Community Garden, Aspire Together

Aspire Together is a new community garden and program based in Clackamas county. Their mission is based on building an inclusive, safe space for folks with DD to foster job and life skills, build connections, and inspire personal growth!

CPI sat down with organizer Rachel Mohr (also a CPI Personal Agent) about the garden, the skills it can help build and why she is involved!

Hi Rachel! What is Aspire Together? How did this program get started? Where is the garden located?

Aspire Together is a non-profit 501(c)3 located in Milwaukie, Oregon. The community garden will be the first program of many that will help foster independence and growth for individuals within the I/DD community. The goal is to teach members the process of growing a garden; learning about fruits and vegetables, develop a better understanding of healthy foods and concepts, and then harvest and sell produce for profit at the local farmer's market. During the summer months, Aspire Together will have a stand open at the Oregon City farmers market, where participants can engage with others in the community, learn the fundamentals of monetary value; cash transactions, and be able to see the benefits of their work by keeping their earnings.

As past providers ourselves, we saw a need for an inclusive place for community partnerships and opportunities to develop social, life, and employment-related skills. Aspire Together wants to support individuals in developing these skills by providing activities, communal areas, and job learning opportunities. The ultimate goal is to build a community center and safe place for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (I/DD).

The garden is located at Clackamas United Church of Christ

15303 SE Webster Rd Milwaukie, OR 97226

Please note, there are no public restrooms at this site. The closest public restroom is in Safeway up Webster Road.

What is your role with Aspire Together? How did you get involved?

Currently, I serve as a board member, and co-founder of Aspire Together. I got involved when I was working as a direct support professional (DSP) at a local provider agency with co-founder, Shelley Ellsworth. It all started in 2019, when we noticed a Facebook post about a senior living residential home that was remodeled to look like an inclusive, community space. The rooms were transformed to look like they were outside, with all the works you could imagine: siding on all of the walls to make it look like the outside of a home, windows, front porches, roofs and planter boxes filled with beautiful, real flowers. They also created a community garden and outdoor living space for the residents. The remodel made the facility more inclusive, open, and a happy place for the residents. This sparked an idea and a partnership as we started to think of ways we could make programs more inclusive and accessible, and what was missing in our community. From there, our ideas really took off! We generated a list of things based on our years of experience and what we believed to be missing from our community. We also asked our clients and other providers from agencies in the area. Here is what we learned: the need for community gardens, coffee shops, hairstyling and beauty programs, central community centers, dance and swimming classes, central location for job/life skills training, and event spaces for provider agencies and training. We hope to one day be able to develop programs like these so that all members in our community are given opportunities to grow and succeed.

Why should the DD community get involved with Aspire Together?

Everything we do is for community benefit and specifically designed to help individuals within the I/DD community meet their goals. Each program will be tailored to their needs and will be made easily accessible. We hope to have individuals from the I/DD community join our board, so they are involved and would be able to have a say in the direction Aspire Together goes next.

Involvement - also means that they will be able to use us as volunteer or job references if they participate in our programs that teach job skills. Currently, this applies to participation in the garden program and selling produce at the farmer’s market. Future plans for more programs are in the works, one of them includes a coffee shop that is open to the public.

What are some of the skills that folks could learn while working in a community garden?

We hope our members gain social and life skills by growing their own food. The I/DD community can be dependent on providers, family members, and caregivers that they may often feel a lack of control over their own lives. Providing opportunities for them to control certain parts of their lives is so important for self-esteem and mental health. In the garden, members will have full autonomy over their garden boxes. They will be able to choose whether or not they want to eat their own produce, sell it at the market, or donate to a food bank.

We also will be hosting special events with master gardeners through the OSU Extension program and even a beekeeper to learn about bees and pollination. These special events will help members to socialize amongst each other, meet new people, and create social ties to build a greater sense of community.

Those that choose to sell at the farmer’s market will work on skills in money management, customer service, and communication. Members will then be able to take home the money that they earn to further help them understand the benefits of their hard work in the garden.

All members will have opportunities to gain knowledge about growing gardens through our classes with local master gardeners.

Are there still plots available? How can people get involved if they are interested? Is there a cost associated with this program?

There are still (4) plots available and 3 of those being wheelchair accessible. These plots are on a paved sidewalk.

The current cost of the program is $15 to participate. However, if participants are involved through most of the season and can log (4) hours at the garden, then the $15 is refundable on July 1st. This is to encourage participants to continue to engage in the program.

There are also scholarships available to participants, who are unable to pay the $15 fee. Please inquire directly for more information.

If folks are passionate about the Aspire Together non-profit, how can they further support it?

Please spread the word! We want everyone in the I/DD community to have access to our services. We want to be a central hub that brings all community members, agencies, and personal service workers together. The more people that know about our program and the more funding we receive, the further we will be able to expand our mission.

Currently, we have (4) boxes still available and would love to see them filled. Members can sign up on our website, send us an email, or give us a call if they are unable to use our online system.

All donations can be made through our website at aspiretogethernonprofit.com. We accept PayPal.

Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) Extended to July 15, 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) and federal government took actions to protect the health of those getting services and working in Oregon’s DD system.

The federal public health emergency (PHE) (for the COVID-19 pandemic) was scheduled to expire April 16, 2022. It has now been extended for 90 days (to July 15th, 2022). The federal government will be giving 60 days’ notice before ending the temporary actions and exceptions below, so they may be extended past the July 2022 date. During these three months, CPI will be making preparations to go back to the way we used to work with the DD community before the pandemic, and will keep our community updated as to when these changes will take effect.

The following temporary actions and exceptions will end when the PHE ends (on July 15th, 2022):

We (CPI) will no longer be able to use video calls to conduct level of care (LOC), Oregon Needs Assessments (ONAs) and risk assessments remotely.
We will no longer be able to extend service authorizations for a year without doing a new Individual Support Plan (ISP).
Parents and guardians of minors with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD) serving as their child’s paid caregiver.
Suspension of normal Tribal public notices and consultation processes for Medicaid submissions.
Community based service programs will no longer be able to use verbal consent for person-centered service plans – we (CPI) will need to go back to using hard copy signatures.

If individuals have questions about these changes, they should contact their Personal Agent.

Carewell Required Refresher Training – Due Date Extended to June 30, 2022

The due date for Carewell’s required refresher training for PSWs enrolled before Sept. 1, 2021, has now been extended from March 31, 2022, to June 30, 2022. There will not be an additional extension after this date. If an individual is unsure about their training status, they may sign into Carewell SEIU 503 Training’s learning management system to check.

As a reminder, the 12.5-hour free training is delivered by Carewell, is completely online and designed to accommodate a range of schedules.

The Carewell Refresher is split into two parts. The first part is the self-directed online refresher (8 hours). The second part is the refresher workshop which is 4.5 hours and may be taken live online several times per week, including weekends. Once the refresher training is complete, PSWs will receive a $200.00 stipend!

If PSWs haven’t started the training, register online here to get started.

If PSWs are still working through it, great work! Log in today to keep going.

If PSWs need the Carewell training in a different language, CPI has tried to make it easy by adding the details on our website here. If a training is not currently offered in a PSWs preferred language, PSWs may contact Carewell directly to request an interpreter by phone at 1-844-503-7348 (hours are Monday-Friday, 8AM-6PM), or email Carewell.

Reminder: At-Home COVID Tests / Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

As mentioned in our last newsletter, CPI still has a large number of N95 and disposable masks (for both adults and children) and at-home self-testing* kits that are now available** . Please talk with your Personal Agent to make arrangements if you are in need of these supplies. Since the indoor mask mandate has now been dropped, it may be important for individuals to self-test more often. CPI customers can contact their PA to access tests and other PPE. As a reminder, CPI is still requiring masks inside our offices.

* These tests may only be administered to another individual if (a) the test is being performed under a CLIA certificate of waiver and results are reported to Oregon Health Authority, or (b) the person administering the test is the parent or guardian of the individual being tested. For more details, visit these links: frequently asked questions and Oregon Health Authority guidance.

**Self-testing kits are available for individuals who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if someone they live with has tested positive for COVID-19 or is showing COVID-19 symptoms.

CPI Monthly Newsletter – Taking a Break

CPI is going through some minor changes right now, so we will be taking a short break from our newsletter until further notice. For any feedback on the newsletter or on our communications, please contact us at info@communitypath.org.

Staff Highlight: Sarah Price, PA/Assessor/QA (PAQ)

This month, we are highlighting one of our awesome staff members, Sarah Price! Sarah has been with CPI since 2019 as a PA, and has recently moved into a role as an ONA Assessor! We caught up with Sarah to chat about her new position and got a few fun facts too. Thanks so much, Sarah!

Hi Sarah! Can you tell us a bit about your background in the DD field and your history with CPI?

Sure! Before being hired at Community Pathways, I worked at a foster home for men experiencing developmental disabilities. I really enjoyed the people living there and the connections I made, but I wanted to work with more people on a broader scale, and put some of my other skills to work. I went back to school and got a degree in social work. Then I found my job as a PA in 2019. It’s been three years and I am thrilled where I ended up!

Can you tell us about your new role doing quality assurance and assessments? How have your duties changed? What should the CPI community know about it?

All of our customers who have Medicaid have an Individual Support Plan (ISP). As part of that process, they need to have an Oregon Needs Assessment (ONA) completed every year. Sometimes a PA is able to complete that assessment, but other times an ONA assessor needs to complete it. I received training to be an ONA assessor, so my role changed in that I am doing some assessments each month. I am also reviewing some of the documents that PAs write, to ensure that they include all of the codes and special wording that we need to use to satisfy state requirements.

I don’t know if there is anything the CPI community necessarily needs to know about my job, but if you haven’t already met me, you very well might one day!

What is your favorite thing about working in the DD community?

I love seeing things come together for a customer in a way that is helpful, and getting them what they want and need. Sometimes it takes a team working together to make that happen, but other times, it’s a simple connection or change that makes all the difference. I am also super grateful to have such an amazing team of people to work with at Community Pathways and beyond. I truly work with some of the most thoughtful and caring people on the planet!

