December Newsletter
Season's Greetings from Community Pathways!
As we approach the holidays at the end of the month, here is a friendly reminder that our office will be closed on December 24th and 25th for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We will also be closed on January 1st for New Year’s Day. The Community Pathways team is wishing you a fun, happy, and safe holiday season.
We want to acknowledge that no matter the holiday you choose to celebrate this time of year, we are celebrating with you! It is the diversity of the community around us that lets us grow, learn new things, and, ultimately, appreciate one another.
Thank you for another amazing year - See you in 2020!
Jennifer Santiago
Executive Director
PROVIDER UPDATES
Dual Roles
The first change is regarding the ODDS newly adopted administrative rules on November 1, 2019, which include expanded restrictions for providers who have dual roles for individuals receiving services. These new rules prohibit:
1. Staff of a provider agency (also known as Direct Support Professionals or DSPs) providing community living supports to their spouse.
2. DSPs providing community living supports to their minor child, including step-parents of minor children.
3. A PSW also providing attendant care or relief care as a DSP for the same individual receiving services. (This is still acceptable in situations in which the PSW also works fora provider agency that provides day support activities.)
As of January 1, 2020 no new dual roles will be allowed. Existing dual roles must be resolved when ISPs renew throughout 2020. For more information, find answers to FAQs by ODDS here:
https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/DD/PROVIDERS-PARTNERS/PSWNews/FAQ-PSWs-Dual-Role-English.pdf
Serious Incident Reporting Process Changes
The second change is an expansion on the definition of a “Serious Incident” or “SI” in Oregon and the timeline in which it must be reported to the individual’s Personal Agent. Our website has a list of incidents to be considered serious and the timeline required to report these incidents:
https://www.communitypath.org/psw-serious-incident-reporting.
This is a good page to bookmark for future reference.
ODDS has also developed a training on iLearn called “DHS - DD - Providers and Partners - What you need to know about Serious Incidents and CAM”. This, along with the letter sent out by ODDS, can hopefully answer any additional questions you may have regarding these changes. You can also reach out to the customer's PA if you need further assistance.
It is important to note that your role as a mandatory reporter of suspected abuse or neglect has not changed. It is still required to report this to the abuse hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE(7233) and to the individual’s Personal Agent.
VOLUNTEER INSPIRATION
This time of year offers great opportunity to celebrate the people who make up our community. Listed below are a few organizations with meaningful volunteer programs this winter. Get into the spirit of the holidays by getting involved!
Transition Projects is a local resource center for people experiencing homelessness. Their volunteer-provided meal program is especially seeking assistance during this time of year! www.tprojects.org/winter/
Compassion in Action works with Toy & Joy Clackamas County to distribute food baskets and toy boxes to families in need. Email using the contact listed on their website. http://www.ciacc.org/About_Us.html
Salvation Army has a list of programs to get involved with during the holidays. View their ideas at www.portland.salvationarmy.org/portland2/ways-to-give/
HOLIDAY CRAFTSPIRATION
Another infallible way to spread holiday cheer is with baking and crafting!
Candy canes are always abundant this time of year, so use this inspiration to utilize them instead of throwing out the extras that would have otherwise gone stale.
Candy Cane Reindeer
1 Candy Cane
1 set of googly eyes
1 pipe cleaner (brown, gold, or any color!)
1 Red pom-pom (optional)
Paste on googly eyes (and add the pom-pom as a furry red nose if your cane seems to be more of a Rudolph than a Dasher).
Cut a piece of pipe cleaner and wrap around the candy cane as antlers. This is a quick and simple decoration to use as an ornament or present topper!
Candy Cane Hot Chocolate
4 crushed peppermint candy canes
4 cups milk
3 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
1 cup whipped cream and/or marshmallows
In a saucepan, heat milk until hot (without boiling). Whisk in chocolate and crushed candy canes until melted. Pour cocoa into four mugs, then add whipped cream or marshmallows and a candy cane stirring stick!
These crafts can be a great way to spend time together and bring joy to the season. They are also a gentle reminder to take a step back and look at things in a fresh way; new perspectives can bring insight and understanding to the people around us. This is especially relevant as a new year approaches!
UPCOMING CPI EVENTS
LGBTQ+ Meetup
Thursday January 2, 2020 at 4-6:00 PM
2475 SE Ladd Avenue, 4th Floor, Portland, OR 97214
New Year, New Queer!
Come hang out and meet people in an inclusive, safe space.
Game Night
Wednesday January 22, 2020 at 4-6:00 PM
2475 SE Ladd Avenue, 4th Floor, Portland, OR 97214
Relax, have fun, and play board or video games provided by co-host Saturn Support.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
PHAME Annual Winter Concert
Wednesday December 18, 2019 at 7-8:30 PM
Alberta Abbey Art Center in Portland with a $5-$15 entry fee
A performing arts academy for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities is putting on a show. Buy your tickets online or at the door! https://www.phamepdx.org/events/winterconcert2019
Trellis Holiday Party
Thursday December 19, 2019 11:30 AM - 3 PM
Abernethy Grange in Oregon City
This holiday party is complete with cookie baking and decorating, crafts, karaoke, and a white elephant gift exchange. The event is free, but if you'd like to participate in the gift exchange you can bring a $5 gift!
Contact the Trellis office: (503) 387-5775
RESOURCES
Salvation Army
Christmas assistance for families with kids 0-12 years of age (space is limited and applications are required); the following page links to Portland Metro locations.
https://portland.salvationarmy.org/portland2/christmas-assistance/
Oregon Food Bank
Community Programs are open to the general public; use the food finder on the web page for locations.
https://www.oregonfoodbank.org/our-work/programs/food-access/community-programs/
Potluck in the Park
Hot meals on Sundays for those in need. Special meals sometimes available during the holiday season. https://www.potluckinthepark.org/
