CPI Newsletter: Summer 2026

Written By Jennifer Santiago

Happy Summer! In our latest newsletter, you will find the following information, activities, and resources:

 

Message from the Director, Jennifer Santiago

Greetings and happy summer to all!

Our summer newsletter is packed with helpful information and fun activities and stories. As summer kicks off I want to take a moment to thank our wonderful Community Pathways team. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who works for us. Every day, our team brings energy, creativity, and unwavering commitment to our work. They don’t just tackle routine tasks; they look for better solutions, find new ways to share information, and jump in whenever a challenge appears. This collaborative spirit and positive drive make a real difference in our ability to support people.

Community Pathways supports over 540 individuals with a team of 28 full-time staff. Personal Agents—the primary contacts at Community Pathways—help individuals receiving services connect to resources, coordinate supports, and plan ahead. Behind the scenes, our administrative support team ensures those services run smoothly. They handle everything from qualifying and on-boarding Personal Support Workers (PSWs) through multiple agencies, to ensuring timely payments, answering phones, scheduling meetings, sending correspondence, and keeping the office organized. We also have an exceptional management team whose main role is supporting the workforce day-to-day. They develop policies and processes, work through complex situations, and provide one-on-one guidance to staff. They also have a number of required, routine tasks they have to work into their day. 

I also want to thank our community! We love the work we do, and we recognize we can’t do it without all of you. To our customers, we thank you for allowing us into your lives and homes and trusting us to work for you. To all the providers, PSWs and agencies, thank you for your collaboration, understanding and work. It means a lot to be part of a community that comes together and does good work for and with each other to make a meaningful difference.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July and rest of your summer!

We are all better together.

- Jennifer Santiago, Executive Director at Community Pathways

Summer Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Summer in Oregon can bring hot weather, wildfires, power outages, and other emergencies. Staying safe starts with being prepared.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) encourages everyone to Be 2 Weeks Ready. This means having a plan and enough food, water, medications, and other supplies for you and your household to get through two weeks after a disaster. The Be 2 Weeks Ready toolkit helps people build preparedness step by step, including how to:

  • Make emergency plans

  • Prepare food and water supplies

  • Create a first-aid-kit

  • Pack a go-bag

Take time this summer to check your emergency contacts, make a plan with your family or support providers, and gather important supplies. It’s also important to have a backup system and plan in place for power outages. If you have medical needs that require electricity, check out the PGE Medical Certificate Program and apply.

Small steps today can help you stay safe and feel more confident during any future emergency or natural disaster.

More Information and Resources:

  • 211info is an emergency helpline that connects people with local community resources, health, and social services, including cooling centers during extreme heat.

  • Oregon Health Authority offers preparedness tools for Oregonians, including information about current and seasonal hazards like wildfires.

Disability Pride and Celebration

July is Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month

July is Disability Pride Month, a time to celebrate the strength, diversity, and achievements of people with disabilities. It honors the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990, a landmark law that protects the rights of people with disabilities.

This month is about recognizing disability as a natural part of human diversity and promoting inclusion, accessibility, and respect for all. At Community Pathways, we celebrate disability pride, self-advocacy, and the contributions people with disabilities make every day.

Celebrate the 36th ADA Anniversary on July 26

Every year on July 26, we celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This year marks 36 years since the ADA became law in 1990.

The ADA is an important civil rights law that helps protect the rights of people with disabilities. It supports equal opportunities and helps make sure people with disabilities can participate fully in their communities.

This year's ADA Anniversary theme from the ADA National Network is "Celebrate. Learn. Share." It's a reminder to celebrate progress, learn more about disability rights, and share why inclusion and accessibility matter for everyone.

Join us this month, and every month, in recognizing the impact of the ADA and the contributions of people with disabilities in our communities.

Make Your Voice Heard: Join I/DD Legislative Advocacy Trainings and Events

Want to make a difference in your community? Advocacy is one way to help shape the decisions and policies that affect people with I/DD across Oregon.

When people with I/DD, family members, support providers, and community members speak up, they help legislators (also known as lawmakers or elected officials) better understand what supports, services, and changes are needed. You don’t need advocacy experience to get involved. Whether you’re new to advocacy or have experience, there are upcoming trainings and events you can join to learn more about the legislative process, get updates about important issues, and meet other advocates from across the state.

How to Get Involved and Take Action

Start by checking out these groups and organizations already doing great work in Oregon:

  • The Oregon DD Coalition’s GO! Project offers:

    • A series of free, virtual “Lunch and Learn” trainings on Zoom. Upcoming trainings are being held from 12-1 p.m. in August, November and January. Learn more and sign up on the GO! Project webpage.

    • A monthly GO! Bulletin email that shares information about the legislative process, updates about key policy and budget issues, and information about upcoming trainings and legislative advocacy events in Salem.

    • Opportunities to join self-advocacy events in Salem, like Legislative Committee Days (between now and January 2027) and GO! Days (between February and June 2027), to meet with legislators to advocate for DD rights and funding for DD supports and services.

  • Self-Advocates Taking Action is a group of people who get involved on issues that impact people with disabilities. They meet the second Friday of every month in the Seven Corners Collaborative Building (2475 SE Ladd Ave, Portland, OR 97214)! For more information, contact Glenna Hayes glenna.hayes@ucpconnections.org or Jennifer Knapp at jknapp@cvision.org

  • The Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition (known as OSAC) supports local self-advocacy groups across Oregon to take action in their communities to advocate for the rights of people with I/DD. For more information, contact OSAC staff member Madelyn Snead at madelyn.snead@askosac.org

2026 Inclusive Leadership Summit

Join the Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition for the state’s third annual Inclusive Leadership Summit (ILS) that brings together Oregon’s self-advocates, family members, professionals, and state leaders to create change. Come participate in insightful presentations, engaging discussions, and networking opportunities.

