At the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, supporting community health goes far beyond what happens inside one of our centers. Through Olympic Connect, the Y is helping individuals and families access the resources they need to navigate everyday challenges and build stability.
Olympic Connect is a regional community care hub serving Kitsap, Jefferson, and Clallam counties. Through this partnership, the Y provides one-on-one care coordination services in Kitsap County, helping connect people to support for housing, food, transportation, childcare and more.
The goal is simple: help people find the right support, at the right time, in a way that works for them.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CARE COORDINATION AND RESOURCE NAVIGATION
Support That Starts with the Individual
After a referral or self-referral, individuals are paired with an Olympic Connect care coordinator who works alongside them to understand their goals, priorities, and needs. From there, the process is entirely participant lead.
That means the focus is not on telling someone what they should do, but on supporting what matters most to them.
For some, that might mean finding stable housing or catching up on utility bills. For others, it could be securing transportation, accessing food assistance, or even replacing a broken appliance.
Whatever the need, care coordinators help connect people to local resources and walk them through the process.
Meeting Needs That Happen Outside the Doctor’s Office
Health is shaped by more than medical care. It’s influenced by where people live, how they get around, whether they have access to food, and the support systems around them. Olympic Connect focuses on these everyday factors, often called social determinants of health.
By helping individuals navigate these challenges, the program removes barriers that can stand in the way of long-term well-being. It also strengthens connections between community organizations, creating a more coordinated and responsive support system.
A Flexible and Ongoing Resource
One of the most important aspects of Olympic Connect is its flexibility. There are no strict timelines for participation. Individuals can stay connected to the program as long as they need, and they are always welcome to return if new challenges arise.
The program is also open to anyone who lives or works in Kitsap County, regardless of income, insurance, or background. It’s completely free to access, removing another potential barrier for those seeking support.
People can join through self-referral, community outreach, or referrals from partners like food banks, colleges, or healthcare providers.
More Than a Program
Olympic Connect is one example of how the Y continues to show up for the community in meaningful ways.
The Y supports individuals in staying active, and in navigating life’s challenges and building a stronger foundation for the future.
It’s a reminder that health is not just about what happens in a gym. It’s about having the resources, stability, and support to move forward in life with confidence.