CPI Newsletter: Winter 2026
Stock image of winter scene.
Happy New Year! In our latest newsletter, you will find the following information, activities, and resources:
Message from the Director, Jennifer Santiago
Greetings and Happy New Year!
I hope everyone enjoyed their winter holidays. As we start the new year, I feel hopeful and thankful. I also know there is a lot of work ahead of us.
I am very grateful for the strong community we have. This community includes our customers, employees, care providers, and state staff. All of us work together to make sure people get the supports and services they need. We may not always agree on how to do things, but we agree on why we do them—because we care, and because there is a real need.
Now, on to the work: HR-1, the federal spending bill passed in July 2025 (sometimes called The Big Beautiful Bill), is starting to affect services here in Oregon. These effects will grow over the next 3 to 6 years as the bill is fully put in place. Oregon lawmakers are already working hard to find ways to cover the lost funding and increased costs to the states.
We know there will be cuts to Developmental Disabilities (DD) services. These cuts could affect who can get services, how much providers are paid, or the services themselves. Some cuts may happen during this short legislative session in 2026, with bigger cuts expected in 2027. We don’t want anyone to panic, but it is important to stay informed and speak up for these services.
There are ways to stay informed. One way is to stay connected with the DD Coalition’s GO! Project. We are excited to share that Community Pathways, with leadership from Kristine Olson, has been chosen to lead this project for the next 18 months. Through this work, we will share updates and ways you can help educate others and advocate for this community.
I am thankful for the chance to serve this community, and I hope the new year brings us even closer together.
Jennifer Santiago
Executive Director, Community Pathways
Medicaid and OHP Update
In July 2025, the federal government passed a new law called House Resolution 1 (HR1). This law may change some rules for Medicaid and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) is working on understanding these changes and how they may affect people in Oregon. Right now, no immediate changes are happening to your OHP benefits.
OHA will share updates over the next year as they learn more. They are working with the federal government to make sure Oregon’s programs continue to support people.
Stay informed
You can get updates on OHA’s new web page about federal changes and Facebook account (@OregonHealthAuthority). You can also ask your support providers or personal agent if you have questions or need help understanding these changes and what they mean for you.
We are here for you
We know changes can cause people to feel worried. Please know that your health coverage is still in place, and we will share information as soon as we have it. Your questions and concerns matter, and we are here to help.
We Want Your Feedback
Take CPI’s Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey
Tell us how we’re doing! Every year, we mail a survey to all of our customers to ask for feedback on the support services they get from Community Pathways. This survey is anonymous, meaning it does not have your name on it. We use the feedback customers share with us to improve how we support and share information with the individuals and community we serve.
What to know and do:
Check your mailbox regularly for a letter from Community Pathways during the first and second week of January.
Please mail your completed survey back to Community Pathways on or by January 23, 2026.
Use the stamped envelope addressed to Community Pathways, Inc. included with your survey to mail the completed form back to us.
Thank you for taking the time to fill out the survey. We value your input!
Questions or Need Help? If you have questions about the survey or want help filling it out, please email our Administrative Assistant Anna Coy at acoy@communitypath.org or call her at 503-935-5249. She can help you fill out the form and keep your answers anonymous.
PA Specialist Corner
In the PA Specialist Corner blog post series, CPI’s Personal Agent Specialist Christine Xthona shares specialized knowledge and information to help customers, providers, community partners, and everyone in the DD community feel supported and connected.
Planning for the Future and Social Security Benefits
Many people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) get SSI—also called Supplemental Security Income. It is important to know how a parent’s retirement can change the benefits of their adult child with a disability when planning for the future. Read Christine’s latest blog post to learn what steps you can take to plan for the future.
Meet Anna, CPI's New Staff Member
Meet Anna, CPI’s new Administrative Assistant (Communications and Operations). She recently moved to Portland from McMinnville, Oregon, where she worked at Juliette’s House, a child abuse intervention center. In this role, she supported children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who had experienced abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence, helping them access the care and support they needed.
