News and Updates
Community Pathways
Community Pathways COVID-19 Response Update
As new cases of Coronavirus continue to spread in Oregon and testing is extremely limited, we highly recommend as much social distancing as possible in order to keep yourself and the people around you in good health and out of hospitals. Maintain healthy practices such as washing your hands for at least 20 seconds and covering a cough or sneeze with your sleeve. Minimize contact with others by staying home except for necessary trips, and reduce the number of people who visit your home to only essential visitors, like people who support you. It is recommended to only enter a public setting in order to shop for groceries, medications and necessary household items. If possible, the Office of Emergency Management recommends having a two-week supply of essentials stocked; creating a list of essential items before shopping will help reduce the amount of time at the store and the number of trips you need to take. Oregon Department of Disability Services has developed a letter for families with important information regarding prevention of COVID-19. Please read this letter here.
Everyone supported by Community Pathways should have received a call from their Personal Agent. Please get in touch with them if you haven’t already. PA’s are working to keep open communication and stay updated on your ISP and backup plans in case you or your provider become ill. They are practicing their own social distancing by minimizing face-to-face interactions and working from home as much as possible, but are still working their regular schedules and are fully available to you. As a reminder, our physical office is closed and will be until further notice. PA’s will be checking their voicemail at the office and also have a cell phone. Cell phone numbers are listed on their outgoing office phone messages.
Information is changing quickly, so please follow our Facebook for updates. Thank you for staying connected. Let’s all do our part to keep each other safe and healthy!
Useful COVID-19 Resources
CDC – Keeping Home, School and Workplaces Safe
LGBTQ+ Meetup Postponed
Although we look so forward to our community events, the April 2nd LGBTQ+ Meetup will be postponed indefinitely. We understand this cancellation is one of many recent changes to our daily routines. However, we are extremely grateful for the sacrifices our local and global communities are willing to make in order to keep each other healthy! We are excited to reschedule the LGBTQ+ Meetup in the future and will be in touch as soon as we have a date. In the meantime, follow our Facebook to get Community Pathways’ updates on current COVID-19 protocols - and take care!
COVID-19 Updates
The information below includes general information about COVID-19, along with Community Pathways’ current policies and procedures for customers and PSW’s in regards to the current outbreak. Community Pathways is closely tracking COVID-19 news, but please be aware that updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) are ongoing, so our processes will continue to change in accordance with their policies! Stay in contact with your PA/your customer’s PA and follow us on Facebook, where we will be posting updates.
General Information About COVID-19
COVID-19, or Coronavirus, is a virus that spreads by way of respiratory droplets in the air or on surfaces. It is transferred person-to-person, similar to the flu, but more contagious. Fever, cough and shortness of breath are common symptoms. This virus is currently labeled as a pandemic by the CDC. Because the virus is easily transmitted, it is important to take extra precaution to prevent further spread of infection.
Community Pathways: Current Operations
Our organization is operating during regular business hours, but we are following recommendations from the CDC, OHA and ODDS to keep our community healthy. We are working to limit the amount of exposure we have to each other and to individuals we support. We have closed our office to the public, but we are still available by phone and fax from 9 AM – 5 PM on Monday through Friday.
PSW Timesheets
We are asking PSW’s to fax or email timesheets. If physically bringing a timesheet into Community Pathways is your only feasible option, please contact the PA of the customer you work with or call the office at (503) 935-5243 and we will work with you to find the best solution.
What to Expect from Your PA
PA’s will be working and continue to be a resource. To take precautions from spreading infection between PA’s and customers, we will be reducing the number of “touch points”, meaning that face-to-face interaction will be limited only to essential meetings. Additionally, we are asking PA’s to limit the length of any face-to-face encounter that does take place. PA’s are processing a lot of information and various supports for people. We will be prioritizing supports and health and safety. Remember if you have an urgent need related to a medical condition, contact your doctor. If you have an emergency, call 911.
Back up planning: If you haven’t already received one, expect a call from your PA. He or she will be checking in to make sure there is a backup plan in place if you, your care provider, roommate or family member become ill.
Prevention
Practice good hygiene! Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer when a sink isn’t available. For example, if you are in public spaces, such as the bus or the grocery store, take hand sanitizer with you. Also, maintain as much personal space as possible: a 6-foot distance between each person is recommended.
Avoid leaving your house if possible. If you do leave, minimize the amount of time you are out. Avoid all large group gatherings.
Use extra care to sterilize commonly used areas and wash hands before interaction, especially individuals in households with people who have heart, lung, kidney disease, diabetes, and/or conditions that suppress the immune system.
If you are ill, it is highly recommended to stay home to protect your friends, family and neighbors from illness. It is important to limit contact among people and animals in your own home, as well. Please immediately let your doctor and PA know if you are experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, or shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can be life threatening: Contact a doctor right away, or call 911 if it’s an emergency.
Helpful Resources
CDC – Keeping Home, School and Workplaces Safe
ODDS COVID-19 Information Video
Community Pathways is here for you! If you have any questions regarding COVID-19, please reach out to your PA or to our communications contact, pcantlon@communitypath.org. It is important to remember that these limitations are temporary changes to protect our community. It is Community Pathways’ priority to support our customers during this time. We feel so lucky to be a part of a strong, supportive community and we are optimistic about good health in the future!
