CPI Newsletter: Spring 2024
Silver Creek Falls Park, Oregon
CPI’s Emergency Response Project
We have exciting news! Community Pathways recently received American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant funding through the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS) to buy emergency supplies for the individuals we serve.
Your Personal Agent might have already contacted you to talk about your emergency kit options or they will be contacting you in the next few weeks.
About the Project
What is the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Grant? ARPA Grant funding is money from the federal government that CPI applied for and received through the Oregon Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Disability Services (ODDS). Read more about the ARPA Project on the ODDS website.
How will CPI use this funding? We will use this money to buy emergency supplies for our customers to help them stay safe during and after emergency situations like wildfires, ice storms, and power outages.
Who will get emergency supplies? Current customers of Community Pathways.
What kind of emergency supplies will individuals get? It depends on the individual’s living situation and support needs. Each individual we serve will get an emergency kit, based on their need and preference. These emergency kits will include items like a first aid kit, hygiene kit, food bars, water tablets, filtration straws, and a hand-crank radio.
How will emergency supplies be delivered to individuals? Emergency supplies will be shipped to each customer’s home. If a customer does not have a mailing address, their Personal Agent will help them coordinate a pick-up from CPI’s office.
When will emergency supplies be delivered to individuals? We will be able to share updates about exact delivery times once supplies have been ordered. For now, individuals can expect to get emergency supplies by the end of October 2024.
Emergency Kit Options for CPI’s Customers
Kit Option 1: Ready 2 Go Bag
Product: A small, lightweight emergency kit in a compact sling bag with essential tools, supplies, food and water. The crossbody strap is convertible into a double strap for ultimate comfort while wearing.
Includes: Hygiene kit, first aid kit, paracord bracelet (with whistle, compass, signal light, small knife), masks, flashlight, mylar sleeping bag, poncho, notepad, pencil, tissues, 4 x 400 calorie food bars, 4 x water pouches, and water purification tablets, 2 filtration straws, 1 solar charger, 1 crush light.
Possible Allergens: Non-Aspirin, Non-Tylenol, Food Bars (may contain wheat and nuts), Latex.
Kit Option 2: Complete Emergency Preparedness Backpack
Product: A red backpack with enough food and water supplies to last one person 3 to 7 days.
Includes: Food bars, water purification tablets, water pouches, hand crank flashlight/radio/phone charger, candle (electric), bright stick, hygiene kit, first aid kit, sewing kit, masks, gloves, multi-tool (includes small knife), safety goggles, safety gloves, tube tent, emergency sleeping bag, poncho, notepad and pencil, waste page, hand warmers, whistle, compass, 2 filtration straws, 1 solar charger, 1 crush light, and emergency plan guide.
Possible Allergens: Non-Tylenol, Non-Aspirin, Food Bars (may contain wheat and nuts), Latex.
Kit Option 3: Complete Emergency Preparedness Roller Bag
Product: A red roller bag with enough food and water supplies to last one person 3 to 7 days.
Includes: Food bars, water purification tablets, water pouches, hand crank flashlight/radio/phone charger, candle (electric), bright stick, hygiene kit, first aid kit, sewing kit, masks, gloves, multi-tool (includes small knife), safety goggles, safety gloves, tube tent, emergency sleeping bag, poncho, notepad and pencil, waste page, hand warmers, whistle, compass, 2 filtration straws, 1 solar charger, 1 crush light, and emergency plan guide.
Possible Allergens: Non-Tylenol, Non-Aspirin, Food Bars (may contain wheat and nuts), Latex.
If you have questions, please contact your Personal Agent.
PA Profile: Sara Pittock
Can you tell us about your journey with the I/DD field?
One of my sisters was a PSW for many years, and later PA. She introduced me to the field, when I was looking to work with customers on more of a one on one basis. Being a PSW for ten years taught me so many wonderful things about people, community, kindness, and resiliency. I’m excited to take my knowledge and experience as a PSW to my new role as a PA.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
I also work in film as an actress, writer, and producer. Outside of that, I love reading, writing fanfiction, frolicking, hiking, comic books, video games, cosplay, taking pictures of pretty things, and hanging out with my cat.
What is one non work related goal you’d like to achieve this year?
I’m writing two comedy sketches and looking to produce a sketch comedy show later this year.
Sara’s cat, Nightwing
What are some things you’re looking forward to right now?
I am looking forward to getting to know all of my customers and helping them strategize towards meeting their goals!
PA Profile: Carl Fischer
Can you tell us about your journey with the I/DD field?
I started working as a skills trainer at a local day services program in 2015. After a brief period of providing direct care, I moved into case management. The program changed goals to focus on the Employment First initiative and I started working as a job coach and moved into job development. I became a Certified Employment Specialist and started writing Discovery profiles to assist people with finding integrated employment. Afterwards, I worked as a personal agent for another Portland area brokerage for about four years. Eventually, I was forced to work remotely due to the pandemic, and my work became centered on customer health and access to vaccines and important Covid related information and policies. At some point during the pandemic, I moved back to Virginia to spend time with my grandfather before he passed. While being home I attempted to find work in the field but had challenges due to the difference in services available and culture relating to approaches to working with those experiencing I/DD. My partner and I moved back to Portland in late 2023. I am excited to be back in the area and working in the field again. I have a greater appreciation for the services provided in Oregon and the opportunities for meaningful work as a professional case manager in a more supportive and understanding environment. I am happy to be working at Community Pathways and look forward to building rapport with my customers over the coming months.
