CPI Newsletter: Winter 2025
Happy Winter! In our latest newsletter, you will find the following information, activities, and resources:
Message from the Director, Jennifer Santiago
Happy New Year!
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and a warm welcome to the New Year. At Community Pathways, our team remains dedicated to supporting over 500 individuals who rely on our services. Many may not realize the source of funding and how we secure that funding.
Community Pathways operates under a biennial contract funded through a combination of Medicaid and state general funds. Oregon’s legislature convenes for what’s known as “the long session” every two years, running from late January to late June. During this time, legislators tackle the complex task of setting large budgets for various sectors like education, transportation, and IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) services. The funding approved by the state legislature is then matched by federal Medicaid dollars.
To break this down even more, Medicaid pays approximately 70 cents of every dollar spent on services, and the State of Oregon pays the other 30 cents. These funds are paid for with tax dollars. Medicaid pays for a lot of essential services, including case management services provided by personal agents at Community Pathways and the invaluable assistance from Personal Support Workers (PSWs) and Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). The federal support for these services is essential—without it, Oregon wouldn’t be able to offer the comprehensive services and support we deeply value.
As we start this long session I encourage everyone to get more involved in the process. We will update you throughout the season as we are able. See inside for more details on funding and how to advocate for supports and services with your legislators. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Annual CPI Customer Satisfaction Survey
It’s that time of year when Community Pathways mails our annual satisfaction survey to every individual we serve. This year's survey was sent out at the end of December, and we’ve introduced several improvements designed to make it easier to complete. We highly encourage all customers of Community Pathways’ support services to take a few minutes to fill out the survey. Your feedback helps us better understand how we are doing and how we can improve.
If you would like help reading or completing the survey, please email us at info@communitypath.org or call Terisa Brown, our Executive Coordinator, at 503-935-5249.
While your identity will remain anonymous, we do collect information on the Personal Agent who supports each individual. We share this information with personal agents and staff members to help them improve how they do their jobs.
A self-addressed stamped envelope has been included for your convenience. This allows you to return the survey to CPI at no cost.
Please submit your completed survey by January 17, 2025.
Now Available: Emergency Response Training Video
Learn how to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters! Watch a video recording of an Emergency Response Training. This training was presented by Multnomah County's Emergency Management Office on October 16, 2024.
PA Profile: Daniel Hayes
Can you tell us about your journey with the I/DD field?
Dan Hayes
I’ve always enjoyed helping people and have a background in caregiving, so when I started working with adults with developmental disabilities at Albertina Kerr’s Port City location, it was a natural fit. It was truly a joy getting to know all of the 150+ participants as they created artwork, music, crafts, did gardening, went to dances, and shared tales of the two resident goats: Salt n’ Pepa. After a few years, Port City ended up shutting down due to budget cuts, and I decided it was a good time to go back to school. I wanted to advocate for this population, but thought I could do more good at a policy level, so I set my sights on becoming either a data analyst or a policy analyst. Fast forward four years down a zigzagging path, and I had taken every math class at PCC, switched my major (now a master’s) to Sociology at PSU, and was feeling a bit removed from where I had started. Luckily for me, my capstone project at PSU was spending two weeks as a camp counselor at Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp.
Ollie
While there, I got to re-experience the joy that working with adults with developmental disabilities brought. Going rafting, rock climbing, singing camp songs, participating in the infamous talent show, and experiencing the tear-filled (myself included) final day of camp—all of it reminded me that this is where it’s at: creating a world where people with disabilities can be themselves, free from the noise of day-to-day life.
Though the path was circuitous, I’m happy to be back in a position where I can advocate for and support adults with developmental disabilities and help enrich their lives in any way I can.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
Games
I love to play games of all sorts—board games, video games, pub trivia, etc. I also enjoy the Portland movie scene with theaters like the Baghdad (for ambiance), the Hollywood (for film selection), and Century Eastport (you can’t beat those seats!). I enjoy discussing the philosophical and sociological themes of movies. That being said, I also have a soft spot for B-movies—any movie that is so bad it’s good is a rare gem to be cherished! I love to spend time with my little doggie, Ollie (short for Oliver), and build Legos as well. When the mood strikes, I like to pick up the bass and record some ideas that I can’t express in words.
Ollie
If you could bring three things to a deserted island besides food and water what would you bring and why?
Something to keep me alive: an endless bottle of sunscreen. I’m... pretty pale. I think this would be mandatory.
Something to keep me occupied: probably a fidget toy? Gotta stay focused!
Something with which I can be creative: perhaps some string or a knife to carve a wooden stringed instrument or xylophone, or something along those lines. Maybe just arranging rocks on the beach in a soothing way. Ok, now I really want to go…
What is one non-work related goal you’d like to achieve this year?
I’ve been working on creating a board game, and it would be rad to have more time this year to really sit down with it, iterate, and see where it goes. Also, I’ve never been to Disneyland, and I love Halloween, so I booked a room there to see their Halloween setup next year. Just gotta figure out transportation to and from, and it will be a reality!
Community Events
2025 Polar Plunge
To honor of our co-worker and friend, Katie Dunn, we at Community Pathways, Inc. are Plunging for a Purpose! Katie was an avid Special Olympian and Board member for many years. We hope to carry on her support of Special Olympics!
What inspired you to do the Polar Plunge this year?
Linda: I’ve participated every year since 2019, and I do it because I’ve been in this field since 2007 and have seen firsthand how much Special Olympics benefits the athletes—not just in sports, but in life. It teaches lifelong skills. I started the plunge in 2019 because I was looking for a new challenge for myself and figured, why not kill two passions with one stone? This year, I decided to see if I could get my co-workers involved as a way to continue honoring our co-worker and friend, Katie Dunn. We at Community Pathways, Inc. are plunging for a purpose! Katie was an avid Special Olympian and board member for many years. We hope to carry on her support of Special Olympics!
