programming from the ground up with member input so we can meet each young adult where they are in terms of ability, interests, and leadership opportunities to ensure everyone is thriving in the community.  We also want to create a true community among all SCC members and will have events, clubs, and peer mentor opportunities to support this so everyone feels valued both within the SCC and the community at large.

Do you have a site secured for the SCC?

Currently, we have identified a great space in the heart of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, steps away from the light rail station, Seattle Central College, Seattle University, Shops & Restaurants, local Arts & Culture, and Parks & sports fields. Within this location we plan to have hangout spaces both indoor and outdoor, a kitchen for cooking and life skills development, and spaces to exercise and engage in the arts and other classes. Nothing is set in stone yet, we have to make sure the property and location are exactly what we are looking for.  We really envision the SCC being “a hub” to foster independence through social and community engagement. Some members will come to hang-out with their peers in our hangout spaces, some will come to engage in our classes, some will come for leadership experiences and growth, while others will come to engage in their larger community.

What is your plan to make the SCC financially sustainable?

As a non-profit, the SCC will be largely dependent on fundraising for support, but we will have a membership model/dues, DDA funding, and are even looking into potential revenue generating businesses for phase 2 that will help sustain the center.

What will you do to make the SCC financially accessible to all young adults?

This is a central tenet for us – we will have DDA funding, we will set-up sliding scale memberships, and could even offer work opportunities around the center.  In the end, we want to ensure that any young adult that wants to participate at the SCC will certainly be able to do so.

What will you do to make the SCC financially accessible to all young adults?

This is a central tenet for us – we will have DDA funding, we will set-up sliding scale memberships, and could even offer work opportunities around the center.  In the end, we want to ensure that any young adult that wants to participate at the SCC will certainly be able to do so.

Will you grow beyond the 18-29 year old age range?

Yes – this is meant as a life-long center, we will grow in age along with our initial population of members.

How do you define ‘disability’ and who is your target audience?

The SCC is meant for neurodiverse young adults – as for physical disabilities, we will not have medical resources at the center, but if that is not a factor for a member to participate there shouldn’t be an issue.

How does this compare to other programs that currently exist?

This is really a unique approach, this is not a transition program or school to work type program, this is truly a community center.  Once young adults leave the formalized setting of a school or transition program, there are no comprehensive services to support them in continuing their growth and independence.  We are looking to fill that gap – to be the bridge to a continuing quality of life through friendships, connections, growth, and independence.  Some members may work during the day or have other commitments, but the SCC is their community/social support to help them lead really quality lives.  That’s where we differ from anything else we know is out there.

Is the Summit Community Center a registered 501(c)3?

Yes, the Summit Community Center is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (IRS tax ID #86-3715700).