Newsletter: Friday, January 8th
COVID-19 Vaccine Updates
Earlier this week, Oregon announced that everyone in group 1A can now get the COVID-19 vaccine, which includes people with I/DD and their support (providers and family)! We are working with Local Public Health Authority (LPHA) and will provide more information to you when it becomes available. For now, see our website with updates on the vaccine and how you can get it.
For an overview on Oregon and the vaccine, see here.
OHA's data dashboard shows the total number of vaccines given to date in Oregon, based on these populations. For more information on how people are chosen to receive the vaccine, see here.
We know that many people are concerned about the safety (and effectiveness) of the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines undergo rigorous scientific testing to ensure their effectiveness and safety, and the vaccines for COVID-19 are no different. To read more about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines which are becoming available, see here.
While the vaccine is a step in the right direction to stop the spread of COVID-19, there are still many things we need to keep doing as a community to make sure we stay safe! If we work together, we can curb this virus.
Wear our face coverings and keep 6 feet away from other people who we don’t live with
Stay home when sick
Wash our hands and use hand sanitizer
New Year’s Resolutions
Welcome to 2021 CPI Family! It’s a new year, which means a fresh start. During the new year, many people choose to set resolutions. Those resolutions may be to find a new job, spend more time on a hobby, or to work on health and wellness.
Many resolutions tend to fail or fade away after the first couple of months of a new year! There are a few ways to set resolutions that will make them easier to stick to.
Use positive wording in your goals, such as “Go to bed 20 minutes earlier so I feel great in the morning!” instead of “I will stop going to bed so late”. Say what you want to do and not what you don’t want to do.
Try to add to or tweak habits you already have, such as flossing more (before brushing your teeth), or eating more veggies (with meals you already enjoy)
Set goals that are small and attainable, such as looking for work one hour per week, or going for one 15-minute walk per day. Once you have achieved these goals and established them as habit, they will be easier to build on!
Most importantly, make sure to celebrate accomplishing your small goals, and be kind to yourself! 2020 was an extremely hard year, and we all deserve to give ourselves a break. Here’s to a great 2021!
For more information on how to stick to New Year’s resolutions, take a look at this NYT article. For some ideas on what to set for your resolution, including how to achieve it, see here. And for how setting goals can lead to a happier life, see the Atlantic article here!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On Monday, January 18th, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day by reflecting on his life and legacy. Dr. King was the primary spokesperson for non-violent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law.
MLK Day Events
Oregon State University
Oregon State University will be holding a virtual event to celebrate MLK day, which will focus on social justice and transformative change. Objectives of the celebration are:
To learn about and reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King
To think of ways to carry on his ideals and work together in a way that is relevant to what is happening in our country today.
The keynote speaker will be Angela Davis; activist, educator and author. The event will be free.
Date: Monday, January 18th
Time: 9:30AM – 10:30AM PST
Registration is free, but you must register to attend here.
Source: HFC
World Arts Foundation
The World Arts Foundation presents the 36th Annual Tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, “Bridge over Troubled Water”, on Monday, January 18, 2021. The production will highlight community members who have upheld Dr. King’s mission over the past 35 years in Portland. The program will feature activists, community leaders, local businesses and youth.
Date: Monday, January 18th, 2021
Time: 12:00PM – 5:00PM PST
How to watch virtually: Visit https://www.worldartsfoundation.org/.
How to listen: KBOO Radio (90.7FM) and XRAY Radio (107.1 FM)
CPI Staff Highlight – Mary Jane Curran
In December of 2020, we welcomed a new Personal Agent to the CPI team – Mary Jane Curran! Mary Jane’s search for meaningful and joyful work led her to a residential care home in South West Portland where she worked with a large group of I/DD kids, first as a direct care worker and later as a manager at another residential care home that the agency had. She was constantly surprised, delighted, charmed and sometimes outfoxed by the kids! Later, she worked in a self-contained classroom as a 1:1 assistant and at Multnomah County Developmental Disabilities, mainly as a case manager for children. She has spent the past several years in a variety of part-time jobs (mostly outside human services) in order to raise her daughter.
MJ’s new paint job on her house
During the pandemic, Mary Jane has found the time to tackle some overdue home projects, the biggest of which was to paint the exterior of her house (she hired a young friend to help with the tricky spots)! Neither herself nor a paint tray fell from the ladder, so she counts that as an accomplishment! She’s also spent a ton of time with her teenage daughter, which has been entertaining and educational (although might not be a silver lining for her daughter)!
Mary Jane’s dog (Bee, pictured below) has been getting round-the-clock attention, which is what she most desires.
MJ’s dog, Bee
Mary Jane is looking forward to many things in 2021. Some of them being swimming in a pool, hearing her daughter’s stories about in-person high school, going to outdoor concerts and movies in theaters, attending a monthly spaghetti dinner inside with friends as well as celebrating birthdays and holidays with friends who do not have zoom. She is also looking forward to working at the CPI office and meeting her customers and co-workers in person!
We are thrilled to add Mary Jane to the team and are looking forward to working with her in 2021!
Upcoming Events
UCP Connections LGBTQ+ Social Hour
If interested in this zoom social hour, please contact Glenna Hayes at Glenna.Hayes@UCPConnections.org.
Date: Monday, January 11th
Time: 4:00 - 5:30 PM PST
Source: L’Arche Portland Facebook Page
L’Arche Portland’s DEI Speaker Series
L’Arche Portland is hosting a 3-part diversity, equity and inclusion speaker series which is FREE, accessible and open to the public.
Welcoming Our Differences: An Interactive & Intersectional Speaker Series
Register for free here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkde-przkuG9EcFvmMBwbmvPSOZUgL-osH
Facebook events here: https://www.facebook.com/events/157802386130542/
Implicit Bias: Thursday, January 14th / 5:30PM – 7:30PM PST
Queerness and Spirituality: Thursday, February 11th / 5:30PM – 7:30PM PST
Intro to Disability Justice: Thursday, March 11th / 5:30PM – 7:30PM PST
Northwest Down Syndrome Association hosts All Born In events online
Many All Born In events are now being hosted virtually. You can find workshops, drop-in sessions, support spaces and more at the All Born in Event Calendar.
Portland Parks & Recreation | Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation
The winter term session begins January 11th! Call 503-823-2883, email jane.doyle@portlandoregon.gov or visit their Facebook page for more information.
Source: MHADC
Mt Hood Adult Day Center
The Mt. Hood Adult Day Center is open! They offer COVID-19 services, virtual zoom groups and a live virtual inclusive fitness class. Visit their website for more information.
Contact them to get started by phone, 503-512-7373, or by email at info@mthoodadultdaycenter.com.
CPI Office Closure
Community Pathways will be closed on Monday, January 18th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Source: Wikipedia