Thank you for your interest in financial assistance and for joining Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District. There are two distinct ways patrons can take advantage of financial assistance programs. The Park District allots money annually to Helpline House, from which Helpline House distributes funds to individuals and families. The Park District also participates in programs offered by the Developmental Disabilities Administration with assistance from the WA State Department of Social and Health Services, which provides individuals with Individual and Family Services Basic Plus or Core Waivers. More information about each of these programs can be found below.

Helpline House

The Park District allots $30,000 annually to the Helpline House financial assistance program, allowing individuals and families to participate in activities, programs, and events. We have partnered with the Helpline House to distribute the funds based on many factors. The Helpline House counselors evaluate each case individually to determine the funding available to distribute. Helpline House vouchers can be used on any Park District program except the competitive teams (BISC, BAM, and Gymnastic Teams).

Getting Started:

Call Helpline House to arrange an appointment with a caseworker.

Helpline House
Address: 282 Knechtel Way NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Phone: (206) 842-7621
Fax: (206) 842-9867
Email: helpline@helplinehouse.org
Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00a-5:00p

If a voucher has been issued, take the voucher to the Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center front desk to register for the program or activity:

Bainbridge Island Aquatic Center:
Address: 8521 Madison Ave, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Phone: 206-842-2302
Business Hours: Monday-Friday: 5:00a–8:00p
Saturday and Sunday: 8:00a–4:00p

IFS Waiver Assistance Program

Developmental Disabilities Administration, with assistance from the WA State Department of Social and Health Services, offers Individual and Family Services (IFS) Basic Plus or Core Waivers for individuals who require waiver services to remain in the family home. While the Park District does not contract directly with the state for these waivers, we have established a program within the same parameters.

​Participant Eligibility of Activities and Programs

• Participants must be at least three years old, living in the same household as a family member, and meet financial and disability eligibility.
• Participants must be enrolled in WA State IFS, Basic Plus, or Core Waiver programs.
• Participants must be capable of participating in an activity/program independently or with a caregiver or Park District recreation companion.
• Participants must meet all essential requirements for the activity/program (Contact DDA Coordinator for more information regarding the requirements).

What programs/classes are eligible for these waivers?

Most Park District classes are eligible for enrollment but not all. Please check with the Park District’s Coordinator or appropriate manager to confirm eligibility.

How to enroll in the IFS Waivers Assistance Program?

Submit your state-issued Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) to the Financial Assistance Coordinator at bryang@biparks.org.

1. Receive acceptance into the program and confirmation of approved financial assistance amount for the year/season.
2. Fill out the program registration form and submit it to bryang@biparks.org. Please include additional choice activities if your first choice activities are full at the time of registration. Your choices in activities may not be guaranteed and will depend on when you register the participant.
3. Confirmation of registration will be emailed to the parent/guardian.

If a participant needs a recreation companion, they must make this request at least two weeks before an activity/program starts by contacting the ADA Coordinator, Cody Ogren at codyogren@biparks.org. All other requirements, rules, or policies about this program apply.