2022 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Cascade Connections

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Developmentally Disabled Centers, Disabilities, Group Homes, Health, Home Health Care, Human Services, Job Training

Mission: For over 40 years now, our nonprofit organization has been working toward its mission of empowering people with disabilities to enhance their quality of life. Cascade Connections was founded in 1976 by a group of parents from the Lynden area who wanted a home for their adult children with developmental disabilities. The agency has since grown to serve hundreds of individuals with a broad range of skills, interests, and abilities. We now operate a variety of different residential programs and vocational and training programs specifically designed to fit our community's needs. Cascade Connections promotes opportunities for everyone through community partnerships as well as service excellence. We help community members get to know the great people we support and all that they have to offer. We also serve Whatcom County employers by connecting them with applicants who bring considerable value and diversity to local businesses. We take pride in being a resource for local employers on disability-related issues.

Community Stories

39 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

amandacascade Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 4

10/26/2022

been in the care field for 15 years and I love Cascade , been employed by them going on 4 years.

all departments have great value to our community and care about it.

bm123 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/26/2022

Not only does Cascade Connections go above and beyond to help their customers reach their Job goals, they also invest in their employees. This is a company that knows we have to care for each other to make the world a better place for all.

Bparle Client Served

Rating: 5

10/24/2022

I've been working for Cascade Connections for 3 years. It is an amazing experience. The supervisors are easy to talk to, they listen, and advise well. The staff shows cooperation with each other. All the staff reach out with questions, and suggestions. Everyone is quick to compliment when appropriate, and gently criticize when needed. The administration is easy to approach. They are quick to give bonuses for a job well done. When a shift needs coverage at the last minute, I have never been made to feel guilty if I need to say no. I would highly recommend Cascade Connections as an excellent place of employment, as well as an excellent place to use for anyone who has the need to place a family member or friend.

ksutton2020 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/22/2022

Cascade connections is an incredibly well-run nonprofit doing excellent work in the community. Working for Cascade has been incredibly rewarding, all staff members really care about each other and the clients.

parkerduncan00 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/22/2022

Lovely staff and team of hardworking individuals that truly care about their client's health and mental wellbeing. Overall could not recommend this organization enough, they are easily one of the best organizations for community care within the Whatcom County area.

Leahbee Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/21/2022

Hi, I am 52 years old and I have worked for private and public agencies with different types of care giving involved . I have never worked for a non profit before coming here at Cascade Connections. This is my most favorite job ever !The whole concept of helping people with disabilities is so rewarding for staff . I cannot say enough about CC. It is a job /family!

knedley Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/21/2022

As a direct support professional for Cascade Connections, I have enjoyed the support of the management team, the awesome activities that exist for clients, and the immense satisfaction this work has given me, knowing that I have made a difference for someone every day.

The management team at Cascade works tirelessly to meet our scheduling needs, prevent burnout, and support us in holistic ways to stay at the top of our game. I particularly look up to Jake and Kate for their ability to stay calm in the most stressful situations!

I sleep well at night knowing I am part of something larger than myself. As an individual caregiver I could perhaps support one client, but as part of the Cascade team I am able to bring my individual strengths to the table and trust my teammates to do their part too.

Last, Cascade supports its employees through continuing education designed to bolster our support for clients. Allison recently offered a relationships workshop for clients that was interesting to staff as well, on top of the already existing advocacy-specific classes she teaches.

All in all, it's a great place to work, with good people.

ccslstaff Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/21/2022

I have worked for various nonprofits in Bellingham, all of which have been supported living agencies for adults with disabilities - and Cascade Connections by far has been the best. I appreciate working for an organization that provides such thorough and stellar supports for the individuals we serve, and am proud to be a part of the team.

btj3 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/21/2022

They are really changing lives for the better here. Helping people live their life as independently as possible, making sure they stay safe and happy and healthy. It's wonderful to see the effects the staff have on the quality of life for their clients.

