Oregon association of provider agencies

"[Our agency] has provided a sense of “normality” to our family life. Our son has had the opportunity to enjoy social interactions in a safe and nurturing environment. He has been able to experience and learn new skills we are unable to provide. His world is bigger, more diverse and enriched with the experiences [our agency] provides.  Without [our agency], Brian would be missing the chance to explore and develop into his own person."

"[My agency" has helped me with cooking meals. They taught me how to clean…and help organizing meals...helped me shop for food and budget money. I am able to learn about different cultures…like about Korea, Mexico, and China…I would miss other friends and [my agency] providers being around me. [I contribute to my agency because] I am smart and funny… I show that I am an important person in the community."

  "We are always confident he will be challenged to be the best version of himself while still being safe and appropriate in all situations when he is on an outing with [our agency]. Since my husband and I work full time, it is so reassuring to know that instead of sitting home alone, Owen is in the best environment for him each day he participates in an [agency] activity."

"[My agency] providers help me on Zoom to learn about money and math. They help me try to think harder"

"[Our agency] has been a lifesaver for our family. As aging parents of a daughter with special needs, we sought help for our daughter when we began to feel that we all needed some assistance. [Our agency] helped her with socialization, community interaction, personal safety, and housework. [Our agency] has hired people who are kind, caring, and respectful of the individual’s needs. [Our agency] is like an extended family, providing much needed assistance and support."

"[With help from my agency] I learned how to do chores on my own... How make my own lunch and how to safely use the stove."

[Our agency] has helped Mariah in so many ways. She had developed friendships and relationships that would not have been available to her otherwise. [Our agency] has helped her become more involved in her community and provided her with all different types of activities, helping her to learn and grow. She has grown so much on the overnight retreats.  She comes home with a greater sense of self, responsibility and excitement for life. [Our agency] has greatly enriched her life. 

"[My agency has helped me grow independence so] I feel like I'm one of the guys. I have fun with [my agency]."

"[Our agency] helped my son grow in his independence by having him explore his community with different providers and peers as the also have fun and learn new things. [Tad's] life is better because [our agency] supports him as he gets to try new things him normally wouldn't get to or think of doing. He went on a horse, went on a train, and learn how to ride the MAX more often as well as order his food. He even learned to deal with change when a place was to full."

"From day one, [my agency] has seen me as a person first and foremost, before my disability. [My agency] has always emphasized my strengths, which has helped me to see myself in such a different way, and because of this I’ve been able to approach situations through a mindset of self confidence versus self doubt, which has helped me grow and achieve my goals, and has added so much positivity to my life."

"[My agency] has helped be strong and not be shy. [My agency] has helped me be safe and how to make friends and help each other."

"[My agency] helps me when we go out in the community and to not get in contact with strangers and know when you need help its okay to ask for help…  [My agency will] step in and help with safety and advocacy. And [my agency] helped us grow into making new friends and building friendships."