There are moments that change the course of a life.
For Kinder Smoots, it happened more than 20 years ago after the loss of her daughter Kayla, who was born with significant physical disAbilities.
The grief was overwhelming – but so was a quieter realization that stayed with her. Too many adults in the disAbility community were living without meaningful friendships, without places where they were welcomed and without spaces where dignity was the starting point rather than an afterthought.
That awareness led her to Eagle Wings disAbility Ministries, where she first signed on as a volunteer. Today, she has the privilege of serving as executive director and not a week goes by when she is not reminded how deep the need for genuine connection still runs.
Eagle Wings now serves more than 2,200 adults with developmental disAbilities across the North Puget Sound.
Many live in adult family homes. Most do not drive. Without support, days can stretch long and quiet. Their work is simple, but its impact is anything but. They create places where friendships take root, where laughter has room to rise and where every person is valued for who they are.
Their ‘Life Groups’ bring small circles together to learn how to make a friend – and be a friend – while spending time talking, visiting local spots or just sharing a table.
Each year, they also host more than 30 themed celebrations, from dinners and dances to festive parties, giving adults with disAbilities the chance to enjoy the kind of social life many people take for granted.
They also offer cooking classes for transition-age students, adaptive art nights, bingo gatherings, pen pal connections and phone-encouragement check-ins for those who cannot leave home.
Kinder notes that none of this would be possible without volunteers and the generosity of the community.
“We rely on people willing to serve meals, play games, greet guests, help at events or pitch in at the office folding newsletters or organizing supplies,” Kinder says. “No specialized training is needed – just a willingness to show up. And when you do, something remarkable happens. The individuals you intend to support often end up teaching you about joy, gratitude and the kind of community that stays with you long after an event ends.”
If you’ve been hoping to make a difference – even once a year – Eagle Wings is ready to welcome you.
To learn more about volunteering with Eagle Wings disAbility Ministries, email Sarah at coordinator.eaglewings@gmail.com or call 360-658-6093.
To donate, visit eaglewingsministries.org/donate.
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