Join our Game Night on May 23rd, 4-6pm

Join us for a Game Night event on May 23rd! We’re hosting an event for gamers and friends of Community Pathways to meet up and play games together. Support providers and friends of CPI are welcome to come. We look forward to seeing you!

Date: Thursday, May 23

Time: 4-6pm

Location: On the 4th floor of the Seven Corners Collaborative building at 2475 SE Ladd Avenue, Portland, OR 97214

What will be provided: Games! Snack foods and drinks. Members of the Community Pathways team will be at the event. Support providers, family, and friends are welcome to join!

Please RSVP to Kristine at kolson@communitypath.org or (503) 935-5243 ext. 228

Questions? Contact Kristine.

We look forward to seeing you!

Customer Highlight: Tino's Employment Story

“I took my mom and dad’s word to heart and did it. I’m where I’m at now. I have a driver license, I have a job. I can go where I want—because I’m a grown up.”

— Tino

Tino wearing his red Lowe’s vest at work, smiling and giving two thumbs up.

Valentino, or Tino for short, sat down with us recently to share his employment story. For the past eight years, Tino has worked at Lowe’s where he currently serves as a full-time Delivery Load Puller and Assistant to the Delivery Driver. But Tino hasn’t always worked full-time at Lowe’s; he worked his way up to his current position over time.

Before he got his start at Lowe’s, Tino shares that he worked as a Busboy at Black Bear Diner for five years. He was motivated to start looking for a new job because, “I was not getting paid enough,” he says. With a goal to find a new job and earn more money, Tino sought out support from a job coach through supported employment services offered by United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). The job coach helped Tino learn how to search, apply, and interview for jobs, “because I didn’t know how,” he says.

With the job coach’s support, Tino began applying for jobs at Walmart. When he didn’t hear back from Walmart, Tino explains, he continued applying for positions online at Home Depot and Lowe’s. “Lowe’s jumped on it real fast and wanted an interview,” Tino says about his online application experience. “I was shocked at how fast it went.”

Tino was initially hired by Lowe’s as a Front End Seasonal Loader, working a few hours per week. After a period of time, with the encouragement of his co-workers, Tino asked his manager if he could work part-time and was soon promoted to a more permanent position. After working part-time for six months, Tino asked to work full-time, “because I wanted to do something more athletic, like lifting appliances.” At first, Tino was told no because there were no available positions at the time. When a Deliver Load Puller position opened up, a manager notified Tino directly. Tino applied that day and was hired for the full-time position he has today.

Promotions did not come immediately to Tino, as his story shows. He emphasizes that it took hard work and dedication to get to where he is today. It also required a willingness to speak up and ask for help in finding and interviewing for jobs, as well as asking for more responsibility on the job.

Portrait of Tino wearing a yellow baseball hat with a Pikachu pattern and a matching yellow t-shirt.

Persistence was key to Tino’s success in securing his first position as a temporary seasonal employee at Lowe’s, and then working his way up to a permanent full-time position. Even when he was not hired or did not get a promotion right away, Tino kept applying for jobs and following up with managers to show his interest in taking on more responsibility at work while still working hard at the job he had. By taking this approach, Tino gained the respect of his co-workers and managers who have become important sources of support to his professional growth and sense of belonging.

Tino notes that he was shy at first but remained persistent because he really wanted to work full-time and was confident in his work ethic. Asking for a promotion can be hard to do, Tino acknowledges. But he was encouraged by his family, friends, and co-workers who said, “You can do it. Go for it.”

Ask what kind of challenges he has experienced in regards to employment, Tino says the main challenge he faces at work is dealing with disgruntled customers--a challenge anyone working in retail and customer service can relate to. “[Customers] can be a little upset because they didn’t get what they wanted,” Tino says about customers who share negative feedback with him. Tino explains that his approach to handling these situations is to acknowledge the customer’s experience and to follow up with his managers so they can take action and make necessary changes.

Asked what job advice he would pass on to other employees, Tino shares that his dad taught him to, “Listen to your elders and have that hard work ethic,” adding that his dad tells him to, “find something to do instead of standing around. If you’re done [with a task] and don’t have something to do, pick up a broom and start sweeping.” Tino notes that he receives praise from his co-workers and managers for his work ethic and feels appreciated for his contributions to the team.

