As Linda Barnard walked the grounds at CenterForce, she greeted everyone she met with a kind word and a smile.

"The clients here teach me as much as we advocate for them," she said.  "It's a two-way street."

Located near McChord Airfield at 5204 Solberg Drive SW in Lakewood, CenterForce is a private, non-profit 501(c) 3 community rehabilitation agency that connects people with disabilities to their communities through work opportunities.

Established in 1968, the organization has changed and expanded to meet the demands of the area's changing business environment.

The focus of CenterForce is to assist individuals with disabilities achieve their optimum level of employment and community living.

The organization endeavors to provide individuals with the skills and opportunities to become productive members of their community.

"Our mission here is to advocate for our clients," Barnard explained.  "We help our clients find employment, we work with employers; we coordinate with outside agencies and we help our clients with their home life."

An employee at CenterForce since 1995, Barnard, who works as the program director, said she thoroughly enjoys what she does.

"The clients are so open, caring and sharing; they are always happy to see us.  What's not to like?"

Currently, almost 300 individuals (both adult and student) with developmental disabilities are engaged in some type of employment training.

"When individuals contribute to CenterForce, they are helping disabled individuals in their employment desires," Barnard continued.

"And just as important, the connection between our clients and their community only makes this community better."

CenterForce receives some of its funding from the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).  Over 90 percent of the monies received go directly into advocacy programs.  Its CFC donation number is 69082.

"The really neat thing about what we do is about the connections we make on behalf of the disabled in and for the community," Barnard added.

For more information about CenterForce, visit www.CenterForce.net or call (253) 584-1001/(800) 244-4597.