Before Dawn, We Showed Up for Our Community

In the wee hours of the morning on January 21, while most of Washington was still asleep, Joe Zarate, Program Manager and Activities Director, set out with two Valley Residential Services clients, leading our delegation from Valley Residential Services to meet the bus in the Tri-Cities. From there, they traveled together to Olympia—not for convenience, but for conviction.

At the State Capitol, advocates, self-advocates, families, and supporters from across the state gathered for the CRSA/SAIL “Protect Our Right to Community Living” Rally, part of Advocacy Days focused on disability rights and supported living services. The rally was a powerful reminder that community living is not a privilege, it is a right.

Throughout the day, voices rose in stories of lived experience. Participants shared the challenges facing supported living programs and the real consequences when services are underfunded or threatened. Legislators and the public heard firsthand why policies must protect choice, independence, inclusion, and access to the supports that make living successfully in the community possible.

J.H. and K.B. were grateful for the opportunity to stand not only for themselves, but for

countless others who rely on supported living services every day—and for the Direct Support Professionals who walk beside them with dedication, patience, and heart.

A heartfelt shout-out to our clients who braved the early morning hours, and to our

dedicated staff leader, Joe Zarate. Thank you for showing up, speaking out, and making a

real difference for our community.

The photos above highlight moments from this powerful and inspiring day. We hope to bring an even larger group to Olympia next year, continuing to show up, before dawn if necessary, to protect the right to community living.