Asked what advice he has for employers, Tino says that it’s important for employers to show appreciation for their employees and to help people with their needs, “like if you say you need a little help or don’t understand something.” He acknowledges that not every single need can be accommodated but within reason Tino believes employers should be willing to train people who are willing to work hard and be a part of a team.

Tino advises employers that ongoing training for employees is important to their continued success at work, like when “you got a routine and something new crops up, and you need a little more training to handle the new situation.” He especially appreciates managers who are polite to their employees.

Tino wearing a yellow baseball hat and a yellow t-shirt with a red and white Pokemon ball logo.

Being a part of a supportive work team has been an important part of Tino’s employment experience. “We’re a solid team [at Lowe’s],” he says, adding that he appreciates the support and encouragement he receives from his co-workers, many of whom he counts as friends. The need for support is mutual. Tino shares how he supports his co-workers by offering a listening ear and words of encouragement when they face their own challenges.

“Lowe’s is like a big ol’ family,” Tino says. “If I’m not okay, they’ll see what’s going on. They love me a lot and want me to be a front end loader again because I work so hard,” he adds, chuckling. “But I’m not going back to that,” he says with a grin.

Asked who supports him in his employment pursuits, Tino notes his first manager at Lowe’s was an important support because they helped train him as a seasonal employee. The manager eventually put in a good word for Tino with the other managers to be hired part-time. Tino gives the main credit to his parents (who are his foster mom and dad, he explains) for the support and encouragement they’ve provided him in working toward his goals. “I took my mom and dad’s word to heart and did it. I’m where I’m at now. I have a driver license, I have a job. I can go where I want—because I’m a grown up.”

Asked what’s ahead for him, Tino shares that he recently won a BBQ grill from entering a raffle prize at work. “I won the large prize,” he says, smiling. Now he’s looking forward to firing up the new grill once the weather gets nicer.

Congratulations, Tino! Keep up the good work.

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Meet Our ONA Assessors

“Meeting people where they are at in life is the best way to help them succeed. ”

— Mike, Lead ONA Assessor, Community Pathways

April Newsletter - Autism Acceptance

“On World Autism Awareness Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to promote the full participation of all people with autism, and ensure they have the necessary support to be able to exercise their rights and fundamental freedoms.”

— Secretary-General António Guterres, United Nations

World Autism Awareness and Acceptance

Did you know April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day? And April is World Autism Awareness Month! Help us spread the word not simply about autism awareness but ACCEPTANCE this month by using #AutismAwareness19 #AutismAcceptance

Join DD Advocacy on April 30th

Join the upcoming GO! Project DD Advocacy Day at the Oregon State Capitol on April 30th. Members of Community Pathways’ team, Build A Movement participants, and advocates will be going. The GO! Project Advocacy Team will be available at the Capitol to give you information, training, and support before talking with legislators. Come be an advocate!

Learn more about the GO! Project and DD advocacy at www.oregoniddcoalition.org

Legislator Lookup - Find your legislators (State Senator and House Representative).

Three women standing together for a photo at the DD Advocacy Day at the Capitol building in Salem. The woman in the middle holds a sign with the words, “Support DD Services.” Photo taken by Oregon DD Coalition staff member.

General Resource Guide

Find Direct Support (and clients)

Oregon Home Care Commission's (OHCC) Registry and Referral System - Find a provider to deliver direct support, or connect with an individual seeking direct support.

Food and Shelter 

211 Info - Find information on food shelters, warming/cooling centers, and shelters.

Oregon Food Bank's Food Finder - Find a food bank near you.

Portland Farmers Market - many of the markets accept SNAP benefits.

Health and Safety

Additional Needs Registry - Program for individuals in Portland and Multnomah county to share additional needs with 9-1-1 police and fire responders in case of emergencies.

Mental Health Crisis Lines

Clackamas County Crisis Line: (503) 655-8401

Multnomah County Crisis Line: (503) 988-4888

Washington County Crisis Line: (503) 291-9111

Arts and Culture 

Art Gallery at Seven Corners (2475 SE Ladd Avenue) is currently featuring works by artist Catherine Hill. Please check out the window gallery facing SE Division Street.

Public Annex - accessible urban farming and arts programming.

