Big Things Are Ahead for Opportunity Kitchen
We are excited to announce that Opportunity Kitchen has officially moved to the Columbia Valley Center for Recovery in Kennewick. At our new location, the program will continue its culinary training program while expanding our community impact in a meaningful new setting. Here’s a look at what’s on the horizon. What Is Opportunity Kitchen? The Opportunity Kitchen is a no-cost, hands-on culinary training program that helps adults build skills, gain confidence, and […]
Why Community Inclusion Matters for Individuals with Disabilities
Everyone deserves to belong to their greater community. Unfortunately, those with disabilities often face barriers to doing so. Community Inclusion services are designed to help create a path forward so they can gain access to their community in ways that support personal goals, develop passions and interests, and build social connections. Keep reading to learn […]
Nexus Youth Club: A Safe After-School Respite Program for Youth with Disabilities
Finding reliable, engaging after-school care for youth with developmental or intellectual disabilities can be difficult. You want a program that is more than childcare, but is a safe, trusted place where they can enjoy themselves. Our Nexus Youth Club at Columbia Ability Alliance is a new after-school respite program for youth ages 12–22 that does […]
The Importance of Donating to the Causes You Care About
When thinking about making a difference, it often feels like we have to do something big. However, the truth is that meaningful impact often starts with something small. It can be as simple as making a donation, grabbing extra art supplies for your community center, or taking an afternoon to volunteer. Donating to the causes you care about is […]
Can I Work While on Disability? What You Need to Know in 2026
Can I Work While on Disability? Here’s What Most People Get Wrong If you are receiving disability benefits, you might be afraid to start working. A lot of people worry that the moment they earn a paycheck, their benefits will disappear. That fear stops many from even trying. The truth is more flexible than most […]
Enchanted Ball 2026
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Enchanted Ball, held on Friday, April 10 at the Richland Community Center. This year’s event was officially sold out, and the energy in the room made it clear why. The Enchanted Ball was more than just a dance, it was a space intentionally […]
Hubby’s Pizza is an Ally
“Partnering with Columbia Alliance has been one of the most meaningful decisions Hubby’s Pizza has made. Through this collaboration, we’ve had the privilege of helping individuals in our community build real-world job skills, gain confidence, and take important steps toward long-term independence. The participants who come through the program bring enthusiasm, dedication, and a strong […]
Your Path to Employment Readiness for People with Disabilities
Everyone deserves the opportunity to work. Contributing to one’s family, community, and society brings immense happiness and satisfaction. However, employment readiness for people with disabilities often looks a bit different. Different, but not unachievable. With the right preparation, tools, and support, people with disabilities can find roles that bring them joy and future opportunities. This guide will walk you through the basics of how to […]
Celebrating Opportunity Kitchen Graduates and Program Transition
Columbia Ability Alliance celebrated the graduation of five students from its Opportunity Kitchen food service training program on Wednesday, February 18 at the Richland Federal Building. Opportunity Kitchen is a 12-week culinary training program designed to help individuals with disabilities and other employment barriers gain job-ready skills for careers in food service, hospitality and catering. Students complete […]
Community-Based Assessments: Exploring Careers Through Real-World Experience
Finding a job can feel harder than ever. Add to it that traditional resumes and interviews don’t always capture a person’s true potential, especially for individuals with disabilities. That is why Columbia Ability Alliance offers Community-Based Assessments, through Employment Services, a program designed to connect local businesses and job seekers, helping those seeking a career discover which types of work truly fit them. […]