Advocating for Child Care, Mental Health, and Recovery Access in Washington
Shaping Policies to Meet the Needs of Families and Communities
Advocating for Child Care, Mental Health, and Recovery Access in Washington
Shaping Policies to Meet the Needs of Families and Communities
In 2025, We’re calling on lawmakers to prioritize policies that create stronger families, providers, and communities.
Our 2025 legislative agenda pushes for meaningful change across child care, behavioral health, and recovery services—because every family deserves access to the resources they need to thrive. From expanding eligibility for support programs to securing sustainable funding for critical services, this campaign is about building a stronger, more equitable future for all.
Expanding Early Learning Access
Access to high-quality early learning and child care is essential for building strong families and communities. However, current funding falls short of the growing demand. CME is advocating for...
- Higher reimbursement rates for child care providers to ensure financial stability and quality care.
- Expanded subsidy eligibility to include more working families.
- A 3% pay increase for Early Achievers coaches and mental health consultants to promote workforce stability.
- Full entitlement of ECEAP and Early ECEAP programs to guarantee universal access to essential early learning services.
Strengthening Behavioral Health and Recovery
In Spokane, behavioral health services are in critical need of expansion. CME’s behavioral health clinic stands out by providing wraparound care that integrates early learning support, mental health consulting, and essential services like housing and food security. Our advocacy focuses on...
- $1.2 million in funding to improve facilities and advance workforce development.
- Increased access to recovery programs, including Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) and trauma-informed care.
Why Advocacy Matters
Meet William
William is living proof that recovery is possible with the right support. After more than a decade of struggling with addiction and relapses, William found a path forward through CME’s recovery programs.
“I’ve learned so much… self-worth, boundaries, how to handle my anger. It’s not just about recovery; it’s about learning how to live again.”
Why Advocacy Matters
Meet William
William is living proof that recovery is possible with the right support. After more than a decade of struggling with addiction and relapses, William found a path forward through CME’s recovery programs.
William Kessler, 34, is proof that recovery is possible with the right support and determination. For many years, William’s life was defined by his addiction.
“Before recovery, I was lost,” William shared. “I spent over a decade in and out of trouble, doing whatever I could to get by. I didn’t think there was a way out for someone like me.”
Despite several attempts at recovery, William repeatedly relapsed. He often experienced what is known as transfer addiction, shifting from one substance to another. but never addressing the root causes of his substance use. “If I wasn’t drinking, I was using meth. If it wasn’t meth, it was something else” he shared, “I couldn’t break free”.
After facing a series of legal and personal challenges, William was introduced to Dorothy Poppe and the Substance Abuse Response program at CME—a connection that changed everything. CME’s peer-based recovery model gave him something he hadn’t found in traditional programs like AA or NA: a sense of community and understanding. “It wasn’t about lectures or rigid structures. It was people just like me sharing their stories, and their experiences made an impact. That’s what kept me solid.”
CME’s recovery programs didn’t just keep William sober; it connected him with tools to rebuild his life. “I’ve learned so much… self-worth, boundaries, how to handle my anger. It’s not just about recovery; it’s about learning how to live again,” he said. But the journey wasn’t easy. Over the course of his recovery, William has worked through struggles and setbacks. At times, he wanted to quit altogether. “There were moments I threw my hands up and said, ‘I’m done. Take me off the program.’ But they wouldn’t let me quit. They me sat me down, listened, and helped me stick it out.”
William’s story is more than just a personal triumph- it’s a testament to the power of programs like CME’s. “If I can do it, anybody can do it. I literally started from the bottom.” he said. “Six years ago, I was homeless with nothing, and now I’m here. It’s hard to believe.”
By supporting CME, we’re not just helping individuals like William—we’re strengthening families, communities, and futures.
Organizations that support our cause
We are proud to work with other organizations who are creating change and building stronger communities.
We are proud to partner with organizations working to create change and build stronger communities.
Take Action with Us
Your support can make a difference. Here’s how you can help:
Your story has the power to bring CME’s mission to life. Whether you’ve experienced the benefits of child care assistance, behavioral health support, or recovery programs, your perspective is invaluable in driving change.
Join our Email List
Join us in advocating for change. Enter your email, and we’ll send you information on how to reach out to legislators.
Share Your Story
Your story has the power to bring CME’s mission to life. Whether you’ve experienced the benefits of child care assistance, behavioral health support, or recovery programs, your perspective is invaluable in driving change.
Make a Donation
Your generosity powers our mission. Every contribution, no matter the size, moves us closer to a future where every family has the resources they need to thrive.
Other Ways To Support CME
Even small actions can create a big impact. If signing a petition or sharing your story isn’t the right fit, there are still many meaningful ways to support our advocacy efforts and help us drive change for families and communities.
Make a Donation
Your generosity powers our mission. Every contribution, no matter the size, moves us closer to a future where every family has the resources they need to thrive. Click here to make a donation.
Hands Across Spokane
A citywide campaign focused on making mental health and recovery visible, accessible, and grounded in community connection.