Mickey04 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 4

10/20/2022

Hello,

My experience working with Cascade Connections has been the very most upbeat, positive, supportive people I have worked with in a really long time. I started working for them back in 2018. On the first day I was a wreck. My surroundings, new people and environment were new to me, and I don't know about you, but I get nervous. I am sure all of us have been there, but anyways everybody made me feel right at home welcomed me with a smile. From this day we treat each and every single employer as family. We do so much for our clients and community it's just a great experience to give back without expecting anything back in return except for a thanks.

Oliver99 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

Cascade Connections is a great place to work, I couldn’t ask for a better employer. You get to be a part of a community that works together to serve an awesome group of people.

eddy12 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

Cascade connections is a wonderful nonprofit. I've seen first hand the quality of work they do in terms of community integration, how well the residents are treated and taken care of. Cascade connections stay true to their mission statement of empowering people with disabilities to enhance their quality of life, helping those people gain the tools and knowledge to promote independent living and employment opportunities, and - even bigger than that - help community members to get to know the great people we support and what they have to offer.

Bgladding Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

I have worked with Cascade Connetions as a Direct Support Professional for a year now, and have nothing but great things to say about the organization and its values. The team I work with is dedicated and caring, and makes coming to work something to look forward to.

jpruitt Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

Cascade Connections was the first job I had that provided multiple opportunities to help people obtain and maintain meaningful employment. Many of the people I support say they are very thankful/grateful for receiving help with being a part of their community. I've been told that Cascade Connections is a great resource that helps individuals and their families increase their community involvement and live more balanced lives.

jooheechoi General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

I'm very proud to work at Cascade Connections, I've had nothing but great experiences here!

MaverickG Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

Cascade Connections has absolutely blown me away. I've been a caregiver for nearly two years and I am still constantly being pleasantly surprised. Cascade works tirelessly to support the community and provide quality of life to those who aren't always able to provide for themselves. Whatcom is lucky to have an agency like Cascade serving a part of their population.

draw2_69 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

My experience with Cascade Connections has allowed me to see an amazing group of people working diligently to assist individuals with disabilities. Cascade provides care, empowers, assists, and encourages disabled individuals in their goals both privately, and in the community workplaces. Cascade's love and devotion shines through to their clients and to the businesses their clients are employed by. Whatcom County is a better place for having such a wonderful organization as Cascade Connections!

jstadt General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

Great company to work for! They care so much about their staff and clients!

snuckolls Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

I've been an employee of Cascade Connections. I was personally supported and intentionally cared for as an employee with great value. The same princples put forth to advocate and support the customers are put into supporting staff.

greggshill Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/20/2022

I have had several different experiences with Cascade Connections, and in every encounter, they have been professional, client focused, and welcoming to all.

kfz2468 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

10/19/2022

Awesome people doing awesome things for others! Cascade Connections is a must for our community.

Cerudd Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/19/2022

Working at Cascade Connections I learned some new things about myself.The big one that I learned was that meaningful work really mattered.My job as a DSP and Med Tech is meaningful to me because I have the opportunity to directly help someone.Over time I also get to see goals of clients and us as staff come to fruition.Our clients have a team and it takes all being on the same page for things to work.Group home,or working purely one on one,you learn a lot of Team Work.

Also you get to learn and meet a lot of different people.People you probably didn’t even know exist in society.Cascades clients come from many different backgrounds.

There is also a lot of hands on training.Which I personally feel all medical personnel should have of all different fields in regards to people with different needs.It’s very much needed.The more knowledge directly experienced the more quick medical issues can be solved.

If you’re willing to see all you come into contact with openly as a learning experience Cascade Connections is the place for you.

Justesen1 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/19/2022

Cascade Connections is an amazing organization focused on helping young adults with special needs to succeed. Our son started with Cascade Connections over 8 years ago and has exceeded expectations. The entire staff is caring, dedicated, and encourages each individual
client to continually improve each and every day. Always positive, these amazing people are there every single day. The job coaches work one on one with each individual, forming more than a working relationship, more like a good friend. Our family is so thankful for this organization.