Anna earned her B.A. in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in 2023, which strengthened her passion for advocacy and ensuring that everyone has a voice. Anna is excited to join Community Pathways and continue supporting individuals and families in the community.
Outside of work, Anna enjoys spending time outdoors, including hiking, biking, skiing, camping, and stand-up paddle boarding, among many other activities. One of her favorite spots in Portland is Laurelhurst Park—she especially loves seeing the ducks!
Ready for Winter Weather?
Prepare for winter storms, cold weather, and power outages.
Use these resources to help you stay safe this winter:
Know where to go during cold weather!
Visit 211 Info to find local winter and severe weather sheltera and warming centers in your county. Here are resources for residents of Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties:
Join the Upstream Access Peer-ability Cohort to learn more about emergency preparedness and to get equipment. This group meets once a month for three months focusing on key topics like basic preparedness, how to prepare for power outages, and pod mapping. Contact Upstream Access to learn more.
Be 2 Weeks Ready. View and download the Be 2 Weeks Ready Toolkit to learn how to make an emergency plan and first aid kit, store water and food, and more. It’s available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, Chinese (Simplified), and American Sign Language (ASL). Watch YouTube videos about the toolkit with American Sign Language (ASL) and Closed Captioning (CC).
Stay safe during power outages. Oregon Health Plan members that qualify for HRSN services might be eligible for Home Changes for Health to help them during extreme weather, including portable power supplies and mini fridges to operate medical devices and keep medications cold during a power outage. Visit Oregon Health Authority’s website to learn more.
Self-Advocacy Groups and Events
Self-advocates rally to support Senate Bill 444, and accessible housing, at the Oregon State Capitol building in Salem in March 2025.
How to Get Involved
There are many ways you can get involved in the community and practice advocating for your inclusion, support needs, and accommodations. Below are two ways to get started—join a self-advocacy event and join a self-advocacy group!
Advocate at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem
The GO! Project’s next DD Legislative Advocacy Day is on February 12th. Advocates will meet at the Oregon State Library in Salem from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come learn how to advocate for disability rights and supports and speak with your legislators!
Connect with a Self-Advocacy Group or Organization
If you’re interested in learning how to advocate for people with disabilities, check out these groups and organizations that advocate for people with developmental disabilities in Oregon throughout the year.
Self Advocates Taking Action (SATA) meetings the second Friday of every month at the Seven Corners Collaborative Building (2475 SE Ladd Ave, Portland, OR 97214). Have questions? Contact Jennifer Knapp at jknapp@cvision.org.
Oregon Self Advocacy Coalition (OSAC) is a membership based nonprofit that has a healthcare committee and legislative committee that meet regularly to affect policy change state-wide. Have questions? Contact Gabrielle Guedon at gabrielle.guedon@askosac.org
Oregon DD Coalition’s (ODDC’s) GO! Project helps connect regional advocates and help them educate others about their stories, concerns, and the impact of policies effecting people with I/DD.
Oregon Council on Developmental Disabilities (OCDD) is made up of self-advocates, family members, representatives of advocacy organizations, and community partners and state agencies that serve people with developmental disabilities. Members of OCDD are appointed by the Governor to serve up to two consecutive four-year terms. Join a Council meeting on Zoom.
Resources and Supports for Daily Life
East County Community Resiliency Fair
Join the East County Community Resiliency Fair to connect with community services, resources, and supports. This event is presented by the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) and the City of Gresham.
When: Saturday February 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Centennial High School, 3505 SE 182nd Ave, Gresham
Job and Career Development Programs
abilIT
This 14-week program is designed to prepare people with disabilities who already have a basic knowledge and understanding of IT to enter careers in the technology fields. The program is fully funded, no cost for participants. Learn more about eligibility and requirements here: https://www.relayresources.org/abilit
Nourish & Flourish Kitchen
This 16-week curriculum-based program is designed to build confidence and independence through hands-on training alongside professional chefs. Located in downtown Portland. Open to individuals who have IDD case management services and have Employment Path services included in their ISP. No cost to students who qualify. For more information, contact info@cedarindependence.com Learn more and register here: https://www.germainesculinary.org/
If you know of other job-related opportunities you’d like us to share with our community, please let us know. Email us at info@communitypath.org
Financial and Budgeting Services
Northwest Access Fund offers people with disabilities customized loans, financial coaching, and other resources, including monthly classes on Financial How-To’s for People with Disabilities.