What are some things you’re looking forward to right now?

I am loving the spring weather and all of the flowers and blossoms on the trees! I am looking forward to the sun shining brighter and being hot enough to dip into some lakes and rivers. I really enjoy being outdoors, especially when the weather is warm.

What is a really cool thing about you that we don’t know?

When I was in elementary school, I learned a song called “Fifty Nifty United States,” which taught me how to say the 50 states in alphabetical order. I cannot tell you how many times knowing that song has come in handy throughout my life!

What are your three desert island items (not including food and water)?

I am tempted to work a survival book into this scenario, but I’m going to assume that I am pretty safe on the island, and eventually I will be rescued! In that case, I would go with my music collection, ukulele and paper/pen for writing.

Voter’s Guide, Oregon Gubernatorial (Governor’s) Election

UCP Connections put together an easy voting guide for this month’s election for Oregon’s Governor! For a more in-depth verson (including write-ups on all of the candidates), see here. Remember: voting is your constitutional right and every vote counts. See below for bullet points on voting:

Voting takes place on Tuesday, May 17th, 2022.
Individuals can only vote for candidates in the party they are associated with.
To find out if an individual is registered to vote, or to update a voter registration, see here. Individuals can also register to vote in person at their local election office, or by mail by printing a voter registration form.
In Oregon, ballots are sent in the mail. Make sure to confirm that the name and other information on the individual’s ballot is correct. To find a ballot drop box, see here (“I Voted” stickers can be printed there as well). Ballots can also be submitted through the mail.
For questions on how to support others with voting (without bias), see here!

Mother’s Day Recipe – French Toast (via Food Network)

This Sunday is Mother’s Day! Show mom (or a grandma, aunt, friend or other mother figure) some love by fixing a great brunch including this simple French toast.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons butter
4 eggs
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 slices challah, brioche, or white bread
Optional toppings: extra butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, berries or fruit, chocolate chips, chopped nuts.

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar and set aside briefly.
In a 10-inch or 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk together cinnamon mixture, eggs, milk, and vanilla and pour into a shallow container like as a pie plate.
Dip bread in egg mixture on both sides.
Fry slices of bread in the pan until golden brown, then flip to cook the other side.
Serve with mom’s favorite toppings and enjoy!

Office Closure – Memorial Day

Our offices will be closed on Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.

Upcoming Events

Portland Parks & Rec Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation – May Dance (Virtual)

Join AIR for their May virtual dance (Disney theme) this Friday, May 6th at 6PM! For more information contact Jane Doyle at (503) 307-4131.

Date/Time: Friday, May 6 / 6-7PM

Location: Zoom

Meeting ID: 824 6845 3418 // Passcode: 476476

Portland Rose Festival Opening Night & Fireworks – May 27, 2022

In 2022 the Portland Rose Festival is returning, featuring a stunning fireworks display and a full concert by Hit Machine!

Date/Time: Friday, May 27, 2022 / 6:00 – 11:00PM (Fireworks at 9:50PM)

Location: Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204

Tickets will be available soon!

CityFair Portland

CityFair is back this year at Tom McCall Waterfront Park! Enjoy carnival rides, fair food, exhibits and entertainment! Kids age 6 and under are free with purchase of adult ticket! Free admission for Veterans, Reservists and Active Military with valid Military ID.

Dates/Times:

May 27 / 5-11PM
May 28-30 / 12PM – 9PM
June 3-5 / 12PM – 9PM
June 10-12 / 12PM – 9PM

Grab your 2022 Rose Festival Souvenir Pin for unlimited admission to City Fair (can also be bought at Rose Garden Store in Washington Park)

General Admission: Save 20% and buy tickets online here!

For other memorial day weekend events, see here!

Housing Independence May 2022 Events

Housing Independence has so many fun events happening in May! To sign up for an event, tell your PA or contact Amy Reza by text at 614-634-6087 or email Amy at amyr@housingindependence.org. Anyone is welcome to try up to three activities for free before deciding to join their DSA program, as always.

There are several outdoor activities happening some which will fill up quickly (like the trip to the Rose Festival Opening Day Fireworks), so please plan to email choices to Amy ASAP. Their summer calendar is also out now (as of May 1).

Some examples of events (see full list in the newsletter here):

Friday Night Movie (Zoom), 6-8PM - 5/6 Turning Red, 5/13 Tooth Fairy, 5/20 Free guy, 5/27 Wendy (2019)
Oregon Zoo, 10AM-3PM – 5/11 Meet at Sunset Transit Center, $24 admission or $12 with Oregon Trail Card, Tickets have to be purchased in advance through Amy
Next Level Pinball, 11AM-4PM – 5/13 Meet at Beaverton Transit Center, $20 admission, $5 for pizza lunch
Rose Garden Picnic, 11AM-3PM – 5/18 Meet at Beaverton Transit Center, Free, bring lunch
Rose Festival Opening Night Fireworks, 6-11PM – 5/27 Meet at Beaverton Transit Center, tickets not available yet, bring extra money for snacks

Newsletter: Friday, May 6th