Who we are

A collaborative movement uniting community partners around a shared commitment to trauma-informed practices, building community resilience in Snohomish County.

Building community through compassion

CARE continues to grow through the values of compassion, appreciation, resilience, and empowerment. Together, these principles guide the work forward, shaping partnerships and expanding the ways communities support one another.


Our Mission

CARE is committed to engaging the community to ensure all children in Snohomish County flourish, equipped with resiliency, safety and healthy relationships.

Our Vision

To bring trauma-informed tools to community organizations throughout Snohomish County.

  • Compassion is the awareness of another’s experience combined with a commitment to empathy.

  • Appreciation is the acknowledging value, effort, or positive contribution in people.

  • Resilience is the ability to adapt, endure challenge, and regain stability following difficulty.

  • Empowerment is a process that supports individuals in developing agency and confidence.

Our Journey through the years

The Children’s Wellness Coalition began in the summer of 2015 as a Snohomish County Human Services initiative to promote children's wellness through collaboration and community engagement. What started as a space for sharing and networking quickly evolved into a countywide effort to improve youth mental health.

2016

The Children’s Wellness Coalition began assessing student adversity and social-emotional needs, sparking a countywide effort to implement trauma-informed practices in schools.

First Resilience Conference was held.

2017

The CARE designation program was launched, offering hands on trainings for schools, agencies, and organizations to embed trauma-informed practices into their everyday work.

2024

The first You Are Not Alone (YANA) event, planned by the Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force, was held at the Rosehill Community Center in Mukilteo; bringing together community, youth, mental health providers, and local experts.

2025

Over 100 community-based organizations have been trained in trauma-informed practices offered by Snohomish County.

Impact

These outcomes highlight how CARE-aligned efforts are creating meaningful change for individuals, organizations, and communities.

  • 20%

    Influencing Behavioral Health Programming

    Helping schools and community programs apply trauma-informed practices, influencing behavioral health programming and prevention strategies within Snohomish County.

  • 50%

    Community-Wide Collaboration

    Bringing organizations together to align efforts and strengthen the network of care surrounding young people through the CARE designation program, conferences, and workshops.

  • Bookshelf Icon

    Inspiring Action Through Skill-Building

    Thousands of Snohomish County residents and professionals have attended the Resilience Conferences over the years since its inception.


“Together, we envision a Snohomish County where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential- regardless of their zip code, background, or circumstance.”

— Children’s Wellness Coalition

The pathways of the movement

Over time, this work has grown into a network of initiatives advancing prevention, resilience, and behavioral health across Snohomish County. These focus areas reflect how the movement continues to evolve through shared leadership and collaboration.

  • Children's Wellness Coalition

    Building understanding of trauma and resilience to better support children and families through regular meetings and sub-committees.

  • Resilience Conference

    Gathering partners for shared learning so individuals can build resilience and strengthen trauma-informed approaches.

  • CARE Cohorts

    Bringing people together for shared learning to build understanding and apply trauma-informed approaches over time.