Building Community Through Partnership: A Memorable Day at the Ballpark

At SAILS Washington, some of the most meaningful opportunities begin with a simple conversation. What started as a connection at a provider fair earlier this year turned into an unforgettable experience for the individuals we support and a powerful reminder of the impact community partnerships can have.

In April, SAILS Washington attended a local provider fair to share information about our Supported Living, Home Care, Employment, and Community Inclusion services. Events like these allow us to connect with community partners, educate others about our mission, and build relationships that create new opportunities for the people we serve.

During the event, our Client Intake and Transitions Manager met an attorney from Jones & Ibrahim, PLLC, a law firm specializing in disability law. After learning more about SAILS Washington and the work we do throughout Washington, they generously offered to donate Seattle Mariners tickets for our clients and staff.

On June 18, that generosity came to life as clients and staff traveled to T-Mobile Park to watch the Seattle Mariners take on the Baltimore Orioles. Whether it was taking in the sights and sounds of the stadium, cheering alongside thousands of fans, or simply spending time together, the evening was filled with smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories. To make the experience even sweeter, the Mariners came away with a win.

However, the adventure that day began well before the first pitch. Many of the clients and staff met at a local light rail station to travel together to the game. For several individuals, it was their very first time riding the light rail. What may seem like a simple trip for some became an exciting new experience filled with learning and connection. Traveling together gave clients the opportunity to build confidence navigating their community, spend time with friends, and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. By the time the group arrived at T-Mobile Park, the excitement was already palpable.

While attending a professional sporting event may seem like an ordinary experience for many people, opportunities like this aren’t always accessible to the individuals we support. Financial barriers often limit participation in community activities, making partnerships like this one especially meaningful. Thanks to the generosity of Jones & Ibrahim, our clients were able to enjoy an experience that many may not otherwise have had the opportunity to attend.

One of the most rewarding parts of the evening was seeing individuals participate who don’t typically choose to attend community outings. Several clients who generally prefer to stay home decided to join the group for the game. By the end of the night, they were fully engaged in the excitement, connecting with peers, sharing laughs, and creating memories alongside friends and staff. Watching these individuals step outside of their normal routines and embrace a new experience was a powerful reminder of why opportunities like these matter.

The evening also provided a chance for current and prospective clients to connect with members of our leadership team, including our Vocational Director, Sherlisa. Though it was her first Mariners outing with many of our Supported Living clients, you would’ve never known it. She jumped right in without missing a beat, building relationships and connecting with clients and staff as though she had been part of the team for years.

For those who know Sherlisa, this comes as no surprise. Her passion for helping individuals achieve their goals is evident in everything she does. It was inspiring to watch her share stories about our Vocational and Community Inclusion programs and the incredible opportunities available to the people we support. She approaches every challenge with the belief that individuals are capable of much more than others may expect. “Can’t” and “don’t” simply aren’t part of her vocabulary. Her commitment to helping people explore new opportunities, gain independence, and actively participate in their communities continues to make a lasting impact on countless lives.

This outing served as a reminder that inclusion is about more than being present in the community. It’s about creating opportunities for people to participate, build relationships, try new experiences, and make memories that last a lifetime. Whether it was a client attending their first professional baseball game, reconnecting with friends, or discovering new possibilities through conversations with our team, the evening represented the very best of what community partnership can accomplish.

We’re incredibly grateful to Jones & Ibrahim, PLLC for their generosity and support. Their donation provided far more than tickets to a baseball game. It created opportunities, fostered connections, and gave our clients an experience they will remember for years to come.

As SAILS Washington continues to build relationships throughout our communities, we look forward to creating more opportunities like this. Together, we’re helping ensure that the individuals we support have access to the same experiences, adventures, and opportunities that enrich all of our lives.

Thank you to Jones & Ibrahim, PLLC, our dedicated staff, and everyone who helped make this special evening possible. Together, we’re building stronger communities, creating meaningful connections, and opening doors to new possibilities every day.