Game Night on March 11 Postponed!
As much as we look forward to our ongoing Game Nights, we will be cancelling the upcoming event this Wednesday, March 11th. This is just a precautionary measure to prevent risk of spreading infection to one another! We will send out an update as soon as we decide to reschedule. We can’t wait to see you all at the next one. Stay healthy and take care!
March 2020 Newsletter
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Greetings,
March is a special month for us – It is Developmental Disability Awareness Month! This awareness month has been celebrated since 1987 under President Ronald Reagan, who said that individuals with developmental disabilities should have “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.” At Community Pathways, we hope to encourage self-determination and provide opportunities for you, our customers, every single day. This month in particular is a distinctive time to celebrate the rights and services you have, while advocating for the goals you are still working toward! It is also the time to spread knowledge to the broader community who might not understand what it means to experience DD.
We’d like to take a moment to thank all of our customers who have completed and turned in the feedback surveys. If you are a customer who hasn’t completed the survey yet, don't worry - you still have time! The surveys are due back on March 16th. Your opinion matters greatly to us! We look forward to the incoming responses.
Jennifer Santiago
Executive Director
PROVIDER UPDATE: EVV REMINDER
This is a final reminder that all PSW’s must either be using eXPRS Mobile-EVV, or have an approved exception for not using EVV, as of March 31, 2020. After April 1, 2020, ODDS will begin enforcing this rule and taking action against PSWs who repeatedly fail to use EVV to record their time. Don't forget to make this change! Visit our webpage for details about EVV and exceptions.
CORONAVIRUS AND STAYING HEALTHY
Coronavirus commonly spreads person-to-person through respiratory droplets of the virus transferred in the air or on surfaces. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever or cough, it is recommended to stay home and maintain distance from other people in order to prevent spreading infection. Shortness of breath is also a common symptom; you should inform your doctor right away if you are experiencing this. Keep yourself and those around you in good health! Some of the best prevention for catching the virus is to clean frequently used surfaces with antibacterial wipes and wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says, “Life is better with clean hands!” Visit the CDC website for more prevention tips and helpful information on Coronavirus.
Linda dressed as Alpha from The Walking Dead in preparation for the Plunge
POLAR PLUNGE SUCCESS
Community Pathways' PA, Linda Peck Athens, has completed her fundraiser with a grand total of $1660 raised for Special Olympics Oregon. She did her 5K and Polar Plunge dressed as Alpha from The Walking Dead and is now rocking a new hairdo, thanks to all of you who donated! This is a cause we can all be proud of, especially during Disability Awareness Month! Way to go, Linda, for initiating and following through with such a wonderful campaign!
Advocate for YOU!
What does Developmental Disability Awareness Month mean to you? For Community Pathways, it means broadening general knowledge about self-directed lifestyles for individuals. It also means encouraging opportunities to advocate for YOU, our customers. There are many ways you can advocate for your own rights and spread awareness. Here are just a few ideas:
Attend Self-Advocates Taking Action (SATA) meetings to share your thoughts, listen to others, and stay updated on supports and services. The meetings are ongoing every second Friday of each month at 11 AM–1 PM and they are held at Seven Corners Collaborative, 2475 SE Ladd Ave Portland, OR 97214. For more information contact Jennifer Knapp at jknapp@cvision.org.
Stay in touch with legislative laws by visiting the Oregon DD Coalition website and stay caught up on the GO! Project Bulletin.
Make an impact on social media! Include #DDAwareness20 throughout the month of March in posts and photos. Tag your local legislators, businesses, schools, news stations, and local leaders to get them involved! Your rights for supports and services are important. Make yourself heard!
“Luck is not found, but it is made.”
Happy St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th!
RESOURCES
Community Warehouse
If you need new furniture, try the local furniture bank! It is a warehouse stocked with donated and lightly used furnishings and household goods. More information on regulations, scheduling, and pricing for services is available on the Community Warehouse website.
Farmers’ Markets
Most of Oregon Farmers’ Markets accept SNAP benefits. Some offer an incentive to double the food bought with a SNAP purchase. There are markets throughout the Portland metro area, and quite a few are open year-round! Search for a local market here and discover your benefits.
Community Vision Housing Access Program
This program offers planning and education to find affordable housing! Learn more information about the program services and eligibility here.
UPCOMING CPI EVENTS
Game Night
Wednesday March 11 at 4-6 PM
2475 SE Ladd Avenue, 4th Floor, Portland, OR 97214
Relax, have fun, and play board or video games provided by co-host Saturn Support.
LGBTQ+ Meetup
Thursday, April 2 at 4-6 PM for ages 18+
2475 SE Ladd Avenue, 4th Floor, Portland, OR 97214
Come hang out in a safe space and celebrate the beginnings of spring with CPI. April showers bring May flowers! Crafts, cookie decorating, and light snacks provided.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Portland Parks and Recreation: Adaptive & Inclusive Recreation (AIR)
AIR programs host many different field trips in the winter and spring, such as adventures to Mark Hatfield's Aquarium or to the Humane Society. Many are wheelchair accessible. Please note that fees apply, but there is an opportunity to apply for scholarships & financial assistance here. Learn more details about the field trips in the AIR online event catalog.
