A Community Collaborative Project of the Lewis County Autism Coalition
 
The anticipation is finally over! We are beyond proud to announce the upcoming launch of the long dreamed of home for the Lewis County Autism Coalition. Please share in our joy as we announce the upcoming launch of the
Spectrum & Development Community Center
A place built with purpose, where children, teens, adults, and families of all abilities will be welcomed, supported, and truly connected.
 
This new space was born from a beautifully coincidental meeting of the minds... the moment when two women had an idea. LCAC Executive Director Michelle Whitlow, M.S., and Chanel Patana, PNP of Lewis County Pediatrics & Family Medicine, both long dedicated to improving health equity outcomes for rural communities, found themselves in a conversation that quickly uncovered something special: they had been quietly dreaming of the same thing.
 
Their shared vision soon expanded thanks to the generosity of Dr. Real McGraw, owner of Napavine Family Chiropractic. As fate would have it, Dr. McGraw owned an adjacent lot and, without hesitation, offered his support, saying simply, “Tell me what you need.” In a time when space, investment, and community trust are all hard-won, Dr. McGraw’s generosity and belief in the vision were extraordinary.
 
Now, thanks to this powerful partnership, Dr. McGraw is building the new facility that will house both Lewis County Pediatrics and Family Medicine and the Spectrum & Development Community Center, in Napavine, Washington. His commitment to health equity and collaborative community care made this dream a reality, not in theory, but in concrete, walls, and open doors.
 
Within one side of this space, Chanel Patana, PNP, who is herself a Washington State-recognized Center of Excellence (COE) provider, will be able to provide formal autism evaluations, including for children with Medicaid as well as general pediatric and family health medicine. Local families will have increased access to diagnostic services right here in Lewis County, with improved waitlists and less travel that so often delay early intervention.
But the vision doesn’t stop at diagnosis.
 
The Center is being designed as a hub of community resources, individual and family engagement, caregiver and provider education, health equity, and maybe most importantly, empowerment.
Here is just a sample of what we’re envisioning and working to build:
 

• Therapy Rooms for Rent
  Available to licensed local providers, including speech, occupational, behavioral, supported employment, and other developmental services. At this early stage, we already have a developmental chiropractor scheduled weekly on Fridays, and additional provider slots are filling quickly. If you are a provider interested in this opportunity or have an innovative idea, please email us at info@lcautism.org.

• Employment Support
  We are actively developing programming ideas rooted in community support to aid autistic and developmentally disabled individuals in gaining meaningful employment. This effort is rooted in our mission to promote independence, purpose, and dignity.

• Billing Capability for Washington State Developmental Disabilities
  We have obtained our National Provider Identifier (NPI) and other required state identifications so that we can offer DDA billable services directly through the Center. These include family support services such as day activity RESPITE, RECREATIONAL, & PEER MENTOR options. Our website will be updated very soon offering further details!

• Tech & Art Empowerment Hub (in early development phase)
  This innovative space will support individuals by providing access to assistive technology tools, and offer digital literacy coaching for youth and adults. A creative arts corner will give individuals space to explore artistic expression and hopes to support microenterprise projects through t-shirt, poster, sign, and other artistic expressions of which we see as one way to address the staggering 80% unemployment rate among autistic adults.

• Inclusive Open Program Space
  Designed for social groups, educational events, recreational activities, and more that are accessible and rooted in belonging. This space will serve as a safe and welcoming gathering place for the entire community. Weekend day rental options for community members to have a gathering, a birthday party, and other space rental needs will be available down the road after we are settled in.

 
We envision a seamless support system, where a parent receiving a diagnosis at Lewis County Pediatrics and Family Medicine can walk next door and be met with compassion, answers, and a team ready to walk beside them. No more navigating the system alone.
Our target opening is late summer 2025, but with the incredible momentum and strong partnerships already in place, we are hopeful that doors could open even sooner.
Together, we are building more than a building. We are building a future where families feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Please reach out if you would like to be involved.