Newsletter: Friday, July 2nd
Community Pathways’ 13th Anniversary!
July 2021 marks Community Pathways’ 13th anniversary! We are delighted and honored to have served this community for 13 years, especially during this last difficult one.
Community Pathways’ story belongs to a broader history of support services brokerages in Oregon. In 2000, a group of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families determined that the availability of supports and services for adults with developmental disabilities, living and working in Oregon, was inadequate.
This group of families pursued access to support services in their homes and communities through a settlement known as the Staley Settlement. This settlement allowed support services and funding to become available to all adults with developmental disabilities who want to live in their own home or in their family home in the community. People no longer had to access services only through group and foster care homes. There was now funding and services that allowed people to stay in their family homes or live on their own.
The State of Oregon chose to implement the Staley Settlement by creating support services brokerages to assist individuals with developmental disabilities to access, plan, and monitor the supports they need to live self-determined lives in the community. There are currently fourteen brokerages in Oregon, six of which are located in the Portland Metro area. In 2013 Oregon implemented a program known as the “K-Plan”. This new funding allowed Oregon to open up support services to children and increased funding available to adults. It also changed “support services” to “in home services” and you may hear these two terms used interchangeably.
Established in 2008, Community Pathways, Inc. (CPI) began as a program within The Arc Multnomah-Clackamas. Under the leadership of our Executive Director, Jennifer Santiago, and a small but dedicated team of personal agents, we became an independent support services brokerage in 2010. Several key members of our team have been with us since the beginning. They are an invaluable source of leadership, knowledge, and support to our staff as well as the individuals we serve and their support teams.
2021 Customer Satisfaction Survey Results
The results are in for CPI’s annual Customer Satisfaction Survey! Back in March, we sent out our 2021 survey to all customers. The questions for this year were the same as last year, but with some important additions about our services during COVID-19. This year we received 102 surveys, which is almost as many as 2020! Thank you to all of you who replied.
Feedback is very important to us here at Community Pathways, because we want to make sure we are providing the best services possible. It also allows us to hear any concerns, chat about them internally and make positive changes. As always, we appreciate your input! If you have any concerns, or feedback on how we can improve, please e-mail info@communitypath.org or call us at (503) 935-5243.
Feedback on our Services
Below are some of the things we learned from those who responded:
100% of customers said that we helped them to meet their needs/achieve their goals
95% of customers told us that their plan said what they wanted it to say
95% of customers were getting the supports and services they needed
60% of customers have been with us for over 5 years
38% of customers filled out the survey themselves, and 60% got help from something they trusted, like a family member or friend.
96% of customers were satisfied with the brokerage services we offer
We also learned that:
88% of customers knew what to do to file a complaint
Although this is a high percentage, we wanted to make sure that everyone is aware of our complaint process! You can find out more about how to file a complaint here. Scroll down to “You Have a Right to File a Grievance or Concern with Community Pathways, Inc”. You can also ask your PA for assistance.
Feedback on Social Media/Newsletter
The responses about Facebook and our newsletter were very similar to last year. We saw that most people want to see more photos, both of people and places, and to hear more customer stories. We will be making a big effort this year to highlight customer achievements. We also look forward to hosting our game nights and social events again soon, and will share information about them once our operations return to normal.
If you are interested in sharing a story with us, we would love to hear about it! We are always thrilled to read these stories and share them in future newsletters and on social media.
COVID-19 Specific Feedback
This past year has been a trying and difficult time for everyone (if only we had a nickel every time we heard this statement…), and we have been honored to serve individuals and support them through this crisis.
Below are some of the things we learned from those who responded:
87% of customers thought CPI did a good job supporting them during the pandemic
Some comments we received:
“We appreciated emailed info. My PA has checked in from time to time and made thoughtful suggestions for things to do during this isolating time. My PA also provided info to get vaccinated!”
“Made sure I received the supports I needed and continue to work towards my goals.”
“Checking in, helping us obtain covid shots, community events, zoom classes.”
“Providing all the relevant information in a timely manner such as masks available and vaccination options. Very supportive and checking in regularly.”
“Offers of PPE, made us aware of care options if I or my care provider gets sick.”
83% of customers said that CPI gave them enough information about the pandemic, and made them feel safe and supported throughout.
52% said that CPI helped them figure out what to do if they had COVID related questions.
71% said that CPI helped them to get information about the COVID-19 vaccine and 66% said that CPI helped them to get the vaccine if they wanted it.
Most people said their primary source of information about COVID-19 was their families, and then their personal agents and providers. We also saw that customers got information on the pandemic from TV and the news, the internet, their workplaces and medical professionals.
We know how important it has been to get up-to-date information about the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccines. We also know that this information has constantly been changing, and we have done our best to share this information. If you have any comments or suggestions on how we could have done better in this area, please let us know by e-mailing info@communitypath.org.
Thank you so much to everyone who responded to our survey! We always welcome feedback (positive and constructive criticism). Feedback helps us be a better brokerage, know where we are doing a good job, and where we can improve. CPI will be sending out our 2022 customer satisfaction survey early next year, so make sure to stay on the lookout for it!
Office Closure – Independence Day
Our offices will be closed on Monday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day. We will re-open at 9:00AM on Tuesday, July 6th. Enjoy the celebrations!