Next Class: “How to Make a Budget and Save” on January 6th at 12:00 p.m. PST.
Learn more and register: https://www.nwaccessfund.org/coaching/classes/
Local Food Resources in Oregon
Need help getting food this winter? Here are a few places you can find resources and information to help you find what you need.
211 Info shares information about SNAP benefits, hot meals, free groceries, food pantries and more.
Oregon Food Bank’s Food Finder website shares places where you can find free food, groceries, and more.
Visit the SNAP Benefits and Food Resources page on CPI’s website for more resources and information about SNAP benefits and a list of food resources located throughout the Portland Metro area.
Free or Low-Cost Community Events and Activities
Join our next CPI Game Night!
Join our next game night on January 22nd! 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, Shoots and Ladders, and more! You are welcome to bring your own games (that are appropriate for all ages), snacks, and drinks if you want to.
Event Details
When: January 22, 2026, from 4-6 p.m.
Where: 2475 SE Ladd Ave, Portland, OR 97219 – on the 4th floor in Room 419
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.
Local Events and Festivals
For people who enjoy socializing, attending seasonal events or community gatherings can be a great way to build meaningful friendships and make fun memories.
Portland Winter Light Festival showcases lights and art installations throughout Portland. It’s an opportunity for a fun, free night-out with family and friends.
When: February 6–14, 2026. Most are open February 6-7 and 13-4 from 6:00-10:00 p.m.
Where: Portland, Oregon centered about Pioneer Courthouse Square, World Trade Center Portland, and Electric Blocks. Other sites include PSU, Director Park, Waterfront Park, Ankeny Alley and Old Town.
Plan your visit by visiting the festival website: https://pdxwlf.com/plan-your-visit/
Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation Programs for Adults
Explore free or low-cost classes, social events, and drop-in programs at community centers, like Portland Parks & Recreation and Taulatin Hills Park & Recreation District.
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) Programs
Join classes and events focused on adaptive recreation, art and music, making friends, and environmental and nature activities.
Sign up early! Starting on January 15th, you can register for February programs
Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (THPRD) Adult Programs
Join adaptive and inclusive recreation programs for adults this winter and spring 2026. Find programs and activity guides below:
Accessible Travel Tips and Resources
Planning a trip or getting involved in community activities should be exciting—not overwhelming or like it’s not possible because of a disability. Below, you’ll find resources and programs that help make travel, event planning, and everyday participation more accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for people with disabilities and their families.
Sunflower Lanyard Program: Making the Invisible Visible. CPI has lanyards at our office that customers can get for free. Ask your personal agent about getting one!
Simple Recipe: English Muffin Pizza
Accessible Chef’s English muffin pizza recipe
Level: Beginner
How Many it Makes: 1 serving (2 mini pizzas)
What You’ll Need:
Ingredients:
Pepperoni (or topping of choice)
Pizza sauce (can be from a jar)
Cheese (shredded works best)
English muffins
Tools:
Microwave
Spoon
Plate
Knife (optional)
Steps:
Wash your hands.
Open an English muffin, or cut it in half, and put it on a plate.
Spread the pizza sauce on the English muffin.
Sprinkle cheese on top of the sauce.
Add the pepperoni (or other toppings).
Put in the microwave. Cook for 1 minute.
Keep cooking for 30 seconds at a time until cheese melts.
Let cool before eating.
Enjoy!
Recipe from the Accessible Chef blog: https://accessiblechef.com/recipes/english-muffin-pizza/
2026 Holiday Closures
Our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays in 2026:
Martin Luther King Day: January 19th
Presidents’ Day: February 16th
Memorial Day: May 25th
Juneteenth: June 19th
Independence Day (observed): July 3rd
Labor Day: September 7th
Veterans’ Day: November 11th
Thanksgiving: November 26th and 27th
Christmas Day: December 25th