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Upper Valley Connection Logo a heart made of two hands shaking.

CONNECTION

UPPER VALLEY

Two Upper Valley Connection team mates holding fun glasses up to their faces for a photo with guests in the background. Photo is outdoors.

Enriching the lives of our special needs community.

Inclusion is not bringing people into what already exists; it is making a new space, a better space for everyone.  

—Judith Snow

247
Lives Touched

Celebrating abilities, one joyful connection at a time.

100+
Volunteers

Lift spirits. Build friendships. Make a difference.

70%
Donor Funded

Give today, change a life forever.

A collage of several photos of the Upper Valley Connection participants playing sports, acting, swiming, and doing art.

Our Vision

Building an holistic community that includes our special needs population in an environment that cultivates compassion for all people, one connection at a time.


​Upper Valley Connection is a  recreation program for youth and adults with special needs. We believe that everyone ought to have the chance to have meaningful interactions with his or her peers, whether while playing baseball, putting on a play, or simply hanging out with a movie and popcorn. 

People with special needs, whether physical or mental, often do not have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers, lacking social, intellectual, or physical abilities.  This does not mean, however, they lack the desire to have those same opportunities.  The benefits of participating in recreational activities are every bit as valuable for these individuals as for any others. 

Upper Valley Connection's decisions and actions are guided by the principles of respect for every individual, through acceptance, community involvement, integration, integrity, hope, action, engagement, compassion, individual growth, patience, and perseverance.

Our Team

Portrait of Upper Valley Connection board member Polly McIntyre
Polly McIntyre

Board President

Image of Board Member Paul Anderman and his grandson working with tools.
Paul Anderman

Board Secretary

Smiling Sun Patch
Dennis Webb

Board Treasurer

Purple Smiling Cartoon Character
Barb Conant

Board Member

Smiley
Bill Dronen

Board Member

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​Rebecca Johnson

Board Member

Portrait of Upper Valley Connection board member Dale Swanson
Dale Swanson

Board Member

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Alex Weirich​

Activities Director
activities@uppervalleyconnection.org

Portrait of Upper Valley Connection Executive Director Maren Cagle
Maren Cagle

Contact us

Our Supporters

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UPPER VALLEY CONNECTION Logo

 PO Box 2137
​Leavenworth, WA 98826

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