PHAME Academy - a school of the arts and performance serving adults with disabilities.

Social Events and Outdoor Activities

Off the Couch Events - socialization and educational program for differently-abled adults.

Adventure Without Limits - provides access to outdoor adventure to all people regardless of abilities, socio-economic gender, gender, ethnicity, or age.

Portland Parks and Recreation’s Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation - A program that offers, “community-based recreation activities and leisure services specially designed for children, teens, and adults who have a disability and/or special needs.”

Tech and Gaming

Guardian Games event calendar - Community calendar of gaming events.

Free Geek - provides volunteer opportunities and classes to enable digital access and education to create community that empowers people to realize their potential.

Fidgetech - A community for young adults on the autism spectrum to learn technologies, uncover interests and talents, develop skills, and achieve goals.

Do you have a resource you would like us to share? Email Kristine at kolson@communitypath.org or contact a personal agent. Thanks!

Spring Photo Gallery - Share your photos with us!

Pretty Flower

Linda, Personal Agent, Community Pathways

Sunrise at Scappoose Bay

Linda, personal agent at Community Pathways.

Bull Run River

Linda, personal agent at Community Pathways.

Hosta

Nina, Fiscal Manager at Community Pathways.

Bee in Flower

Nina, Fiscal Manager at Community Pathways.

Clematis

Nina, Fiscal Manager at Community Pathways.

Purple Pretties

Linda, Personal Agent, Community Pathways

The CPI Team is so excited that it's finally Spring. April brings longer days, bluer skies, more frequent "sun breaks", and much needed doses of Vitamin D—and more time spent outside! To celebrate the coming of Spring, members of the CPI team are sharing their favorite Spring-time photos with us all. We hope these beautiful images inspire people to spend time outside and share their photos with us!

Want to share your own Spring photos with the community? Please do!

How to Submit Photos to the Community Pathways Newsletter:

1. Send photos as .PNG or .JPEG file attachments to kolson@communitypath.org (Subject: Spring Photos for Newsletter).

2. Please include a title or brief description of each photo, such as “Mt Hood View” or “St Johns Bridge”.

Sign up to get the Community Pathways Newsletter here. Thank you!

Read the latest newsletters below by clicking “Read More”. Want to share your story and be featured in the newsletter or in a blog post on our website? Let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

March Newsletter

News Topics

• DD Awareness Month #DDAwareness19

• Individual & Provider Highlight

• DD Advocacy Days in Salem

• Build A Movement on March 8th

• Customer Survey on Gaming Events

• Resources for Individuals & Providers

March is DD Awareness Month! 

Help us spread awareness about developmental disabilities this month and every month. Follow along with us on Facebook to help us support, advocate for, and empower individuals and families experiencing developmental disabilities in Oregon and beyond. Please use #DDAwareness19 and #support #advocate #empower in your own social media posts.

In honor of DD Awareness Month, we’re excited to be sharing the story of Chris and William, an individual and a provider team who volunteer together to collect and give hygiene products (toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, etc.) to people experiencing houselessness in Portland. Learn more about their community service by reading their story below.

Thanks for reading! Questions or comments? Let us know. Email Kristine at kolson@communitypath.org or call (503) 935-5243 ext. 228. We value your feedback.

Enjoy the rest of your week!
-Team Community Pathways

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Image of artwork by Gary Murrel including the words #DDawareness19 and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Image Source: https://nacdd.org/ddam/

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Feature Story: Individual and Provider Volunteer to Give Hygiene Products to Portland’s Houseless

Chris and William recently met with our staff to share their experiences as an individual-customer and support provider volunteering together to collect and give hygiene products to people experiencing houselessness in Portland.

William, who works as a direct support provider, explains that he started serving people living without a house in Portland by using his own money to buy hot meals for people who might not be able to afford one. With time, his attention shifted to hygiene products because he wanted to provide longer-lasting support to people. By providing people with hygiene products they are able to stay more clean and healthy despite not having direct access to basic amenities.

 Chris, who is involved in many service projects through his church, quickly joined William's efforts when he learned about them. The volunteer duo share that with the support of Chris’ church congregation they were able to collect enough hygiene products to fill over 100 small backpacks to create what Chris refers to as “hygiene packs.” Targeting areas around the Burnside Bridge and Pioneer Square, Chris says they were able to give most of the hygiene packs away in a short span of time. The pair note the high demand for hygiene products among people living without a house in Portland highlights the larger housing crisis the City is experiencing.