Terisa: I’m not much of a “joiner,” especially for athletic activities, but Linda said she needed more team members, and I thought I should step out of my comfort zone and try it! I’m honored to be on Team Katie’s Crusaders!
Marek: I’ve rejoiced from a distance in the photos of others jumping into chilly waters for far too long. Inspired by Katie’s passion for being up for anything and diving into everything, I decided that this was the year I take the plunge myself.
Jessica: I want to do it because it supports the CPI mission and because it makes me happy!
Jennifer: I want to support our team and help raise money for Special Olympics. Special Olympics is such an important part of many people’s lives, including our beloved Katie.
Have you done the Polar Plunge before?
Linda: Yes, this will be my seventh year!
Terisa: No, I haven’t. To be honest, before I worked for Community Pathways, I didn’t know much about it. I’ve since learned what an amazing opportunity it is for equity and inclusion—two things I care about very deeply. That and the fact that Linda says I can just go up to my ankles if I want. You don’t actually have to submerge yourself.
Marek: This is my first time, and I fully expect a very measured, gradual submersion. Less of a plunge and more of a polar inching.
Jessica: No, this will be my first time!
Jennifer: No, never, I don’t like the water and I don’t like being cold. I thank Linda and Katie for the inspiration to join the team.
Linda suggested that we wear costumes based on Bob’s Burgers. How do you feel about that and which character would you like to be?
Linda: As Captain of the Team, I needed a theme (I always had one when going solo), and discovered that we could become the Belcher family pretty easily. Bob’s Burger is very popular in the office. I love all of them, but I am Tina Belcher and already have all components of my cosplay ready and waiting!
Terisa: Oh, I’m definitely Linda Belcher! I just need to style my hair in that flip “do” and get some red glasses! I’m halfway there! I wonder if I could get a scuba suit that’s red on the top and blue on the bottom…then maybe I could go in deeper… Oh! And I’ll make a fake glass of wine out of a plastic wine glass by coloring the bottom half red with a red sharpie!
Marek: For me, it’s not even a costume. I am Bob, and Bob is me.
Jessica: Yes, please! I’m going to be Louise. I even have the bunny ears!
Jennifer: Bob, who? I’m clearly the nerd here.
How is our team doing on fundraising so far?
Linda: We are currently the #2 team in our Plunge (Portland), so we’re off to a good start!
We would love your support! To donate, click here https://support.soor.org/team/615298
Toy and Joy Makers Event
CPI volunteers picking up Toy and Joy boxes
Toy and Joy Makers hard at work
The Toy and Joy Makers program has become a beloved tradition for our staff and in our community! For over seven years, the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee (IDDAC) has organized the annual Holiday Toy and Joy delivery event, bringing holiday cheer to families in need. In 2024, the Toy and Joy program reached a milestone by helping approximately 2,600 families, including more than 50 families who are supported by Community Pathways.
Books donated by Goodwill
Each year, individuals and families sign up to receive toy or food boxes, and volunteers from all over come together to ensure these gifts reach those who need them most. On Saturday, December 21, Community Pathways staff volunteers, led by Personal Agent Specialist Arlen Bynum, joined in this effort to deliver over 50 food and toy boxes to customers. The food boxes included a frozen turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, bread, butter, satsumas, and some festive candy canes. In addition to the toys, we were thrilled to give out bags of gently used children's books in excellent condition, generously donated by Goodwill.
Thanks to the support of donors, volunteers, and organizations like Community Pathways, the Toy and Joy Makers program continues to spread joy and make the holiday season brighter for so many.
Join an Advocacy Session
Oregon Developmental Disability Coalition’s
Get Involved in Advocacy During the 2025 Legislative Session!
We’d like to share an exciting opportunity for you to engage in advocacy during the 2025 Legislative Session! The Oregon Developmental Disability Coalition's GO! Project Advocacy Team is offering support, training, and information to help you make a difference.
The GO! Project offers opportunity and support to connect with local legislators during the upcoming legislative session. Here are some of the opportunities you can join in on.
Upcoming Sessions:
Online (First Session Only):
Thursday, January 23, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PMIn-Person Sessions at the Oregon State Library, Room 102 & 103:
250 Winter Street NE, SalemThursday, February 13, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday, March 20, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday, April 17, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday, May 22, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thursday, June 12, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
At these sessions, the Oregon DD Coalition team will provide Legislative Advocacy Training from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at each in-person event. You’ll also have the opportunity and support to schedule visits with your legislators, receive important updates, and complete the GO! Project Survey.
Show your unity in advocacy for IDD services by wearing something yellow! This is a great chance to make your voice heard and take action on issues that matter.
To find out who your State Senator and State Representative are, visit www.oregonlegislature.gov.
For more information about the event, check out the Oregon Developmental Disability Coalition's website at https://orddcoalition.org or follow them on Facebook at @orddcoalition. You can also contact them by email at oregonDDC@gmail.com.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get involved and advocate for important issues in the 2025 Legislative Session!
Upcoming CPI Event
Board Game Night
Group playing game
We're excited to invite you to our Board Game Night on Thursday, January 16, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Community Pathways, Inc. (2475 SE Ladd Ave, Room 418, Portland, OR 97214). It's the perfect opportunity to relax, socialize, and enjoy some friendly competition.
We'll have a variety of games to play, including UNO, Connect 4, Cards Against Profanity, Aggravation, Cornhole, and more! You’re also welcome to bring your favorite game to share with others.
Please RSVP by emailing info@communitypath.org or through your PA. Providers are welcome to join in the fun too! We look forward to seeing you there!
Holiday Closures
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 20
Presidents' Day: Monday, February 17