Holiday Recipes – Red, White & Blue Treats for the 4th of July
This month, we have two recipes: one for cake lovers and one for those who aren’t keen on using the oven in this heat!
Flag Cake (via Smitten Kitchen)
Source: Smitten Kitchen
Ingredients:
For the Cake
2 sticks (1 cup, 1/2 pound or 225 grams) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups (400 grams) sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
4 cups (465 grams) cake flour or 3 2/3 cups (460 grams) all-purpose flour plus 1/3 cup (45 grams) cornstarch
2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking powder
1 teaspoon (5 grams) baking soda
1 teaspoon (6 grams) table salt
2 cups buttermilk (475 ml), well-shaken
For the Frosting
1/2 cup (1 stick or 1/4 pound) butter, at room temperature
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
2 to 3 cups (240 to 360 grams) powdered sugar
For the Decoration
Powdered sugar
1 cup blueberries (1/2 pint, about 170 grams), very dry
3 cups raspberries (1 1/2 pints, about 360 grams), very dry
Tools:
9x13 Baking Pan
Parchment paper
Two large bowls
Electric mixer (or whisk)
Sifter or fine mesh strainer
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking pan and line the bottom with a rectangle of parchment paper, then spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Beat butter and sugar together in the bottom of a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, at least 3 minutes.
Add eggs, one at a time, scraping down the bowl between each addition.
Add vanilla extract.
Place flour, cornstarch (if using), baking powder, baking soda and table salt in a sifter or fine-mesh strainer and shake half of mixture into mixing bowl. Mix until just combined.
Add buttermilk and stir it in slowly, because it will splash easily. The mixture might look curdled, but it will come together just fine in a moment.
Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until combined.
Pour batter in prepared pan and smooth top. Bake until golden and a wooden pick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 35-50 minutes. Don’t remove the cake until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it does, transfer the cake to a rack to cool completely.
Make the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until light and very fluffy, scraping down the sides to make sure no pesky cream cheese is left unmixed. Add the vanilla. Add the first cup of powdered sugar, and beat it until combined. Then add the second cup. If the frosting seems too runny, add more powdered sugar (¼ cup at a time) until you reach the desired consistency.
Decorate the cake!: Spread the frosting evenly over the cake. Arrange the blueberries in a square on the left with some powdered sugar on a few of them to make the “stars”. Arrange the raspberries in stripes on the right, one stripe plain raspberries (the red stripes), and the next dusted in powdered sugar to make the white stripes.
Cover the pan with lid or foil and refrigerate until needed for your party/picnic/barbecue!
Red, White & Blue Fruit Salad (via Life Made Simple)
Source: Life Made Simple
INGREDIENTS:
½ pineapple - OR 4 apples, cut into ½-inch thick slices, then cut into stars with cookie cutters
1 small watermelon - cut into chunks
1 pint raspberries (and/or red grapes or golden raspberries)
1 pint strawberries – sliced
1 pint blueberries (and/or blackberries)
3 tbsp honey
1 lime and 1 orange - juiced
INSTRUCTIONS:
Rinse the fruit.
Cut the pineapple or apples into star shapes with your cookie cutter. Cut up the strawberries if using.
Then toss the fruit together in a large bowl.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, orange juice and lime juice.
Pour the dressing over the fruit, and let stand for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
Upcoming Events
Housing Independence
Source: Housing Independence
Housing Independence is slowly reintroducing in-person activities in July for current clients! All clients and staff participating in in-person activities MUST wear masks regardless of the policy of the place they are going and regardless of vaccination status. They are looking forward to safely re-entering the community!
In-person events for July (current Housing Independence clients only):
Beaverton Library, 7/10
Saturday Market Beaverton, 7/24
Picnic in the Park, 7/29
To sign up for the in-person events or to try out some online events, please email/call Rene directly at renea@housingindependence.org, or by phone at: (503) 719-9711. Housing Independence are still offering 4 classes free of charge to anyone who would like to try out their program.
OMSI Dinosaurs Revealed – Sensory Hours
Source: ASO
At OMSI in SE Portland, journey back 250 million years to prehistoric North America! Get up close and personal with life-sized dinosaurs, two detailed dinosaur cast fossils, and more.
After working with Portland Autist and Allied Moms (PAM) and ASO, OMSI has set aside these dates and times specifically for guests with sensory needs:
July 11 from 8:00 am - 9:45 am
July 21 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
August 5 from 8:00 am - 9:45 am
August 21 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
What to expect:
To create an inviting and inclusive experience, all dinosaur sounds will be turned off. For the morning sessions, OMSI’s exhibit technicians will begin turning on dinosaur sounds at 9:50am to prepare for OMSI’s general opening at 10am. Motion-activated animatronics for each dinosaur will remain on, which do create minor mechanical noises. The exhibit entrance video will be turned off, to create an ideal transition space before viewing the dinosaurs. Only 15 tickets per 15 minute interval will be sold to allow for fewer people in the exhibit at a time. Face coverings are currently required for all staff and guests.
Ticket prices are the same as for the regular exhibit:
Adult - $12.00
Youth (3-13) - $8.00
Senior (63+) - $10
Members – free
Arts for All - $5.00 (available to anyone with an Oregon Trail Card)
Contact ASO at info@AutismSocietyOregon.org if you need a partial scholarship to attend the exhibit - they have a limited number available.