The Census is coming April 1, 2010! Spread the word so that everyone gets counted... it's easy, it's safe and it's important! Learn how it helps our community.

April 1, 2010 is Census Day. It's very important that every person in Tacoma gets counted because the census determines how more than $400 billion in federal funds are distributed each year for hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, public works projects and emergency services. Census data also determine the number of seats Washington State will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. You can help ensure every Tacoma resident gets counted. At work, add a tagline to your e-mail signature announcing the census. At home, talk to your friends, family and networks about the importance of a complete count. Encourage them to fill out and return their forms. Each form has 10 questions, and each form only takes about 10 minutes to complete. Responses are confidential. Census 2010: It's safe, it's easy, it's important. For more info on the 2010 Census, visit 2010.census.gov or contact Nancy Grabinski-Young at (253) 591-5394.

Ms Wheelchair Washington

Krystal Monteros, Ms Wheelchair Washington:
Saturday, January 30th, Krystal Monteros was crowned Ms Wheelchair Washington.
The new Ms Wheelchair Washington is a student at Tacoma Community College and founded the first disabled student's club on campus. She is pursuing a degree in sociology and plans on getting her degree at the University of Washington in journalism. Krystal's goal is to raise awareness within the disabled community, and show them they can have independence. She is a member and advocate for the United Spinal Association and a member of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association and Life Rolls On Foundation. Currently she is a board member and secretary for the Spina Bifida Association of Washington State. Her platform is titled "No Limits" and its motto is: "Just because we have a disability does not mean that we have limits."

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TACID Recieves Rotary Community Grant

In a year of economic turmoil and a long list of applicants for grant money from the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8, TACID was selected for a grant. In a ceremony at their Thursday noon meeting, Tacoma Rotary presented checks to TACID and seven other worthy organizations. TACID was proud to accept. The money will help our community services.

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Lakewood Fire Brings TACID Support

Right before Christmas there was a fire at the Village Apartments in Lakewood that left 30 people homeless. TACID, the Tacoma Exchange Club, Soroptomists, other organizations and individuals heeded the call for help begun by TACID's own Executive Director, Chris Ensor.

Beginning with emails sent to our Corporate Advisory Board and our Board of Directors the message spread. Rita Morkrid responded by purchasing $100 department store gift cards, so the people devastated by the fire could buy what they needed. Others donated cash, clothes and household items. In the picture above, Village Apartments Resident Manager Barbara Gallagher received donated gift cards value $2,220 from TACID's ED Chris Ensor on Dec. 28, 2009. As well as the gift cards, TACID supporters donated 4 car loads of new and gently used clothing, shoes, bedding etc. Kim Dodds from the City of Lakewood described TACID's effort as "Fantastic!"

Thank you, everyone.

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The Census is Coming

The census must count every single person living in the United States on April 1, 2010. The 2010 Census Questionnaire is easy, important and safe. With only 10 questions, the 2010 Census questionnaire takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Households are asked to provide key demographic information, including: whether a housing unit is rented or owned; the address of the residence; and the names, genders, ages and races of others living in the household. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual?s responses with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

We have a basic overview of the census to help you understand how it all works as well as the census form itself.

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Grants and Gifts

The Puyallup Tribe has for the third year in a row given TACID a grant. I am not only thrilled to accept the donation, but I am also proud to be associated with the Puyallup Tribe.

2009 was an excellent year for grants, mostly which will help us in 2010. These grants and others will impact us considerably. Government monies may be curtailed this year and we have taken paths to overcome possible shortages, while still maintaining our standard of support in the Tacoma Pierce County community.

Our fundraising efforts were hindered by major sponsors suffering from the economy. We came a great way to counteract that by increasing individual participation. Thank you all. Our staff, our Corporate Advisory Board, and our Board of Directors worked well together in 2009 to meet the chanllenges and plan for a successful 2010. Please, join me in thanking them all at every opportunity.

If you would like to personally help, please visit our Donations page.

-- Don Doman, TACID Board Chair