Tierra Learning Center seeks to empower people of all abilities to lead meaningful lives and reach their fullest potential. The organization provides homes and services for people with developmental disabilities in a collaborative and integrated community—one where people of all abilities live as equal citizens with full respect for their human rights, freedom, and dignity.
With a holistic, person-centered approach, Tierra supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through three core pillars: Adult Family Housing (Coyote House), Employment Services, and Educational & Recreational Programs known as Trails.
Coyote House is a dedicated residential program for adults with IDD. Currently, there are seven full-time residents who receive 24-hour care and support from professionally trained caregivers.
Employment Services (ES) supports individuals with IDD who need assistance to succeed in employment. ES helps participants gain employment, provides ongoing job coaching, and offers career development support. All positions are individual placements that pay at least minimum wage and range from part-time to full-time, depending on personal goals and job availability. Tierra is the only agency in the Upper Valley offering these vital employment supports, fostering inclusion and maximizing each person’s skills and abilities.
Trails, Tierra’s day program, serves local adults with IDD and empowers individuals to be leaders of their own lives through occupational training, creative arts, outdoor education, and meaningful community connections. Each week, approximately 50 participants take part in Trails—many from low-income households who rely on scholarships. For them, Tierra is more than a program—it’s a community where they are valued, respected, and able to thrive. The program also provides much-needed respite for family caregivers and is the only one of its kind in Chelan and Douglas counties.
Expanding Opportunities Through the Dan Thompson Grant
The Dan Thompson Memorial Developmental Disabilities Community Services Account grant enabled Tierra to purchase a 14-passenger bus, construct an archery pavilion, and install an accessible paver pathway into the garden. The bus has been instrumental in providing transportation to and from the Trails program and offering regular field trips.
Since adding transportation, Trails has grown significantly—thanks in large part to outreach efforts through social media and a newly launched monthly newsletter for parents and case workers. Since the start of the grant period, the number of Trails participants has increased by 45%. This growth reflects both expanded outreach and the additional activities made possible through the bus and transportation program. During this time, Trails provided more than 8,000 hours of services, creating meaningful opportunities for connection, recreation, and personal growth.
A Story of Connection and Joy
Every Monday for six months of the year, a devoted mom makes a 1.5-hour drive so her daughter, Laurissa, can attend the Trails day program. Laurissa is bright, curious, and always eager to try new things. When asked about her favorite part of the day, she didn’t hesitate:
“The entire day! I get to see my friends and try new things!”
Thanks to the support of the Dan Thompson Grant, Tierra can now provide transportation for Laurissa, enabling her to attend Trails without making the full round trip from Wenatchee to Leavenworth—making the program more accessible for families like hers.
Looking Ahead
Tierra continues to look for opportunities to expand its programming and capacity, with several exciting initiatives on the horizon. This spring, the organization built and opened an archery range on its property, offering participants a new opportunity for recreation. In August, Trails hosted its first week-long camp for teens with autism, which was heralded as a great success by participants, parents, and staff. Tierra plans to offer several camps next summer and continues to welcome partnerships with other organizations to provide activities for people with IDD.
