Pierce County Alliance

The Pierce County Alliance is a private, non-profit, social service agency organized to deliver a wide range of services through innovative and cost-effective programs. Originally incorporated in 1972 as "The Pierce County Drug Alliance" to coordinate local drug treatment services, the name was changed in 1981 to reflect a broader range of programs undertaken by the agency. As the Alliance expanded to better respond to community needs and the multi-faceted issues of substance abuse, mental health, and at-risk youth, it earned a reputation for innovation and organizational effectiveness. The Alliance currently operates several major programs, including drug and alcohol treatment for adults and adolescents, foster home licensing and support, family counseling and mental health therapy. To deal with the burgeoning problem of drug-related crime, the agency has collaborated with local criminal justice officials to undertake programs like the Pierce County Drug Court, and the "Breaking the Cycle" program. Under the auspices of the Washington State Methamphetamine Initiative, of which the Alliance was a founding partner, the agency established a Methamphetamine Family Services Program in support of the Pierce County Family Court. Annual state and county audits confirm that Alliance programs are efficient, accountable and well organized. Awards and recognition include the Medina Foundation's "Management Excellence Award", Tacoma's "City of Destiny" awards; and "Outstanding Achievement by a Non-Profit Agency" from the Washington Council on Crime and Delinquency. Where is the Pierce County Alliance? In 1993, the Alliance undertook a successful, $1.1 million capital campaign to purchase and renovate the landmark Morley-Mellinger building near Wright Park and Tacoma's downtown. This state-of-the-art facility provides a permanent home, consolidating programs previously spread through four separate leased buildings, and reduces administrative costs while improving public access. The Alliance building is located at 510 Tacoma Avenue South, one block East of Wright Park and 3 blocks North of the County Court House. Parking is available on street or in the PCA Parking lot across the street, but accessed from Fawcett Avenue.