Nexus Youth Club
A safe, inclusive, and engaging respite program for youth with developmental and intellectual disabilities located in both Pasco and Kennewick.
A Place to Belong, Grow, and Shine
Nexus Youth Club is an after-school respite program for youth ages 12–22 with developmental and intellectual disabilities. We offer a welcoming, supportive space to connect, create, and build confidence, all while having fun.
A Safe, Fun, and Inclusive Respite Program
Nexus Youth Club provides weekday enrichment and care in a positive, structured environment. Designed for youth ages 12–22 with developmental or intellectual disabilities, Nexus gives participants a safe place to unwind, learn, and build relationships.
Through guided activities like art, music, cooking, e-gaming, and outdoor projects, participants explore their interests, develop life skills, and connect with peers in a supportive, judgment-free space. Healthy snacks are provided daily.
Nexus is more than a place to pass the time, it’s a place where youth thrive socially, emotionally, and creatively under the care of trusted mentors and staff.
Every Day Offers Something New to Explore
Our activity calendar includes a rotating mix of experiences designed to nurture self-expression, curiosity, and connection.
- Arts & Crafts
- Cooking and Baking Classes
- Music and Movement
- Adaptive e-Gaming Club
- Gardening and Outdoor Projects
- Homework Assistance
- Group Games and Team Activities
- Community Outings
Two Locations to Serve More Families
Nexus Youth Club now meets at two locations across the Tri-Cities, each with its own hours to fit different school schedules. Fees are the same at both.
Fees (both locations): DDA respite care funding accepted. Private pay also accepted at $35 per session.
Transportation: The school district may be able to provide drop-off service only; please contact your child’s teacher to ask about availability. Otherwise, families are responsible for arranging transportation.
Kennewick
Columbia Ability Alliance
Community Center
900 S. Dayton St., Kennewick
Hours:
Monday – Friday
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Pasco
Rowena Chess Elementary
715 N 24th Avenue, Pasco
Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
2:45 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday
12:30 – 6:00 PM (classifies as 2 sessions)
Eligibility Requirements
To ensure a personalized experience and high-quality care, participants must:
- Be ages 12–22
- Be currently enrolled in school
- Have a documented developmental or intellectual disability
Enrollment is limited. Families are encouraged to apply early or reach out to schedule a tour.
Why the After-School Hours Matter So Much
For any family, the hours between the school bell and dinner can be tricky to fill. For families of a teen or young adult with a developmental or intellectual disability, they can be even harder… safe, understanding, engaged supervision isn’t always easy to find, and generic childcare options often aren’t equipped for a participant’s specific needs.
That gap matters more than it might seem. Research compiled by the Afterschool Alliance, a national nonprofit focused on afterschool program access, has found that structured afterschool programming helps youth with disabilities build social-emotional skills, form lasting peer relationships, and gain confidence navigating situations they might otherwise find frustrating or overwhelming. The right afterschool environment doesn’t just fill time, it actively supports the skills a young person will carry into adulthood.
Nexus Youth Club exists to fill that specific gap here in Kennewick. It gives participants somewhere they’re genuinely excited to go, and gives families a dependable, trustworthy option for the after-school window without having to choose between a program that isn’t the right fit and no program at all.
Built Around Structure, Choice, and Connection
Every part of a Nexus Youth Club afternoon is intentional. Consistent routines, clear expectations, and a predictable schedule help participants feel comfortable and settled from the moment they walk in while still leaving plenty of room for participants to choose activities that match their own interests and pace.
That balance of structure and choice does more than keep the afternoon running smoothly. It gives participants a sense of ownership over their time, teaches decision-making in a low-pressure setting, and helps build the kind of independence skills that carry over well beyond the walls of the club.
Just as important is the relationship side of things. Participants get to know the same staff and peers day after day, which means real friendships form over time, not just supervised activity, but a genuine sense of belonging. For many families, that community is just as valuable as the practical relief of having reliable after-school care.