Juliewebber

Juliewebber Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/19/2022

I am an Employment Consultant with Cascade Connections and have been for just over a year. I love my job. Not only do I get to coach amazing clients while at their job, I also get to help develop jobs for clients who are seeking employment. It's wonderful to be part of the process of helping a person find the job that they desire and is super rewarding. Icing on the cake is the amazing co-workers and supportive management. I feel lucky to get to work with such an outstanding group of people and look forward to going to work each and every day.

CCVOCstaff Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/19/2022

Cascade Connections is an amazing place to work. I work in the vocational department, and have greatly appreciated how much our department has grown in the last several years. Our workplace culture is inclusive and welcoming. Work/life balance is not only honored, but the importance of it is really emphasized. Staff can share their concerns and learn and grow from their mistakes. We are all continually learning. This mindset, with the support of our great team and leadership, has led to many great outcomes and better support for the people we serve, and I appreciate that regardless of what we're working on, it always comes back to the clients and providing them with the best possible services.

Draymond Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/19/2022

This great organization serves individuals with disabilities to achieve their potential. Opportunities for everyone. They do this in a number of areas including vocational training and job placement, residential and home care and training caregivers.

northwest98230 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/19/2022

Cascade Connections serves adults and children with developmental disabilities as well as provides in home elderly care, vocational training/support and HCA training. In my opinion Cascade goes above and beyond. The values and mission of Cascade are evident in the decisions made and the way they support their teams. Cascade truly values their employees and ensures they have the resources they need to do their jobs so the individuals they serve can have the best support possible.

kbates07 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/19/2022

Cascade Connections places the clients first and always caters to their individual needs. Independence and client personal dreams is the priority, not the bottom line. Clients are people, not case numbers.

They are also forthright and open about their structure, pay scale, and scheduling. There is always an opportunity to move up in the company and they help manage your license for you, in addition to paying for all your continued education.

Writer Board Member

Rating: 5

10/25/2018

Cascade Connections has grown in size and scope because of George Beanblossom's 35 years of persistent compassion for special needs people. He has the respect of staff, board of directors, clients served by Cascade, and the community it serves .

Cascade Connections began in the '50s with about 10 parents in Lynden who had special needs children, and has continued to grow to the size it is today, People of faith and compassion have made it work for the community and county, My in-laws have been the inspiration for participating as a board member for three years running.

Having had George as a high school student, I am happy to recommend him for honors your organization offers. He deserves a Five Stat rating

Larry Stegink, Board Member

Rhonda38 Board Member

Rating: 5

04/30/2018

As a member of the board of directors at Cascade Connections I am astounded by all the hard work that goes on day to day at Cascade Connections, to see that everyone receives the best care possible. There are so many "little things" you don't realize take place behind the scenes. People helping people. It's a well coordinated effort between upper, mid and entry level staff, making sure every person served gets the care and support they need. I feel very blessed to be part of this wonderful, caring group of people who are the body of this agency.

Guest91616 Donor

Rating: 5

09/15/2016

It is hard to point out one good thing this group of people do for the community as it seems every time I turn around I see or hear great things. It truly is a blessing to have this organization in our community.

Writer Board Member

Rating: 5

10/06/2015

This great organization serves individuals with disabilities to achieve their potential. They do this in a number of areas including vocational training and placement, residential and home care and training caregivers. I have seen many individuals that are served by Cascade Connections and have been impressed by their love and care for them. Cascade caregivers and staff seem to value each individual. I regularly refer families with a disabled individual to check out the programs that Cascade offers.