What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job?
My ability to connect with a variety of people from all walks of life. I always approach a social encounter with an open mind and try to focus on learning a person’s sense of humor and how they see the world through their perspective. This facilitates understanding, mutual respect, and trust between myself and anyone I engage with at work.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my partner and our two cats. I like hiking, fishing, gardening, and playing video games. We also enjoy lifting weights and going on walks together.
How do you think your colleagues would describe you?
Hopefully, they think I am funny. I really enjoy making people laugh. I also like feeling as though people see me as dependable. I’d like to think I am a good communicator. I work hard but try to avoid taking things too seriously, unless it’s an actual crisis.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Update on Special Olympics Polar Plunge 2024
Guess who was the top individual fundraiser for the PDX Polar Plunge?
Community Pathways personal agent Linda Peck Athens!
Terisa: So to recap, you were raising money for Special Olympics in Katie Dunn’s name, a good friend and seasoned Special Olympics athlete. It sounds like Polar Plunge 2024 was a huge success! And Katie’s mom was there too, right?
Linda: Yes! I was so happy to be able to raise money in Katie’s name, and help athletes like her. Seeing Anne’s smiling face at the finish line of the 5K was probably the best moment for me. The weather was beautiful and I am sure Katie made that happen!
Katie’s mom, Anne and Linda
Anne, Katie’s mom: It was so good you could hardly believe it; fabulous weather, thousands of people, and nine hundred plungers! I was there to greet Linda Peck Athens at the end of her 5K run, snap photos, hug her, and watch her plunge. Then when they read the list of money-raising winners, she came in first in the individual category! Over $4,000! They announced it from the stage, along with Katie's name as the person she was plunging for! I was over the moon! I also got to talk to two of the Super Plungers, who had done 24 dips over 24 hours in Katie’s name. It was on KOIN news! I am so glad to have experienced all this, so grateful to Linda, and just in awe of what Katie means to this world and to us all.
RESOURCES
CODSN Conference
Theme: Breaking Barriers, Life Beyond Labels
Date: April 24, 2024
The Central Oregon Disability Support Network is holding a Conference in Redmond for people of all abilities. View the event flyer for more information.
MULTNOMAH COUNTY INTELLECTUAL & DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES FAIR
Date: May 16, 2024
Once again, Multnomah County is having its Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Information Fair. There will be over 40 organizations represented, including Community Pathways. Stop by and say Hi!
For more information, see the flyer below. Once the event is posted there will be more information here: https://www.multco.us/dd/events
CLACKAMAS COUNTY DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESOURCE FAIR
Date: JUNE 22, 2024
Clackamas County Developmental Disabilities Program is holding its first ever Developmental Disabilities Resource Fair happening on June 22nd 2024. They are still accepting applications to host a table at the resource fair through this form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XRPGMHH
For more information, see the flyer below. Once the event is posted there will be more information here: https://www.clackamas.us/events
ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES
OREGON SELF-ADVOCATE CONVENTION IN EUGENE
Date: May 13-15
The ARC is holding a Convention for Self-Advocates in Eugene. This unique event is planned by advocates for advocates and their supporters. Their schedule includes a wide range of opportunities to listen, learn, and connect. For more information, see the flyer below or click here: https://thearcoregon.org/convention/.
UPCOMING EVENTS at CPI
JOIN US FOR CPI BOARD GAME NIGHT
Date: May 16
Community Pathways has Board Game Night every other month, on the third Thursday from 4-6 pm, here at the Seven Corners building.
RECIPE
TERISA’S FAVORITE EASY AND DELICIOUS DEVILED EGGS OR EGG SALAD
Source: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/deviled-eggs-recipe0-2042536
INGREDIENTS
Yield: 12 halves
6 Eggs
I have been told that I have the food preferences of a toddler, so if these deviled eggs are too bland for you, get creative with a little Dijon mustard, hot sauce, or whatever else appeals to you. Eggs are the perfect blank slate for your creativity!
Filling:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Salt and pepper
PREPARATION
Step 1
Place the eggs in a medium saucepan with water to cover and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover the pan, and let stand for 20 minutes. Pour off the hot water and refill the saucepan with cold water. Let the eggs sit in the cold water for 5 minutes. Peel the eggs, cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 2
Halve the eggs lengthwise. Carefully remove the yolks and transfer them to a small bowl. Mash the yolks with a fork, then stir in the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish and yellow mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3
Scoop a spoonful of the mixture into each egg white half. Sprinkle the tops with paprika.
Note from Terisa: You can also use a piping bag, or cut the tip off a sandwich bag to make the filling look extra pretty. On the other hand, you could also forget that whole step and cut up the egg whites, mix them with the filling and you’ve got egg salad! I LOVE egg salad!
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
Memorial Day on Monday, May 27
Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19
Fourth of July on Thursday, July 4