CELEBRATING 60 YEARS

A group of kids playing outside under a large colorful parachute

60 Years of Possibilities: The Innovative Services NW Impact

Reflecting on our community impact and looking forward to a bright and innovative future.

Our Journey:
A 60-Year Timeline

1960s

Innovative Services NW (originally known as Clark Care and Development Center) was established in 1963 by a group of parents with a vision to provide an activity program for children and adults with disabilities. The program started by serving just 15 individuals per month.

An image of five people sitting in a circle looking at one person as they share a picture of a bird with the group.

Group of parents and children standing infront of the Clark County Development Center building

Black and white image of an adult with disabilities lookign through books while sitting at a desk. There are other peopel in the background lookign through files in a room full of boxes.

1970s

In the 1970s, ISNW evolved to serve a wider range of individuals, from infants to adults, at two locations. A Pediatric Therapy program was initiated, providing physical, occupational, speech, and education therapies. For adults, academic, vocational training, and other skills were introduced to the program. By 1978, the programs were renamed Vancouver Children’s Therapy and Encore Industries.

1980s

ISNW continued to evolve, partnering with school districts in the local area to provide Early Intervention services. Encore Industries expanded to operate an auto-detail shop, shrink-wrap services, and several assembly production projects. The decade ended with a transition from a sheltered workshop to individual and group supported employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.

Four children wearing sunglasses in a playpen

1990s

The 90s saw further growth and the establishment of the Childcare program in response to the needs of parents with special needs children and the adults services program founded a new name, Encore Group NW.

2000s

Celebrating 40 years of services, Clark County and Development became Innovative Services NW, stepping into a new millennium with a renewed identity. The Family Services and Transitions Foster Care programs were established to further support the needs of the community. After a successful capital campaign, ISNW constructed the Mary Firstenburg Center in 2008, a facility capable of offering a continuum of services from birth to end of life under one roof.

A large group of people holding a ribbon standing outside ISNW

2010s

Under the new leadership of Dena Strong, ISNW embarked on a period of consolidation and strategic growth. Innovative’s focus was set towards enhancing the stability and quality of existing programs that support children, adults, and their families, ensuring a robust and sustainable impact on the community.

Today

In 2023, ISNW is celebrating its 60-year anniversary, marking meaningful expansions in Early Learning services, including the opening of two new Early Learning classrooms and a partnership with Washington State University - Vancouver to reopen and operate the WSU-V Childcare Center.

Child sitting and smiling with a toy in a pedatric therapy room

A group of five women wearing WSU shirts posing togther holding a can of cheese

Stories that Resonate Through Time

Personal stories about Innovative's impact from our Board of Directors

Meet Blossom! Our Symbol of Unforgettable Impact

We wanted to introduce you to our new friend, Blossom. Blossom will act as a charming reminder of our unforgettable impact over the past six decades. Elephants are known for their tremendous memory, and Blossom never forgets the importance of making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

A huge thank you to the group of early learners who helped give Blossom her new name. They are as excited as we are to share how you can bring your very own Blossom home, stay tuned for more information coming soon!

Thank you for being a supporter of Innovative Services NW.