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

10/06/2015

My younger brother has been a resident of Cascade Connections for almost 10 years. He has been loved and cared for with respect. The door is always open for us to visit him when ever we want to drop in. He is quite low functioning however they are always trying to find things that he can do, so he just does not lay around. He loves taking rides, eating french fries and milk shakes. He has two jobs, one is putting Bibles on the chairs at a local church in prep for Sunday service, the other is shredding paper at the agency. I know these jobs do not sound like much, but for him they are big accomplishments. Thank you Cascade for being there to take excellent care of my brother

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/04/2015

A great organization that helps the disabled. Well integrated I to many towns and assist with all the life skills necessary for their clients to live as independently as they're able

Writer Former staff

Rating: 5

10/03/2015

Cascade Connections formally known as Cascade Christian Services is a really great company. They offer such a great deal of services from home care services, to independent living, and assisting with job services just to name a few. I really like how they always go above and beyond for those they serve, as well as take much pride in caring for there staff. As a former employee of over 8 years with the company I highly recommend this company.

3

christineann General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/26/2015

My brother Peter, who has fragile-X syndrome, has been a client of Cascade since 2004. He has always been treated with respect and demonstrated concern for his welfare. Over the years extensive efforts have been made to find work that Peter would enjoy and environments where he would do well. My husband was a board member for Cascade for eight years and experienced Cascade as an organization of the highest integrity serving the developmentally disabled. Cascade always searched for the optimal service for its clients, protecting their welfare in every one of the services they provide, never seeking to profit for themselves in any way.

2

Adriane H. Former staff

Rating: 4

07/22/2015

Cascade Connections is a vital part of the Whatcom County community. They provide multi-dimensional services to individuals of all age ranges and abilities. My favorite aspect of CCS is that they provide long term services when needed. They develop and adjust in order to meet the needs of their clients for a lifetime. This is imperative for the individuals growth and well being. In a society where "aging out" and "transferring programs" is all too common within the social services arena, CCS defies this norm. Whether it be providing vocational services or long term life and independence skills CCS remains dedicated to the individual in need. A former staff I now have the pleasure of seeing current high school students, whom I work with in the classroom, graduate and move on to pursue vocational services from CCS.

Former staff,
Adriane Hendricks

1

Jose R. Former staff

Rating: 4

07/22/2015

In time a of need when I most needed a job I applied through Cascade connections. I started working with Cascade connections and I can't say anything but good things about the people that work there and the company everyone is very friendly. I first started doing home care for my grandfather when I was 14 years old I for started doing home care for my grandfather when I was 14 years old send then I knew that this type a work was right for me. I saw a care aide not beign very respectful to him so the only thing I could do was fire her and take care of him myself. After I got my schooling done and the certificates that I needed I got hired through Cascade connections now I have the best clients I can ask for. I love working as a home care aide cause I love helping people. Now in this type of profession I can make a difference in people's lives!

7

SteveHowards Family Client Served

Rating: 5

06/15/2015

It was via word of mouth, and then newspaper articles that I learned of a group home being built near our home. It fascinated me to learn the background stories of the young people who had never known independence. They had either lived in institutions, or in a sheltered environment. Suddenly, what we assumed and took for granted as being "normal" was going to become their new way of life.
little did I know, a freak accident would someday make me even more aware of how Cascade Connections (formerly Cascade Christian Services) changes lives for the better. On his way home from school on a rainy afternoon, my sons car hydroplaned off the road, and landed on its top. Suddenly, my strong, healthy, seventeen year old son was totally disabled, requiring help to do everything we all take for granted. Dressing, eating, using the bathroom, walking, etc. All these things required one on one assistance. Having health issues of my own, my husband and I realized we needed some serious help. Our son realized he didn't want his mom bathing and toileting him every day.
Cascade Connections offered everything he needed to begin his new life. An independent life. They have supplied the staffing and tools required for him to live life to the fullest. The residential department sees to his daily living needs, the vocational department helps him with his vending business, which gives him pocket money to go to movies, concerts, or wherever else he chooses to go.
By giving him freedom, it also gave me an opportunity to volunteer my time as a member of the board of directors and a committee member. Our family thanks God daily for the important part Cascade Connection plays in our daily lives!

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