Asked if they are still collecting products, or interested in continuing this project together, Chris and William both say yes. They would like to continue providing support to their community in this way, and welcome donations and support in their efforts.

Asked if he’s working on other service projects, as well, Chris shares that he regularly volunteers with his church. Primarily, he helps sew and assemble sanitary pads that are donated by the church to an organization in Africa that provides support to women in need. As an aside, William points out that it would be helpful to include disposable sanitary pads in the hygiene packs they make for people living in Portland.

What products do Chris and William currently collect for the hygiene packs? In travel sizes, they collect: tooth brushes, tooth paste, mouth wash, floss, shampoo, soap, razors, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, bottles of water, and snacks. Q-tips, toilet paper, nail clippers and disposable sanitary pads are also appreciated. They are also open to suggestions.

If you would like to learn more about Chris’ and William’s service project(s), or would like to donate toward their cause, please let us know. Contact Kristine at kolson@communitypath.org or (503) 935-5243 ext. 228.

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DD Advocacy Days in Salem

Image description: A group of advocates sitting around a conference room listening to a presentation on legislative advocacy at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem in February 2019./Oregon DD Coaltion at https://www.facebook.com/ORDDCoalition/photos

Join us at the next DD Advocacy Day in Salem on Tuesday, March 5th (10am - 2pm). Community Pathways is joining the Oregon Developmental Disability Coalition's GO! Project Advocacy Team and self-advocates to help support DD rights and services during the 2019 Legislative Session. Come learn about legislative advocacy and how you can make your voice heard!

Sign up to get the GO! Project Bulletin (newsletter) for the latest advocacy updates. Visit https://orddcoalition.org/go-project/

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Upcoming Event: Build A Movement Meeting

Image description: Build A Movement event flyer.

Community Pathways is proud to help sponsor and support the next Build A Movement (BAM) meeting of self-advocates on March 8th. BAM participants are self-advocates living in the Portland area who work together to address issues related to DD Services, Housing, and Healthcare. To learn more about BAM and how to get involved, contact Jennifer Knapp at knapp@cvision.org or (971) 347-7825.

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Customer Survey on Gaming Events

Do you like playing board games, video games, Virtual reality, etc.? Let us know by taking a short survey on gaming events.

Community Pathways invites individuals-customers to take a short 5 question, confidential survey to let us know if you’re interested in joining a gaming event or group. Our team would love to host a game night or gaming event here at Community Pathways. But, first, we need your feedback!

The survey asks 5 questions and takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. You can take the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FPWPD9Z

Request a paper copy to be mailed to you, with a stamped return envelope, by emailing Kristine at kolson@communitypath.org or calling (503) 935-5243 ext. 228. You may also contact your PA who can request the survey be mailed to you.

Deadline: April 15, 2019

We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you!

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Resources for Individuals and Providers

Please let us know if you have additional recommendations for resources Community Pathways can share with individuals-customers and providers online. Thank you! Call (503) 935-5243

Find a Provider (or individual to support)

OHCC Registry and Referral System: https://or-hcc.org/Welcome/Login?serviceGroupId=2

Food and Shelter

211 Info: http://211info.org/

Oregon Food Bank: https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/

Health and Safety

Additional Needs Registry: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/article/586275

Arts and Culture

The Gallery at Seven Corners Collaborative (2475 SE Ladd Ave, Portland, OR 97214)

Public Annex: http://www.publicannex.org/

PHAME Academy: https://www.phamepdx.org/

Activity Groups and Recreation

Off the Couch Activities: http://www.offthecouchevents.org/

Adventure Without Limits: https://www.awloutdoors.org/tripcalendar

Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (City of Portland): https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/39830

Tech and Gaming

Guardian Games: http://www.ggportland.com/calendar/

Free Geek: https://www.freegeek.org/

Fidgetech: http://fidgetech.org/

Do you have more resource recommendations? Please help us share them with the community.
Contact Kristine at kolson@communitypath.org or (503) 935-5243 ext. 228. Thank you!