Event Details

  • Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026

  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

  • Location: Holiday Inn Salem, 3301 Market St NE, Salem, OR 97301

Learn more

PA Specialist Corner

House Resolution 1 and How it Affects the Oregon Health Plan

Important changes are coming to the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) as a result of House Resolution 1 (HR1), a federal budget bill passed in July 2025. Because OHP provides both health coverage and developmental disability services for many Community Pathways customers, these changes could affect how individuals maintain their benefits and services. New renewal requirements and work activity rules are expected to begin in 2027, making it more important than ever to stay informed. Read more to learn what these changes mean, when they will take effect, and how Community Pathways can help you navigate the transition.

Read the blog post

Customer Spotlight

Whitney Shares About New Community Cooking Group

We're excited to relaunch our Customer Spotlight series by introducing Whitney, a Community Pathways customer whose passion for cooking and connecting with others is helping inspire a new Community Cooking Group.

Drawing on her own experiences and interests, Whitney is helping create an opportunity for adults with disabilities to build life skills, develop friendships, and grow as leaders. From food safety and meal preparation to social connection and mentorship, this new group has a lot to offer.

Read the blog post

Resources and Supports for Daily Life

Cooling Centers and Heat Safety

Here are some hot weather resources to get more information about cooling centers and shelters, misting stations, fountains, and heat safety tips:  

Important: TriMet does not turn away riders traveling to or from cooling centers during declared heat emergencies.

 

Financial and Budgeting Services

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Need help getting help with your finances, like managing money, saving, and planning for your future?

Call 2-1-1 or visit 211info.org to connect with financial assistance programs, utility assistance, rent help, and other community resources.

The Northwest Access Fund is another local resource that offers people with disabilities customized loans, financial coaching, and other resources, including monthly classes on Financial How-To’s for People with Disabilities.

See a list of upcoming group classes here: https://www.nwaccessfund.org/coaching/classes/

 

Local Food Resources in Oregon

Need help getting food this summer? These resources can connect you to free meals, groceries, and SNAP benefits in the Portland metro area:

  • 211 Info shares information about SNAP benefits, hot meals, free groceries, food pantries and more

Need more help?

Our Personal Agents can also help customers, and their family members and support providers, to connect with food resources or answer questions about eligibility for programs like SNAP.

CPI Game Night

Join our next game night on July 16th! This is a free event for customers of Community Pathways and members of the I/DD community, including support providers.

There will be snacks, drinks, and lots of games, like UNO, Connect 4, bingo, Chutes and Ladders, and more! You are also welcome to bring your own games (that are appropriate for all ages) and snacks.

Event Details

  • Date: July 16th, 2026

  • Time: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • Location: 2475 SE Ladd Ave, Portland, OR 97219 (on the 4th floor in Room 418)

  • Parking and Transportation: Bus lines stop right outside the building. Free street parking is available on SE Ladd Avenue and surrounding side streets.

  • Accessibility: The building is universally accessible and includes an elevator.

Let us know you’re coming!

To RSVP, you can either:

Come have fun, meet new people, and enjoy an evening in the community!

Community Events and Activities

Looking for free and low-cost activities in the community?

There are many free and affordable events happening throughout Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. Here are some websites that can help you find activities that match your interests, schedule, transportation options, and accessibility needs:

  • Club EMU Events Calendar: Join social events for neurodivergent individuals ages 16 through adult, including game nights, hikes, dances, and more.

  • Local Library Events: Check out your local library’s website to find free classes, workshops, book groups, social activities, arts programs, and community events throughout the year.

  • Travel Portland Events Calendar: Find festivals, community events, arts activities, outdoor recreation, and free events throughout the Portland area. Many listings are accessible by TriMet.

  • EverOut Portland: Search for free and low-cost events by date, neighborhood, and category, including arts, music, community gatherings, and family-friendly activities.

  • Portland Living on the Cheap: A local resource focused on free and budget-friendly events, attractions, classes, and activities throughout the Portland metro area.

  • Portland Parks & Recreation: Find free community events, movies in the park, concerts, festivals, recreation programs, and seasonal activities offered throughout Portland parks. Many Summer Free For All events are free and designed to be welcoming for a wide range of community members.

Upcoming Summer Festivals and Fairs

  • July 2-4: Waterfront Blues Festival:  July 2–4, 2026

  • July 18-19: Portland Pride Waterfront Festival

  • Mid-July: Washington County Fair

  • Late July: Clackamas County Fair

  • Late August-Early September: Oregon State Fair

Adaptive Recreation Programs

Simple Summer Recipe

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

Photo credit: Alberta Rose

Servings: 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of vanilla yogurt (or flavor of choice)

  • Fresh berries (or thawed frozen berries)

  • 1 cup Granola

  • Optional toppings

Tools:

  • Bowl or cup

  • Spoon

Instructions:

  1. Add ½ cup of the granola to the cup or bowl.

  2. Add 1 cup of yogurt.

  3. Add 4 berries (or more if you like).

  4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 one more time to create layers.

Upcoming Holiday Closures

Our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays in 2026:

  • Independence Day (observed): July 3rd

  • Labor Day: September 7th

  • Veterans’ Day: November 11th

  • Thanksgiving: November 26th and 27th

  • Christmas Day: December 25th

Jennifer Santiago
Next

PA Specialist Corner: House Resolution 1 and How it Affects OHP